The people driving forward a project that aims to bring new life to the town centre are planning a festive gathering on Saturday, November 28.

It’s one of the main ideas to have come out of ongoing proposals to establish a Business Improvement District (BID) in the town.

Sarah Park-Patterson, owner of Bluestone on Cross Arthurlie Street, and a member of the BID steering group, hopes to see as many people involved as possible.

She said: “We really want to get as many local people and businesses involved in this as we can.

“It is the first time that we have attempted something like this and we feel that it is something that the town, and its businesses, can really benefit from.” The BID’s steering group is proposing to host an event that would involve carol singers, schools and performances from local bands.

Youngsters in the town will also be delighted to know that Father Christmas himself is expected to make a surprise appearance.

Pulse 98.4 is set to host the event in years and the Barrhead News is one of many businesses to have agreed to host a stall at the Christmas market.

News editor Graham Mann said: “We are delighted to be able to offer our support to a Christmas event that local people have been crying out for.

“The seasonal spirit has been sorely lacking in the town in recent years, and hopefully this will go some way to addressing that.” 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 with envy at their sparkling town centres that add a festive feel to the Christmas shopping experience.

The BID process 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