MORE than a dozen projects to encourage cycling and walking have been identified by East Lothian Council.

Funding from the Scottish Government last year allowed a number of schemes to be progressed.

Now, further funding has been identified, with projects – at various stages – being considered, including a replacement bridge over the River Tyne in Haddington, improving links between Tranent and Elphinstone, and path improvements near Meadowmill.

Councillor John McMillan, the council’s cabinet spokesperson for environment, economic development and tourism, was hopeful that progress could be made.

He said: “East Lothian Council has made commitments to improve health and well-being by reducing carbon emissions and so improving air quality, by putting the infrastructure in place to enable people to get where they need to go under their own steam, whether that be on foot, by bike, on a scooter, in a wheelchair, or with another mobility aid.

“Although these high-level ambitions run through our local transport strategy, delivery is challenging as we are often dependent on external partners for support.

“Unfortunately, external funding is rarely confirmed until the year-end, which makes forward-planning difficult, and therefore we rely heavily on external consultants for design and delivery as it is not possible to take on new staff under these circumstances.

“The tendering process to appoint consultants ensures that value-for-money is obtained, but high-value contracts can take months to procure at each stage (concept, design and delivery), which can add significant time to the process.

“Additionally, we are frequently required to bid for funding through different award cycles, which adds complexity and further delay to delivery.

“Despite these hurdles, the wheels are in motion and local people can look forward to significant improvements to walking and cycling facilities in East Lothian over the next few years.”

Last year, projects included the surfacing of more than one kilometre of track through Musselburgh Lagoons, as well as the installation of new cycle parking in town centres and at schools.

Parts of Promenade, at Musselburgh’s Fisherrow, was also resurfaced.

First steps were also taken in several major projects, including new pedestrian access to Dunbar railway station from the south; the redesign of Wallyford Toll roundabout to better connect Tranent, Musselburgh, Prestonpans and Wallyford for people on foot or cycling; and the design of routes to the new schools in Wallyford.

The council has been working to prioritise projects surrounding schools and towns where route quality and deliverability were balanced against the number of people who would benefit.

Options appraisals and concept designs for schemes – including a replacement and upgrade of the bridge over the River Tyne at Riverside Drive, Haddington; improved cycling/walking link from Elphinstone to Tranent and also Levenhall to Prestonpans; and Yosemite Park to Dunbar Grammar School, connection across the railway – are all being examined.