RENFREW Gala Day is set to be relocated due to maintenance work causing closures at its traditional Robertson Park home.

Improvement work commenced last month, meaning areas have been cordoned off during construction.

And this will have a knock-on effect for Renfrew’s annual gala day, which draws in thousands of revellers each year.

The event will go ahead as planned on Sunday, June 4, from 1pm to 4pm, but at a different venue in the grounds of Renfrew Sports Centre, in Newmains Road. This year’s parade will now depart from Craigielea Road.

Renfrew Community Council chairwoman Effie McGachie told the Gazette: “It is a big area, so we aren’t too concerned about having to cut back on anything we would usually have.

“It would have been nice to have had it in the park as we have done so for many years. However, it is better the work is done properly in the park. It is meant to finish by August but I doubt they will have it done on time.

“The work should have been last summer and we haven’t been kept well informed.”

The work includes infrastructure repairs to paths, roads and drainage, as well as improved play facilities.

Ms McGachie added: “I think, in terms of the improvements, there should be more for the children.

“I think an assault course would also be good for the teenagers, to use their energy so they have less for vandalising.

“We also have an idea about turning the pavilion into a cafe that volunteers from the community council could run from April to September.”

A spokeswoman for Renfrewshire Council confirmed the gala day will be relocated due to the ongoing work.

She said: “Improvement works at Robertson Park commenced last month. Areas of the park will remain open to the public throughout construction.

“However, there will be no access to the park from the main gates on Inchinnan Road or Craigielea Road.

“The main grass area in the park can be accessed from the pedestrian access on Craigielea Road.

“The skatepark and bowling green can all be accessed from Paisley Road, while the McMaster Centre can be accessed from Donaldson Drive/Ferguson Street.

“The restricted sites within the park will be made available for public use as soon as the programme of works is complete. Renfrew Gala Day 2017 will be held in the grounds of Renfrew Sports Centre.”