CHRISTMAS has been cancelled in towns across Renfrewshire, with council chiefs scrapping this year's festive lights switch-on celebrations.

The decision to pull the plug on the seasonal events in Johnstone, Renfrew and Paisley as a result of the coronavirus crisis is a major blow to businesses already reeling from the impact of lockdown.

Paisley's annual fireworks display has also been cancelled.

Renfrewshire Council has said Christmas lights will still be displayed in local towns and it is planning other activities that will boost footfall over the festive period.

However, it added that, with physical distancing measures likely to be in place for some months and taking into account the length of time needed to safely organise major events, cancelling the switch-on celebrations is a "prudent" move.

Council leader Iain Nicolson told The Gazette: “I know this will be disappointing news for everyone who supports and attends our popular winter programme and we are sorry that these events cannot go ahead this year.

"I hope everyone will understand that we must put public health first and will do everything we can to be back in 2021.

“Scottish Government guidance currently prevents mass gatherings from taking place and, since we announced the cancellation of our summer and autumn programme, major events and festivals across the country have continued to be cancelled.

"Even if the restrictions due to coronavirus were relaxed, physical distancing measures are likely to remain in place for some time to ensure we do not experience local outbreaks and a further lockdown.

“Our major events take months of extensive planning and organising and, with uncertainty over how and when they can return, we have to take this difficult but prudent decision now."

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond

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