PLANS are being drawn up to breathe new life into a village park.

Consultation with Athelstaneford residents and youngsters at the village’s primary school has revealed a desire to improve the park.

Now it is hoped that a new play area could be created, as well as seating, new paths and improved access points.

Last summer, the village’s tennis court was resurfaced thanks to a partnership between East Lothian Council and the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association).

Malcolm Vickers, who represents the village on Haddington and District Community Council, believed that there was a real backing from the community to improve the village’s park.

He said: “We established a community group and, from that, two things were identified.

“One was we needed more activities – this was post-pandemic – and the other thing was what a poor state the park was in.

“There were two little, small working parties that started out with the tennis courts being resurfaced and went from there.”

Now more work is planned, with Athelstaneford Community Group SCIO appoint- ing landscape architect Liz Dorrian to develop a masterplan for the park based on feedback from the community.

Currently, the park is home to the tennis court, an 11-a-side football pitch, two separate play areas and a skate park.

Ms Dorrian said: “The way it worked was people had various thoughts on the park.

“The play equipment in particular has deteriorated but that was not the only thing people were thinking about the park.

“Funds were sought from a grant to get myself on board and the first stage of my work was to consult with people and get ideas.”

Already, funding has been secured through the UKSPF ‘Levelling Up’ fund managed by East Lothian Council, the community council, and local community crowdfunded donations.

Plans show the creation of a single play area, incorporating natural play, new paths around the perimeter of the park, and formal and informal seating.

Attempts will also be made to make the entrance to the park more welcoming, with a pedestrian crossing link- ing the park and Mansefield, a residential street on the opposite side of the road.

Consideration will also be given to increasing biodiversity via planting and wildlife areas.

Although no timescale has been set for works, it is hoped that a planning application could be submitted to East Lothian Council, which has been consulted throughout the process, later this year.

Various funding avenues will also be explored to help the project become a reality.

Chris Brace, from Athelstaneford Community Group SCIO, said: “We are looking for volunteers to help make the project a reality.

“There are lots of small things that can be done now to improve the park.

“Donations to our crowdfunding campaign will help us into a position where we can submit grant applications to deliver the project.”

To make a donation, go to justgiving.com/campaign/athelstanefordpark