Renfrewshire Blog

It's that time of year again!

2019-10-31T08:13:00.000+00:00

It's that time of year again! 🎃🐿

squirrels absolutely love pumpkin.🐿🎃

Instead of throwing yours away after Halloween why not put at the bottom of the garden or take to your local woods/park? 🐿🎃🎃🎃🎃

Imagine how much wildlife could be fed with the millions of pumpkins that are thrown away!

Not just squirrels but birds,hedgehogs, badgers,foxes!

Especially now when there is less of an abundance of food for wildlife.
Leading up to winter 🎃🎃🎃

A Linwood Petrol station could be set to be demolished under proposed plans.

2019-10-24T20:40:00.004+01:00

ASDA Petrol station at he Phoenix in Linwood is looking to Demolish there existing petrol filling station and erect a six pump (twelve filling position) petrol filling station install two jet wash bays, control room and associated works that would include another roundabout beside the petrol station for vehicles to exit from once filling up.

First images revealed of Paisley Arts Centre after £2.8m transformation

2019-10-24T11:14:00.004+01:00

The first images showing how Paisley’s iconic arts centre will look after a £2.8m transformation have been revealed – including a new extension and public space at the heart of Paisley’s nightlife district.

The Paisley Arts Centre stage has hosted some of Scotland’s biggest names in the three decades since the 250-year-old former church building was converted into one of the country’s most vibrant small entertainment venues.

The building is being upgraded as part of a wider investment in Paisley’s venues and outdoor spaces aimed at using the town’s internationally-significant cultural and heritage story to change its future.

And plans have been submitted for the work, with images revealed today showing:

- a redesigned public space around the arts centre, removing railings and bringing the street to the building – creating a new outdoor area for events and for people to dwell;

- how the building’s location at the junction of New Street and Shuttle Street means it is perfectly placed to add new vibrancy to the surrounding already-busy nightlife area;

- a new-build extension to the existing entrance – creating more room to expand facilities inside – including an improved café-bar;

- improved auditorium with retractable seating offering a capacity of 150 (seated) and 200 (standing) and creating the flexibility to offer more events, bringing more footfall to the town;

- better audience and performance facilities – retaining the intimate atmosphere the building is known for but adding more comfortable seating with better legroom, improved sightlines, better sound and lighting, upgraded toilets, and better disabled access and facilities;

There will also be new back-of-house facilities expanding what the building can do and making it more attractive to performers – including a new kitchen, improved dressing rooms, and workshop space for rehearsals and other events.
The arts centre is due to close in summer 2020 to allow the transformation to take place, and is expected to reopen in summer 2021.

The venue is home to a year-round performance programme and last week hosted several events as part of Paisley’s Spree festival, and will be packed out again for the ever-popular PACE Youth Theatre panto this festive period.

While the arts centre had a number of improvements to the outside of the building in 2012 the facilities inside had become outdated and needed more than a makeover to change that – but the planned work will create 21st-century facilities inside the historic building.

The project is being taken forward by Renfrewshire Council and the venue will continue to be operated by Renfrewshire Leisure Ltd.

Cllr Lisa-Marie Hughes, chair of Renfrewshire Leisure said: “The images revealed today show how Paisley Arts Centre will be transformed into a unique and intimate performance venue capable of hosting a greater range of events and performances than ever before.

“The council is investing in Paisley’s venues as part of a wider push to use the area’s unique heritage and thriving cultural and events offer to bring people into the town and create new life and footfall.

“The revamped arts centre will be more than a building – it will be a place where the town’s next generation of talent can learn, be inspired and have their first time on a stage.

“It will also complement other investments happening in Paisley’s venues around the town – both council and community-run – helping connect, build and support the growing creative community already active in the town.

“We expect the improved performance programme the new facilities will allow us to offer will see increased numbers coming to arts centre shows day and night – and boost the surrounding pubs and eateries while here.”

Other major investments happening in Paisley town centre just now include a £42m transformation of Paisley Museum into a world-class destination showcasing the town’s internationally-significant collections and story.

