New Courtyard Bakery

/

On Friday (17th March), it was great to pop into the new Courtyard Bakery in the town.

The premise is just a few doors down from the Courtyard Cafe which has been operating for nearly two years. The store has a great range of loaves and pastries, resulting in me purchasing some cakes for the office and a delicious rhubarb tart for my dad – it’s fair to say they went down a treat!

It’s welcome to see a shop of the ilk open in the heart of the town. From the time I was in, it was certainly busy and I hope it continues to thrive as word gets out.

I’d like to say a massive thanks to Jim at the counter for supplying the goods, and I encourage constituents to drop in and give it a try – you won’t regret it.

Facebook

Twitter

 

Press Release: Specsavers (World Hearing Day)

/

Alan Brown MP visits Specsavers in Kilmarnock for World Hearing Day

Last week, as part of World Hearing Day, Alan Brown MP visited Specsavers in Kilmarnock to learn about their services and support for the community.

The Kilmarnock store has 29 employees, both full-time and part-time, and offers support for staff members to go back to university to progress within the company.

As well as discussing the services on offer at Specsavers, Mr Brown was given a free eye and hearing test at the local store – something which can be taken up by all constituents.

Mr Brown has personal hearing issues, which runs in his family, and emphasised the importance of regular check-ups and using hearing aids. While hearing tests are free at Specsavers, the hearing aids themselves do come at a cost.

The Kilmarnock store also sponsors the local tennis club as well as the Roon the Toon 10k that takes place every year.

Commenting on the visit, the representative for Kilmarnock and Loudoun said:

"It was great to visit Specsavers as part of World Hearing Day on Friday. I would like to extend my thanks to Martin and Alex for their time and for showing me around.

“I enjoyed talking to Martin about several initiatives run by the store as well as their sponsorship of local clubs and events, such as Kilmarnock Tennis Club and Roon the Toon. I was particularly impressed to learn of their support for younger members of staff, like Alex, who they are supporting in going back to full-time education to study and progress in his role within the company.

“As someone who has personal hearing issues, I know the importance of regular check-ups and using hearing aids. I was pleased to hear that hearing tests are free at Specsavers - they also offer a 2-for-1 deal on hearing aids.

“I would also encourage constituents to take advantage of the free eye tests available in Scotland and to support all local opticians as there are many great businesses in the area."

Also commenting, was Specsavers’ Martin O’Neill. He added:

“It was fantastic to be able to spend time with Alan Brown MP and highlight the hearing and optical services that our business provides. This helps to support the local community and takes pressure away from GP Practices and hospitals.”

Picture Left to Right: Alex Delooze (Audiology Clinical Support), Martin O’Neill (Optometrist), Alan Brown (MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun).

Facebook

Twitter

WASPI Judicial Review

/

I have been a long-term supporter of the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) Campaign and their pursuit of justice.

The only avenue left for the group is to take their case to a Judicial Review given the PHSO’s Stage 2 report, and they are hoping to raise £100,000 in order to fund this legal battle.

It is unacceptable that women born in the 1950s have had their state pension age increased without adequate notice or compensation.

The UK government must be held accountable for the impact this has had on the affected women, many of whom have been left struggling to make ends meet including more than 6,500 in my constituency and 3.8 million across the UK.

The judicial review will provide an opportunity to challenge the Government's decision and seek justice for those who have been unfairly impacted.

It is important to reiterate my support for their cause will continue to fight for their rights at Westminster and engage with the local Cunninghame WASPI Group.

Facebook

Twitter