AN UPDATE has been provided following the apparent closure of a funeral director's business in Saltcoats.

Locals had stated that a notice had been placed on the door of W.M. Tyre and Son funeral directors, informing those interested that the business was only operating from their Largs premises at present.

It was unclear from the notice whether the Winton Street building, owned and operated by Dignity funeral directors, would be re-opening again.

But the company has now moved to clarify the current situation at the Saltcoats business.

Dignity say they are currently reviewing the services they offer across North Ayrshire and how best they can serve the local area.

At the moment, this has meant the temporary closure of W.M. Tyre and Son in Saltcoats, but the company says it is expected this will re-open soon.

Gerard Boyle, Dignity Funerals' head of region for Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: “The way that people mourn is changing, as is the type of funeral they want and the services they require from an undertaker.

"As a result, we have been assessing how we best serve the bereaved in North Ayrshire.

"Whilst investigating these options we temporarily closed William Tyre & Sons in Saltcoats, however, this branch is expected to reopen shortly.

"Our business in Largs has served that community for many years and will continue to do so.”