ENCOURAGING new businesses to Tranent High Street is an “essential part” of the community council’s objectives for 2023/24, a group member has said.

Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council chair Mike Falconer expressed his concern at the number of businesses that have left the area in recent months.

Royal Bank of Scotland and Nettie’s takeaway, on High Street, and East Lothian Camera Shop, on Winton Place, have all closed their doors this year.

And with the future of Italian restaurant Giancarlo’s in doubt, Mr Falconer said there were growing concerns for the future retail offering.

He said: “One of our main priorities this year is Tranent High Street and trying to bring some life back to the area.

“There are now simply too many businesses closed in the area and buildings are being left empty. It is a bad sight for the town and worrying for the existing businesses on High Street.

“That was one of our concerns after hearing about RBS, amongst our other concerns, it is again a massive building left empty.

“If something is not done to drive business to the town, then we are going to see a decrease in footfall on High Street and in Tranent more generally.”

Mr Falconer expressed the importance of the Area Partnership consultation events for Tranent and the wider Fa’side area which were held over the weekend.

Mr Falconer said: “We as a community council are involved in shaping the area plan and we are eager to hear people’s views on what they want to see implemented.

“We have our goals for High Street, and we will raise this with the relevant people. It remains to be seen how we can drive business to the town, but it is a goal we have."