AN Ayrshire charity is looking for support with a new roof, after heavy rainfall caused dampness issues.

Ayrshire Recording Services (ARSB) produce and record local weekly talking newspapers, reporting local news, events, sports and quizzes, from the Cumnock Chronicle and Irvine Times, as well as the Kilmarnock Standard.

This is to support people in the areas who have visual impairments.

They are also hoping to relaunch editions of the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald and the the Largs & Millport Weekly News.

Cumnock Chronicle: Damage caused by the rain (Image: ARSB)Damage caused by the rain (Image: ARSB) (Image: ARSB)

However, their operations have been affected due to issues with their roof, for which they are being quoted at a repair cost of over £3,000.

The charity is hoping that readers of the newspaper can help with this cost, as the charity does not want to put their staff's health at risk in this current situation.

Rikki Farquharson, production manager, said: "The water has been through the roof tiles.

"The roof is over 100 years old and must be the original roof. It's lasted well.

"The past several years it hasn't been as bad as the past year with the weather. We have tried to patch it up three times in five years and this has been the worst.

"My concern is that it is leaking on the electricity and then onto the carpet, but we have had to put buckets under the drips.

"There is a lot of mould which is a health hazard to our volunteers, and it's beginning to smell. I wouldn't want the volunteers or visitors to become unwell."

Cumnock Chronicle: Issues in the ceiling (Image: ARSB)Issues in the ceiling (Image: ARSB) (Image: ARSB)

Rikki added: "We have recently been canvassing in Kilmarnock and we haven't been able to receive a donation.

"We are asking local businesses if they would like to sponsor the Talking Newspaper for four weeks for a suggested £20 donation which includes an ad for them, mentioning their sponsorship over 12 talking newspapers and sponsoring in the four weeks.

"It is very difficult for everyone and it is hard on local businesses. We have had a quote for over £3,000 for a new roof and ceiling.

"The building is vital for recording the talking newspapers for our listeners in Cumnock, Irvine, and Kilmarnock areas. The listeners' feedback is that our charity is a lifeline for them and they look forward to receiving it every week."

If you wish to help with the efforts, you can contact Rikki at Rikkifdj@Yahoo.com or you can contact the ARSB Facebook page.