A LOCAL community group in New Cumnock who were left with nowhere to go following the closure of the Community Centre are in discussions to find new accommodation.

Dumfries House is currently in discussions with a local pre-school group who are looking to use its facilities in the wake of the closure.

The Chronicle reported back in February how the New Cumnock Community Centre was set to close before the opening of the refurbished town hall.

Now the community centre has officially closed.

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

Residents reacted angrily to the announcement of the closure, with several groups left with nowhere to go.

Following the announcement, Administrative Director of Dumfries House, Kenneth Dunsmuir said: "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 work at New Cumnock Town Hall has been ongoing with the strip out strengthening of the building.

Following that the flooring will be laid.