Susan Deacon says residents are against the new race track

The Labour MSP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh said the proposals for the �12m project had created "ill-feeling" among Musselburgh's residents.

Anger has focussed on potential noise and light pollution and impact on the nearby historic golf course.

East Lothian councillors are to vote next month on the controversial issue.

The Scottish Executive is expected to have the final decision on the project.

Racing bosses want to change the existing turf track, so meetings would not be affected by the weather.

Whatever the outcome of the planning decision, it will take many years to heal some of the damaged relationships and to restore trust within the community Susan Deacon MSP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh

But opponents of the �12m scheme, which is said to be the first of its kind in Scotland, have said they will continue their opposition to the development.

Ms Deacon said: "The proposal to build a floodlit all-weather track has caused real ill-feeling in the town.

"Whatever the outcome of the planning decision, it will take many years to heal some of the damaged relationships and to restore trust within the community. This genuinely saddens me.

"I know that members of the Musselburgh Joint Racing Committee genuinely believe that this development will be in the best interests of the racecourse, but surely the key question is - particularly for local elected representatives - is it in the best interests of the town?

"I have to say that, whatever way I look at this, I cannot see how that will be the case."

Bill Farnsworth, Musselburgh racecourse, general manager, said: "The plans have been developed over more than a three year period and we have been in consultation during that time.

"We have had the plans on public display during four open days where we have been on hand to explain them and to listen to people's concerns.