CONCERNS have been raised after opening times at key community facilities across the Preston Seton Gosford council ward were reduced.

The changes are being trialled, says East Lothian Council, to ensure that The Pennypit Centre, Prestonpans; the Port Seton Centre; and Longniddry Community Centre are open “during periods of peak demand” to maximise efficiency.

Changes came into force at the Port Seton Centre on August 14, with the centre closing at 4pm instead of 9pm on Mondays, and 7pm instead of 9pm on Thursdays. However, gym users there can still access the building on Thursdays until 9pm.

Longniddry Community Centre now closes on Tuesdays at 5pm instead of 9pm.

Because The Pennypit is being partially utilised by Preston Lodge High School for pupil lessons following the partial closure of the school due to building safety concerns, changes to hours at the centre will not take effect until September 18.

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Then, the centre will close at 6pm instead of 9pm, Monday to Thursday.

Cockenzie and Port Seton Community Council is worried about the “detrimental impact this will have on our community and those that rely on the [Port Seton] centre”, while Longniddry Community Council hoped solutions could be found, such as the nomination of trusted keyholders, to maintain existing opening times at Longniddry Community Centre.

DJ Johnston-Smith, chair of Prestonpans Community Council, said he was also concerned about the impact on the community of reduced hours at The Pennypit.

East Lothian Council said it was committed to maximising the efficient use of its buildings within a challenging budget climate.

A council spokesperson said: “Opening facilities during periods of peak demand enables us to support key groups, activities and events when the buildings are most used.

“It also allows us to operate buildings efficiently, limiting overhead and utility costs associated with buildings being open but not being well used.

“We have worked closely with the relevant management committees of each centre on the trial arrangements.

“Despite the challenging context that we are operating within, our teams do their very best to maximise the use of our community facilities and the opportunities and benefits these services offer local people through careful management and deployment of available resources.

“This will ensure facilities across the Preston Seton Gosford area remain open for as many days/hours as possible.”