Shopmobility Renfrewshire has welcomed plans by Renfrewshire Council to tackle the issue of commercial waste bins cluttering streets and pavements in Paisley town centre.
The organisation, which supports people with mobility difficulties, says the proposals could make the town centre safer and more accessible for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users and families with prams.
Councillor Kenny MacLaren, Chair of Shopmobility Renfrewshire, said the plans would bring benefits beyond improving the appearance of the town centre.
He said: “The plans by the council to explore ways to enhance the town centre experience, which is often impacted by the sight of bulky, brightly coloured trade waste containers lining the streets, lanes, and pavements will also have a benefit for people who use wheelchairs, mobility scooters and even those with prams.”
Shopmobility Renfrewshire has previously raised concerns about large commercial bins taking up significant sections of pavement in parts of Paisley town centre.
The organisation says this can force people using wheelchairs and mobility scooters to move onto busy roads in order to get past the obstructions.
While acknowledging that action has been taken in the past, Shopmobility believes the new plans, which will involve consultation with local businesses and Paisley First, will help strengthen enforcement and provide a long-term solution.
Businesses will be expected to work with their waste contractors to ensure waste collections can continue while complying with the proposed bins off-street policy. In some cases, this may require smaller bins and more frequent collections.
The council has said support will be available to help businesses adapt to the changes.
Council officers will carry out engagement with Paisley First, local businesses and waste collection contractors to discuss how the new system will operate and ensure those affected are supported through the process.
Renfrewshire Council plans to begin engagement with external partners ahead of a proposed soft launch in September 2026, with enforcement measures for non-compliance expected to come into force from 1st October 2026.
Karen Miller, Office Manager and Fundraising Officer for Shopmobility Renfrewshire, said: “Too often we’ve had reports of our members having to risk life and limb going onto busy roads with mobility scooters or wheelchairs simply because someone has left these large commercial bins on the pavement, making it impossible for those using scooters and wheelchairs to get safely past them.
“This new policy covering Paisley town centre is a great idea and will make it safer not just for people using mobility equipment but also for others such as those using prams who struggle to get past these bins.
“Hopefully this policy is a success and it can then be rolled out all across Renfrewshire.”