NORTH Ayrshire's Citizen's Service will close at the end of this month. 

In a statement, NACAS CEO Nina Smith confirmed that the charity would close with effect from the end of March. 

The statement said: "Over recent years NACAS has worked to deliver a sustainable future and a service for the people of North Ayrshire.

"The Trustees are grateful to the volunteers and staff who have embraced changes and worked tirelessly to deliver the service.

"The charity has explored every opportunity and engaged with key stakeholders regarding all viable options over recent months however, despite considerable efforts, those discussions have been unsuccessful, NACAS have therefore concluded that they have no choice but to take the decision to close.

"This is a very sad time for the charity, who has been proud to serve North Ayrshire for almost 20 years. Together we have helped and supported 1000’s of local citizens, provided advice, information, campaigned and fought to continue our important work.

"Our immediate concern is for the people of North Ayrshire and we will continue to support them during this final phase to provide the assistance they need.

"The charity would like to take this opportunity to thank the many staff, volunteers, clients and organisations that have worked with the service over the years."

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “We are deeply disappointed to learn that North Ayrshire Citizens’ Advice Service is to close, however, we are currently looking at options to ensure advice services remain available.

“We are committed to ensuring the people of North Ayrshire will continue to benefit from high quality, sustainable advice services and are currently exploring ways in which we can do this most effectively.

“We will also discuss the future of advice services in North Ayrshire when our Chief Executive, Elma Murray, meets with the new Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Scotland later this month.

“In the meantime, we would ask people with welfare and debt issues to contact our Money Matters Team by calling 01294 310456, emailing moneymatters@ north-ayrshire.gcsx.gov.uk or by calling at our offices in Bridgegate, Irvine.

“In addition, advice on benefits and money advice is available online at the Better Off North Ayrshire website https://northayrshire.betteroff.org.uk/”