"INTIMIDATING" and "insulting" are some of the words that have been used to describe responses sent by East Lothian Council to North Berwick residents objecting to controversial proposals for parking charges in the town. 

In August, the local authority revealed plans for four separate traffic regulation orders (TROs) which aimed “to simplify the presentation of [previous] proposals”.

This followed on from hundreds of objections to similar plans for parking charges in the town centre last year, which were ultimately withdrawn.

Consultation on the latest parking proposals ended on September 29.

READ MORE: Revised parking charge proposals revealed for North Berwick

However, a number of objectors revealed that they had received emails requesting them to withdraw their objections to the plans.

Emails seen by the Courier show an East Lothian Council (ELC) worker asking objectors to remove their comments in regard to the consultation. 

The council has told the Courier that its emails aimed to address objectors' concerns and then explore whether they would then consider withdrawing their objections.

At the end of one lengthy response to a resident who wished to remain anonymous, one council worker wrote: "I trust the above response addresses the objections made and would be grateful if you could write back to me withdrawing your objection." 

Another email sent by a council worker read: "I would be grateful if you would write back to me withdrawing your objection.

"There is no obligation for you to withdraw your objection and, if you wish your objection to remain, no response is required and your objection will be considered by East Lothian Council."

At a meeting of North Berwick Community Council last Tuesday, members expressed concerns about the emails.

Kenny Miller, chair of the community council, said: "The manner of the emails I saw was intimidating and I think ELC need to look at how they respond.

"Maybe a formal complaint would be the appropriate route to use." 

Christiane Maher, the group's treasurer, claimed that the emails were "a desperate attempt to reduce the number of objections that will have to be counted and be dealt with properly". 

Local resident Kirsty Towler said: "I do not believe that this behaviour is acceptable, as these proposals are part of a process of local democracy. 

"It is insulting that some people have been told their objections are not valid and not been given a reason why, and I see this as intimidating. 

"I had to contact the council on a number of occasions just for them to confirm their receipt of my objections." 

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “Consultation responses and objections will be fully assessed and a report brought forward to a future council meeting for debate and determination.

"Any allegations regarding comments made during the process can be raised through appropriate channels for investigation.

“We are in the process of responding to objectors. Through this process we seek to address comments/concerns and then seek to explore if they would be willing to withdraw their objections.”