Residents of a quiet East Lothian housing estate have been left stunned after open grass in front of their homes was put forward as a future site for a pump track.
People living near the entrance to Wellside in Haddington received leaflets highlighting the fact their popular dog walking space was one of three sites being considered for the track by East Lothian Council.
Pump tracks are popular with skateboarders and offroad bikes and consist of a rolling track on hills and bends.
READ MORE: Anger over missing East Lothian grit bins as residents battle icy streets
The local authority has launched a consultation into possible sites in the town for a track. But while many people believed it would involve land on the east of Haddington where there is a skate park already established, the inclusion of the council-owned open space near the local high school came as a shock.
One resident, who has young children, said: "Families enjoy playing there with their young children and dogs. It would be a nightmare if it was turned into a track for this kind of use."
While another retired resident said: "Why would they put it between a main road and family homes?
"It is just moving antisocial behaviour from one part of the town onto another, this time our doorsteps."
The land at Wellside, which the council is considering for the track, was dug up a few years ago to have underground sewage works put in to serve new housing being built in the town.
New trees were planted as part of the restoration work on the grass alongside established trees and hedgerow lining it.
East Lothian Council said the consultation on pump track sites would be open until July 31.
A council spokesperson said: “The sites included in the consultation are amenity areas of a size that could accommodate a pump track but all are subject to planning permission and the consultation aims to help us consider suitability.
"We welcome the feedback regarding Wellside and other sites to help inform a preferred location.”
READ NEXT:
East Lothian care home given 'weak' grading after scathing inspection
East Lothian's Covid army carry on helping through cost of living crisis
East Lothian memories of Bay City Rollers and soup kitchens to go on display in town hall
Parking charges proposed for East Lothian town centres as consultation gets approval
East Lothian village pub finally set to reopen after two years
