I?d like to take the opportunity to wish season?s greetings to everyone and hope that, however you choose to celebrate this holiday, you have the chance to enjoy a restful break with friends and family.

It?s again been lovely to see people coming together and celebrating in our neighbourhoods, at Winter Wonderland in Old Market Square and at our heritage sites Wollaton Hall and Newstead Abbey, which always look beautiful at this time of year. I?ve also managed to attend and help out with community events in my ward.

I know that many people will continue to work over the holidays to keep essential services running ? especially in our council, the NHS and the emergency services. I?d like to thank them for their hard work and dedication to serve Nottingham people and keep us safe.

On behalf of everyone at Nottingham City Council, I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2024.

While Christmas is a special and fun time of year, it?s important to remember that, for others, it can be difficult and lonely.

The shorter, darker and colder days can affect our metal health and wellbeing, and also prevent older and more vulnerable people from going outside.

So, if you can, as well as taking care of yourself, try to spread a little festive cheer by looking out for neighbours, friends or relatives.

Check if they?re warm enough and have enough food and medicine, especially if they?re struggling to get out of the house.? A little can go a long way ? sometimes just a few minutes? company is all they need.

For more information on how to stay warm and well, see here?

It?s good news to hear that Tramlink, which operates Nottingham Express Transit (NET), has completed a financial restructuring project which has secured the future of the network for the next ten years.

The news follows the successful renegotiation of loan terms from lenders and it puts the concession, which allows Tramlink to run the NET tram system, in a stable position to move forward, following significant market changes.

The network is still feeling the effects of the pandemic, with passenger figures remaining around 80 per cent of pre-Covid levels. Meanwhile, the impact of rising electricity costs as well as a period of sustained hyper-inflation are all contributing towards a changing market. However, the move will ensure NET can continue to offer a green, convenient and affordable way to travel through the city and the surrounding areas.?

Given the current financial challenge being faced by the council, it is even more important that we have worked with partners to secure a thriving future for our system ? a cornerstone in our mission to offer top-tier public transport, alleviate congestion, achieve cleaner air and less emissions and foster local economic growth.

Read more here?

Many of our services will continue to operate over the festive period but there will be some that close or will have restricted opening times.

All of our leisure centres will close on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, as well as New Year?s Day. Check the opening times over the Christmas holidays here.

Libraries in Bulwell, Clifton, Hyson Green, Central Library and Wollaton will be open on selected days over the Christmas period. All our other libraries will be closed from Christmas Eve to Tuesday 2 January 2024. Note that some libraries have a closed day on Tuesday and will reopen on Wednesday 3 January instead.?Click here for more information

Nottingham City Parks will be open over Christmas and New Year.? However, on-site car parking may be restricted at some sites on Christmas Day. Weekends and bank holiday opening times will be 9am to 4.30pm.?More details here. Tomorrow (23 December) is your last chance to grab a festive gift at the Woodthorpe Plant Shop.

Our bin services will be affected throughout the Christmas and New Year period, with collections on substitute days. You can check your bin calendar here to see which day your bins will be collected.

Also, a gentle reminder that we?re not able to recycle festive items such as baubles and other Christmas decorations, bows and ribbons, foil wrapping paper, cards that contain plastic, takeaway containers or hard plastic toys. Please don?t put items inside plastic bags for recycling, or place loose plastic bags into your bin.

Huge congratulations to Nottingham sporting stars Mary Earps and Stuart Broad, who triumphed in Tuesday?s BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.

Manchester United and England goalkeeper Mary walked off with the top prize on the night, while Stuart, who brought the curtain down on a truly remarkable cricketing career this summer, was named in second place.

We are blessed to have such positive sporting role models in our city ? we?re so proud of their achievements and what they mean for Nottingham.