THE chairman of a disability group met with East Renfrewshire's MP to discuss a variety of issues affecting those with disabilities.

Michael McEwan, who oversees the running of East Renfrewshire Disability Action (ERDA), sat down with Kirsten Oswald to highlight the work the group is doing.

The pair arranged to meet at Ms Oswald's Thornliebank office where they chatted in depth about ERDA's campaign to address the shortage of wheelchair-accessible taxis in East Renfrewshire amongst other subjects.

Michael was grateful to have been given the chance to gauge the MP's views on a number of topics on August 5.

He said: "I met with Kirsten because she wanted to meet with me to speak about ERDA and also the taxi issue as well in East Renfrewshire so it was just a general meeting.

"I emailed Kirsten and Stewart Maxwell last year about accessible vehicles in East Renfrewshire but, because Kirsten was new to Westminster, it was one of these ones where she could do the dates and I couldn't.

"I went up to her office and met her in Thornliebank. She was very nice and approachable."

ERDA aims to promote the rights of and inclusiveness for disabled people living in the area and Michael left the meeting elated after Ms Oswald pledged her long-term support to the group by becoming a member.

"It was good because she actually joined ERDA as well," he said.

"I wasn't hoping for anything but at these meetings I take along a membership form in case people want to join because we're crying out for members as it is.

"She was very supportive of what we were doing; we spoke about most things in East Renfrewshire.

"I was explaining to her as well that we've not got a lot of active members and that's a disappointing thing and she said she could speak about that in her monthly newsletter.

"Also, she's going to tweet and post about it on Facebook."

Ms Oswald was just as happy to be able to offer her services to the organisation.

She said: "I had a really useful discussion with ERDA and fully support their work, including their campaign for better access to transport in East Renfrewshire.

"I was also very pleased to join ERDA – membership is free, and it is open to those with disabilities and those without disabilities who support the aims of the group.

"I look forward very much to working with them to make improvements for disabled people locally."

To find out more information about the work ERDA does, or to sign up to the group, visit www.erda.org.uk