Masterplan for coastal community approved

A masterplan for Belhaven, on the outskirts of Dunbar, includes introducing new traffic lights at a busy junction, closing part of a road between the beach and local golf club to vehicles and potentially banning parking at a beachfront car park making it Blue Badge only.

East Lothian Council’s cabinet today approved a call from officers to allow them to seek funding to signalise the junction of Beveridge Row, Edinburgh Road and Shore Road in the small community and trial shutting Back Road from Winterfield Place and Winterfield Golf Club.

They also gave the green light to moves to improve a car park entrance on Shore Road as well as consulting further “on restricting beachfront parking at Belhaven to Blue Badge holders only.”

Officers said there had been concerns about crossing the road at Shore Road and Brewery Lane and there was a desire to improve walking and cycling access in the area.

Council leader Norman Hampshire, who is a local ward member, welcomed the proposed changes, although he expressed concern the closure of Back Road may not be the solution as it could displace traffic.

But he said actions were needed to improve the safety of the area.

He said: “Anyone visiting Belhaven Bay over the summer of months will know the number of cars and pedestrians all trying to access the site means at times it is pretty dangerous, especially for children and old people.

“The footpaths are not wide enough and the carriages too narrow particularly with traffic travelling too fast.”

Cabinet members unanimously approved the actions put forward by officers following a public consultation.

By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter