Mieka Smiles

As a councillor it can sometimes feel like you get nothing right. Win funding for a new bench and some will be chuffed to have a new place to rest their legs.

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Simultaneously, there’ll be others convinced said bench is a beacon for antisocial behaviour. It can be hard to please everyone.

The stakes are raised to a whole new level when something major is proposed a retail outlet that could cause a gridlock, a late-night venue or a whopping new housing estate.

I understand the accusations of NIMBYism but, I’m proud to be a NIMBY if that means making sure residents' thoughts are listened to before miles of fields are concreted over. In my ward of Nunthorpe in Middlesbrough, where I serve as a Conservative councillor, this has been an ongoing issue since my election and for many moons before.

As councillors and community leaders, we have worked hard to get residents what they deserve, with our area often taking the brunt of the town’s new housing. A long-awaited community centre, a new GP surgery and funding for local schools have all happened thanks to locals who really care.