It?s great to see the vaccination rollout continuing at pace, with growing numbers of people aged 65 and over already receiving their jab in Nottingham. It means the NHS locally has now been able to open up bookings for the next cohort, which includes anyone between the ages of 16 to 65 with underlying health conditions which put them at a higher risk of serious disease or mortality, known as ?clinically vulnerable,? and carers. Carers are people who provide vital support often to those who are vulnerable and at higher risk of having severe disease.

I would urge anyone eligible under these categories to book themselves an appointment as soon as possible ? it?s a simple, safe process which will give them greater protection against Covid 19.

It?s also important for anyone in the earlier cohorts - that is, anyone over the age of 65 and who hasn?t yet been vaccinated - to book in as soon as possible. We also need more people from our BAME communities to come forward for their vaccination ? my colleague Cllr Eunice Campbell-Clark has had her jab and explains in the video below why it?s important for others to as well.

All the information on who is eligible and how to book is here: https://nottsccg.nhs.uk/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination-in-nottingham-and-nottinghamshire/

The incredible progress that?s being made around the Broadmarsh area is unfortunately going unseen by most as lockdown continues. Latest photos from the area give a glimpse of how it is utterly changed from the unwelcoming part of the city it used to be. The new Nottingham College Hub looks fantastic ? standing on a plot of land that had been derelict for many years. Around it, you get a real sense of the quality of the public realm that the City Council is putting in place, thanks to a substantial Government grant. Once we are able to once again, it?s easy to imagine relaxing and enjoying the surroundings ? something few would have considered before. And the structure and glazing are complete on our new Broadmarsh development - housing the car park, bus station and new central library ? with finishing touches to the cladding underway. It?s a far cry from what was there before! Click here to see for yourself

Speaking of progress in the southern part of the city, it was wonderful to see Nottingham Castle animated last night with the portraits of 100 inspiring Nottingham residents. The ?Nottingham?s In Your Face? project is part of the countdown to the castle?s reopening later this year, and aims to remind us that although its walls were originally built to keep people out, the castle is now a space that welcomes everyone. The portraits projected onto the castle walls celebrate the diversity of our local communities ? our essential workers, campaigners and creative talents. You can view the project here, and hopefully it won?t be too long before people can see it in person.

Last week I was pleased to join Cllr Sam Webster in two online public meetings about the City Council budget and I would like to thank those who attended and asked questions. It has also been valuable to hear the views of Nottingham?s business community as well as those working in our voluntary and community sector. The council faces very difficult budget decisions due to Government funding cuts. Nottingham?s main source of Government funding has gone from ?126m in 2013/14 to just ?25m this year and at the same time, the Government has failed to fund ?28m of costs related to Covid. Our budget consultation remains open until 28^th?February so if you want to look through and comment on any of the proposals you can do so by clicking?here.