I joined the Green Party soon after arriving in Sheffield in the mid 1980s, but became more active around the start of the war in Iraq and the proposal to build a giant new incinerator in the city. I stood in the local elections in Central ward, where I live. I was elected as Sheffield's first Green City Councillor in 2004.

Being a councillor is hard work, even compared to my former life as a full time medical doctor (GP). But I have enjoyed being able to help people with individual problems and local campaigns. Getting parks cleared and refurbished, or more recycling bring banks, or a residents parking scheme make a real difference to local communities.

My biggest achievements have been initiating a major policy review of affordable housing, getting Sheffield Homes to agree to re-roofing maisonettes on Hanover and Lansdowne Estates and successfully opposing Sheffield's bid for a Supercasino which would have damaged the local economy (not to speak of the traffic problems and increase in crime). More recently, I initiated a policy review on noise nuisance which has led to the introduction of a late night service by Environmental Protection Officers for residents reporting disturbances.

As a lone Green Councillor and as part of a small group (Bernard was elected in 2006 and Rob in 2008), we have had an influence way above our numbers. We have championed environmental issues across the city, kept up the pressure for better public transport, pushed for a city wide carbon target, put forward a well argued alternative waste strategy. When we held the balance of power in 2007/8 we were able to influence the council budget to fund some of our ideas. We got buses running over the festive season, extra pedestrian crossings, energy advice for homes not covered by the council's "affordable warmth" insulation initiative, more recycling bring banks in two wards and more help for small businesses in the city centre.

I have used my position to campaign on national issues too - the war in Iraq, human rights, nuclear power and weapons. The Green Party has also been consistently positive and non-confrontational in our approach to Council business, introducing a different tone to council business.

Electing Green Councillors does make a difference - to individuals, local communities, the city and ultimately at national level. I am grateful to everyone who voted to re-elect me by 167 votes in May 2007 to serve Central ward and Sheffield for another 4 year term.