What a fantastic bank holiday we were treated to ? and at a time when we are starting to be able to enjoy things more as restrictions ease. I spent a lot of time in my garden and was lucky enough to have my granddaughter around. It?s still the case that being outside is preferable, while a proportion of the population remain unvaccinated. The other measures we?ve become used to are still important too, and I?m pleased that overwhelmingly people seemed to be sticking to them as they rediscovered the joys of our city.

Getting vaccinated is our number one defence against the virus and as my colleague Cllr Rebecca Langton found at the weekend, it is quick, easy and well-organised. Anyone over 30 is now eligible and over 40s can drop in at vaccination centres without an appointment. I would urge anyone who for whatever reason didn?t take up the offer when it was first made, to think about the protection they can afford themselves, those around them and the wider community with this simple act. You remain eligible and can help us all take a step back towards normality.

Today marks the culmination of many years of planning and fundraising, along with three years of incredible construction and renovation works led by Nottingham City Council, to redevelop Nottingham Castle as a major attraction.

This morning the council formally handed over the operation of the site to Nottingham Castle Trust, who are working towards a reopening date of June 21^st. Taking a well-loved ?heritage site and turning it into something truly world-class is an incredible achievement, especially delivering it on-time and on-budget during the pandemic.

The City Council?s amazing and dedicated team of officers along with Cllr Dave Trimble who have driven this project forward to fruition, really do deserve our thanks. The new castle attraction will play a significant part in helping to boost our city?s fortunes and is closely linked with wider regeneration plans which will also bring visitors, jobs and opportunities to Nottingham. More here

It makes complete sense to me that a new Low Carbon Growth Group has been established by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership. We know there are huge opportunities for investment, business growth and jobs locally, and Nottingham is leading the way in this area as we aim for carbon neutrality by 2028 ? so I?m pleased our Interim Corporate Director for Growth and City Development Wayne Bexton will be bringing his wealth of knowledge as joint chair of the group.

The CBI last week set out its new UK Economic Strategy which emphasises decarbonisation as a critical factor in the UK?s economic recovery, and it?s vital we seize the opportunities this represents not only from the point of view of new jobs, but to further contribute towards a greener future. More here

I am excited that Green Hustle, a festival of green ideas and community projects, has announced its line-up for this year. It is being held on Saturday 5^th June at Sneinton Market Avenues and King Edward Park and is bringing together local community groups, organisations, local businesses and artists to highlight green, environmental and sustainable causes. The event is free and supported by Arts Council England, It's in Nottingham and Creative Quarter.?More here

The pandemic has made us appreciate all the more those amazing people in our communities who step up and make such an incredible contribution to our city by volunteering. This Volunteers Week, 1-7 June, is a time to recognise and thank everyone who helps others ? and perhaps consider joining this army of volunteers ourselves.

From our amazing, 3,000-strong Clean Champions who help keep our city clean, to those who volunteer in community organisations and food banks around the city, to everyone who has stepped in to volunteer at Covid vaccination centres ? Nottingham says a massive THANK YOU to you all.

Want to make Nottingham a better place? See how you could volunteer your time and skills