Councillor Nina Knapman

I have lived in Alcester for over 15 years now with my husband Tim after moving here from London when I was recruited to come here for work. I have a step-son who has been working in China for the last few years teaching English. Fortunately he manages to return home every now and again but thankfully doesn't bring a year or more washing with him.

We share our house with one, now very elderly, rescue Border Collie mix and sadly just one of our remaining ginger rescue cats. You may have seen our dog Danny attempting to make his way down Priory Road and into Moorfield Park, often with our cat following for the 'walk', and yes; I do always have a plastic bag ready to dispose of anything our dog deposits. Our dog's walking ability is just a bit better than my husband's, who is now disabled, although I'm not sure Tim would be too keen on the comparison.

You may also know our green door on Priory Road, opposite Our Lady and St Joseph's church, because it's always open to any resident who wants to pop in and personally tell me about any problem or concern they have over coffee and a biscuit or two.

We decided that Alcester was the place for us not just because of the lovely town itself, along with all of its rich history and small independent shops which give it such a unique character, but because of the people themselves. We've made so many great friends here and keep making even more all the time. It's the people that make the town so special and long may it stay that way. All the time we've lived in Alcester, I've been involved with local issues (like organising a petition about the condition of the pavements) way before I decided to stand for Town Councillor over nine years ago.

I work as a freelance copywriter in advertising and marketing and I work mainly from home, which gives me the ability to be there for people when they need me, and that's important whatever the day or the time.