PUMP tracks could be created in three towns under plans being drawn up by East Lothian Council.

Potential sites have been identified in Haddington, Prestonpans and Tranent, with a track already in place in Dunbar and Ormiston.

Community groups in North Berwick and Musselburgh are also progressing proposals for those towns, while a new facility could be created in Dunbar.

A pump track is designed to create a safe, fun and inclusive playground for all wheels-based users, including cycling, scooting and skating.

They provide a playground for all ages from beginners to professionals and a sustainable and fun-packed activity for everyone in the community.

Councillor Colin McGinn, cabinet member for sport, countryside and leisure, said: “We can see from Ormiston the fantastic opportunities that pump tracks offer for being active, developing new skills and taking part in formal and informal coaching and learning.

“What’s also impressive is that pump tracks can be part of wider work to improve community engagement and cohesion.

'A hub for community activity'

“Ormiston sits as part of a park that is a real focal point for events; Musselburgh Monarchs BMX Club hopes to create a hub for walking and cycling; and North Berwick Community Pump Track group hopes to be situated alongside environmental and nature-based projects.

READ MORE: Plans lodged for long-awaited North Berwick pump track

“Each aims to create a hub for community activity and multigenerational projects, with a pump track as an integral part of the community open space.

“A track is also under consideration in Dunbar in conjunction with Hallhill.”

READ MORE: Plans for new pump track in Dunbar

In Haddington, three sites have been identified: beside the skate park on Whittingehame Drive; to the south of Whittingehame Drive; and beside Wellside and the A6093.

However, some residents of Wellside have raised concerns about a pump track being sited there.

READ MORE: Haddington pump track plans: Wellside residents concerned

Meanwhile, four potential locations have been found in Prestonpans: Preston Crescent; Cemetery Park; Cuthill Park; or at Meadowmill.

Finally, in Tranent, five locations have been identified, with Meadowmill again among the options.

The remaining four sites are at Polson Park; Meetinghouse Drive; to the west of the artificial pitch off King’s Road; and on land beside Muirpark Road and Ormiston Road.

The council has set aside £250,000 in its capital budget to support the development of pump tracks in East Lothian.

Additional funding from external bodies will also be key to any future proposals.

Consultation under way

All projects are subject to further detailed design, planning permission and full project funding, with the views of local people vital to help shape the projects at concept stage.

Now, the council is asking members of the public, in particular groups who would use the tracks, to express their views on the potential locations.

Mr McGinn added: “Getting the development of these community facilities right starts with sharing our early ideas and getting feedback from the people who will use them.

“We hope that many people in our communities, especially our children and young people, who will benefit most from these spaces, will share their views with us on the potential projects in Haddington, Prestonpans and Tranent.”

The consultation runs until the end of the month; visit eastlothian.gov.uk/pump-tracks for more details.