A CAMPAIGN to create a statue for one of Glasgow's most inspirational figures has been backed by a neigh-bouring council.

Former MP Maria Fyfe wants to create a memorial in 2015 for "working class hero" Mary Barbour, the city's first female councillor.

And now two Ren-frewshire councillors have pledged to support the campaign for Mary, who was born in Kilbarchan.

Councillor Derek Bibby and Chris Gilmour, whose wards cover Kilbarchan, have submitted a motion calling for greater recognition for the achievements of the "Renfrewshire-born pioneer".

They have pledged to work with local groups to look at ways of recog-nising Mary's efforts, which included paving the way for a law restr-icting rent rises during the First World War.

The Evening Times understands plans are also under way to create a short film about her life.

Mary, who lived in Govan in the early 1900s, campaigned against steep rent rises during the First World War, leading to a law restricting the power of private landlords.

She also pushed for welfare benefits including free milk for schoolchildren, pensions for mothers, municipal banks, wash houses, laundries and public baths and the city's first family-planning clinic.

Councillor Chris Gilmour said: "She was a remarkable woman in remarkable times.

"If you consider the inequalities women were facing and she stood up to landlords when the men were away fighting a war. It's an interesting parallel to what is going on today."

The motion submitted to Renfrewshire Council states: "Council welcomes and supports moves to build a monument in honour of Kilbarchan-born and radical visionary Mary Barbour, Glasgow City Council's first female councillor.

"Council further will work with interested groups to look at ways of recognising the work of this Renfrewshire- born pioneer."

More than £1200 has already been gifted to the campaign for a statue, which supporters hope could be sited in George Square.

Mary was born on February 22, 1875, the daughter of a carpet weaver.

In 1915, when she was married and living in Govan, local landlords tried to implement steep rent increases.

At risk were 7000 pensioners and families whose men were fighting in France.

Mary organised tenant committees and eviction resistance, culminating in a mass protest involving 20,000 people who became known as "Mrs Barbour's Army".

For more information about the campaign or to make a donation visit www.remember marybarbour

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk