THE new chairman of a key community group in Cockenzie and Port Seton is urging residents to get involved following the resignation of almost all of its previous members. 

In September, members of Cockenzie & Port Seton Community Council published their intention to resign in protest following East Lothian Council's decision to approve the removal of bunds at the former coal store of the former Cockenzie Power Station. 

At the group's annual AGM, held on November 5, close to the entirety of the membership stood down from their posts. 

READ MORE: Community councillors set to resign in protest at bunds work

Ben Morse, who stood down from the role of chair in November 2023 due to work commitments, is now back in the role again and has urged residents wanting to hold the powerful to account to get involved.

He told the Courier: "I didn't want to give up the post the first time but, with work commitments and my health, my life became very hectic.

"At Cockenzie and Port Seton Community Council, we are a team and my first priority for us is to get more members, as I believe we are down to around six people. 

"I would urge anyone in Cockenzie and Port Seton to get involved, as we need people in our community to stand up for our towns, stand up to East Lothian Council and to the Scottish Government, in particularly issues surrounding the development of the former power plant." 

The roles of secretary and treasurer have already been filled but the position of vice-chair remains vacant. 

Bryan Hickman, who was vice-chair of the community council in 2022-2023, is now the new treasurer, with Liz Clark taking up the reins as secretary.

For more information and contact details for the community council, visit eastlothian.gov.uk/directory_record/253734/cockenzie_and_port_seton_community_council