CONCERNED residents are putting their homes on the market in response to plans for a new farm-themed family park, it has been claimed.

Proposals for a new attraction at East Fortune were revealed at the end of January, with members of the public able to see early plans for the first time last month.

Now, ahead of a public meeting taking place next Thursday (April 20), some nearby residents opposing the development have outlined their fears.

Carol Leslie said that some residents were putting their homes on the market, fearing a major drop in value if the park – to be managed by Grant Bell, who runs East Links Family Park, near West Barns – is given the green light.

The mum-of-two’s smallholding is just yards from the planned park and she said she would be subjected to noise pollution seven days a week and feared she would have people riding on a miniature railway staring into her home.

She claimed: “Everyone round here is really shocked at the plans.

“I have not come across a single person who thinks it is a good idea.”

A planning application for the proposed development is yet to be submitted to East Lothian Council but Mr Bell is hopeful that the attraction could be up and running before his lease at East Links runs out in 2026.

READ MORE: East Links Family Park looking to move to East Fortune Farm

The landowner of the existing park, AP Dale, has said a farm-themed tourist attraction would remain at the current location with new investment, new attractions and a new operator.

Mrs Leslie added: “Our biggest fear is the increase in traffic. The plans show parking for 200 cars but already there is talk of an overflow car park.

“East Links currently covers 18 acres; this plan is for the park to expand to about 80 acres, which must mean more attractions and potentially more people and cars.”

The public meeting takes place at 7.30pm in Athelstaneford Village Hall and will be attended by Mr Bell.

A spokesman for Mr Bell was hopeful they would be able to answer any questions and queries from attendees.