MAY’S MUSSELBURGH COFFEE MORNING

Follow Up

Musselburgh Coffee Morning – Friday 30th May 2025

Thank you to all those who came along to my Coffee Morning in Musselburgh last Friday, the 30th of May. A big thank you to PC Lee Wilson, Audrey and Mike from East Lothian Council’s Community Protection Team, and Councillors Ruaridh Bennett and Andrew Forrest.

A massive thank you also to the fantastic team at the Fisherrow Centre for hosting us.

It was great to see so many faces and discuss the many issues that matter most to you. I am sending this follow up letter to both attendees and those who were unable to join, to detail what was discussed, and what actions will be taken moving forward.

Antisocial Behaviour in Musselburgh

Tackling antisocial behaviour (ASB) was a key concern raised at the Coffee Morning. Residents spoke about issues including noise disturbances, vandalism, and intimidating behaviour in our shared spaces.

The Police and East Lothian Council both emphasised how important it is to report every incident, no matter how minor it may seem. While ASB remains a concern in Musselburgh, the number of reports has been decreasing – not necessarily because the problem has gone away, but possibly because people are unsure of how or where to report it.

If you experience or witness antisocial behaviour, please report it via:

• Police (Non-Emergency): 101

• Police (Emergency): 999

• East Lothian Council Community Protection Team: 01875 824 307

You can also find guidance on reporting via the Council website: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/info/210574/emergencies_safety_and_crime/11978/antisocial_behaviour

If you’re having any difficulties with reporting incidents, feel free to come to me directly and I’ll do my best to help. Reporting issues ensures the Police have a full and clear understanding of where these incidents are taking place and how they are impacting the community. Please also raise any concerns with me (in addition to reporting directly to the police) and I will directly speak with police on your behalf.

Police Visibility

Police visibility and presence were also raised as concerns. Many residents feel there simply aren’t enough officers on the ground. I completely agree that we need to feel safe in our own communities, and I am pushing for greater police resources in Musselburgh and across my constituency.

I am in complete agreement and hold serious concerns around the support and resources provided to Police Scotland by the Scottish Government. Police officer numbers were at their lowest point in 2024 since 2008, whilst their budget capacity has fallen by 50 officers in 2025/26. Additionally, I am concerned that officer numbers are not adequately spread across the country which negatively impacts East Lothian.

I have written to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice to raise this directly, calling for a fairer share of officers and better support for local policing teams. It is absolutely clear to me that this is a priority for many and an issue that I will continue to raise.

The Brunton Theatre

I am, of course, extremely disappointed at East Lothian Council’s decision to demolish the Brunton. Councillors voted to go ahead with demolition. This has understandably caused much anxiety in the community, and I am completely committed to making sure residents’ voices are heard in the decision-making process.

While this is ultimately a decision for East Lothian Council, as the MP I am clear: residents views’ must be heard. I am keen to hear people’s views on what should happen next and I will raise your views with the council when I next meet with them.

I will be working hard with local people to ensure we get the best outcome we can for Musselburgh. My very much preferred outcome is that a replacement arts and culture venue is built, and importantly, built in a similar part of the constituency to the current site. The arts and culture services provided at the Brunton theatre are essential components of what makes a thriving society, and contributes so much to the cultural life of East Lothian. 

Future Events

If you would like to attend a future community coffee meeting, please do check www.chrismurraymp.com for future listings, or contact me on chris.murray.mp@parliament.uk.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

CHRIS