There are fears a lack of footfall on North Berwick High Street, allegedly brought about by roadworks, could be a “sign of things to come” if car parking charges are approved, says the co-chair of the town’s business association.

Three phases of works are underway throughout March as “a carriageway raised table” at the east end of the town’s High Street is put in place.

The works also involve Quality Street and Melbourne Place.

The first phase of works, which runs on weekdays until today (Friday), involves footway and drainage works at the High Street and Quality Street junction.

The High Street is closed from Quality Street to Market Place from 9am to 4pm.

The second phase, which runs from Monday (March 18) until next Friday (March 22), involves footway and drainage work at the Quality Street and Melbourne Place junction.

Melbourne Place (car park exit) will be closed for the duration of the works.

READ MORE: Road closures in force as roadworks get under way in North Berwick

Finally, from March 25-28, raised table surfacing on Quality Street and High Street will take place from 9am to 4pm.

Melbourne Place (car park exit) will again be closed.

Susan Oliver, co-chair of North Berwick Business Association, said the works were having a significant impact on businesses.

She said: “It has been very bad. I spoke with one business who hasn’t taken in a week what they normally take in a day.

“The High Street is dead. There are no people [on it] and it’s really impacting businesses.”

Mrs Oliver said there had been consultation between East Lothian Council and businesses ahead of the works, but said she did not feel businesses were listened to.

She said: “There were discussions but nothing was taken on board. People, I don’t even think, realise the High Street can still be accessed.

“These are significant and disruptive works and they are impacting businesses.”

Mrs Oliver also raised concerns that the current lack of footfall could be a sign of things to come should parking charges be implemented in the town.

East Lothian Council withdrew plans for parking charges in North Berwick last month after initial consultations drew negative feedback from members of the public, deciding to go back to the drawing board.

The proposals for the town, which would see cars charged to park in car parks and on streets in the town, were the first to be put out to public consultation in the county under a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) by East Lothian Council.

However, a report to councillors attributed the high number of objections on a "misinterpretation of the key themes" by the public with new plans set to be drawn up.

Mrs Oliver said: “I think there is a real fear that this is a sign of what is to come. The High Street is dead at the moment and there are worries this could be a problem in the future.

“I hope people’s objections to the proposals are taken on board with whatever plans are drawn up.”

East Lothian Council has been contacted for comment.