Leader of Renfrewshire Council Mark Macmillan helped weed out trees and vegetation 40ft up a building in Paisley's High Street.

The move comes as part of the council's Paisley Property Clean-up campaign to get private town centre property owners to clean up their buildings.

Recently, the council has become "increasingly concerned" at the greenery taking root in some blocks. It believes the poor visual state and lack of maintenance create a bad image, undermining work to encourage visitors and new businesses.

Mr Macmillan said: "I'd rather keep my feet firmly on the ground but I thought I'd take the initiative, don the hard hat, climb on to the cherry picker and make a start on cleaning up our town centre.

"There's no excuse for the private property owners not living up to their responsibility to keep their buildings well-maintained."

Private property owners make up around 90% of the town centre and grants are available to help them clean up their property frontages.

The council has written to more than 500 owners warning them of their responsibilities.

However if they fail to maintain their properties, they could face an enforcement order compelling them to carry out work on the buildings.

Councillor Macmillan added: "Both the private and public sectors have a role to play in the regeneration of Paisley town centre and the least that private property owners can do is make sure their buildings create a decent image of our town. I would urge property owners in the town centre to clean up their buildings.

"It is to their own benefit, as a better- looking town centre will attract new shops and businesses."

Renfrewshire Council will host a seminar in Paisley Town Hall on November 9 to give owners information and advice about maintenance and repair.

To register, contact conservation@ hypostyle.co.uk

fiona.mckay@ heraldandtimes.co.uk