Locals have rallied around a seaside snack van after it was ordered to leave its promenade home.
The tex-mex Chef Shack had become a firm favourite with people in Port Seton after setting up on the outskirts of the village.
But East Lothian Council’s planners objected to its location and its use of a generator to power it.
Planners refused retrospective planning permission for the shack to operate at Links Road, after receiving 13 objections.
But the decision has sparked a backlash on social media with hundreds of people coming out in support of the Chef Shack and their owners.
In a wave of support on the mobile catering van’s Facebook page people vented their fury at the council decision.
One supporter said: “Shocking. Some people are so up themselves. Let people make an honest Bob instead of trying to ruin them.”
Another added: “Terrible news. You are away from local houses, more noise from traffic… .actually gutted for you.”
And the operators were urged to appeal the decision with one person saying: “You’re an asset to Port Seton Chef Shack!! Fight this all the way please!!”
On Cockenzie and Port Seton People’s community page dozens more leapt to its defence pointing out there was more litter from “other chippies” than ever seen at the van.
One resident said: “Such a shame people have got to ruin it for those trying to make a living.”
Another added: “Never once seen any reason to complain in all the time he’s been coming here. Not noise, not litter & neither customer parking nor significant obstruction to the footpath where he trades.”
The location of the snack van on Links Road at its junction with Fishers Road, was on the seafront side of the road.
The company behind it had applied for permission to operate at the site on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
They broke the news they were having to leave on social media last month and are currently “on tour”.
Announcing plans to take a break they said: “we are amazed at the level of support we’ve had from you wonderful lot, it has warmed our hearts.”
Planning officers ruled that the use of a generator to power the snack van could not be allowed so close to residential houses because of “noise and exhaust fumes”.
They also said the location blocked a footpath and was too close to houses.
Councillor Lachlan Bruce, ward member for Preston, Seton Gosford, offered his support to the operators of the snack van.
He said: "We need to do what we can to support local business particularly coming out of the pandemic.
"Having different options is also always welcome and particularly in Port Seton where despite some great choices it is a bit limited.
"I’ve spoken to Chef Shack recently to offer my support in making sure that they can continue to serve the people of Port Seton into the future.”