There’s also work to preserve Paisley Town Hall’s place at the heart of life in the town by turning it into a landmark entertainment venue and a new learning and cultural hub offering library services to be built in a modern facility at the heart of Paisley High Street.

Chimney Gone from Paisley skyline

2019-10-24T11:11:00.001+01:00

The October break seen the removal of a chimney from the Skyline of Paisley that's been in place nearly 50 years.

Renfrewshire council have recently renewed the heating within Castlehead high school at Camphill and the former chimney was made redundant.

We went along for one last photo before it disappeared.

Union Court Paisley Biomass Burner

2019-10-24T11:09:00.000+01:00

Passing Union Court and thinking it was ablaze, was about to dial 999 when Fire Brigade arrived .. ends up this is the Biomass Burners kicking in when this happens !

Car Crash at Linwood Drive-thr

2019-10-24T11:06:00.001+01:00

A car crashed into Tim Hortons at the Phoenix in Linwood earlier this afternoon and made a new meaning of the term Drive-thru !

Its believed the Blue Lexus lost control on the roundabout before taking out the street sign opposite and crashing into a brand new car with the trade licence plate still attached before careering again and mounting the pavement and crashing into Tim Hortons.

Its obvious from the pictures that the metal Bicycle stands and seating saved the car from entering the building, just glad no one was on the seats or a disaster would have happened.

Its believed at this stage no one was seriously injured in the accident.

https://flic.kr/s/aHsmHSrhPE

The circus comes to town for Paisley Halloween Festival

2019-10-21T18:12:00.002+01:00

Paisley’s annual Halloween Festival returns on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 October with a Dark Circus theme for 2019 promising plenty of chills and thrills for visitors.

One of the largest festivals of its kind in the UK, this year’s event promises to be the biggest and best yet with internationally acclaimed outdoor theatre specialists, Cirque Bijou, helping to transform the entire town centre into the perfect Halloween playground.

The two-day spectacular, which routinely attracts tens of thousands to the town, will serve up a whole host of frighteningly fun, free activities for everyone to enjoy with the entire town serving as the stage.

The main spectacle of the festival is the carnival-style Halloween Parade which takes place on the Saturday and will see more than 300 costumed performers and community groups led through the town by the sinister Svengali ringmaster. The parade has a new, extended route for 2019 taking over the entire town centre and will boast magnificent floats and ferocious fire performers, creepy clowns and curious creatures, along to thrilling live music.

Immediately following the parade, no matter where visitors are positioned around the town centre, there will be something to see or experience as a series of live acts and activities will restart.

Aerial artists, All or Nothing, will also perform their death-defying act ‘Into the Dark’, which will see the artists circle and swirl around the haunted carousel over the grounds of the town’s iconic Abbey.

A new addition to this year’s festival is the ticketed spooky silent disco. Held in the heart of the town the disco is sure to deliver plenty of dancing, singing and Halloween fun for all the family.

The weekend will offer plenty of opportunities to join in the fun with a range of family-focussed Halloween-themed arts and crafts activities and workshops including pumpkin carving. 

Street theatre acts and walkabout performances will pop up around the town centre featuring the likes of the Spark LED Drummers and Mr Wilson’s Second Liners as well as acrobatic and hula hoop artists. There will also be a creative craft trail in a number of local cafes where visitors can do everything from building a bug to creating their very own gargoyle from clay.

Louisa Mahon, Head of Marketing, Communications and Events at Renfrewshire Council, said: “The annual Paisley Halloween Festival is always a highlight in our events calendar. 

Our increasingly ambitious programme attracts thousands of visitors each year and is now regarded as one of the best events of its kind in the UK.

“The festival has really cemented the town’s position as a key destination for visitors and is great for the local economy, with last year’s event worth more than £1.9m to the town and attracting 34,000 people. 

This year we aim to attract even more visitors to enjoy fabulous performances taking place across the town from high wire acts to the spectacular parade, and to sample our great selection of cafes, restaurants and shops."

The Paisley Halloween Festival, which was supported in 2018 through the Year of Young People event fund, was awarded £16,950 of National Programme funding from EventScotland for this year’s event.

