A CAMPAIGN has been launched to save “a unique space” beside Belhaven Community Hospital.

Cash-strapped health chiefs made the “extremely difficult decision” to close the beds and Blossom House nursing home at the hospital earlier this year.

READ MORE: 'Extremely difficult' decision taken to close hospital beds

Currently, it is unclear what the future holds for the site, which dates back more than 100 years.

Sustaining Dunbar is leading a campaign to see the neighbouring community garden taken on by the community.

The possibility of a community asset transfer is being explored, which would allow the people of Dunbar and surrounding villages to continue the work at the therapeutic learning space.

The cost of the potential community asset transfer remains unclear and Naomi Barnes, of the Belhaven Community Garden steering group, described the process as “long and complex”.

She said: “For 12 years, Belhaven Community Garden has been run by volunteers in the grounds of Belhaven Hospital, owned by NHS Lothian. 

“The site started out as an empty field and, over the years, has been transformed into a unique space for the community to gather, cultivate, share skills and have a good blether. 

“It’s become a vibrant and beautiful place with a mature orchard and sensory garden, with food growing areas and the wildflower meadow all humming with bees. 

“Seasonal events, workshops and visiting groups are regular features in the Belhaven Community Garden calendar. 

“But this is all about to change now that the Belhaven Hospital has been closed and NHS Lothian has announced their intention to dispose of the site. 

“But all is not lost! A community asset transfer could become a reality for this garden and the garden volunteers are working hard getting an application together to safeguard the garden for the future.”

Already, the bid to see the garden remain at the centre of the community has received support from members of the public.

Dunbar Community Council has also already sent a letter of support.

Naomi said: “We really have had a lot of strong support from the locals.

“We have got 1,300 signatures on our petition so far, which is really excellent.

“Part of what we have to do is make the public aware of what we are trying to do.”

Community ownership would bring many new opportunities to expand and build on current activities and to increase the number and range of local people and groups involved. 

To find out more and show support for community ownership, go to savebcg.uk