Closed and boarded-up shops, a rash of ‘To Let’ signs and the growing number of discount stores all make for depressing viewing on what was once the jewel in Renfrewshire’s retail crown.

Locals have been demanding action to put things right. And, yesterday, planning chiefs at Renfrewshire Council vowed to heed their calls.

They want to see more people shopping, socialising and opening businesses in Paisley.

And Bob believes the town will enjoy a brighter future if new life can be breathed into three key buildings – the former council headquarters in Cotton Street, the abandoned Arnotts building in Gauze Street and the former Littlewoods site in the High Street.

Read more from the interviews with Renfrewshire Council’s new head of planning Fraser Carlin, planning and economic development director Bob Darracott and Paisley Town Centre project director Jim Dewar at the Paisley Daily Express