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland, said: “The Paisley Halloween Festival continues to go from strength to strength and it is hugely exciting to see it sporting its biggest ever programme for 2019. This year’s exciting and innovative programme will no doubt engage audiences of all ages with aerial performances, arts & crafts activities, outdoor street theatre and the stunning Halloween Parade. Scotland is the perfect stage for cultural events and the festival is a great boost for Paisley, drawing thousands of visitors and locals alike to the town centre to enjoy this spectacular annual celebration."

High street firm Bonmarche calls in administrators

2019-10-18T21:02:00.000+01:00

Bonmarche has a store at The Piazza Shopping Centre in Paisley.

The womenswear retailer is the latest victim of the high street downturn after a "sustained period of challenging trading conditions.

The news follows Friday's announcement that department store Watt Brothers is also going into administration.

Bonmarche, which has stores 12 Scottish locations including Paisley, Glasgow, Clydebank, Cumbernauld, Greenock, Ayr, Motherwell, Livingston, East Kilbride, employs 2,887 staff across the UK.

Specialist advisory firm FRP, was appointed joint administrators of the firm on Friday.

Paisley set for Fireworks spectacular

2019-10-18T21:00:00.002+01:00

The skies above Paisley Abbey are set to be lit up with a dazzling fireworks display on Saturday 2 November.

Thousands are expected to don hats, scarves and gloves and head into Paisley town centre to watch the beautiful array of catherine wheels, rockets and sparklers on display backed by a soundtrack of popular 90s classic hits.

Gus from Pulse FM will welcome crowds with music and banter from 6.30pm before the fireworks get underway at 7pm lasting approximately 20 minutes.

Paisley’s winter events programme will continue with the town’s Christmas Lights Switch-On on Saturday 16 November.

There will be plenty of Christmas family fun including Christmas Choir concerts, Santa’s Grotto and the chance to meet Santa’s reindeer.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy exciting street artists, fantastic performances on the live stage and even head along to the festive roller disco.

The festive fun will also extend across Renfrewshire with Christmas Lights Switch-Ons in Renfrew on Saturday 23 November and Johnstone on Saturday 30 November.

The town centre also sees the return of the WinterFest event from 23 November until 30 December, run by Paisley First, featuring an outdoor ice rink, LEGO Paisley Penguin Parade Trail and plenty of festive fun.

Renfrewshire Council launches free sanitary products in community venues during Challenge Poverty Wee

2019-10-11T00:04:00.000+01:00

Renfrewshire Council is taking steps to tackle period poverty by providing free sanitary products for anyone who needs them in community venues.

Free sanitary products are now available in the toilets at Renfrewshire Leisure run Town Halls and libraries, and in the bathrooms and accessible toilets at its sports and leisure centres.

Nearly one in five women in Scotland have experienced period poverty, with 12% of girls saying they have resorted to using rags and socks during their time of the month.

Funding for the free sanitary products has been provided by the Scottish Government as part of its efforts to tackle period poverty in Scotland.

Councillor Michelle Campbell, Renfrewshire Council's Young Persons Champion, said: "Period poverty affects people across Renfrewshire, with some having to choose between feeding themselves and their families, and buying sanitary products.

pic: Cllr Michelle Campbell; Mags Gibson (co-ordinator at Home-Start Renfrewshire and Inverclyde); Jane Hamilton (co-ordinator at Home-Start Renfrewshire and Inverclyde); Cllr Lisa-Marie Hughes; Sally-Ann Bareford (volunteer at the STAR Project)

"We believe everyone has the right to a dignified life and we want to do everything we can to help anyone who finds themselves facing period poverty.

"The sanitary products we are putting into our community venues are free and available to anyone who needs them. Take whatever you need, whenever you need it."

The council started offering free sanitary products in schools last year and supplies are also available in community groups, including STAR Project, Active Communities, Home-Start Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau and Engage Renfrewshire, who can give to anyone who needs them.

The distribution of products to community groups is carried out by FareShare.

Heather Kay, project coordinator at STAR Project, said: "We firmly believe no person should have to experience period poverty and therefore make sanitary products readily available in our toilets. We also give people the opportunity to take boxes of sanitary products from our Community Pantry.

