The health of our teeth is important for all of us as it affects what we eat, how we communicate, our self-confidence and can support older people to stay independent for longer.

?Tooth decay and poor oral health remain a serious issue and one that is not distributed evenly across our society. It can have a negative impact throughout life, including missed days at school or work.?

Taking preventative action to reduce the risks of decay is really important. Nottingham City has already been working closely with community groups to ensure those families in greatest need have access to toothbrushes and toothpaste.?

Alongside this, fluoridation of water can be an effective public health measure that can help improve oral health for everyone, including those in our communities where there are high levels of deprivation.

Yesterday at an all-councillor meeting, we reaffirmed our commitment to improving dental health and working with local and national partners to explore the introduction of fluoride into Nottingham?s water supply.?

We also welcome the recent recognition of the importance of oral health by Nottinghamshire County Council and look forward to working together on this issue.

Also at the same all-councillor meeting, a motion was approved highlighting concerns around plans to close staffed ticket offices at train stations across the country, potentially including Nottingham.

As a result of the discussion, I will now write to both the Secretary of State for Transport and East Midlands Railway on behalf of the council to formally express our opposition.

The Department for Transport and the 13 train-operating companies it manages have announced plans to shut almost all staffed ticket offices in England, totalling nearly a thousand. This follows changes to Government guidance relating to ticket office opening hours and operation, with a two-month consultation closing at the start of September.

We believe that ticket offices provide a vital service to residents in Nottingham and support passenger safety, security and accessibility. Having a central place in the station for people requiring advice and assistance provides certainty and confidence for customers who may struggle to otherwise locate station staff, and also acts as a point of safety for passengers.

It's important to remember that not everyone is able to use ticket machines or online platforms. Many journeys require support to ensure customers buy the most appropriate and cheapest tickets, and don?t incur penalties. Ticket office staff have a wealth of knowledge and we mustn?t lose that.

London has seen a surge in measles cases recently and mumps is also on the rise.

Measles is a highly-infectious disease that can lead to serious problems such as pneumonia, meningitis, and, on rare occasions, long-term disability or death. Complications from mumps include hearing loss and can very rarely cause?infertility in men. Rubella can cause serious problems during pregnancy.

If 95 per cent of children receive the MMR vaccine, it's possible to reduce the risk of spreading these viral diseases. However, measles, mumps and rubella can quickly spread again if fewer than 90 per cent of people are vaccinated. Currently in Nottingham, just over 76 per cent of children have had the two vaccines by the age of five.

The NHS in England runs a scheduled vaccination programme which begins from the age of eight weeks old, through childhood and into adulthood. We need two doses of the MMR vaccine to protect us from serious Illness and having both also gives lifelong protection. The first MMR vaccine is given at the age of one, with the second at three years and four months.

If they?ve missed any doses, it?s not too late to catch up. I would encourage you to check your child?s Personal Child Health Record (PCHR) known as the ?Red Book? or visit:

NHS.UK/vaccinations, then make an appointment at your GP practice to catch up any missed doses.

More information on the MMR vaccine can be found on the NHS website.

Nothing beats watching a film under the stars with a picnic and friends. One of your final chances this year takes place at the stunning Newstead Abbey with Adventure Cinema tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday.

Pack your blankets and camping chairs (or upgrade to premium seating) and enjoy a specially-curated soundtrack before each film. Gates open at 6.30pm, and the films start shortly after sunset at approximately 8pm.

Wednesday 13 September

Pretty Woman (15)

Book here

Thursday 14 September

Top Gun: Maverick (12)

Book here