DUMFRIES House chiefs have thrown open the doors to groups affected by the closure of the New Cumnock Community Centre.

Last week the Chronicle revealed how East Ayrshire Council have decided to close the centre, despite there being no readily available home in the town for the groups who use it.

Residents have been left up in arms over the decision. The decision was branded "another nail in the coffin" by one Chronicle reader who took to our Facebook page, with others calling it 'shocking' and 'disgusting'.

Locals were given assurances that the centre would remain open until the New Cumnock Town Hall is refurbished as part of the regeneration project in partnership with the Great Steward of Scotland’s Dumfries House Trust (GSSDHT) and the Council.

The Council will close the centre next month to allow for the refurbishment of the outdoor swimming pool as part of the project.

Now, Dumfries House is offering to provide a facility for the groups who are now left homeless.

Administrative Director of Dumfries House, Kenneth Dunsmuir said: "Following the lead of HRH The Duke of Rothesay’s vision for community regeneration, everyone at Dumfries House is totally committed to making a real difference to the people of New Cumnock. As such, we have raised £1.4million to be spent on the restoration of the historic New Cumnock Town Hall and works are now underway.

"While we cannot influence the timing of the closure of the existing community centre, we have great sympathy for those community groups that may be inconvenienced by the closure. These groups are vital to the community and, so that they can continue, we would like to make our facilities here at Dumfries House available during this transition period, as well as transport to and from our meeting venues whenever possible."

The New Cumnock Community Centre is to close at the end of March.