A vision to inject new vibrancy into a Lothian community could see its town square transformed into a hub pf pavement cafes and open air markets.

The Scotsman has reported that the ideas, put together out of hundreds of residents’ survey responses, would turn Haddington town centre into one of the best in Scotland.

Recommendations that came out of the £20,000 independent survey included improving public transport connections and making tourist attractions more appealing.

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Edinburgh-based consultants Urban Animation carried out the survey after a report last year found that at least ten town centre businesses might close within three years.

Director Richard Heggie said: "Haddington is a sleeping giant. It has a fantastic built environment and a very high number of listed buildings.

"Originally it was a borough town and the original market place is still in place 800 to 900 years later.

"But at the moment, it's a glorified road and car park which happens to be surrounded by shops and buildings."

The report states: "Keeping the status quo is not an option for the high street. The quality of the space, and its sense of place, must be given higher priority."

The report recommended marketing the town centre, introducing more attractions for visitors and making more of the town’s history.

A Community Development Trust - a cooperation between four community groups - has been formed to help bring the vision forward.

(NE)