NEW Cumnock Community Centre is to be axed despite promises that it would stay open until the town hall had been refurbished.

The centre will now close in March, with the Town Hall nowhere near ready to take over the now homeless community groups who use the facility.

East Ayrshire Council (EAC) claim that the early closure of the centre will allow space for contractors to form a working area for the outdoor swimming pool as part of the re-development of the town.

A statement from East Ayrshire Council said: "The community of New Cumnock has been working with the Great Steward of Scotland’s Dumfries House Trust (GSSDHT) and the Council to prepare detailed plans for the future of the village.

"New Cumnock was one of the first communities in East Ayrshire to produce a Community Led Action Plan, which sets out their aspiration for change. A key part of their vision, which is shared by GSSDHT and the Council, is to create sustainable future facilities.

"New Cumnock Town Hall, which was sold to the GSSDHT will be completely transformed and re-developed for community use. Complementing the town hall refurbishment is the community square project which will redevelop the site of the current library, games hall and community centre.

"The outdoor swimming pool will also be completely transformed as part of the project at the end of the 2016 season.

"To allow for the refurbishment of the outdoor swimming pool the Council is proposing to close New Cumnock community centre at the end of March.

""The early demolition of the centre will provide the necessary space for the contractor to establish a working site for the outdoor swimming pool.

"As with any demolition there requires time for intrusive inspections, safe removal of any asbestos and preparation of the building prior to the actual demolition and reinstatement of the ground.

"Officers from Vibrant Communities have been working closely with the groups who use New Cumnock community centre to find alternative accommodation for their activities.

"A number of options are currently being considered by the groups which include other East Ayrshire Council facilities, the Church and local halls.

"Not all arrangements have been finalised with the groups but ongoing support is being given."

New Cumnock Community Council, Marie Walker said: "A lot of folk think it's terrible.

"I just think that it's appalling that this is happening. We were told along with the steering group that it would be after the Town Hall was up and running before the Community Centre would close. Now we hear this?

"It comes at a really bad time as well, after all the flooding we had just a few weeks ago.

Angry residents took to the New Cumnock Group Facebook page to vent.

Helen Cuthbert said: "The decision came with - as far as I know - no consultation or even any face to face information about the closure with the community groups who have met faithfully with EAC and Dumfries House time and time again to help bring the Town Hall and other plans to fruition. Yes, we do have places to meet, but it takes time and organisation and not all places are suitable for different events. Centre users are in mid-session with meetings and events planned. Some of the group organisers are, themselves, dealing with the aftermath of the flooding. I can't understand at all why this decision has been made."

Brian Park said: "Why don't the people who make these decisions just approve and build a bypass from Cumnock to Dumfries and be done with it as this is what this wee village is going to become - a ghost town. They are trying their best but the one thing they will NEVER take or break is the SPIRIT of this wee toon as it's filled with people who care."

New Cumnock Community Council is holding a special meeting to discuss the closure of the facility on Wednesday February 10 at 7pm in the community centre.