TIME is running out for members of the public to have their say on proposals to close three East Lothian police stations.

Last month, cash-strapped Police Scotland confirmed that it was exploring the possibility of shutting the police stations in Dunbar, North Berwick and Prestonpans.

That would mean officers working out of the county’s remaining, larger stations in Musselburgh, Tranent and Haddington.

The public consultation, offering people the chance to share their views on the idea, closes tomorrow (Friday).

When the move was announced, Chief Inspector Ben Leathes, East Lothian area commander, said: “We’ve been reviewing the buildings we have across Lothian and Borders Division and how we use them.

“We considered where we would want to locate our people to be as effective and efficient as possible.

“This work has allowed us to identify buildings which we believe are no longer required.”

Prestonpans Police Station has not been used since the beginning of last year, with local officers instead working from nearby Tranent.

Under the proposals, the officers currently based at North Berwick and Dunbar would relocate to Haddington.

The officer said: “Our community policing team in Prestonpans relocated to Tranent Police Station over a year ago and they have continued to support the local community.

“The changes proposed to North Berwick and Dunbar are in line with our policing plan that has been in place for the last 10 years.

“Under that plan, if any member of the public contacts the police in North Berwick or Dunbar, it is actually our response officers based in Haddington who respond to those incidents.

“With investment in our fleet and digital device technology, our officers are now fully mobile.

“Officers will continue to remain actively present in the community throughout their entire shifts, ensuring your safety and maintaining a strong, visible police presence.

“If our proposals go ahead, there would be no change to the delivery of policing services and there would be no changes to the local policing teams.

“We are committed to remaining within the area and continuing to provide a service to East Lothian.”

For more information, go to consult.scotland.police.uk/strategy-insight-and-innovation/involving-you-in-the-future-of-our-estate/