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Edinburgh Reporter
2 hours ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
East Lothian Council gets red card over parking meter plans
Councillors behind plans to introduce parking charges in an East Lothian town centre have been given the red card by angry residents. More than 100 people attended a community meeting on Thursday to share their views on proposals to introduce meters as part of a county wide move by the local authority to manage parking in towns. The audience were handed green and red cards to hold up after questions were answered to show their support or rejections of the answers given. And Provost John McMillan, who made the case for the council's proposals found himself faced with a sea of red cards in response to his comments during the meeting. East Lothian MSP and former Scottish Housing Minister Paul McLennan addresses meeting about introduce parking charges in Haddington town centre It was claimed the charges would drive away customers from the town centre and penalise the sick. Former Housing Minister Paul McLennan MSP, who recently stepped down from the post to spend more time with his East Lothian constituents, told the meeting he could not support the parking charges plan for the town. He said the council had provided no evidence of the impact they would have on local shops and businesses and no costing for introducing the new system. He said: 'I can't support the current proposals when no impact assessment has been carried out and we don't know how much it is going to cost. We do not know how it will impact our high streets and trade.' The meeting heard from Garry Clark from the Federation of Small Businesses, who said its East Lothian members had raised concerns that the charges would drive away customers and were not fair. He pointed to similar schemes which had been introduced in Angus and Inverurie which he said had damaged town centres with councils having to go back to the drawing board. Mr Clark said: 'When you have retail parks on the edge of town with free parking and online shopping where people aren't having to park anywhere, it is unfair to charge customers who want to go into the town centre to shop.' Provost McMillan, who lives in Haddington and is the council administration's economic spokesperson, insisted the proposals, which have been included in a parking management scheme first put forward by the Labour administration in 2018, aimed to keep cars moving in the town centre with funds raised going back into the roads. However he drew criticism from members of the public who questioned why there was a free car park for East Lothian Council staff at the local authority's Haddington town centre headquarters. One resident asked: 'Whey are council staff able to park for free while everyone else has to pay?' Councillor McMillan also drew gasps from some members of the audience when he told them that it has, in his opinion, become 'inbred that you can park anywhere you want in Haddington'. Haddington and District Community Council, who organised the meeting in the town's Knox Academy, described a council survey carried out as part of the public consultation into the proposals as 'bias' saying it carried out its own questionnaire which received hundreds of responses for the town's residents, visitors and traders. They said when asked if there were parking problems in Haddington over 85% said no with the number who were against the introduction of meters rising to the high nineties. Mr McMillan stressed that the consultation was ongoing and the views of people in the town would be considered. He told the meeting: 'I am here to listen, I am here to answer questions and I am here to collaborate with you.' However his responses to questions about the staff car park in the town centre and explanations about trying to make people less dependent on cars to travel into the town saw red cards raised in response almost unanimously by the audience. The council proposes changing the town centre parking in Haddington, which currently offers 90 minutes before drivers have to move on, to 30 minutes free and then charges being introduced. However people at the meeting questioned whether it was possible for people, who travel into the town from outlying rural communities, to come into town and carry out appointments in the new 30 minute limit. East Lothian MSP Craig Hoy who has been a vocal opponent of the council's ongoing plans to introduce parking charges across the county, said it would mean charging the sick. He said: 'I have my constituency office in Haddington town centre and know how long a chat with a constituent who comes in to see me can take. 'What happens when they come in for GP appointments or have to collect prescriptions? This can't be done in 30 minutes so we are charging people who are sick to come and get help.' By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
10 hours ago
- Daily Record
'Welcoming' Scots pub with panoramic coastal view that's 'better than any TV'
With warm weather in Scotland, the pub with a seaside beer garden in Port Seton is a top spot for a pint. With sunshine finally on the cards for Scotland, many are eyeing the best spots to soak up the heat. Few places rival a beer garden in good weather, so what about one at a coastal pub with an outstanding view ? Nestled in the East Lothian seaside town of Port Seton, just under half an hour from central Edinburgh, the Thorntree Inn has quietly become one of the country's most beloved spots to enjoy a cold pint by the sea. Although the pub itself sits modestly on the High Street, it is the beer garden tucked behind the building that truly steals the show, Scottish Daily Express reports. Overlooking the Firth of Forth, the garden has earned a devoted following among locals and visitors alike, and online reviewers cannot stop raving about it. The Thorntree currently holds a 4.6 out of 5 score on Google from nearly 250 reviews, with many singling out the panoramic seaside view as its biggest draw, while also hailing the "welcoming" atmosphere. One delighted visitor wrote: 'The lounge bar has the added attraction of a huge window overlooking the Firth of Forth (better than any television). Would definitely recommend to visitors.' Another reviewer praised both the location and the hospitality, saying: 'Traditional pub serving a good selection of beers. Beer garden overlooking the sea. "Visited on a few occasions as we were on holiday in the area. Made to feel welcome by the staff and locals.' Others called the views 'fabulous' and 'incredible,' with one customer describing it as a 'hidden gem' and adding: 'Couldn't have been more friendly and helpful, a great place in the summer.' The praise continued on TripAdvisor, where reviewers shared similar admiration. One wrote: 'There's plenty of room in the lounge area for a large group or for couples to sit by the vast windows to take in the breathtaking views of the sea. On a clear day you can see Fife across the water.' Yet another fan shared their glowing experience of the pub's charm: 'Great 'old style' pub. Lovely staff and customers. Even though I'm a tourist, still welcomed by all. "The view from the beer garden on a sunny day is stunning! And the Guinness is good too.' The Thorntree's location is just as appealing as its atmosphere. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Port Seton and neighbouring Cockenzie were once distinct fishing villages but are now regarded as a single town, increasingly popular with holidaymakers thanks to the nearby Seton Sands caravan park and easy transport links to Edinburgh. Long gone are the days when the skyline was dominated by the Cockenzie coal-fired power station, once visible even from the Royal Mile. Today, the area is flourishing for all the right reason, and for those chasing sun, sea and a cold pint this summer, the Thorntree Inn may be just the place.
