A VILLAGE gala day that attracts hundreds of revellers has been scrapped this year due to a lack of volunteers.
People of all ages flock to the Bridge of Weir Gala Day, the main event in the village’s social calendar.
However, there will be no 2019 event as not enough people have stepped forward to organise the celebration.
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Councillor James MacLaren, who represents the village, urged people to volunteer.
He said: “Unfortunately, not enough people have stepped forward to volunteer. While I recognise that it takes a lot of commitment, events such as the gala day simply do not just happen on the day.
“I hope this can encourage people in the village to come forward next year to ensure the gala can come back better than ever before.”
Bridge of Weir Councillor Natalie Don said the gala day committee will need more help in future.
“The Bridge of Weir Festival Committee has done a wonderful job in the past,” she said.
“However, they need more people to come forward and help. I will do all I can to assist and I encourage anyone in Bridge of Weir who has some spare time to get involved in local groups.”
Besides a lack of volunteers, Councillor MacLaren complained of “bureaucracy” at Renfrewshire Council, saying more paperwork had to be filled out than in previous years, which created a hold-up in getting a committee together.
However, council chiefs said organisers were seeking additional licences, resulting in more paperwork.
A spokeswoman added: “The application process for our public entertainment licence, which is needed for all public entertainment events, has not changed.
“If an application is made for an event which is the same as was held previously, then no additional paperwork will be required.
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“However, if the event-holders change the nature of the event and include new matters such as the sale of alcohol or the provision of market stalls, then additional licensing applications are required for these new activities.
She added: “The fee for a public entertainment licence is waived for many community events, including Bridge of Weir Gala Day.”
The gala committee will now focus on ensuring the festive Santa Sleigh event goes ahead.
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