CONSIDERATION could be given to replacing a crumbling wall overlooking the North Sea with railings or a hedge.

Concerns about the condition of the wall on Queens Road have repeatedly been raised by Dunbar Community Council.

However, with concerns over ownership of the wall – as well as the likely cost to fix the structure – it has now been suggested that the wall be removed and something put in its place.

Pippa Swan, chairwoman of the community council, felt that it was time for the issue to be discussed.

Speaking to the Courier after the group’s most recent meeting, she said: “All that was suggested was it would probably be good to have a conversation about whether options might be available to make that pathway safe and attractive.

“It would be worthy of a conversation if someone says ‘stone is the right answer’ then they need to get their act together and talk about how money is going to be found and who is going to do the work.”

Mrs Swan said that she had moved to Dunbar 15 years ago and estimated that repairs had been needed for at least as long.

She noted that repairs had been carried out with cement to fix the sandstone wall.

However, weathering had caused further issues, while water splashed up by passing vehicles also caused issues when it froze and expanded.

The community council chairwoman was unsure who owned the full length of the wall, which has repeatedly had barriers put beside it.

Also among the issues is that north of the wall is a steep drop towards East Links Road.

And Mrs Swan thought that the potential cost of fixing the structure could be “tens of thousands” of pounds because it might need to be rebuilt in places, rather than simply repaired.

In turn, that could mean scaffolding being put in place and the path closed while repairs were carried out.

She added: “Nobody has got the luxury of the time or spare cash. It is not an easy one to solve.”

A spokesperson for East Lothian Council confirmed that the local authority was aware of the condition of the wall.

They said: “The responsibility for it lies with Four Seasons, owners of the care home Lammermuir House, and who own the land which the wall bounds.

“The council had a structural engineer assess the wall late last year and, whilst it is currently considered to be stable, it is clear some remedial/repair work is required and its condition was raised with the owner.”