It?s undoubtedly a disappointment for many that the date when restrictions can be fully lifted has been delayed by Government - but it?s right that we take a cautious approach led by the scientific data. None of us want to have to go back into lockdown or more restrictions, and we must hope that by delaying for just a month, this gives us time to get even more of the population fully vaccinated so that when restrictions are finally lifted, we are in the best possible position to resist further spread of the virus and some normality can return to our lives.

Those particularly disappointed by today?s announcement will be Nottingham businesses which have struggled through the pandemic and were looking forward to opening back up fully to customers. There must be an extension of Government support to see them through this period as it would be devastating if local businesses went under after enduring so much.

This extra time is primarily to allow more people to be vaccinated and so it?s important people take up the opportunity when it is offered to them. It was fantastic to see that just under 2,000 people received their jabs as part of the local NHS?s Grab a Jab walk-in weekend at The Forest where people could turn up without an appointment. Hopefully more of these sessions can be planned to encourage more to get themselves vaccinated so that everyone can safely get back to doing what they enjoy.

Lockdown has felt like our lives have been on pause somewhat, but that?s certainly not been the case when it comes to the changing face of our city. There?s a huge amount of exciting development going on which is going to have a transformative effect not only on how parts of the city feel, but also on jobs and opportunities that are available as we come out of the pandemic.

I?m particularly excited by the different prospects offered by three key developments ? the castle, the new library/car park/bus station complex and the college hub ? and the vast improvements to the areas in between them. They all breathe new life into the area and will allow visitors, shoppers students and residents to enjoy the city much more.

There are also developments planned in some of our neighbourhoods, including a new library for Sherwood and lots of new family housing, including council homes in Clifton and Bestwood.

See more here

Today is the fourth anniversary of the devastating fire at Grenfell Tower in London and tonight we will be lighting up the Council House green to remember those who lost their lives and as a symbol of hope that such a tragedy will never happen again.

In Nottingham, cladding on all NCH-managed council blocks meets the required safety standards, and is not the same as that used on the Grenfell Tower. All of the blocks have fire risk assessments in place and are fully compliant with current regulations.

After Grenfell, the City Council agreed to fund ?8.5m in fire safety enhancement works to our tower blocks and flats across the city. I?m pleased that NCH is now coming to the end of that work, with over 1,500 properties across the city installed with sprinklers, as well as upgrading intercom and tannoy systems, as it offers further safety and reassurance to residents. Find more information the works here

Money was promised from the Government to help fund fire safety improvements, but as yet no monies have been forthcoming despite repeated requests. ?

It was wonderful to be able to enjoy some top class tennis at the Nottingham Open at Nottingham Tennis Centre yesterday. Glorious weather was topped only by Johanna Konta becoming the first British woman to win a WTA singles title on home soil since Sue Barker triumphed in Brighton in 1981. See more here

If you missed it, there is more great tennis underway this week at the Nottingham Trophy tournament. Tickets are still available here.