In the recovery period from this pandemic there is an opportunity to do things differently and it?s vital that we put sustainable carbon neutrality at the core of the city and its renewal. Our next project to reduce the carbon emissions of some of our most hard-to-heat council houses will do just this. We have secured funding from the Government?s Energy Innovation Programme to take our work to create carbon neutral homes to the next phase.

Building on our?Energiesprong pilot, which is already set to improve the energy efficiency of hundreds of homes across the city, our Whole House Retrofit project will start by upgrading 76 council homes in Bakersfield and Mapperley. These energy upgrades will reduce tenants? energy bills and help Nottingham become cleaner and greener. Works will include new innovative brick panel external wall insulation, solar panels and underfloor insulation. The project has created 16 new jobs, creating opportunities for a local workforce to develop skills in installing sustainable energy technologies and kickstarting a career this growing industry.

As we spend more time at home, one positive of the pandemic is that many people are reading more. We know that our libraries are much valued by local people which is why the council launched an online library to support people while unable to visit our libraries around the city due to the lockdown. Now that the restrictions are easing, I am pleased to see our libraries begin to open up, with the Dales Centre, Mary Potter, The Meadows, Southglade Park and Strelley Road the first to re-open last week. If you are planning a trip to one of these libraries please visit our dedicated page - Libraries service during the Coronavirus for guidance on what to expect, latest updates and phased reopening of other libraries.

You can still access the Online Library, available 24/7 for customers to access eBooks, eAudio, eNewspapers and so much more!

As well as keeping us and our families entertained, studies show that reading from a young age helps children attain better exam results, which means they have better job prospects when they leave school. I was delighted to hear that our Dolly Parton Imagination Library campaign, which provides free books for 0-five-year-olds, has now delivered over 250,000 books to local children since it started in 2009. You can support Nottingham?s children to read by donating to Dolly Books: Nottingham

From Friday 24 July, it will be mandatory to wear a face covering in shops and supermarkets. By wearing a mask you will be protecting the people around you and by wearing a face covering they are protecting you. Please be mindful that it is not necessary for everyone to do this, exemptions include:

• Young children
• People with breathing difficulties
• People living with a disability.

People who catch the virus will experience it differently; many people do not even know they have it. If you do have symptoms, no matter how mild, it is vital that you book a test. Not only will this enable you to get the right treatment, but identifying people who are infected is key to stemming the virus.? Symptoms include:

• Change in sense of smell or taste
• High temperature
• New, continuous cough.

Please visit NHS: Coronavirus advice to find out more about the virus?s symptoms, how to look after yourself and others and booking a test.

Weather permitting many people are now starting to host small gatherings in their back gardens, it is indeed lovely to able to entertain a few friends and family members again. As well as ensuring that social distancing is adhered to, I would ask that we all respect our neighbours. Some of us will live near young families, elderly people or people doing night shifts and it is right that we consider the impact that our actions may have on others.

During the current lockdown, we have seen an increase in the number of complaints from members of the public who are affected by noise from neighbours. If noise from a neighbour becomes a nuisance, we suggest approaching the neighbour first to speak with them about it. This usually resolves the problem quickly, but if the issue persists you can report this online https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/reportit or ring 101.