East Lothian Council has announced that work will shortly restart on the £314,000 project to create a new car park and access road at Foresters Park, Tranent.

Construction work was temporarily halted earlier this year following the discovery of old building materials which included asbestos cement. Specialist contractors will start on site to contain and remove the materials allowing the improvements works to restart.

East Lothian Council's Head of Infrastructure, Tom Reid said: "Whilst this unforeseen work will have an impact on the project's timescale East Lothian Council is working with service users and community groups to ensure a level of access to the facilities remains in place. It is expected that the full project will now be completed in the summer."


One of Foresters Park main users, Tranent Colts, are hosting a tournament on 01 June and site visits will be arranged in May to ensure that the construction works don't impact on the event's preparations and hosting.

The new car park will provide 46 additional spaces and a motorcycle area which will be accessible to visitors to the town. The works also includes the upgrading of the existing parking provision, the creation of an additional Blue Badge holder accessibility space (two already on site), three spaces for minibuses, two dedicated coach spaces and a new turning area.

East Lothian Council's Head of Communities and Partnerships, Sharon Saunders added: "The creation of an improved and extended car park at Foresters Park will not only provide additional spaces for Tranent Juniors during match days but also add much needed town centre parking for our residents and visitors. The reconfiguration will also help existing facility users such as the local community football club. The opportunity to park within the town centre will hopefully help rejuvenate the High Street and encourage local businesses to attract customers."