Every year on the 22nd of April, people around the world come together to progress climate action and celebrate Earth Day. As a city aiming to be the first in the UK to become carbon neutral, we?re looking to everyone to do their bit and you could make Earth Day on Saturday the time to make a start.

This year?s Earth Day theme is ?Invest In Our Planet? which highlights the importance of dedicating our time, resources and energy to solving climate and environmental issues. When we invest in our planet, we are supporting healthy and happy communities worldwide. Earth Day reminds us that our actions at a local level can collectively make a difference.

In Nottingham, we will be lighting up the Council House green on Earth Day to show our commitment to investing in the city to tackle climate change.

Find out how you can get involved here

As part of the council?s ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions and increase active travel, over 100 e-bikes are now available to hire across the city.

Bike hire operator Lime launched the scheme in partnership with the City Council last week. Here is some key information:

• Lime e-bikes must be picked up and dropped off at the designated parking bays which can be found on the app
• Lime charges a fixed rate (?1) to unlock an e-bike and then 19p per minute to ride one
• Alternatively, you can buy a 60-minute pass for ?4.99
• The e-bikes can only be used within the Nottingham City Boundary
• Lime Access offers a 50% discount on all e-bike rides for those who qualify.

Find out more information about e-bikes and Lime Access here

For the first time this year, anyone wanting to vote in the local elections taking place on Thursday 4 May, will now need to show an accepted form of photo ID to be able to vote at a polling station. The deadline to apply for voter ID is 5pm Tuesday 25 April.

For a full list of accepted ID and more information about the new requirement, visit: electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID. Anyone who does not have an accepted form of ID can apply for free voter ID online at?voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk.?

When applying for a Voter Authority Certificate, you will need to provide your:

• Name
• Address
• Date of birth
• National Insurance number
• A photograph (similar to the requirements for a passport photo)

For more information about the new requirement, visit electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID

For help with applying for the free ID or to request a paper application form, email,?[email protected]?or call 0115 8764111.?

Paper applications for voter ID should be sent to Electoral Services, Loxley House, Station Street, Nottingham NG2 3NG.

The UK government?s new Emergency Alerts system is live and will enable people to be contacted via their mobile phone when lives are in danger. It will be used to warn you in the event of emergencies, such as severe flooding. The service will be tested nationally this Sunday, 23 April between 3-3.30pm.

Emergency Alerts are sent to compatible mobile phones within an area of risk. They don?t track your location, need your phone number, or collect personal data, and only the emergency services can send them. You can check an alert is genuine at www.gov.uk/alerts. An Emergency Alert is a loud, siren-like sound with a message on your screen.

Find out more at www.gov.uk/alerts??

This year we are marking St George?s Day on Sunday 23 April by once again displaying England?s largest St George?s flag on the Council House.

The flag was unfurled on Monday 17 April to celebrate England?s patron saint.

Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating in Nottingham

Wishing a happy and blessed Eid-ul-Fitr to everyone celebrating later this week.