A PROTEST group is planning to attend Haddington’s community council meeting on Tuesday to urge the group to object to proposals for a family theme park.

Stop The Theme Park has been established to fight proposals to “relocate” East Links Family Park from its site at Hedderwick Hill, on the outskirts of West Barns, to East Fortune Farm.

Already, West Barns Community Council and Dunpender Community Council have voiced their concerns about the plans.

Now, those against the proposals plan to attend a meeting of Haddington and District Community Council in a bid to get its support in objecting to the scheme.

David Johnston, spokesperson for Stop The Theme Park, encouraged people to get in touch with East Lothian Council before the consultation deadline of next Friday (November 17).

He said: “Haddington and District Community Council are an important part of the planning process and it would be good for people to go along to their meeting at Knox Academy at 7pm on Tuesday to quiz councillors ahead of their decision.”

Assurances have already been given that a visitor attraction will remain in place at Hedderwick Farm, despite the proposed new facility at East Fortune.

Grant Bell, who operates East Links Family Park, revealed plans to “relocate” the attraction earlier this year, with his lease on the current site set to expire in 2026.

Plans with East Lothian Council show a working farm while also featuring a light railway and children’s play area featuring pedal go-karts and trampolines.

Mr Johnston said: “We have thought long and hard about this because no one wants to stand in the way of progress – but if these plans are given the go-ahead, it would devastate a lot of lives.

“Over 40 homes would be directly affected, with many more hit by massive increases in traffic through neighbouring villages and hamlets.

“All the advice we have so far is that the application is on a knife edge and could go either way, which is why it is important local people are not ignored.

“It’s policy not to allow attractions that can’t be accessed by public transport, there’s a narrow road network popular with cyclists with many dangerous stretches, and problems with sewage. But councillors can ignore these policies and give the go-ahead if they want, which is why we have to let them know the strength of opposition.”

Public consultation, which offers people the chance to voice their opinion for or against the scheme, closes next Friday.

Then, council officials will weigh up the proposals, with a decision taken by its planning committee.

Tony Thomas, who is representing Mr Bell and those behind the proposals, said: “We obviously welcome engagement with all interested parties with regards to the planning application.

“All the information is available as part of the package of information supplied with the application and we look forward to making progress as time goes by.”