MEMBERS of Sustaining North Berwick are pushing for local businesses to be advertised in holiday lets in the town to help boost the economy in East Lothian.

Last month, a representative of the community group for sustainable living held a guest presentation at a meeting of North Berwick Community Council.

The group’s current campaign is to press short-term let owners in the area to advertise local businesses to visitors to help the county’s economy.

Richard Watt, of Sustaining North Berwick, said: “Our latest initiative is the Local Food Directory – the idea is to promote local suppliers, support the high street.

“This would be good for the economy and it is good environmentally as well.

“We are hoping the council will be able to endorse this idea, and ideally we are hoping to see a copy of our directory in every holiday let.

“So, instead of visitors going straight to the supermarkets, they will support local shops and use the town’s High Street.”

A spokesperson for East Lothian Council said: “Accommodation providers in East Lothian work closely with local businesses, tourist attractions and Visit East Lothian to help their guests get the most from their time in the area and to ensure the local economy benefits from the additional spending we know overnight (and longer-term) visitors bring.

"The council, via Visit East Lothian, provides leaflet stands and Visit East Lothian leaflets to accommodation providers on request, and we know that many of our local business associations work closely with providers to promote local retailers, cafes, restaurants, attractions and others.

"We’re confident that any initiatives to increase visitor knowledge of local businesses would be welcomed by all.”