As Nottingham starts to open its doors once again and we enjoy spending more time with family and friends, it?s even more important to get into the routine of regular Covid-19 testing, even if you don?t have any symptoms. Many of us will find ourselves perhaps visiting more shops than usual, meeting people in a beer garden or enjoying a bite to eat outside a restaurant. It?s important not to forget that each time we go out, the risk of Covid-19 greatens. This is why regular, weekly testing is so important and will allow us all to move forward and safely towards Step Three of the Government?s Roadmap on May 17.

There are many quick and easy ways to access a free rapid Covid-19 test when you don?t have symptoms, such as from a local community site, collecting one at your local pharmacy or ordering online. As the range of options increases, many of our community testing sites are moving to mobile units over the coming weeks. This gives us greater flexibility to target different areas across the city.

For all the ways you can access a Covid-19 test when you don?t have symptoms, please visit www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/asymptomatictesting

Today is International Workers Memorial Day, every year the sacrifice of workers around the world is recognised, but this year again the day has a special significance because of the coronavirus pandemic. It?s a day where we remember and honour all the workers who have died from work-related injuries and diseases and our thoughts this year are particularly with those who have died on the frontline ? council staff, NHS workers, care workers, transport workers and many others - tackling the coronavirus pandemic.

I?m really thrilled about a real Tyrannosaurus Rex?coming to Wollaton Hall from this summer. It?s an incredible coup for the City Council and along with the re-opening of Nottingham Castle from June, will give people fresh reasons to come to Nottingham post-lockdown.

The skeleton of Titus the T-Rex will form the centrepiece of an amazing exhibition which will remain at Wollaton Hall for over a year. It?s the first such specimen to be displayed in Britain for over a century and the only one in Europe. The funding to bring him and the exhibition here has come from Arts Council England.

The Titus:?T. rex?is King exhibition will open on Sunday 4^th?July 2021 with Covid safety measures in place. I for one can?t wait to come face to face with this immense dinosaur and what sounds like a truly fascinating exhibition that will immerse visitors in its life and discovery. If the hugely successful Dinosaurs of China exhibition which Wollaton staged four years ago is anything to go by, I shan?t be alone!

If we are to meet our carbon neutral by 2028 target then city-wide action will be needed and it?s really encouraging to see that many local organisations have already started on their journey towards a sustainable future ? such as the University of Nottingham who I was delighted to join for the launch of their Energy Institute today.

Meanwhile, the Canal and River Trust, which manages the canal in Nottingham, is ensuring that development in the city on this waterway has sustainability as a driving principle. The canal already plays a key part in Nottingham?s carbon neutral ambition - by providing water to cool the London Road Heat Station, and in turn the district heating scheme. It?s also the main blue-green corridor in central Nottingham, helping people enjoy sustainable travel by walking or cycling.

By changing towpath verge management near London Road and introducing floating reed beds at Castle Wharf, more wildlife is being brought in to the city. They are also expanding the generation of energy from the canal and utilising hydro-schemes (already at Holme Lock), PV and use of water-sourced heat pumps for waterside buildings; plus trialling biofuels in workboats, and road vehicles with a longer-term move to electric power.

Find out more about activities on and benefits of the canal at Canal and River Trust Nottingham