Nottingham is set to become one of the first UK cities to introduce new powers aimed at tackling the intimidating use of face coverings and helping people feel safer in the city centre.
From Tuesday 15 September, authorised officers will be able to require someone to remove a face covering where it is being used:
- To conceal their identity in connection with crime or anti-social behaviour
- In a way that causes intimidation, harassment, alarm or distress
This is not a blanket ban. Exemptions will protect anyone wearing a face covering for legitimate reasons, including religious observance, health or medical needs, work and personal safety.
More than 2,200 people responded to our consultation, with over 90% supporting the introduction of the new restriction.
Councillor Neghat Khan, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “We have listened to residents and are taking firm but proportionate action to help people feel safer in our city centre.”
Find out more about how the restriction will work and the exemptions that apply
The government has announced a review of its Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) programme. As part of this, the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire programme is one of 14 programmes that have been paused while the review takes place.
The government has said it remains committed to creating new unitary councils, and though no timelines have been given, they’ve said the review will happen as quickly as possible
The government has confirmed that the May 2027 local elections will still go ahead, on existing council boundaries. This means that local elections will take place as normal using the current council arrangements while the review is underway.
All nine councils across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire will continue to work together and with government during this period. Work already completed on local reorganisation proposals will help inform future decisions.
A Nottingham and Nottinghamshire-wide suicide prevention campaign aims to reach people who are vulnerable to suicide through encouraging open conversations and identifying people in the most at-risk groups.
The Break the Silence on Suicide campaign from NottAlone, Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council is supported by the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire NHS Integrated Care Board, Samaritans, Nottingham & Nottinghamshire NHS Talking Therapies, Active Notts, Nottingham Forest Community Trust and other organisations throughout the city and county, aiming for the broadest-reaching suicide awareness campaign in the area to date, with a number of organisations also lighting up their buildings in yellow on 10 September to show their support for the campaign.
Nottingham’s brand-new footbridge over the River Trent between Lady Bay and Colwick is proving incredibly popular with residents and visitors to the city alike.
Since the bridge opened on 2 June, an average of 996 walkers and 447 cyclists have used it each day – with that number shooting up to 5970 walkers and 849 cyclists during the fun day to celebrate the new bridge held on 14th June.
The new bridge was funded through the Transforming Cities Fund, a government scheme for projects which would boost low-carbon and sustainable travel.
The 87 metre, 175 tonne tied arch bridge was built in Hucknall at Britons using British steel before being installed 8 miles down the road at its new home at Trent Basin by Balfour Beatty.
Wondering how the bridge connects with walking and cycling routes nearby? Check out our maps here.
Active Nottingham will be celebrating National Fitness Day on Wednesday 16 September, joining leisure centres and organisations across the UK to highlight the importance of physical activity in supporting healthier lifestyles.
Led by ukactive, National Fitness Day is an annual campaign that encourages people of all ages and abilities to get moving and take small, sustainable steps towards improved health and wellbeing.
This year’s theme, “Powered by You”, is a reminder that everyone has a role to play in being active - whether as individuals, families, communities, schools, workplaces or local organisations.
To mark the day, Active Nottingham Leisure Centres will be offering a range of activities, including gym and swimming challenges, themed fitness classes and FREE guest pass opportunities.
The 2026 National Television Awards took place this week, with Nottingham's own Vicky McClure taking home the award for Best Drama Performance for her role in Trigger Point, alongside co-star Lana Washington.
The pair saw off strong competition from Call the Midwife, Run Away, The Other Bennet Sister, and I Fought the Law to secure the coveted award.
During her acceptance speech, Vicky used the moment to highlight the challenges faced by working-class actors, saying: "It's so hard, we've got to make it easier."
Congratulations to Vicky on a thoroughly deserved win and another proud moment for Nottingham.
|
