CHRISTMAS lights switch-ons and firework displays will not take place in Renfrewshire this year. 

The local authority confirmed the decision today with Covid-19's impact on services being blamed for the move. 

It means the Paisley fireworks and Christmas lights switch-on events across Renfrewshire will not be going ahead in 2020. Events in the town have proved popular with Glaswegians in recent years. 

READ MORE: Coronavirus: Renfrewshire Council cancels events programme

Johnstone and Renfrew will also be impacted by the decision, which was taken by Renfrewshire Council's Emergencies Board. 

The blow to locals comes amid the cancellation of the council's full summer schedule, which saw the likes of the Paisley Food and Drink Festival postponed because of the virus. 

Christmas lights will still be displayed across Renfrewshire and work is ongoing with local organisations to plan activities that will safely attract footfall and visitors to Paisley, Johnstone and Renfrew over the festive period. 

Renfrewshire Council leader councillor Iain Nicolson said: “I know this will be disappointing news for everyone who supports and attends our popular winter programme and we are sorry that these events cannot go ahead this year. I hope everyone will understand that we must put public health first and will do everything we can to be back in 2021.

“Scottish Government guidance currently prevents mass gatherings from taking place and since we announced the cancellation of our summer and autumn programme, major events and festivals across the country have continued to be cancelled. Even if the restrictions due to coronavirus were relaxed, physical distancing measures are likely to remain in place for some time to ensure we do not experience local outbreaks and a further lockdown.

Glasgow Times: Cllr Iain Nicolson Cllr Iain Nicolson

“Our major events take months of extensive planning and organising - and with uncertainty over how and when they can return, we have to take this difficult, but prudent decision now.

"We are proud of the social and economic impacts the events programme contributes to our communities – and we will continue to focus on delivering a fantastic events programme in 2021, working closely with national bodies and following public health advice.”