Opposition grows to Tranent constituency plans

“ACTIVE discussions” are being held about a campaign to oppose proposed boundary changes in East Lothian.

Boundaries Scotland has revealed plans to scrap the East Lothian constituency at Holyrood and instead split the county, electorally, into two new seats: Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent – which would also include Elphinstone, Whitecraig and Wallyford – and Lothian Eastern, covering the rest of the county.

Concerns raised by members of Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council claimed Tranent could become a “suburb of Edinburgh” as a result of proposed changes.

At a meeting last week, Robert McNeill, a member of the group, called for a campaign to stop the proposals.

He said: “This is a numbers game and is not at all about connections.

“There have been concerns raised in the past that Tranent could become a suburb of Edinburgh – this just adds fuel to that.

“We need to call on politicians, all our politicians, to fight this and safeguard the future of Tranent and Elphinstone in East Lothian.

“I think we need to have a serious discussion about some sort of campaign to fight this.”

Meanwhile, Councillor Lee-Anne Menzies said: “Tranent is not a satellite town of Edinburgh. Belters are proud to be living in East Lothian.”

Group chair Mike Falconer has said discussions are ongoing with other community groups about a campaign to oppose the plans.

He told the Courier: “We are having active discussions with the chair of community councils association, as well as other groups in the community, with the view of starting some sort of group action against the plans. What we don’t want is people saying ‘oh, that’s terrible’ but not actually objecting to it. We need people to not just voice their concerns but to act on them.

“I’m pleased to see that there has been cross-party support in opposing this and we will continue to fight.”