"Being able to receive free sanitary products through the Fareshare scheme is fantastic. Our members have benefited from it, with one person recently commenting she 'no longer dreads that time of the month where I need to decide between food or pads'."

The launch of the products in Renfrewshire community facilities coincides with Challenge Poverty Week, which runs until Sunday 13 October.

The week aims to highlight the reality of poverty in Scotland and the work being done to tackle it, showcase the solutions to poverty and increase public support for action to solve it.

Chairperson of Renfrewshire Leisure, Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes said: “There is an increasing awareness of the impact period poverty has on the lives of many people in society.

“We share a responsibility to ensure everyone has a decent standard of living and at Renfrewshire Leisure we feel it’s important that free sanitary products are easily available to those who need them.

“Our sports and leisure facilities are popular places where many people go and we hope there will be a good uptake of the free products being made available.”

Other activities which have taken place in Renfrewshire during Challenge Poverty Week include the launch of STAR Project's Community Fridge Recipe Book and a collection of toiletry products by Active Communities to highlight and tackle hygiene poverty.

For more information on where free sanitary products are available in Renfrewshire, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/periodpoverty

If your community group would like to receive free sanitary products from the council they should contact FareShare by emailing linda@moveon.org.uk

Memorial Service held service for Firefighter

2019-10-07T00:04:00.000+01:00

Edmund E Burt died on duty aged just 23 on 7th October 1968.

The fire happened at the Watson's Paper Mills in Linwood, Mr Burt was killed when part of the building collapsed whilst he and four others were inside the building - three were pulled to safety whilst Mr Burt was Killed by the falling masonry.

A memorial service was held by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and colleagues from other emergency services at Napier Street in Linwood on the eve of the 51st Anniversary.

https://flic.kr/s/aHsmHwu5vs

Photos of the 2018 50th Anniversary at https://flic.kr/s/aHsmHwuXJQ

Children's Headstones Reinstated

2019-09-29T19:46:00.001+01:00

A wrong that Sandy Smith has campaigned for two years to fix was put right at a cemetery in Renfrewshire this afternoon when people gathered to remember there "forgotten" brothers and sisters.

Each person gathered to lay a white rose to represent each child who was buried at Nittingshill Graveyard in Quarrier's Village from 1888 until 1971, as each rose was laid the heavens opened, sunshine then shone as the last rose was laid almost as if the angels had been crying.

The campaign began when it emerged that 80 headstones marking the graves of children who died while they lived at Quarrier's children's home near Bridge of Weir were inexplicably removed in the 1960s

According to Mr Smith, those children would still be lying in unmarked graves today if he hadn't returned six years ago to the place where he spent his childhood.

Quarrier's is one of several organisations investigated in the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry about abuse inflicted upon some children in its care.

A resident of Quarrier's from the age of five, and a victim of abuse, Mr Smith struggled with his childhood experiences.

After an attempt to take his own life and the breakdown of his marriage, he reconnected with his - and other children from Quarrier's - through an online forum in 2013.

He found a friend he first met in at the children's home in 1956. He had not seen her since she was removed from the home a few years later.

After meeting up with Jayne Savery, they became a couple and revisited the site of the home in 2013 in a bid to relive some happy memories.

They were shocked to find that when they entered the cemetery, the graves they remembered were gone.

Ms Savery said: "Only a Quarrier's child would have noticed that they were removed. As a little girl I used to play hopscotch using the gravestones as stepping stones as at that time they were flat on the ground."

Mr Smith was angry and upset.

He said: "Over time, it preyed on my mind and eventually in 2017, I called Quarrier's.

"I asked why they had been removed but no one could answer that. They promised the stones would be replaced by March or April 2018."

In January 2018, the Quarrier's charity apologised "for any distress caused" over the removal of headstones from Nittingshill cemetery and said it had plans to have them reinstated.

However, this took some time, with rows of stones gradually reinstated over the course of two years.

