Works to mitigate the impact of flooding at Ormiston Park Play Area in East Lothian have gotten underway.

The project aims to address the persistent issue of flooding that has rendered the play area unusable for children on numerous occasions.

The flooding problem is attributed to water run-off from adjacent fields and surface rainwater accumulating around the play equipment due to the existing ground levels. The planned works will improve the drainage system, facilitating more efficient dispersal of floodwater back to the Tyne Water and reducing the occurrence of long-term standing water within the park.

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In addition to the drainage improvements, the play area will receive fresh woodchip top-ups. The flood reduction works are expected to be completed by 19 April, weather permitting.

While the toddler area at the top of the park will remain accessible, the rest of the play area will be closed to the public for safety reasons during the construction period. Preliminary work, including fencing off the work site, began at the park yesterday.

An East Lothian Council spokesperson explained the necessity of the works: "The Friends of Ormiston Park group have been kept aware of this project. We apologise for any short-term disruption to regular use. Normally we would try to avoid such works in a play area during the Easter period, but these improvements had to be scheduled when operational capacity and improving weather conditions would allow for their completion. These essential works will reduce the risk of flooding in the park and ensure fewer play days are lost in the future."