New bid launched to establish 'all year round' snack van at beach

A new bid to open a snack van at an iconic beach site has been launched two years after a similar plan was refused over concerns about ‘grotty coffee and fried food’.

The latest bid to establish a snack van at Belhaven beach would see it operate all year round with reduced hours in the winter.

Edinburgh-based Markos Akgum has applied to East Lothian Council to locate a van in the Shore Road car park.

The last time an attempt was made to open a snack van on that area of coastline there was an outcry from residents and community representatives.

Belhaven beach is next to John Muir Country Park, by Dunbar, and calls for the site to be protected from a “greasy spoon” were made.

The community council pointed out the car park was on the edge of John Muir Country Park, with the Bass Rock and Bridge to Nowhere iconic sites in view.

Objections ranging from the type of food which would be served to smells from frying and littering were lodged with the local authority.

Local residents insisted snack vans were more suited to industrial estates and roadside laybys than a scenic car park.

Ward councillor Sue Kempson said at the time: “People will have their grotty coffee from a snack bar.

“I’m sorry but I have used snack bars and never had decent coffee [from them].”

The latest application was lodged with the council last week.

By local democracy reporter Marie Sharp