I?m always proud when we can open new council homes and the 36 one-bed apartments opened in Clifton this week are no exception. We have created modern, energy-efficient and affordable homes for local people on our housing waiting list - homes they will be proud to live in, whilst regenerating a site which is no longer fit for purpose.

The flats have been named after Kieron Hill, a popular local soldier who tragically died aged 20, following an explosion in Afghanistan in May 2009.

The City Council worked with Nottingham City Homes and construction partner GEDA to build these new homes, contributing to a programme which has seen nearly 700 new council homes built for local people, with more expected over the next few years.

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I?m delighted that the City council has been able to identify more than ?500,000 to replace the popular paddling pool on Victoria Embankment. We plan to use a combination of money collected from developers to benefit local communities ? mostly provided by private developers of new student accommodation - and grants from the Government?s Levelling Up Fund to carry out the work.

We were really sorry we had to close the Victoria Embankment paddling pool last year when sadly after eight decades it came to the end of its natural life. The council had done all we could to keep it running, knowing how popular it is with local residents, so we weren?t surprised that so many people told us in our consultation that they wanted to see a replacement water-play facility.

The council is proposing a traditional paddling pool and splash park elements, as well as looking to introduce toilets, changing rooms and refreshment in a second phase of the development, which will complement the wider improvements at Victoria Embankment.

More information here

On your next library visit, why not take part in our children?s fun Christmas picture hunt? Take a look at our Christmas page for festive crafts, Christmas picture book readings, festive reads and more: https://www.nottinghamcitylibraries.co.uk/christmas/.

Over the Christmas period some of our libraries will be closed for a short time and others have reduced opening times. For full details, visit the website.

You can book now for Breakfast with Santa at Caf? 1899, Gedling Country Park, from 9.30-10.30am during weekends in December.

Caf? 1899 is run by Nottingham City Council in partnership with Gedling Borough Council and provides hot and cold drinks and snacks, confectionery and pastries.

Children will get a Christmas breakfast box and a present from Santa. They can write their letter to Santa and post it in the special box, and a reply will be ready for you when you leave. ?11 per child, full payment required on booking.

To book please call 0115 926 1388 or visit Caf? 1899 at Gedling Country Park.