The last headstone was placed at the cemetery in August.
On Thursday, the stones were dedicated in a ceremony organised by Quarrier's. A total of 155 grave markers now show all the names of children buried there.

Mr Smith's support group, Quarrier's Warriors, has organised a memorial service on Sunday to mark the return of the headstones.

He said: "To leave a child in an unmarked grave is so shocking. For this to come to an end will be emotional. Now these children can be remembered once more. They will be rejoicing in heaven knowing we did not forget them and they will always be remembered."

Alice Harper, chief executive of Quarrier's said: "It was extremely important to Quarrier's to put grave markers in place.

"Having been approached by a group representing former residents requesting our support, we made an early commitment to putting grave markers in place as we agreed it was the right thing to do.

"Until now, children had been remembered and recognised with a plaque stating their name, age and year of death."

The stories of the first three children laid to rest at Quarrier's Nittingshill cemetery were shared at the dedication service.

Ten years after the village was established, William Sinclair, William Kean, and Sarah McLeod were buried there.

Orphaned at the age of three, William Sinclair went to Quarrier's in December 1887 but died just four months later.

William Kean, the eldest of four children, arrived aged nine in April 1887.

Their father, a brewery carter, expressed a strong desire for the children to be placed at Quarrier's. William died in May 1888 after a short illness. His siblings were migrated to Canada.

Sarah McLeod was the middle child of John, a baker from Skye and Mary from Dingwall.

Sarah came to Quarrier's in 1887 along with sister Bella, 10, and brother Archie, 5. Sarah died of heart disease in May 1888. Bella returned to her mother and Archie was migrated to Canada.

Quarrier's Village was established in 1878 by philanthropist William Quarrier, a successful merchant who had started his working life at the age of seven as a pin maker.

His charity was known as Orphan Homes of Scotland and was changed to Quarrier's Homes in 1958.

By the 1890s his "children's village" included 34 "cottages" a school and even a fire station - based around Mount Zion Church and Nittingshill Cemetery.

Children who were cared for by Quarrier's could be buried at the cemetery, alongside William Quarrier, his family and local residents.

From 1888 until 1971, 335 children were buried in Nittingshill Graveyard.

Mount Zion Church is now a residential property.

**Please note some blurring has been added to one image on purpose to protect the identities of some people attending**

2017-12-20T10:42:00.001+00:00

Man aged 51 critical after flat fire

Police have revealed a 51 year old man is fighting for his left after last nights flat fire in George Street and is described as "critical" in ICU at the RAH in Paisley. all others have been released including a six year old boy.

Its been revealed the flat was empty and police are looking for who is responsible for the blaze

“While there may have been no one in the flat that was targeted, this irresponsible and thoughtless act has resulted in a neighbour being seriously ill in hospital.

George Street is residential and it is entirely possible that people would have been in the street or driving by at the time of the incident.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have seen someone running from the flat or anyone acting suspiciously in the area between 8.45pm and 9pm to contact police.”

Any information can be passed to the CID at Paisley Police Station via 101.

Alternatively, details can be given in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Warning over Renfrewshire Council Licence switch

2013-02-07T11:11:00.001+00:00

Renfrewshire licensing chiefs are warning anyone planning an event locally not to be caught out by upcoming changes to the rules governing public entertainment.

Anyone planning to run a live performance or a fireworks display, among other things, will require a public entertainment licence as of this summer.

The rule-changes are set to come into force on 3 June of this year – meaning anyone organising events for the summer should think ahead now to make sure they get the licence they need.

Current examples of events which need a public entertainment licence include outdoor concerts, circuses, fairgrounds or large fetes, other than those run and hosted by schools, churches or voluntary groups.

As of June, licences will also be needed for video machine arcades, concert halls, fireworks displays, live performances, musical shows, paintball games, bungee jumping and motor shows.

Councillor John Hood, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Regulatory Functions Board, said: “We want organisers to be aware of these changes now so they can make sure all the paperwork is in place for any events they hold in the summer and beyond.

“We are keen to avoid a situation where we have to take action to stop events from happening because those running it weren’t aware the rules had changed and hadn’t got the proper licence.

