FEARS that a building contractors who are carrying out work on flats in Townhead Street have gone out of business are unfounded East Ayrshire Council have confirm.

An extensive rendering project is underway on seven blocks of flats and some residents had become concerned following a lack of progress in the past few months.

One man, who didn't want to be identified, said: "The flats have been left unfinished, the scaffolding has been up for a couple months but nothing is being done.

"I've been told that the company has gone out of business/bankrupt or that East Ayrshire Council has ran out of money so I don't know what to think.

"The rendering is finished on more of them and it looks quite nice."

Work was due to restart on the project this week following the Christmas break.

The refurbishment work forms part of the council's Housing Asset Management Framework which aims to ensure that: “Everyone in East Ayrshire can afford access to a quality home that meets their needs and aspirations, and is located within a safe and attractive neighbourhood in which they are proud to live.”

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the EAC, said: “Our ambitious house building and improvement programmes are transforming the lives of so many residents in our communities and our Housing Asset Management Framework is a key element of our arrangements. Over the past two years, our teams have been undertaking a thorough review of the Council’s housing stock and implementing a range of actions to ensure that our houses meet the needs of our tenants.”