DISCUSSIONS on how Tranent could become a ‘transition town’ are set to be held, looking at how the town can build a “vision for the future”.

At a meeting of Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council, guest speaker Russell McLarty, who has been working as part of Tranent Parish Church’s eco team, pitched the idea to the group.

He said: “We started an eco group at Tranent Parish Church which so far has been going incredibly well.

“We now carry out a monthly litter pick with Tranent Wombles and have many church members involved.

“I think it is important that we try and raise the positive story of Tranent – not just when it comes to climate change, but other developments too.”

The Transition Town Network seeks to work towards a “low-carbon, socially just future with resilient communities, more active participation in society, and caring culture focused on supporting each other”.

Mr McLarty said Tranent becoming a transition town would mean “supporting healthy groups, creating a vision for the future, promoting community involvement and building networking groups”.

'Celebrate when things are achieved'

He said: “It is also important that we celebrate when things are achieved.

“With events and celebrations, we recognise how we have worked together as a community.”

His aim was to create a committee of community members from Tranent such as the community council, Rotary club and Wombles to discuss plans to bring the town forward.

Mike Falconer, community council chair, said: “I like the idea in principle.

“However, I feel we are no longer just longing to see discussions. We want to do, we want to act.

“There is no point in getting groups together if we do not make a plan of action.”

Robert McNeill, community councillor, added: “I think Tranent has a huge story to tell and a great story.

“It is about how people connect with that story that is important. We need to connect with people.

“Tranent is growing. New people are arriving. How do we bring them into our community? It takes a lot to become a ‘Belter’.

“I think this has potential.”

Councillor Lee-Anne Menzies, ward councillor for Tranent, Wallyford and Macmerry, said that she fully supported the idea.

She said: “Personally, I am loving this idea. People will have different ideas of what the future of Tranent looks like, what the future holds for the town.

“With recent developments, it is clear that Tranent is in a transition. Using that as a catalyst to bring the town forward may be a good thing.”

Mr McLarty suggested that a community event organised by a committee might be a good way to begin the network.

It was agreed that a meeting would be held between Mr McLarty and Mr Falconer to discuss the proposals.