CLIC Sargent have come under fire amid allegations residents in Ayr and Prestwick have been persuaded to hand over cash for a new kids centre - which is not in their local area.

#BUYMSH, the local group set up to build a new home following the closure of Malcolm Sargent House in Prestwick, were made aware of reports of volunteers chapping on doors on the evening of November 15, asking people to sign up to direct debits to build a new respite house in the Ayrshire area.

The charity received a number of phone calls and social media alerts from members of the community who advised them of the recent activity that had been happening – they reported that the ‘volunteers’ stated that they were “fundraising to build a new Malcolm Sargent House in the area” then proceeding to ask for their direct debit details.

#BUYMSH are reassuring the public that this is not them.

Our source told us: “A member of the public approached a volunteer in Prestwick who was wearing a badge and they said that they were with Clic Sargent – they had a Clic Sargent bib on but the issue for me is what they are saying to people at the door.

“They were saying at the door that they are building a new Malcolm Sargent House in the area but not mentioning the Home from Home in Edinburgh, so it is misleading information - they have also approached people to set up direct debits.”

A spokeswoman for #BUYMSH, said: “If we, as a charity were ever going to start a campaign which involved chapping doors for fundraising support - we would ensure that we publicised on a platform for all of our supporters to view – this incident is upsetting for us.”

A spokesman for Police Scotland, commented: “We would discourage answering the door to anyone they do not recognise and not to disclose sensitive, personal and banking details and in any doubt of authenticity, do not hesitate to contact the police.” 

A spokesman for CLIC Sargent, said: “CLIC Sargent is fundraising across the country for a new Home from Home in Edinburgh, as well as our other vital frontline services such as nurses and social workers, to support children and young. people affected by cancer. 

“We are not fundraising for a home in Ayrshire.  We are looking into these concerns.”