Work has begun on a new path creating a safe route for pupils walking to school in the latest of a series of improvements at Hallhill, Dunbar.
The path will connect the north and south access roads to Dunbar Primary School and benefit all pedestrian and cyclists in the area.
It will also provide access to the pump track, skate park, basketball court, café and changing room building that were approved by the council’s planning committee last October for construction on the area of land to the south of Hallhill Sports Centre.
Lighting columns will be installed along the pathway and collapsible bollards will prevent unauthorised vehicle access while allowing emergency service use.
Funded by the Scottish Government’s Active Travel Infrastructure Fund, the 3.7m wide path complete with grass verges is being delivered by East Lothian Council.
Active and healthy
The need for a direct, accessible route between the south-west of Hallhill and the town centre was identified in Sustaining Dunbar’s ‘Connecting Dunbar’ study in 2024. The recommended route has been slightly modified to align the path with the sports pitches and other facilities at Hallhill as well as minimising intrusion of the woodland.
Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, said: “The growing range of activities available at Hallhill has brought the need for a well-lit path which can be used by people of all abilities in all weathers. As well as creating a safe route for pupils walking to school, I’m delighted this addition will provide better access to the exciting array of outdoor facilities designed to keep children and families active and healthy.”