New Cumnock Development Trust will begin to offer free sanitary products as part of a partnership with the council.

They were supposed to be available from their offices in New Cumnock, but owing to the recent government advice for all businesses to restrict unnecessary contact the doors at NCDT will remain shut indefinitely.

However, those in need will still be able to contact the NCDT to arrange a pick-up if needed.

Project and admin officer at NCDT, Tammy Borthwick said: “We are happy for people to contact us to arrange collection. NCDT never want to see anyone in need struggle. Keeping in line with social distance and best practice, we can ensure people are in and out of the office as safely and quickly as possible.”

NCDT contacted East Ayrshire Council a few months back to register their interest in becoming a base for free sanitary products and were accepted, but had to wait a few months for supplies to arrive due to problems with procurement.

The team of volunteers at NCDT are also supporting people in the New Cumnock community practicing social distancing and self isolation by collecting prescriptions and doing small amounts of shopping for those affected.