A CHARITY who have had a presence in Saltcoats for over 135 years are to leave the town.

It comes as it has been revealed that the Salvation Army are to leave their church base on Manse Street in Saltcoats.

The charity have had a presence in the town since 1885 - only 20 years after the Salvation Army itself was founded - and would have celebrated 138 years in Saltcoats in the latter half of this year.

Though it looks like this is not to be the case after a notice was put in the latest edition of the 'Salvationist' magazine, produced by the charity.

This includes a notice for a "valedictory service" for the Manse Street venue - in other words, a farewell address.

As part of this, they are welcoming messages of goodbye (via the email westscotland@salvationarmy.org.uk or by mail) to those who have operated in the town.

The date noted for this is Sunday, April 30, though there is no clear indication whether this will be their final day in Manse Street.

The charity has had a large presence in the town throught the years, which spreads well beyond the living memory of locals.

The Herald contacted the charity for comment on this impending closure, though had received no reply at the time of writing.

The nearest Salvation Army centre in North Ayrshire is now Kilbirnie - which will remain open.

The Salvation Army store in the town will not be affected by this closure.