A BUSY politician has been meeting members of the Barrhead community as part of a ‘summer tour.’

West Scotland MSP Paul O’Kane has held street surgeries during the Scottish Parliamentary recess in a bid to get out and about and hear about the issues people are facing.

He also headed along to the RAMH (Recovery Across Mental Health) Causeway base, in Carlibar Road, to meet with staff.

The Labour man said: “Parliament takes a break and that gives me the chance to meet with groups and people and touch base with a lot of projects that I’ve taken notice of during the year.

“I thoroughly enjoyed meeting with RAMH. The work and support they provide has always been important but, given the isolation that many people endured during the pandemic period and the challenges households are facing in the cost-of-living crisis, I believe their work will be more important than ever.

“Barrhead is benefitting from RAMH’s local projects and I’m sure the entire community commends them for it.”

Stephen McLellan, RAMH chief executive, welcomed Mr O’Kane’s visit.

He said: “It’s important that MSPs get a sense of what is happening on the ground from people who are delivering services.”

Ahead of his street surgeries, Mr O’Kane leaflets people to let them know he is visiting their area.

Topics raised during surgeries in Barrhead have included parking issues and housing problems.

Mr O’Kane added: “It’s important to me that I’m not just a name or face on a flyer but actually someone people will recognise and feel comfortable to talk about what’s important to them.

“I’ve found that the vast majority of people have been happy for me to chap their door and have a quick chat about the issues they care about.”