Tranent and Elphinstone’s 5-year Community Action Plan got a stirring send off from around 80 guests at the launch event in the Fraser Centre in April.

Among the guests were community organisations, interested residents and businesses and local MP Fiona O’Donnell.

Nicky Wilson, Scottish Trustee of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust who initiated the project through their Coalfields Community Futures programme and backed it with a £25,000 participatory budget, praised the positive atmosphere.

Mr Wilson said: “The event had a great atmosphere, and that enthusiasm is reflected in the quality of the 5-year Community Action Plan, which will make a huge difference to the area”.

Ward Councillor Shamin Akhtar said: “We can be really proud of producing such a wonderful action plan, and it’s all down to the committed volunteers, and support from the CRT, and STAR Development Group.

“However this is just the start and I am confident that the hard work will continue to take forward local priorities”.