TRAFFIC lights, one-way systems and the creation of new shared paths are among the options being considered to ease problems in Belhaven.

Members of the public are being asked for their views on potential changes to the area to make it “easier to walk and cycle” around the area.

Pippa Swan, chairwoman of Dunbar Community Council, encouraged people, particularly those living in the area, to share their feelings on the ideas with East Lothian Council.

Discussions about changes to the roads and paths in the area have been ongoing for more than five years.

Now, a community consultation is open, with a drop-in event to be held in Dunbar Town House next month.

READ MORE: Pedestrian and cycle options for Belhaven to be considered

Mrs Swan said: “It is not an easy nut to crack at all but what the community council has asked for for more than a year ago was that the people who were going to be affected, those that live there and key stakeholders should have the opportunity to have a say.

“Instead of having stuff done to us, we want people to have an opportunity to discuss the options and actually be listened to.

“This is the time for people to step forward and engage with the proposals and speak their minds.

“If and when money is found to do work there, it cannot come as a horrible surprise, particularly for those who live there.

“They are the people that are most concerned because it is their home, it is where they live, where their children play, and their voices in particular need to be heard.”

A survey breaks the issues down into seven different areas.

Firstly, it looks at the “poor visibility and substandard widths” at the junction of Shore Road and Beveridge Row.

Preferred options include installing traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, as well as changing Beveridge Row to a one-way route heading south.

A two-way cycle route would also be created on Beveridge Row, which links Belhaven to the A1.

A survey on Back Road showed that 83 per cent of vehicles travel over the speed limit and there were currently “limited pedestrian and cyclist facilities”.

Changes would see Back Road becoming one-way from Knockenhair Road to the Shore Road car park, with traffic heading east.

A shared path would be created on the northern side of the road.

A new path would also be created to run alongside Shore Road, connecting the car park with Edinburgh Road.

 

 

Changes are also proposed for the entrance into the car park, where a raised table is being considered.

Dropped kerb crossings are proposed for the A1087, while a build-out could be created at the eastern side of the junction with Brewery Lane.

Speed cushions are proposed for along the A1087/Edinburgh Road as well.

Mrs Swan added: “Since Covid, there has been a massive uplift in people using Belhaven Bay.

“The surf school has been phenomenally popular down there and there is a lot more traffic in terms of cars, pedestrians and bikes.”

The drop-in event takes place from 3pm to 7pm in Dunbar Town House on September 5.

Councillor John McMillan, cabinet spokesperson for environment, economic development and tourism, said: “A number of possible options have been developed with a focus on meeting the needs of the community whilst making it easier for people to walk and cycle in Belhaven.

“The survey and drop-in event will give the community an opportunity to view designs and provide feedback.

"I would encourage as many people as possible to participate.”

For more information, go to www.eastlothian.gov.uk/info/210566/roads_and_transport/12807/town_studies/2