The proposed closure of Johnnie Cope's Road has been criticised by the local Labour Party, as its chair called on the council to have a "rethink".

Brian Weddell, chair of the Preston Seton Gosford Labour Party, said the group felt "very strongly" about the closure and encouraged the local authority to fully explore all options to maintain through traffic at its February meeting.

Johnnie Cope's Road is a well-used through route between Tranent and Prestonpans that crosses the A1, but council officials wish to to redetermine the road for pedestrians, cyclists and authorised vehicles only.

READ MORE: Possible closure of Johnnie Cope's Road ‘a matter of life and death’

The former chair of Prestonpans Community Council also called on Paul McLennan, East Lothian's MSP, to lobby for government funding to secure the future of the route.

Mr Weddell said: “Local Labour Party members feel very strongly about Johnnie Cope’s Road and the significance it has for local people.

"It is a valuable route for many local road users and its closure would force more traffic on to the Meadowmill and Bankton junctions which are already busy at peak times.

"Whilst noting the reasons that have been given for the proposed closure, we believe that all options for keeping it open to through traffic should be fully explored.

"This could include seeking government funding to pay for the work that would be necessary to upgrade the road’s infrastructure and keep it open.

"Indeed, it is something that our SNP MSP should be lobbying his government to provide given the shortfall in the council’s core funding".

Brooke Ritchie and Colin Yorkston, Labour councillors for the Preston Seton Gosford ward, have encouraged the public to take part in the consultation and make their views known to East Lothian Council.

DJ Johnston-Smith, the current chair of Prestonpans Community Council, has regularly shared his displeasure at council plans to close the route, claiming that the local authority is "moving the goalposts."

READ MORE: Claim council is 'moving the goalposts' over reason for Johnnie Cope's Road closure

A public campaign group has also emerged, delivering leaflets and producing banners that have sought to raise awareness of the road's proposed closure.

Johnnie Cope’s Road, which connects Prestonpans and Tranent over the A1, is adopted by East Lothian Council on either side of the bridge over the dual carriageway, with the bridge itself coming under the ownership of Transport Scotland.

The closure was justified by East Lothian Council as the road was deemed “unnecessary” under Section 68(1) of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984. It was originally due to close as a through route for vehicles when the A1 Tranent bypass opened in 1986, but be kept open for walkers and cyclists.

But the closure was never made legally effective as the then highways authority – Lothian Regional Council – never made the necessary TROs (traffic regulation orders) needed to authorise it.

Now the plans have been revived as council officials aim to close the road to all vehicles except emergency vehicles and local access.

A public consultation is currently underway until March 24. Those wishing to participate can do so by emailing legal@eastlothian.gov.uk