As it?s World Immunisation Week, I?d like to remind people about the importance of vaccinations ? and especially why it is essential to get your Covid-19 vaccine. World Immunisation Week is an annual initiative led by the World Health Organisation promoting the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease. Keeping up to date with vaccinations is vital in preventing severe disease in all age groups and also helps to reduce the pressure on the NHS and hospital admissions. The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of vaccination in protecting us from serious illness. So why not take a moment this week to think about protecting yourself and others:

• If you or your child is due a routine vaccination, I would encourage you to book an appointment with your GP practice
• If your child is of secondary school age, make sure they take up the offer of the vaccinations given in school
• If your child is due their MMR vaccination, but didn?t get it during the pandemic, I would encourage you to contact your GP practice to arrange an appointment
• If you haven?t had your Covid-19 vaccine, there is still time. You can book an appointment here.

If you?d like to find out more about vaccinations and immunisation, you can find information on the NHS website here.

As part of a national scheme, CityFibre is investing ?117m in Nottingham to make it one of the world?s best digitally connected areas, meaning local homes and businesses?are now able to connect to the best digital infrastructure available.

This investment in our city is very welcome. More and more services, from healthcare to recruitment, shopping and accessing benefits are available online these days, and with many residents still working from home, reliable access to broadband is essential. Businesses too will benefit from access to this new network, to connect with customers, grow and develop their businesses.

Working with Nottingham City Council, CityFibre has now connected homes in Wollaton,?Bilborough, Aspley and Leen Valley to a fast and reliable full-fibre broadband network. Work continues?to connect Basford, Hyson Green and the Arboretum, followed by Bulwell and The Meadows in the next three months. More information here

Today we are putting forward a proposal to review the council?s operation of Victoria Market, which could mean us surrendering our lease. Sadly it has been under-used for years, despite the loyalty of stall holders and the great affection its small number of customers have for it. A number of years ago the former Victoria Centre owners ? intu - increased the service charges for the market up to the same level as other retail units in the shopping centre, which meant the council has had to provide a significant annual subsidy towards the market?s operation. The situation was worsened by the Covid pandemic, despite the council providing support to traders through Government grants to reduce and spread the cost of rent.

We estimate it will cost over ?39m to keep the market running for the remaining 50 years of the lease - something we simply cannot afford when our budgets are being squeezed by other demands and reduced income from Government. We are starting a consultation with traders and the public today to gather views to help inform a final decision. More information and take part in the consultation here

Back by popular demand, Wollaton Hall & Deer Park are running a flower giveaway for all visitors.

In honour of preparations for Her Majesty the Queen?s platinum jubilee, during this week the team at Wollaton Park are removing flowers in the Formal Gardens, ready to replace with a red, white and blue colour scheme. Any removed flowers will be made available for all visitors to collect for a new home. Visitors would be welcome to collect from the Potting Shed shop, between 9am and 4pm (Tuesday 26^th April ? Monday 2^nd May), during working hours. Flowers are free, though donations are welcome ? and visitors are simply reminded to bring a bag or box to place your flowers in.

In addition, on Wednesday you can visit the Formal Gardens directly where the park rangers and volunteers will be pulling out flowers from 10am until midday. They will be near the Camellia House and visitors are welcome to pop along to have a chat and to grab some free flowers.

Did you know that Nottingham City Transport are keeping their Grouprider ticket at ?6 from now until the end of the summer holidays? A Grouprider ticket gives you unlimited travel all day across all NCT buses, for one or two adults and up to three children.

You can also use it with a friend and no children to make great savings. Find out more.