This weekend will be the first weekend that many of Nottingham?s high street shops will be open since the start of the lockdown. The city centre, local shopping areas and outdoor markets are all likely to be much busier this weekend than they have been for some time. The council in partnership with Nottingham BID has worked with local retailers and other businesses to ensure that shops can open safely. Since the shops started to open on Monday it?s been great to see that overall people have abided by social distancing rules and treated shop workers and other customers with respect - I?m sure that this will carry on over the weekend.

You can keep up to date with which shops are open and their opening times here Open in Nottingham. If you head into the city this weekend please remember:

• Support businesses to open safely ? every shop may do things a little differently, please look out for the blue signage before entering shops
• Keep left when walking
• Keep two metres apart where possible
• Continue with regular handwashing
• Limit contact with hard surfaces
• Wear a face covering on public transport and public spaces where it?s not possible to keep two metres apart.?

Our parks have remained open to walkers and cyclists over the coronavirus pandemic, albeit with fewer facilities. Car parks are now open, mobile food vans are available and some of our park cafes are opening for takeout service too. Many parks host numerous outdoor activities including fishing, open water swimming, golf and tennis. If you are planning a trip to your local park, all their latest information can be found here Nottingham Parks and Open Spaces. Please observe Government social distancing guidelines and take particular care if you need to use any indoor facilities such as toilets whilst visiting these sites.

Whilst in our parks let?s continue to keep them clean. If bins are full please do take your rubbish home with you, we run regular collections but can?t always keep up with demand, especially on warmer days.

Walking and cycling has been a great way to exercise and get about the city over the lockdown period while the roads have been quieter. Whilst I hope that we all continue with these healthier, more sustainable travel options please do take care as the traffic increases. Ride your bike responsibly and only ride on routes you know well and within your ability level. Where possible, please wear helmets and reflective clothing for your own safety and those around you.

The council continues to respond to matters outside its control, from Covid to severe weather. After experiencing a long stretch of sunny weather, Nottingham has recently been hit with flash flooding due to the heavy rain. We work really hard throughout the year clearing gullies across the city, paying particular attention to known hotspots which are affected by floodwater. However, on occasions it is the sheer volume of water falling in a short period of time which causes problems. To report flooding and blocked gullies please visit Nottingham City Council - Report It

Climate change has increased the risk of flooding and is one of the more visible reminders of its damaging effects and the urgency to tackle it. Developing sustainable drainage systems are part of our Carbon Neutral 2028 strategy which takes an holistic view of the city?s environmental challenges and opportunities.? If you know of flooding hot spots in your local area or have ideas for improving drainage please contact [email protected]. For further information, visit Nottingham City Council Flooding

A ?161m package of schemes will strengthen connections between major employment sites, upgrade public transport including Park and Ride options and improve routes for people on foot or bikes. One of the major schemes for Nottingham is the long-awaited welcoming entrance to the city from the south. Connections between Nottingham and Derby will also be improved.

An extra ?2.5m of Government funding has been provided for temporary measures to help us out of the lockdown. Some will be used to install ?pop-up? facilities ahead of the full schemes so people can start to use these routes as lockdown restrictions are eased.

Find out more about the transport schemes planned for Nottingham