Having lived under the shadow of Covid for 16 months we now face the removal of restrictions on Monday. But the shadow has not yet passed ? we are seeing increasing numbers of cases in Nottingham and across the country, as well as hospitalisations beginning to creep back up again, with people sadly losing their lives and suffering the effects of Long Covid.

That?s why it?s really important that we don?t completely let our guard down come Monday, and potentially undo all of the good work we have done together during the pandemic. I am deeply concerned that we are throwing away all protection against the virus.

I would strongly encourage people to wear a face covering when they are on public transport, in shared indoor spaces or are outside and unable to maintain social distance from other people. I will continue to wear my own face covering in certain circumstances to help protect others.

The vaccine offers greater protection from the virus, but many people in Nottingham still remain unvaccinated - we need more people to come forward for their jabs. Why not do it, or encourage someone you know to do it, this weekend?

I would ask everyone to continue to wear a face covering to protect others, keep washing your hands, maintain space where you can and meet others outdoors where possible. Let?s continue to be careful. Just because restrictions are lifted, it does not mean that we are free from the threat of this virus. More here.

The council is committed to providing more affordable homes, with a mix of housing types needed in Nottingham, so I?m pleased that work has started on 36 brand new affordable rent council apartments in Clifton. Once complete, these one-bedroom flats will go to local people on Nottingham?s council house waiting list.

Thy will be owned by the council and managed on our behalf by Nottingham City Homes. Build partners Geda Construction started work on the site this week and they are due to be finished in 2022.?The apartments are being named after a popular 20-year-old Clifton soldier who tragically died in the line of duty 12 years ago.

More information here.

Summer really is here now, with temperatures set to soar this weekend. It?s a lovely chance to get outside and I?m sure many people will take the opportunity to relax and enjoy themselves in some of our great parks and open spaces. Do take care in the heat and don?t be tempted to enter any open water, however inviting it may seem.

Current uncertainty means we may have lost some of our bigger events like Splendour and Riverside Festival but as we start to turn the corner, we have been able to plan for lots of smaller-scale events in the city. What is guaranteed is that there is something for everybody to enjoy. The Open Air Theatre season continues at Wollaton Hall and Newstead Abbey until 20 August, while outdoor cinema screenings will come to Wollaton in August and some cult films at Newstead Abbey at the end of the month.

For music lovers, the Arboretum Sunsets Festival at the beautiful Arboretum park is a great way to get back to live music for all tastes. There will also be quizzes, bingo nights, comedy, food and beer festivals as well as free Yoga and mindfulness sessions on Sunday mornings. Bands in the Park will also return to the Arboretum and Victoria Embankment in August and September

Clifton?s own Jake Bugg has been unveiled as the headliner for The Hundred which is a brand new cricket competition with lots of music and pitch side entertainment thrown in. The first game for Nottingham?s team Trent Rockets is at Trent Bridge, on Saturday 24 July.

Click here for more.

Like many, I was delighted that last weekend the England football team made it to the final of the Euro Championships. They put up a sterling effort, but sadly in the end it wasn?t to be. However, the way the team, led by their manager Gareth Southgate, have conducted themselves throughout has been truly inspirational. They have come to stand for everything that England can and should be ? inclusive, diverse, dignified, aspirational and ambitious.

So it was especially disappointing that some so-called fans chose to criticise three of the young players who admirably stepped up but failed to score their penalties, not based on their abilities but on the colour of their skin. It?s a sad reminder that racism is still very much alive in our country and we must all call it out whenever we see or experience it. There?s no place for it in football or in wider society. We won?t tolerate racism in Nottingham and have been raising awareness this week of hate crime. If you see it, report it and together we can put a stop to it.