East Ayrshire blind charity facing uncertain future

A CHARITY that brings local news to blind people is facing a funding crisis. Kilmarnock and Loudoun Social, Recreational and Communication Services for the Blind has provided a ‘talking newspaper’ service for almost 30 years.

But the coffers are running low and it has fallen behind on rent payments for its studio premises on James Little Street.

Charity head Jim Bircham is now urging the council to help with the £6000 annual rent, or help find them suitable alternative premises.

“If there were no rent overheads then we could properly fund the service ourselves through donations and grants”, said Jim.

“We provide tapes free of charge to around 300 people every week, many who are elderly and rely on us for the local news.

“We’ve been going since 1983 and do three papers – the Kilmarnock Standard, The Cumnock Chronicle and the Largs and Millport Weekly News.

“We also do work for East Ayrshire Council, the police and other organisations, so people know how vital the service we are providing is.”

When Jim and his team – which currently totals nine volunteers and one part-time staff member – moved into their current premises in 1998, the building was just a shell.

In the years since they have transformed it into a tailor-made studio and office premises that perfectly suit their needs.

Jim added: “We’ve put a huge amount of effort into getting this building up to standard and it would be a great shame if we had to give it up.

“We appreciate the social work department and the council as a whole doesn’t have a lot of money to throw around, but for the sake of £6000 a year, I hope they will see that we are worth that.

“Just ask the 300 people every week who rely on us for their news.”

Eddie Fraser, head of community care at EAC, said: “The organisation has spoken to the council and advised that due to reduction in income from other sources they are experiencing financial difficulties. As they occupy commercial premises the council is not in a position to help the financially by waiving rent. We will continue to provide officer support to Mr Bircham to access alternative funding routes and provide suitable advice regarding more affordable premises.”