“Organisers should bear in mind any application for a public entertainment licence will have to go through a four-week-minimum statutory notice period during which the public can make objections.
“Depending on the circumstances, the period for finalising an application could be significantly longer than four weeks – which is why we would encourage potential applicants to find out what they have to do ahead of any summer events.

“The council’s licensing staff can offer advice on what the rule-changes mean. They be reached by calling 0141 842 4499 or by emailing licensing.cs@renfrewshire.gov.uk.”

Johnstone Off-Licence robbed twice in 12 hours

2013-01-21T20:05:00.001+00:00

POLICE are hunting thieves after an off-licence was robbed twice in less than 24 hours.
The first incident took place at the G101 store on Kilbarchan Road in Johnstone, Renfrewshire, at 11.50am on Sunday.

Two female members of staff, aged 28 and 61, were threatened by a man with a weapon who made off with cash and cigarettes.

The suspect, who ran off towards McLaurin Crescent, is white, 5ft 9ins and was wearing a faded red t-shirt, a black beanie style-hat, a black scarf covering his face, a brown Parka-style jacket with a furry hood, brown jogging bottoms and white trainers.

At 10.20am today, the same store was targeted again by a man who threatened two female staff before leaving with a quantity of cash.

He is described as white, 5ft 10ins and wearing a blue jacket, dark-coloured jogging bottoms, a dark scarf around his face and a beanie hat.

Detective Sergeant Gerry McWatt, of Paisley CID, said: "These robberies have been a terrifying experience for the members of staff working at the off sales.

"Any information could prove crucial to helping officers track these men down.

"I'd like to reassure the local community we are doing everything we can to catch the men responsible.
"Officers are carrying out door-to-door enquiries and examining CCTV footage."

Anyone with information on the incidents is asked to contact Paisley police office on 0141 532 5900 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Also in the Strathclyde force area, a 35-year-old member of staff at the Express service station, Forest Road in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, was threatened with what appeared to be a gun at 5.20am on Sunday.

Glasgow Demolition Package Announced

2013-01-15T00:05:00.000+00:00

The Glasgow Housing Association has selected three firms to carry out major demolition jobs over the next four years.
The association has carved up work packages into three pipelines identified for the first two years of the framework arrangement.
GHA’s favoured trio of firms, selected from seven bidders, are: Birkenhead-based Technical Demolition Services, Edinburgh-based Dem-Master and Dundee blow down specialist Safedem.
These demolition contractors have proven track records with the association on major schemes as part of the city’s plans to tear down blighted housing estates.

Value of two-year work packages
- Technical Demolition Services: £4.1m
- Dem-Master: £1.1m
- Safedem: £4.7m

Details of the full four-year programme have still to be finalised, but Glasgow Housing Association expects to clear many more high rise blocks up to 31 storeys high, covering up to 2,000 flats and about 250 low rise flats as part of its social house building programme.
Its collaborative partners: New Gorbals Housing Association, Southside Housing Association and Sanctuary Group, will demolish a further 1,500 flats as they clear sites for redevelopment.

SFR respone to Paisley House Fire ( Gallowhill )

2013-01-07T10:54:00.000+00:00

Firefighters tackled a blaze at a house in Paisley yesterday afternoon (Sunday, January 6).

Crews from Paisley and Renfrew Community Fire Stations rushed to the Gallowhill area around 12:15pm, responding to reports of a fire at a Schaw Road property.

Arriving less than four minutes after receiving an emergency call from a member of the public, firefighters entered the building in full breathing apparatus.

The team used a high pressure hosereel jet to douse the flames, which had taken hold in the kitchen of the property.

Strathclyde Fire & Rescue personnel treated one man for slight smoke inhalation, with an ambulance called to take him to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley.

A woman and small child were also taken to the hospital for precautionary check-ups.

The incident shows how fire can strike anywhere and is a stark reminder of the need for every home to have at least one working smoke alarm.

Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay, the Director of Community Safety for Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, said:" "In the event of a fire, a smoke alarm will give you, and your family, vital life-saving minutes to escape safely.

