Yesterday, I joined leaders from Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Derby councils to sign up to a ?1.14 billion devolution deal for the East Midlands.

This will provide a guaranteed income stream of ?38 million per year over a 30-year period to invest in our region. As one of the largest combined authorities created, we would have greater influence at the highest levels to deliver a better quality of life for local people. The deal is a huge opportunity to:

• Boost our economy;
• Get more investment into the region;
• Create more and better jobs;
• Improve housing, transport, skills training and the environment;
• Put more power into local hands.

Up until now we have been one of only a few urban areas that doesn?t have a devolution deal, areas such as Manchester with their Mayor Andy Burnham or the West Midlands with Andy Street already have this agreement with Government and are benefiting from accessing more funding from them than we currently can.

Devolution will lead to more control at a regional rather than a national level and would mean a new elected regional mayor, with elections currently expected to take place in 2024.

This not about local government reorganisation and no councils will be abolished: it is about getting a fair share for the people of Nottingham and the combined authority area.

There is obviously much more to do and the four councils (Nottingham, Derby, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire) will be working closely together to develop the details of the deal, with each council taking a report through their council?s decision-making process for formal approval. There will also be a public consultation later this year to ensure that the voices of residents, businesses and partners are fully heard.

We have championed Nottingham during this process and will continue to push to get the best deal for the city. I will make sure that we make the most of every penny so this can be used to make a real difference to people?s lives. I will continue to fight for a fairer share for Nottingham and a bigger voice for our area.

Find out more

Working with the Canal and River Trust, we used some of the funding we bid for from the Government's Transforming Cities fund to this week add some 'floating ecosystems' to our city-centre canal.

The ecosystems, which are being installed on sections of canal running alongside London Road and Canal Street, float on special pontoons anchored in place. The beds are filled with a variety of plants, helping to soften the edges of the canal walls and give the waterway a more natural feel, bringing more life into the city.

Thank you to volunteers from Severn Trent Water, Nottingham BID, Aquavista, East Midlands Chamber, Games Workshop, Environment Agency, Natural England, LexisNexis and Ingeus, as well as individual volunteers, including Councillor Audra Wynter, for helping us install them. Find out more

Nottingham has a long association with archery, from the legend of Robin Hood right up to hosting the European Championships in 2016, and?is set to host two major competitions this autumn.?

These will take place at Wollaton Park From 15 to 17 September, and it?s a great opportunity to come and watch world-class UK, European and Paralympian archers. Spectator entry is free and there is ticketed seating for those who want to get a grandstand view. Archery GB will be bringing their have-a-go range for visitors to try their hand at the sport. Find out more

With the school holidays ending this week, there?s still time to pack in a few more fun activities.

• Saturday Mela Art Club 10.30am?4pm, free. No need to book, just drop in! Design and paint your own roti-shaped motif, expressing what joy means to you
• Roti Moon Theatre Performances from 11am?noon and 2pm?3pm. Book your free space in advance, via the NAE website
• Family Bhangra Rave! From noon?12.45pm and 3pm?3.45pm, free. No need to book, just drop in! A fun and energetic dance party for the whole family to enjoy!
• Face painting and also great food available in the NAE CafeBar all day!

Book your tickets here and read about the full programme here