There?s a huge effort underway to make it as easy as possible for people to get vaccinated against Covid - and it?s great news that from tomorrow all adults aged 25 to 29 in England who have not yet had a Covid vaccine will be able to book their first dose. Over the weekend, anyone aged over 30 could simply turn up at the QMC and receive the jab ? and the NHS locally is looking at creating other walk-in opportunities like this. The vaccination bus is out and about in the city and at all times, over 40s can turn up at any vaccination centre without an appointment and receive their jab.

Despite the efforts so far, Nottingham is unfortunately lagging behind other areas when it comes to vaccination take-up - although of course many people are now immunised. Rates are increasing and indications are that they could continue to do so. Vaccination is the most important thing we can do to help us continue move along the road map and prevent any backward step where we might see the facilities and freedoms we are enjoying now close again.

Data is emerging showing that people are more at risk of the Delta variant and that the vaccine, particularly two doses, appears to continue to protect people from severe disease and ultimately our NHS.

Rates among children and younger adults are rising, so it is particularly important for those attending school, and those who are going out socialising, to get tested regularly. This will help to ensure they are not passing Covid on to others who may be more at risk.

I spoke to The Guardian last week about the challenges and opportunities presented by the Broadmarsh shopping centre site ? you can read their article here. While it?s clearly a blow to have a half-demolished shopping centre in the city, it has presented a situation that according to The Guardian, could be replicated up and down the country as the impact of online shopping and Covid take their toll on our high streets. Nottingham is perhaps a step ahead of others and we will begin demolition of the western part of the site soon, with a masterplan informed by the Big Conversation due to come forward from the independent advisory group later in the year.

In the meantime, we are continuing to make good progress on the car park, bus station and central library complex and on the fantastic improvements to the streets and areas around it which will make such a huge difference to this part of town ? a few recent photos here. A new public space will be created, once the first section of the shopping centre is demolished, which will tie in with the Collin Street/Carrington Street improvements and give us the pleasant entrance through to the city centre that has been missing for so long.

The fact that Nottingham?s first gang injunctions have been handed out is a reminder that while Nottingham by no means has a major gang problem, it?s something we can?t afford to be complacent about. Our anti-social behaviour team played a key role, working alongside Notts Police, in bringing this case to fruition and it shows we will use whatever powers we have at our disposal to tackle the problem when it does arise. This has already resulted in a de-escalation of criminal and violent behaviour that can impact unacceptably on our communities and we hope will help to prevent others from being drawn into gang activities. More here

You may not see yourself as one, but if you are supporting a relative or friend then you are a carer.?

This week is Carers Week, when we recognise and celebrate the vital and highly valued contribution of unpaid carers. It?s also a good time to check that our carers are getting the right support. The stresses of current circumstances mean that more than ever, you need to look after yourself. Remember that protecting your own mental and physical health is just as important as looking after the person you care for.

• Nottinghamshire Carers Hub provide information, advice and support for carers, including telephone and online support, help with planning for emergencies, and online mindfulness activities for carers
• Covid Vaccinations for carers - If you are not yet eligible due to your age then contact your GP to check if you are eligible for a vaccination as a carer. You can contact Nottinghamshire Carers Hub for support with this.
• Carers aged under 18 - Action for Young Carers provide online and telephone support. Contact them on 0115 962 9310 or email [email protected]
• You can find other local carer organisations and an online forum at Carers UK