Edinburgh Live
2 days ago
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
East Lothian Asda worker's heroic intervention after spotting 'unwell customer'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A kind-hearted East Lothian Asda worker rushed to the aid of a customer who fell unwell in the store. Irene Bisset was in the middle of her shift at Asda Dunbar when she spotted the customer from the checkout area who 'seemed unwell' Irene, who has been with the team for four years, went over to the distressed customer to make sure she was ok. The woman said she was new to the area and felt overwhelmed. Irene sat the woman down and offered her a drink before packing away her shopping. She then stayed with the customer and offered reassurance until she felt well enough to continue with her day and head home. A few weeks later, the customer returned to the store and spoke to Irene, expressing how grateful she was for her kindness. Irene Bisset, Front-End Colleague, Asda Dunbar, said: 'I just did what I hope someone would do for me. Sometimes all it takes is a little kindness and a few minutes of your time to turn someone's day around – I am glad I was able to help her.' Lee Dryburgh, General Store Manager, Asda Dunbar, said 'We're incredibly proud of Irene. She always goes the extra mile for our customers; she's a true credit to the team and a perfect example of what Asda is all about. Well Done, Irene.'
The National
4 days ago
- General
- The National
Landlord let man stay in 'Harry Potter' cupboard under some stairs
John Friel said that the discovery of the man staying in the cupboard had been described as 'Harry Potter style' and was a 'bit of a joke'. But he said the reality was that the man needed somewhere to stay, and the alternative was turning him out on the street. Speaking to East Lothian licensing subcommittee this week Friel, who has applied for House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) licences for two houses on Haddington's Hope Park, said the tenant had been staying in one of the houses but had to move into the neighbouring property. READ MORE: 'Real wake-up call': Significant decline among harbour seals in Scotland, study finds At the time, he said, he had no room available and the man was having problems with his employers. He said: 'I let him stay in the cupboard under the stairs, I was helping him out, it was referred to as Harry Potter style at the time, it was a bit of a joke but the alternative was he would have been on the street and I didn't want that.' In the Harry Potter books the orphaned title character initially lives in the cupboard under the stairs of his aunt's home. The use of the cupboard was included in a report to the sub committee which raised a number of issues about the two houses. The committee was told one of the properties had an HMO licence which expired over three years ago while the other did not have one. Friel told the committee he had been unwell for a time which had impacted on his ability to apply for the licensing and said he had been unaware the smoke alarm system in one of the properties was not up to standard. The committee heard Friel sent emails confirming the electrical work required to update the alarms had been carried out minutes before they met to discuss the licence applications on Thursday this week. However, fire watch commander Torquil Cramer told the meeting he would have to visit the house and confirm the system was in place before he could update them on the properties. Among concerns raised by licensing officers to the committee were claims single beds were discovered in garden sheds at both properties, tenants paid in cash and enforcement action was ongoing over the change of use of the houses without permission. It was also claimed Friel had put 'pods' in a conservatory at the back of one property which was erected without planning permission, however the landlord said the insulated pods were intended to be used to breed dogs not for tenants. The sub committee agreed to defer a decision on whether to grant licences or not until the next meeting to give fire officers time to inspect the properties and gather updates on outstanding issues.
STV News
4 days ago
- General
- STV News
Landlord let man stay in 'Harry Potter' cupboard as 'a bit of a joke'
A landlord who admitted a tenant slept in a cupboard under the stairs defended his action, saying it kept the man off the street. John Friel said that the discovery of the man staying in the cupboard had been described as 'Harry Potter style' and was a 'bit of a joke'. He said the reality was that the man needed somewhere to stay, and the alternative was to turn him out on the street. Speaking to the East Lothian licensing subcommittee this week, Mr Friel, who has applied for the House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) licences for two houses on Haddington's Hope Park, said the tenant had been staying in one of the houses but had to move into the neighbouring property. He said he had no room available at the time, and the man was having problems with his employers. He said, 'I let him stay in the cupboard under the stairs. I was helping him out. It was referred to as Harry Potter style at the time. It was a bit of a joke, but the alternative was he would have been on the street, and I didn't want that.' In the Harry Potter books, the orphaned title character initially lives in the cupboard under the stairs of his aunt's home. The use of the cupboard was included in a report to the sub committee which raised a number of issues about the two houses. The committee was told that one of the properties had an HMO licence that expired over three years ago, while the other did not have one. Mr Friel told the committee he had been unwell for a time which had impacted on his ability to apply for the licensing and said he had been unaware the smoke alarm system in one of the properties was not up to standard. The committee heard Mr Friel sent emails confirming the electrical work required to update the alarms had been carried out minutes before they met to discuss the licence applications on Thursday this week. However, fire watch commander Torquil Cramer told the meeting he would have to visit the house and confirm the system was in place before he could update them on the properties. Among concerns raised by licensing officers to the committee were claims that single beds were discovered in garden sheds at both properties, tenants paid in cash and enforcement action was ongoing over the change of use of the houses without permission. It was also claimed that Mr Friel had put 'pods' in a conservatory at the back of one property, which was erected without planning permission. However, the landlord said the insulated pods were intended to be used to breed dogs, not for tenants. The subcommittee agreed to defer a decision on whether to grant licences or not until the next meeting to give fire officers time to inspect the properties and gather updates on outstanding issues. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
