THE leader of a Tranent community group says he is disappointed with the “underwhelming” response from the public in their opposition to proposed boundary changes.

Boundaries Scotland revealed plans last month to scrap the East Lothian constituency at Holyrood and instead split the county, electorally, into two new seats: Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent – which would also include Elphinstone, Whitecraig and Wallyford – and Lothian Eastern, covering the rest of the county.

The proposals have been criticised by politicians, community groups and East Lothian Council, with the council lodging an official objection to the proposals.

A deadline for comments on the proposal passed earlier this month.

However, Mike Falconer, chair of Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council, said he expected a bigger response from town residents.

He said at a meeting of the group this month: “I have to say I am quite disappointed by the lack of response from the community on this.

“I thought there was going to be a much more vocal response in opposition than we have got. We did what we could to make people aware but we just have to hope people did object on their own.

“I expected people to be more upset by the proposals but the community response was underwhelming.”

No final decision has been made yet on whether changes will be made to the proposals, but Mr Falconer said he remained hopeful of a change to the plans.

He said: “We have done our part, and we can only hope our views are being taken on board. But I do think there is a possibility that this could happen and we may have to just deal with the consequences.”