"If you, or someone you know, doesn't have a working smoke alarm I would urge you to fit one immediately or call Strathclyde Fire & Rescue on 0800 0731 999. We will supply and fit long life smoke alarms and a heat alarm free of charge."

To arrange a free Home Fire Safety Visit for you or someone you know, call Strathclyde Fire & Rescue on 0800 0731 999 or text "check" to 61611. You can also get in touch by calling your local community fire station.

Massive blaze during the night in Paisley

2012-12-28T09:35:00.001+00:00

A fire broke out at a warehouse containing potentially explosive materials and forced the closure of a train line.

The scene during the night

The blaze broke out at around 3.30am on Friday in a building in Clark Street in Paisley, Renfrewshire.

Around 30 firefighters from Paisley, Johnstone, Renfrew, Clydebank and Milngavie stations battled the flames that could be seen coming through the roof of the building, while they received reports that a person may have been inside an adjacent property at risk of catching fire.

SFR Govan on standby as forensic work takes place

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the burning building where they discovered cylinders containing acetylene, which when heated can become "extremely volatile and explode violently", according to Strathclyde Fire and Rescue.

A fire service spokesman said: "Due to the risk of the acetylene cylinders exploding an initial 200m cordon was put in place for the safety of the public and the nearby main railway line serving Paisley Gilmour Street was closed. Clark Street was also closed to allow firefighters to deal with the incident.
"Firefighters immediately started to use large amounts of water to cool the acetylene cylinders to prevent them from heating up any further.

SFR Govan on standby at the scene this morning

"Due to the quick actions of firefighters in dealing with the acetylene cylinders the main railway line was reopened at 5.20am this morning ensuring train commuters were not affected and the exclusion zone reduced to the confines of the building that was on fire."

Fire service personnel managed to search the adjacent building where they confirmed that no one was present.

A joint investigation into the cause of the fire is being undertaken by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and Strathclyde Police.

Early morning Fire at Johnstone High street

2012-12-23T19:39:00.002+00:00

The second incident involved a fire in a tenement property in Johnstone again around 6am this morning.

The fire broke out at the property in High Street - with reports of people being inside the properties.
Appliances from Johnstone and Paisley Community Fire Stations attended and again the crews donned full breathing apparatus and fought their way through the smoke finding that discarded material had been set alight in the close of the tenement building.

One female resident was led to safety and was suffering from slight smoke inhalation. Firefighters administered oxygen therapy whilst awaiting the arrival of the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Firefighters also administered oxygen therapy to a Strathclyde Police Officer who suffered from slight smoke inhalation after entering the close of the tenement whilst trying to assist the householders before the arrival of SFR. The officer was passed to the care of the paramedics and was taken to hospital as a precaution. This incident highlights the importance of ensuring combustible material is never stored or left in communal stairways of tenements and flats.

These incidents, which struck in the early hours of the morning, show how fire can strike anywhere at any time. Strathclyde Fire & Rescue is urging the public to Join the Fight against Fire and help prevent tragedy over the festive period.

A Paisley nightclub has had its licence suspended for 10 weeks

2012-12-21T20:42:00.000+00:00

A Paisley nightclub has had its licence suspended for 10 weeks after police reported it was rife with violence and drug-taking.

Incidents included a fight that left a teenage girl covered in blood and another reveller suffering a head injury after falling on the dance floor at Club 69.

Renfrewshire Licensing Board also heard stories of problems with CCTV and security, drug taking and drunkenness at the New Sneddon Street venue.

Police also reported an alleged lock-in at the club and issues with the licensing of door staff, both of which are the subject of reports to the procurator fiscal.

Councillors were also told the club had never logged on to the Paisley Town Centre Radio Link, which is a condition of its late-hours licence.

The board voted to impose the suspension after reading a letter to the board from Strathclyde Police chief superintendent Alan Speirs.

Councillor Alex Murrin, Convener of Renfrewshire Licensing Board, said: “Our licensing objectives are to prevent crime and disorder, secure public safety, prevent public nuisance, and protect and improve public health.

“It was considered the premises were operating in a manner inconsistent with these aims.

