More must be done to improve communication between East Lothian Council and community councils, according to members of Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council.

At the local group’s latest meeting, chair Mike Falconer expressed his frustration at the difficulties of getting in touch with the right council department regarding issues in Tranent.

He said: “I have found that trying to get in touch with the right people at the council to raise concerns can be particularly difficult.

“We want to get things done quickly and efficiently and, when we have problems to raise, we need to be able to get in touch with the right people to raise those concerns.

“When I send emails to departments, I always include a line that says ‘if you are not the right person to contact please put me in touch with who is’.

“I feel it is the duty of the council to ensure emails get directed to the right person but, sadly, I often get no response.

“More often than not, when you do get through to the right person, the person is helpful and progress can be made on raising an issue or solving a problem.

“I would just like it to be easier to reach the right people.”

Councillor Kenny McLeod, ward councillor for Tranent, Wallyford and Macmerry, was sympathetic.

He advised: “I would always encourage the community council to tag multiple email addresses in emails to the council, and feel free to tag me in them, too. I will always try to help get the email through to the right person.”

A spokesperson for East Lothian Council said: “We want to make it as easy as possible for our communities to get in touch with the council.

“We are looking at developing a number of actions for our new customer strategy which will aim to help us collect the right information and direct customers to the right team faster. Our communities teams also engage with local groups including community councils and would be happy to discuss the issues raised.”