We are about to enter the last weekend under national lockdown restrictions. While it?s really disappointing we are not emerging next Wednesday into Tier 2 after all our efforts, we must accept that we will be in Tier 3 after December 2^nd and stick to those new rules when they come into effect. The Government will review every two weeks against criteria including the impact on over 60s, pressure on the NHS and also the rates for the area. We are seeing a reduction in all age rates and a reduction in rates among over 60s, and continued efforts to further improve these criteria will be the best thing to help our review.

We have shown that we can take the action needed to stop the spread of the virus and must continue with those efforts if we are not to undo the sacrifices made so far. Our gains have been hard-won but the work has averted a much greater catastrophe and it is vital that we continue to reduce rates to a much safer level. It?s also worth reminding ourselves that in Tier 3 there are a few more freedoms than we have had over the last month, with shops, hair salons, gyms and leisure centres allowed to open, and many sports activities resuming.

We have something of a potential respite to look forward to in the form of five days over Christmas when bubbles of three households will be allowed so families can enjoy the festive season together. But people will need to be careful and take responsibility for assessing the risks for their own families and make the best decisions to stay safe over the Christmas period. Beyond that we have the promise of vaccinations on the horizon, which means that while our hard work isn?t finished yet, there may be light at the end of the tunnel.

I?m delighted that Councillor Salma Mumtaz was named as Covid-19 Hero at the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) and CCLA Councillor Awards 2020 last night. Salma won the category because of all the amazing work she does volunteering at local food banks, where she helps tackle food poverty by serving hot meals, delivering food parcels, home shopping and prescriptions to local people in crisis. These efforts are alongside her role as a ward councillor and her day job as an NHS administrator at the Queen?s Medical Centre. She also worked on frontline services to keep the vital NHS services functioning during the peak of the outbreak. Her award is richly deserved.

I?m really pleased we can bring an element of our usual Christmas festivities to the city centre. Old Market Square and its surrounding areas will be hosting Nottingham Christmas Market ? a collection of market stalls, rides, and take away refreshment stalls designed to be enjoyed by all ages. Around 40 chalet-style market stalls will offer a chance for some alternative Christmas shopping with a choice of gifts, crafts, and speciality foods. The stalls will be spread right across Old Market Square as well as on Long Row, and Smithy Row to offer a generous amount of space to ensure social distancing for shoppers, and for queues. Nottingham Christmas Market will be open every day from December 5 from 10am to 9pm, until 24 December.

Find out more about Christmas in Nottingham this year, including what?s on, neighbourhood activities and helping others this Christmas here.

Don?t forget, if you are thinking of going to the illuminated trail at Nottingham?s Wollaton Hall you can get 25% off if you book your tickets between Friday 27 November and end of day Tuesday 1 December using the code: BlackFriday Book now