Along with the rest of the country, we are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. She has dutifully and gracefully served for 70 years ? longer than any other British monarch ? and was held in great affection and respect by her country.

We were proud and honoured to host many visits by The Queen as a city, including the Coronation year (1953) and all Jubilees (Silver in 1977, Gold in 2002 and Diamond in 2012). It?s particularly sad that her death comes during her Platinum Jubilee year when the country has been celebrating her long reign.

As a mark of respect and sorrow, we are flying flags on our buildings at half mast and where possible lighting them purple at night. The Lord Mayor of Nottingham Cllr Wendy Smith today opened a Book of Condolence at the Council House which many Nottingham people have already signed. Books of Condolence will also be available at the council?s Loxley House headquarters, Clifton, Dales and Bulwell Riverside libraries and online here.

Myself and Cllr Adele Williams went to the Council House this afternoon and signed the Book of Condolence and laid flowers on the Council House steps. Today people were queuing to sign the book and I expect flowers will continue to be laid there; everyone is very welcome to come and pay their respects.?The Council House will be open from 10am to 5pm tomorrow for people to sign the Book of Condolence.

More information is available here and will be updated during the national period of mourning

I am pleased that there is widespread support from organisations across Nottingham for our bid to Government for ?20m of Levelling Up Funding to start turning the Broad Marsh vision into reality.

Major local organisations including Experian, Boots, Capital One, East Midlands Chamber of Commerce and D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, have backed our bid and can see the enormous benefits it can bring to the city.

The bid?would prepare the centrepiece of the vision ? the Frame of the former shopping centre ? to be retained and reimagined into a unique space to bring people together in the city for play, performance and food, providing the necessary catalyst and confidence for private sector partners to invest. This would unlock other key elements of the vision including the ?Green Heart? providing a wildlife-rich green space in the heart of the city centre, the rejuvenation of Nottingham?s unique cave network and the creation of 6,000 jobs, 750 homes and over 400,000 sq ft of commercial and business space.

More information here

Although today is very much a day of reflection, we can?t lose sight of what is ahead ? and, in particular, as we move into the autumn and winter we must think about the return of Covid-19.

This winter it is expected that many respiratory infections, including Covid-19 and flu may be circulating at high levels.

People aged 50 years and older, residents in care homes for older people, those aged five years and over in a clinical risk group and health and social care staff will be offered a booster of Covid-19 vaccine this autumn. Covid is more serious in older people and in those with certain underlying health conditions which is why the offer of a booster jab is important ? it is topping up their immunity. The vaccine that will be used this autumn offers protection against both the original virus and the Omicron variant.?

People will be offered an appointment between September and December, with those at highest risk being called first. You should have your booster at least three months after your last dose of vaccine.

And please remember: if you?ve never had a Covid jab then anyone aged over five can receive a first dose of the vaccine.

In Nottingham and Nottinghamshire we have plenty of locations for you to grab a jab ? either at a larger vaccination centre, a community pharmacy or at some GP practices. The best way to find your nearest clinic is by heading to the booking website or calling 119.

Over the past nine years, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Derbyshire have worked together with local bus operators and invested significantly in our bus network to improve bus services connecting our communities.

Now, our transport teams want to find out more about how those changes have impacted you, and what your experience and satisfaction levels are with our buses locally. If you use buses, please fill in a short online survey before 7 October which will help to shape future public transport services.

Have your say here.