I?m pleased the Government has made face masks mandatory on public transport and in shops. We?ve been calling for this simple measure in the city ever since restrictions were lifted in July. We?ve always tried to be clear with people in Nottingham: Covid has not gone away. I would urge people to now go even further than the new rules and wear a face covering:

• Whenever you are indoors in a public space mixing with others
• When you are outdoors in a crowd and unable to maintain social distance.

This might mean wearing a mask when you are moving around pubs, cafes or restaurants, for example. It?s a simple way that we can help to reduce the spread of the virus ? especially with the emergence of the new variant Omicron.

Thank you to everyone who is wearing a mask and helping us all to stay safe. Please continue to take care of yourself and each other this winter.

Nottingham?s Carbon Neutral 2028 Tram was unveiled as a symbol of the city?s climate leadership on Monday. I was thrilled to unveil the newly tram wrapped alongside the city?s first-ever Trambassadors from Alderman Pounder Infant and Nursery School. This Carbon Neutral 2028 tram allows us to raise awareness of the brilliant work that the city is undertaking to tackle the climate emergency, as it carries residents, commuters, and visitors across the city and beyond.

Building partnerships has a vital role in Nottingham?s ambitions to be the first carbon neutral city in the UK by 2028 ? and NET plays a pivotal part in helping us reduce the impact of transport, which accounted for 31% of the city?s CO2 emissions in 2019. The tram is now powered by 100% green, renewable energy and reduces the need for car travel, which makes a great contribution to the city?s carbon reduction ambitions. Thank you to all of the sponsors who?ve contributed to this amazing project, hopefully it will help to prompt even more people to get on board our carbon neutral journey! You can find out more here

As a council we?ve been at the forefront of embracing new electric vehicle technology, including supporting the transition to cleaner taxis, electric and biogas buses and trams and converting our own fleet. We are also supporting the uptake of electric vehicles for our citizens and local businesses which are far kinder to the environment than petrol and diesel vehicles.

The council is currently conducting surveys around electric vehicles to further our understanding of people?s awareness and attitudes about them. If you are already using an EV please fill out the survey Electric Vehicle Users Survey, otherwise please fill out the Public Attitudes to Electric Vehicles Survey.

Everyone who completes a survey will be entered into a free prize draw with the chance of winning ?50 shopping vouchers that can be used at the Victoria Centre.

Our Seasons Greenings Christmas advent calendar has returned for Christmas 2021. Head over to our @CN2028 Twitter page or follow us on Facebook to open a door a day and see what sustainability gifts or wrapping ideas you can use this Christmas. There are also chances to find out where you can buy these products and some suggested family fun activities to take part in.