Plans for a major refurbishment of Polson Park, Tranent have been dealt a blow with the announcement that the Heritage Lottery Fund has rejected the funding bid.

Proposals had been submitted for a £1.2 million complete refurbishment of the Victorian park which would have included the restoration of original features, reinstating the original landscape character, improving the path surfaces and creating a new children's play area.

The Heritage Lottery Fund Board were supportive of the project because of its strong community involvement, high social value and associated links to the industrial heritage of Tranent. Unfortunately, the Board didn't have sufficient funds to support all the applications it received and consequently, the Polson Park project was rejected.

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East Lothian Council consulted widely with local residents in Tranent to advise Land Use Consultants on the plans they produced to create a modern, inviting park meeting the recreational, sporting and natural heritage interests of local residents of all ages and abilities.

Cllr Paul McLennan, East Lothian Council's Environment spokesperson, said: "Polson Park is an important recreational area for the town of Tranent and surrounding areas. The proposed refurbishment would have transformed the park into a modern leisure area whilst retaining features of its past."

Cllr. Donald Grant, Chair of Friends of Polson Park, added: "This has been very disappointing news for the local community who have shown such commitment and interest in the redevelopment of Polson Park.

"The Heritage Lottery Fund Board was very positive in their remarks about the application, and the sole reason Polson Park was rejected was due to insufficient funds.

"The Friends of Polson Park still have to meet to discuss the future of the project."

(GK/BMcc)