Campaigning by youth group Recharge has helped make Tranent High Street more wheelchair accessible.

The group, based in the town, had been pushing for the double yellow lines outside Tranent Barbers to be extended, and a loading bay located at the dropped kerb outside the shop removed.

The group say that a number of cars and lorries were parking in the area, preventing the dropped kerb from being accessed by wheelchair users.

After working with East Lothian Council, Recharge was pleased to announce that the lines had been extended over the dropped kerb and that the loading bay had been moved.

A spokesperson for Recharge said: “We would like to highlight a fantastic achievement by our Young Formers group.

“Earlier this year, the group highlighted that a loading bay was right next to a dropped kerb on Tranent High Street. They highlighted that vans and cars were parking there and blocking a safe route for wheelchair users to cross the road at the dropped kerbs.

“The group worked hard to raise this issue with the council roads department, and campaigned to remove the loading bay from being over the dropped kerb.

“Thanks to their hard work and campaigning, double yellow lines have been extended and the loading bay has been removed. This will allow wheelchair users to cross the road more safely now.”

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “Following an approach from some of the young people who attend Recharge, our area partnership team arranged a meeting with roads officers and Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council on site to discuss the issues.

“The young people had identified some changes which would not only improve their own access experience, but which would make the town centre more accessible for others with disabilities or mobility issues, or people with pushchairs.

“Our teams were impressed by the discussions and were happy to support the request with new road markings.”

Mike Falconer, community council chair, added: “This was a fantastic example of community groups working with the council to get something done.

“I am delighted this could be organised so quickly.”