A BUSINESSMAN has responded to criticism of how his firm’s prices are displayed at their Cumnock premises.

Foster Funeral Directors have joined forces with the Scottish Government to tackle funeral poverty, but have come under fire despite this.

Tony Foster told the Chronicle: “We are promoting our funerals being the price that they are, having worked with the government for two years on the issue.

“Until such times as someone is in the position of losing a loved one, they may not be aware of the price of a funeral.

“When we opened our Glasgow office, some people complained about signs which highlighted our prices.

“Then one grieving relative turned up, in floods of tears, having seen the information while passing on a bus — they told us we had been a lifeline to the family.

“We are in Cumnock to serve the community, at a price they can afford.

“Are we not able to tell people that? If we cannot promote that, what are we to do?”

A Chronicle reader had sent a letter, complaining about ‘huge signs and discount boards’ at the Glaisnock Street site.

Mr Foster added: “We have become the largest funeral directors in Scotland by letting people know about our business.

“In addition, we have a tie-in with East Ayrshire Council in the Respectful Funeral Service scheme.

“But we are even cheaper — giving the same service, but costing mourning families less money.

“If the person who wrote the letter to the Chronicle does not like it, I hope that person is not in the position of losing someone.”

Another concern for Mr Foster is local rumours that his firm have taken over Cumnock and Mauchline Funeral Directors.

“We have owned Cumnock and Mauchline Funeral Directors for 10 years. All that has happened is the name and location has changed,” he added.