SAFETY concerns following storm damage to Cockenzie Harbour wall have been raised by Cockenzie and Port Seton Community Council.

East Lothian Council confirmed last week that access to part of the harbour had been restricted due to the issue.

A spokesperson for the council told the Courier that work to assess the damage would be carried out soon.

Now, the village’s community council has written to the chief executive of East Lothian Council highlighting the importance of the harbour and wider concerns regarding coastal erosion.

READ MORE: Access to part of Cockenzie Harbour restricted after wall damage

Bryan Hickman, chair of the group, said: “Following the recent storm damage to Cockenzie Harbour wall, Cockenzie and Port Seton Community Council wrote to the chief executive of East Lothian Council and highlighted their legal duties for the safety of people and the historical importance of this harbour, which has stood since the 1830s.

“We further highlighted the wider coastal erosion due to storm damage, risk posed to people, homes and roads as a result of the climate emergency, and sought a reassurance that East Lothian Council takes this threat seriously and intends to take action to protect our communities.”

Mr Hickman has also called on members of the public to report any further damage to the harbour wall.

He said: “As part of a project to record and archive our coastline and its struggle, other storm damage has been identified and reported to East Lothian Council and we urge residents to do the same.

“We hope that the community will support us in our efforts to ensure the safety of everyone whilst creating a record of the erosion of our beautiful coastline and villages. Photographs, stories and artwork are welcome to be submitted to Cockenzieandportseton@hotmail.com”

Mr Hickman said that the group had received the following response from an East Lothian Council official: “I can confirm council staff are sighted on this matter and have carried out a number of on-site checks this week.

“Staff have erected Heras fencing to secure the risk area and safety signage is being organised to display at this location.

“We are aware of the important heritage value of this harbour and the listed status of structures.

“We have already sighted both a marine specialist consultant and contractor, with a site visit made earlier this week. Any works here, however, will be complex and extremely costly.”