I?m pleased to see that Covid rates in Nottingham, while rising, are still lower than in other parts of the country. That?s thanks to the hard work of everyone in our city to stay safe. I?m proud of our ongoing collective efforts to protect ourselves and each other from the virus.

However, now is not the time to drop our guard. I can?t stress this enough: we must not be complacent with Covid-19. I can remember this time last year when we had one of the highest rates of Covid in the country. Indeed, rates were rising out of control. I believe we are in a much stronger position now, but we cannot take any chances.

If you have had the Covid vaccine, I thank you. If you wear a face covering, you are also doing your bit to stop the spread of the virus. If you test regularly, then you are giving yourself that assurance on whether you might have Covid, even if you don?t have symptoms.

Booking a test is easy, visit www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test where you can take a test at a local site or get a test delivery to your home.

I was pleased to attend the unveiling of the second mural in Nottingham?s street art project today. Fittingly at the beginning of Black History Month, the latest artistic addition to our streets showcases Eric Irons, OBE, who moved to Nottingham from Jamaica after WWII and would go on to become the first black magistrate in the UK. A key figure in easing tensions during the 1958 race riots in Nottingham, he also campaigned tirelessly to scrap an embargo on hiring black bus drivers and transport workers.

Located alongside the canal and visible from Carrington Street bridge, the design was created by local artist Honey Williams. The Street Art project is a great way to showcase local artists and celebrate our city including pioneers like Eric Irons. He played such an important role in furthering the cause of equality and social justice in Nottingham, it?s entirely fitting that we have honoured him by unveiling the mural. We have also marked Black History Month with a banner on the Council House. Find out more

Consultation has started today on proposals for upgraded walking and cycling facilities in Bilborough and Leen Valley.

The proposed schemes on Beechdale Road, Wigman Road, and Hollington Road are part of Nottingham City Council?s?Transforming Cities programme, using funding from the Department for Transport to improve connectivity and encourage more low carbon journeys.

Not only will this particular scheme benefit local people and businesses, it?s one of a number of measures to improve cycle links across the city, filling in the gaps in our existing network and creating safer options to travel in a more environmentally-friendly way.

View the proposals in full and have your say here. Consultation closes 31 October.