East Links meeting airs concerns about family park plans

Proposals for a family park – similar to East Links Family Park, near West Barns – at East Fortune Farm were first revealed earlier this year.

Concerns have been aired about the volume of traffic that could potentially be added to the surrounding rural roads, as well as the loss of agricultural land and sewage system capacity.

David Johnston was one of those attending the meeting last Thursday night.

He said: “It is clear there are a lot of very worried people who fear these plans will have a severe detrimental impact on their lives if it is given the go ahead.

“People are very concerned about a huge increase in traffic on roads that are already near capacity.

“They also question the need for a second theme park in the county that will be very similar to the one at West Barns.”

The meeting was also attended by Grant Bell, who runs the existing park and is behind the proposals for the new site, as well as East Fortune farmer Jane Brand and planning consultant Tony Thomas.

Mr Thomas previously gave a presentation to Haddington and District Community Council, which covers nearby Athelstaneford.

He again spoke at the meeting and outlined the plans for the site, which could include a children’s play area, pedal go-karts and a miniature railway line, as well as livestock.

A second public consultation will take place at East Fortune Farm, when members of the public can see updated plans.

Mr Thomas was pleased to have the opportunity to speak to residents about the plans and said: “We wanted to make sure all the local residents and interested parties were informed of the plans. We will provide a suitable update on May 12.”

Mr Bell plans to leave the established West Barns site, which opened in 2002, when his lease runs out in 2026.

The owner of the site, farming and leisure business AP Dale, has already said that East Links Family Park will continue with a new tenant, new attractions and increased investment after Mr Bell’s departure.