Covid-19 restrictions have now been lifted in England, following the completion of the Government?s roadmap today. However, with cases of Covid-19 still rising ? and a lower number of people vaccinated in Nottingham ? I am asking everyone to play their part in keeping our city safe as we open up this summer:

• Get vaccinated: We?re seeing an increasing number of people being admitted to hospital with Covid-19 ? especially younger and unvaccinated people. There?s no need for this when it?s so easy to get your jab. Anyone aged over 18 can now walk into any vaccination centre to get the vaccine. It?s quick and easy and can be done in a matter of minutes. The full list of vaccination sites and their opening times can be found here.
• Think about your surroundings: If you?re inside a busy shop, bus, pub or theatre, please continue to wear a face covering. This simple act might also give confidence to people who are vulnerable or who are feeling anxious. You could also consider meeting other people outdoors, where there is a lower risk of the virus transmitting
• Make sure you?re clear of Covid-19: Taking a regular Covid-19 test will give a quick indication that you are free from the virus. This is important even if you have already been vaccinated. You can take regular twice weekly tests yourself at home. Find out how to get the testing packs here.
• Feeling unwell? Make sure it?s not Covid-19: If you?re feeling groggy or unwell, it?s important to make sure it?s not Covid-19. No matter how mild, it is worth booking an official PCR test. The symptoms to look out for in particular are a high temperature, a continuous cough or loss of taste or smell. More information on how to get a PCR test can be found here.

It is important that everyone in Nottingham continues to work together to stay safe from Covid-19. Be cautious and please go carefully.

It?s really disappointing to have to announce that the Nottingham Beach won?t be going ahead this year, but having weighed everything up we felt it was the right thing to do. Although restrictions have ended today as part of Step Four of the Government?s National Roadmap, Covid cases continue to rise in Nottingham and around the country so it?s absolutely vital that we go carefully.

We?ve been considering the city?s summer programme very carefully over the last few weeks, and while a number of events can go ahead safely, the Beach presents particular issues due to the nature of the event, the number of people attending and its location in the middle of a busy city centre.

It would normally have opened next week to coincide with the start of the school holidays and is very popular with local families, so I know many people will be disappointed with this news. However, there will still be plenty of great events and attractions in Nottingham this summer ? from the reopened Nottingham Castle and Wollaton Hall hosting the Titus: T.rex is King exhibition to a whole host of outdoor events.

Today I attended the first in person Full Council meeting since January 2020. Full Council is a bi-monthly meeting attended by elected councillors to determine overall policy and the supporting spending plans. Though many Covid restrictions have now been lifted we have retained a number of measures such as face masks, social distancing and lateral flow tests prior to the meeting to ensure we keep everyone there safe.

At the meeting we discussed a number of important issues including Broadmarsh, the Central Library, Universal Credit uplift, planning reform, boundary changes and the Nottingham Crime and Drugs Partnership Plan. I was also pleased to support my Deputy Leader Sally Longford with her motion urging support for the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill being considered in Parliament. This vital bill is designed specifically to reverse the climate and ecological breakdown we're facing and will support our efforts locally in becoming the first carbon neutral city by 2028 .

There?s still time to have your say on our refreshed Council Plan which sets out our renewed priorities and direction for the next two years.

A lot has changed since we published out our initial Council Plan in 2019 including a global pandemic and a Government review of the council. As our Recovery and Improvement Plan demonstrates, we must be prepared to rethink what we do and how we do it if we are to achieve our aims and live up to our aspirations for Nottingham. This refreshed Council Plan plots a new course for the council which remains ambitious for Nottingham and its people while ensuring our finances are sustainable so we can continue delivering the modern, efficient services that local people deserve.

You can read the draft plan and have your say via an online survey until 30 July. An online public Question and Answer session takes place on tomorrow -Tuesday 20 July. To register for this either complete the online survey or email [email protected] for further details of the session.

Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating in Nottingham this week. This year Eid-al-Adha coincides with the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions and the joy of being able to get together to celebrate with friends and family once more. I ask everyone celebrating to continue to observe hands, face, space to protect our community and our local NHS.

I wish all who celebrate peaceful and blessed Eid ? al ? Adha