THOUSANDS of pounds are being injected into Johnstone town centre in an attempt to entice more shoppers.

The Johnstone Business Consortium has been awarded a £8,000 grant from the Renfrewshire Council Local Area Committee (LAC) Fund.

Members will use the cash to stage various events in the town centre, including a craft market which will take place in Houstoun Square this Saturday, from 11am to 3pm.

The funding will also support an Easter egg hunt in the town centre, as well as festive events to boost Christmas trade.

In addition, members of the group are hoping to arrange regular entertainment at the Houstoun Square bandstand, with local musicians and dance groups invited to take part.

Allan Henderson, chairman of Johnstone Business Consortium, has welcomed the funding boost.

He told the Gazette: “Most of the cash will go towards covering the expense of applying for licenses, which is colossal.

“We want to bring life into the town again, encouraging crowds by offering entertainment and putting money back into the local economy.

“The town was really hit hard with the opening of the shopping centres at Braehead and Silverburn.

“Johnstone can be like a ghost town on a Saturday.

“What we are trying to do is get more focus back into the town centre.”

The Johnstone Business Consortium has staged a number of events in recent years, which have been well supported by traders and the wider community.

It is hoped that staging regular entertainment in the town centre will increase footfall and boost community spirit.

Alan added: “These events will bring the community together, both young and old.

“Please do get in touch if you would like to get involved in the Johnstone Business Consortium or hear about the work we do.”

To find out more or to offer your support, go online at www.facebook.com/johnstonebuzz