Firms were told about fest plans

Renfrewshire Council has made it clear that plans for Paisley’s WinterFest celebrations were advertised in advance.

Yesterday, we revealed there were mixed reactions over the siting of a huge Santa’s Workshop funfair attraction in the High Street at its junction with New Street.

The attraction backs onto a row of shops that include the Salvation Army store.

And the manager there said she knew nothing about it until it appeared on Wednesday.

She also said it would discourage people from coming into the shop.

However, the attraction was welcomed by the owner of the White Cart Company, whose gift shop looks on to it.

He said it would increase footfall in the town.

WinterFest is an initiative of the Paisley First business support group, and is backed by Renfrewshire Council.

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “The plans for Paisley First’s WinterFest were advertised in the town centre and in the local press, as per the council’s policy on such applications.

“As an addition, the applicants were required to notify all businesses in Paisley town centre in advance to ensure they were able to submit any responses.

“The event will bring additional footfall into the town centre and build on recent successful events such as the Halloween Festival and Christmas lights switch-on.”

Paisley First has already defended WinterFest, saying all rides and attractions had been placed in accordance with the site plans approved by Renfrewshire Council, and that all businesses were made aware of the plans in advance and no objections were received.