Works to improve pedestrian access starting later in October
Work will start later this month on a number of temporary measures on the east end of North Berwick High Street aimed at making walking in this area safer and more pleasurable for local residents and visitors to the town.
Environment spokesperson, Norman Hampshire, said: “In 2017 a series of proposals to improve access to the town centre were discussed as part of the North Berwick charrette organised through the local Area Partnership.
“More than 40 main projects were identified by the local community and a priority was to consider improvements for the east end of the High Street which would create more space for people to walk safely. An agreed scheme was ready for construction in early 2020 but was delayed as a result of the Covid pandemic halting all non-essential construction works.
“However, the pandemic did provide opportunities for temporary changes of public access. As part of the national Spaces for People initiative to create room for social distancing in town centres, a number of planters and reduction of public parking have been in place in North Berwick over the past 12 months. Informal consultation has suggested that the increased space and reduced parking has been beneficial to the businesses and wider community.”
The works, which will be for a 12 month trial scheme, are due to start on Monday 25 October and expected to take no more than 2 weeks to complete. East Lothian Council Road Services will carry out the works which will require a temporary road closure with access for pedestrians being maintained.
The works that will be carried out include:
- Widening of existing pavements through the use of temporary materials
- New double yellow lines and appropriate traffic signage
- Consolidation of loading bay facilities
- Keeping some of the planters
- Fixing fallen kerbs and broken surfacing of footways
- Maintenance of some street lighting
In addition a traffic counting camera will be installed in Quality Street to help monitor access to the High Street. The existing one-way system through Market Place will remain while the trial is ongoing.
Following the trial period the design may require to be adjusted before funding is sought to implement a final scheme using appropriate permanent materials.