“We appreciate that the vast majority of premises in Renfrewshire do take their responsibilities seriously, but we will take action against any premises which continually fails to do so.”

Chief Superintendent Speirs added: “We work hard to ensure all pubs and clubs are safe places for people to socialise and enjoy alcohol responsibly.

“Despite guidance and support, the running of Club 69 fell well short of the standards expected.
“Public safety is always our focus and we will continue to ensure licensed premises stay within the law and the terms of their licence.”

£500k cash boost to help restore fountain

2012-12-19T17:19:00.002+00:00

A historic Paisley landmark is set to be returned to its former glory thanks to a lottery cash boost of more than half a million pounds

The money will go towards the restoration of the Grand Fountain – the centrepiece of Paisley’s Fountain Gardens park.

The eight-metre-tall Category A-listed monument is considered to be one of Scotland’s finest remaining fountains.

The project to restore it is supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, which has awarded a grant of £527,100.

Councillor Terry Kelly, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Planning and Economic Development Policy Board, has welcomed the news He said: “We are delighted to have secured this funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. “This money will go a long way towards ensuring this link with Paisley’s rich industrial past will be kept alive for future generations to enjoy.

“The project will also provide a community benefit, in that local volunteers and tradespeople will be encouraged to learn more about the traditional skills needed to restore and maintain the fountain.

"The community have already been involved in the efforts to secure this funding and it is great to see their efforts rewarded."

The fountain dates back to 1868, having been gifted to the people of Paisley by Thomas Coats of Ferguslie, joint-owner of the once-massive J&P Coats textile firm.

It still stands as a proud reminder of the town’s rich industrial heritage but is currently fenced off for safety.

The work will restore the cast-iron fountain’s surfaces and decorative detail as well its original colour scheme.

The council is still awaiting the outcome of an application for funding to Historic Scotland.

If successful, this will be added to the Heritage Lottery money and council funding to meet the full £660,000 cost of the project.

Fountain Gardens – recognised as Paisley’s oldest public garden – were created in 1797 by John Love, a local textile manufacturer after whom the adjoining Love Street was named.

Thomas Coats bought the park in 1866 and redesigned the open space before gifting it to the townspeople two years later.

Kylie, Doctor Nutini and a touch of Gerry Rafferty for paisley all in 48 hours

2012-11-23T17:43:00.003+00:00

Well it certinaly was a crazy 48 hours for Paisley which started off with Kylie Minogue being here on Wednesday morning ahead of going to Stirling castle to do a xmas special with Rod stewart for STV and if that wasn't enough we had Doctor Paolo Nutini here the same afternoon and next day we had Gerry Rafferty Drive opened by martha and mark rafferty, a crazy 48 hours for Paisley this week.

As usuall all the photos on Flivkr and the Kylie photos on the website under the members area, for members of the site.

Python found on Paisley Toilet seat

2012-11-21T17:18:00.002+00:00

An elderly couple were left "shocked" after they found a snake wrapped around a toilet seat in their home in Paisley.

The couple discovered the young royal python in the bathroom of their flat on Storie Street on 17 November.
They contacted the Scottish SPCA, which rescued the snake and named her Lulu.
A spokesperson for the charity said it was believed that the snake had got in through a gap in the wall by the toilet pipe and then wrapped itself around the seat.
It is being cared for at the charity's Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Cardonald.
Ch Insp Fiona Henderson said: "The lady who found her got quite a fright, but did the right thing by containing the snake in the room and calling us for help.
"Pythons are generally known for their placid nature and relatively small size, so although they can look a bit scary, they aren't dangerous.
"We're keen to reunite Lulu with her owner, who probably lives close by.
"She's in good body condition and well fed, so we're sure someone is missing her."
Anyone who recognises Lulu is asked to contact the Scottish SPCA.

Thousands Flock to Erskine Fireworks Display

2012-11-02T21:36:00.003+00:00

Erskine seen a crowd of about 2,500 tonight for there now yearly fireworks display.

Police launch Festive Crackdown

2012-11-01T11:55:00.000+00:00

Police were out to launch the festive crackdown today in Paisley.