EAST Renfrewshire Greens are bidding to make history by getting their first councillors elected in the region.

The party has named the two candidates it hopes residents will vote for.

David Allison will stand for the Barrhead, Liboside and Uplawmoor ward, while Laura Stevens is in the running for the Clarkston, Netherlee and Williamwood ward.

After working in social housing for the past 10 years, David is looking to use his experience of working with the public and private sector to make sure East Renfrewshire Council “lives up to the needs” of those it serves.

Fellow Green Laura has worked as an archivist and is a former community councillor in East Renfrewshire.

East Renfrewshire Greens will campaign to replace what it describes as the “unfair” council tax.

The party’s candidates will also work with MSPs to bring empty homes and land back into use, and ensure the council has the powers it needs to tackle high private rents and increase its social housing stock.

An East Renfrewshire Greens spokesman said: “Scottish Greens don’t believe that councils exist just to pass on cuts decided elsewhere.

“We think local authorities should have more responsibility for their own finances and will continue to campaign to replace the unfair council tax.

“We want to build a council that trusts its residents and is trusted in return, and will work to put participatory budgeting, local consultation and community councils at the heart of local decision making.

“Bus service cuts, an unreliable rail service and poor transport links to the new Eastwood Health and Care Centre show the need to bring public services into public hands, and to fully consult with local communities on future transport decisions.

“We will support improvements to cycling and walking routes and work to ensure that Green proposals bring genuine benefits to the community and the environment.”