Shops, not amusements, plea to council
Shops in one of Paisley’s busiest streets were threatened with losing business if a planned amusement arcade got the thumbs up, we reported in July 1988.
Instead, more shops should have been brought into the area, according to the town’s West End and Central Community Council, which was fighting plans to open the arcade.
Billing Entertainments, of Glasgow, applied to the district council for permission to change the use of former Hardy’s furniture store at the corner of High Street and Storie Street.
They wanted to re-open the existing property, which had lain empty for two years, and instal gaming machines and billiard tables.
But the community council said the development would discourage people from shopping in the area and would annoy those living nearby.
Mr Robert Ellingham, community council secretary, said: “Our aim is always to try and improve the shopping centre and to encourage the opening of much-needed shops in what is already a very run-down area.
“We are very strongly opposed to the opening of an amusement complex.
“It would be open from 10am to 10pm every day, except Sunday.”
Billing Entertainments said: “The Storie Street end of the town is dead as far as shopping is concerned.
“This type of venture ... is intended to bring a bit of life back into the area.”