GLAD tidings and joy have been delivered to Cumnock with news about the town centre’s revamp.

Building of the final piece of the jigsaw, a new Farmfoods store, will start early in the new year.

This will occupy the vacant site left by the demolition of the outdated Glaisnock Shopping Centre.

Seven new units on Townhead Street already provide a bright new outlook for businesses which have served Cumnock for decades.

These were designed to fit in with the town’s existing historic buildings, and built by East Ayrshire Council, the next stage will do likewise.

Councillor Jim Roberts said: “We’re delighted that the new Farmfoods development will start early in 2018.

“Redevelopment on such a grand scale can never be achieved quickly, but since we started, with the building of Rothesay House, the renovation of so many of our precious historic buildings, and the renewal of the central shopping area, the transformation has been dramatic.

“Shopping locally is key to the survival of our communities, keeping the money in the local economy and ultimately giving people job opportunities.”

Sharon Hodgson, East Ayrshire Council’s economic development manager welcomed the news that a contractor is soon to be appointed by Farmfoods.

She said: “We’re genuinely excited to see this development take shape. Throughout the key shopping areas of The Square, Glaisnock Street and Ayr Road, there is a huge range of shops and services, the vast majority of which are independent businesses owned by local people.

“It’s this, and the genuine commitment to offering great service, excellent choice and good value too, that can make shopping in Cumnock such a rewarding experience — all with free parking.

“Cumnock really is a town with so much to offer. From designer brands to everyday bargains, Cumnock’s local, independent retailers complement the bigger names to give our town centre its own distinctive character.

“With so many of Cumnock’s retailers owned and operated by local people, many of them family businesses going back generations, Cumnock town centre excels in offering traditional, old-fashioned good service designed to meet the needs of the local market. Pride is taken in service with a smile, and if you can’t find what you’re looking for - just ask!

“With almost 200 retail, service and professional businesses listed in and around the town, it’s certainly worth a visit this Christmas.”

Cllr Roberts says that Farmfoods have shown great confidence in Cumnock, doubling the size of this store from their original Glaisnock Centre unit.

He added: “It will be exciting to see which business or businesses take over the additional unit. 2018 will be a great year for Cumnock town centre and I’m looking forward to seeing it finished by New Year 2019.”