Business owners hope to arrange the sort of colourful celebration that’s been missing from the town centre for many years.

Among the highlights being planned are a fun fair, Christmas market and a lights switch on.

The lack of decorations in the town has been a bone of contention amongst residents in recent years, as the town struggled to muster so much as a Christmas tree.

But now Barrhead’s Business Improvement District (BID) steering group is pushing to bring back the festive fizz.

Sarah Park-Patterson, owner at Bluestone Gift Shop and vice chairwoman of the BID steering group, has appealed for business owners to take up a stall at the town’s Christmas market.

She said: “We want to have a diverse range of stalls on offer and we have already had a good bit of interest and people signing up to have a stall, including well known businesses like Scott’s Stores and Kelburn Brewery.

“We want to ask businesses who are local to Barrhead to get involved first and foremost before we open it up to businesses outwith the area.

“But we really need names by October 5.” Businesses will pay just £30 for a stall, with the market taking place in a prominent place in the town such as infront of Asda or in Tesco car park — a location is yet to be confirmed.

At the latest meeting of the group, it was heard that: “Asda have provided the SG with a grant form to go towards the cost of installing a Christmas tree and roles have been assigned for the organisation of the event.” Pulse 98.4 has been approached to host the big event on Barrhead Main Street, which could take place in front of Asda.

A number of volunteers will be sought to help run the event.

An updated project plan with full details of contacts made so far, volunteers required, scope for each task and budget allocated was drawn up this week.

At a meeting of the steering group, chaired by New Yorker owner Paul Santi, also heard that 78 per cent of shoppers use the town centre shops up to three times a week.

Shoppers also said they feel “unsafe” in the town.

The ambitious Christmas plans would bring Barrhead in line with the neighbouring towns of Clarkston, Giffnock and Paisley.

For years town residents have looked on in envy at their sparkling town centres that add a festive feel to the Christmas shopping experience.

The BID is currently at the proposal stage.

Similar BIDs have already proved to be a success in Giffnock and Clarkston with the latter having recently renewed its five-year business strategy.

The BID framework has been used to enhance town centres, tourism or business parks with successful examples bringing a range of improvements such as better safety and security measures, community events, marketing and loyalty schemes, all of which can drive footfall and attract more investment.

Anyone wishing to get involved should contact info@allaboutbarrhead.co.uk