POLLING stations could be removed from more than half-a-dozen villages under plans being considered by East Lothian Council.

A review of parliamentary polling districts and polling places is under way.

Members of the public have been asked for their views on the suggestions, which could see 16 polling stations merged into eight.

The consultation is due to close on Monday.

Criteria, including availability, accessibility, safety, current electorate and projected electorate, have been used in assessing polling places across the country.

The proposals, which can be viewed on East Lothian Council’s consultation hub, show that there would be no change in the Tranent, Wallyford and Macmerry ward.

Significant changes

However, there would be significant changes in the Dunbar and East Linton, North Berwick Coastal, and Haddington and Lammermuir wards.

Residents of Whittingehame currently cast their vote at Allison Cargill House.

However, concerns were raised that the polling place was “very rural” and had “no landline or wifi, therefore poll staff safety is a concern”.

Under the proposals, it is suggested that there is “adequate space” in Stenton Village Hall to accommodate the increase in electorate.

Consideration would also be given to residents of Tyninghame making the journey to East Linton to cast their vote.

Similar consideration would also be given to Spott residents travelling to Dunbar’s Bleachingfield Centre to vote.

It was also noted that there were plans for Oldhamstocks Village Hall to be demolished and a replacement built.

With “a risk” that the hall may not be available as a polling station, it is proposed that voters instead travel to Innerwick Village Hall.

In the North Berwick Coastal ward, accessibility at Fenton Barns was described as “not appropriate” and it was proposed to move the polling place to Dirleton Church Hall.

No landline or wifi

Finally, in the Haddington and Lammermuir ward, it was noted that East Saltoun’s Fletcher Hall was earmarked for upgrading and voting could instead take place at Pencaitland’s Trevelyan Hall.

No landline or wifi at Bolton Village Hall was a concern, with it proposed to merge the polling district with nearby Gifford and voters to attend at Gifford Bowling Club.

Lastly, it is proposed that Garvald Village Hall is used by voters in the village and also nearby Morham.

Changes would also be made to alter the polling district which includes Blindwells.

Instead of voting at Longniddry Community Centre, residents of the new town would vote at Port Seton Community Centre.

A section of Musselburgh would also be included in the Edinburgh East constituency for UK Parliamentary elections.

Any changes would not take effect until after the next UK General Election, which is to be held before January 28 next year.