MSP Derek Mackay and Renfrew North SNP Councillor Bill Perrie have welcomed the assurance that the High Street flower beds are here to stay.

The duo had received complaints from local residents, who claim to have been told Renfrewshire Council was planning to downgrade the popular town centre displays.

Renfrewshire North MSP Derek Mackay said: “Environmental services have been subject to Labour-led Renfrewshire council cuts, so I was concerned when I heard the rumours that the popular town centre displays were to be downgraded. However, I will take the council official at his word that this will not now happen.

“The Council has acknowledged investment in our town centres is important, so providing well maintained, clean and attractive streets should be continued.

“The floral displays are widely complimented, indeed last time there were recommendations to replace the displays with concrete there was fury in the town.” Councillor Bill Perrie also commented: “There have been many reductions to environmental quality under this Labour Council, and it seems credible town centre displays were next on their list. However I am glad we sought and received this assurance from officials in this instance. There does remain the wider concern about Labour cuts to environmental quality nonetheless.”