Haddington & District Community Council

27/10/2026

🚨 **NORTH BERWICK PARKING: WHO WAS WATCHING THE MONEY?**

New information obtained through a **Freedom of Information / Environmental Information Request (2026/ELF34048)** to East Lothian Council raises serious questions about the costs, management and financial accountability of the parking scheme.

**These figures come directly from East Lothian Council's own FOI response.**

💷 **£1.407 MILLION** in reported capital expenditure — compared with an original forecast of £541,645. That's **£865,161 more than forecast**.

💷 **£1.263 MILLION** in consultancy, engineering and external adviser payments — costs excluded from the original financial model.

💷 **£208,086** in forecast annual running costs.

💷 **£69,673** in vandalism-related invoices.

❗ Council officer time spent developing and implementing the scheme was **not separately costed or recorded**.

And the Council's own published records reveal that a **Parking Management Project Board was meeting monthly** in 2023.

**So who was monitoring the money? Who approved the spending? And when were councillors told?**

The financial figures need reconciling — some costs may overlap, and annual running costs are forecasts, not money already spent. But the questions about accountability are real.

📄 **We've published nine detailed briefings** examining the FOI findings, financial expenditure, consultancy costs, project governance and the questions councillors must now answer.

👉 **READ ALL NINE BRIEFINGS HERE:**
https://northberwickcommunitycouncil.org.uk/minutes/parking/

**This isn't just about parking charges. It's about accountability for taxpayers' money across East Lothian.**

22/10/2026

Yellow Weather Warning - Preparing for Storm Austen
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for rain across Central and Southern Scotland through Friday 23rd - Saturday 24th October as a result of Storm Austen.

These conditions bring an increased risk of impact to the electricity network, particularly from higher winds, saturated ground and falling debris. Forecasts are continuing to change and we are monitoring the weather as it unfolds and passes through your area.

Stay Safe by:

Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Check for loose items outside your home and plan how you could secure them. Items include bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.
Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
If you are on the coast, stay safe during stormy weather by being aware of large waves. Even from the shore large breaking waves can sweep you off your feet and out to sea. Take care if walking near cliffs; know your route and keep dogs on a lead. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly. When a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.


You can keep up to date with any electrical faults in your area by using the SPEN postcode checker www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/postcode and on X/Twitter .
Report any power cuts or damage immediately by calling 105 – it's free and connects you straight to SP Energy Networks.

20/10/2026

Very well done to everyone at Blooming Haddington!!

And its a GOLD! 🥇
Well done to all our troops and supporters
Well done also to North Berwick in Bloom winning the coastal town category

20/10/2026

Join the family Halloween Parade on Friday 30th - we have prizes for the best costumes so wear your best spooky disguise! Tickets for the kids after party at Lodge Street cost £2 and include a party bag and a glowstick. Parents don't need a ticket.
Tickets from www.nungategala.co.uk and members of Nungate Gala Day and
Haddington Central Tenants & Residents Association TRA

02/10/2026

What are your thoughts?

We are seeking views on whether community organisations may be interested in taking on a greater role in the management of some buildings through long-term community benefit leases or, where appropriate, community asset transfer arrangements. More details: https://orlo.uk/flC3G

30/09/2026

🔥 Help Heat the Heart of Our Community 🔥

The Bridge Centre urgently needs a new boiler for the Alistair Grant Hall.

For the past few years, we've been dealing with frequent breakdowns, and with many replacement parts now obsolete, it's time to replace the boiler once and for all.

The Lamp of Lothian Trust has launched a funding campaign to help fund a new boiler for the Alistair Grant Hall, alongside boiler replacement in the Granary building.

🏢 The hall is used by dozens of local groups and organisations every week, providing a warm and welcoming space for community activities, events, youth work, music projects and much more.

💙 Every donation, no matter the size, will make a real difference and help ensure that staff, volunteers and user groups don't have to face another winter in the cold.

👉 Please support the funding appeal here:
🔗 https://lampoflothian.org.uk/support-us/donate

Please like, share and donate if you can. Together, we can keep the heart of our community warm.

25/09/2026

22/09/2026

The Nungate Gala Day and Haddington Central Tenants & Residents Association TRA have organised a fantastic Halloween Parade and Party for children and their families. There was a great turn out for this last year so get your tickets early!

Tickets are £2 . Each child will get a Glow stick for the parade and a party bag at the venue.

Tickets available online www.nungategala.co.uk or from any committee member