Nottingham was disappointingly overlooked by the Government when it handed out Levelling Up Funding this week, despite three strong bids being submitted which were clearly aligned to what the Levelling Up Fund is meant to be about.

We submitted bids totalling ?57m, for Broad Marsh, Bulwell and the Island Quarter which would have been a great boost for these schemes. However, we will continue to work with partners to secure public and private investment to realise our regeneration plans.

The Broad Marsh bid was for work to retain and re-use the Frame of the old shopping centre which is just one aspect of a wider vision for the whole site. Work on the Green Heart will still get underway this year and our public realm improvements in the area will also continue, using different funding, as well as completing the fit-out of the new Central Library later this year.

This week we started work on redeveloping Bulwell bus station which will bring some improvement to the town and exciting plans for the Island Quarter are continuing apace. So while this week?s announcement is a big disappointment, there?s still a lot to be positive about.

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Some very positive news from the Broad Marsh area is that Nottingham College has been graded ?Good? by Ofsted.

It is great to know that not only is it a wonderful new building, but that this is matched by the standard of education and support for its 20,000 students. I?m particularly encouraged by the recognition Ofsted inspectors gave to the college for its strong links with employers and local communities. This includes its engagement with outside organisations to understand local and regional skills priorities and needs, leading to action such as designing and delivering courses in the community for disadvantaged people.

There can be little more important than giving local people the skills and opportunities they need to reach their potential, so I would to congratulate staff, students and governors for this positive result.

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We know that money is tight for a lot of people in our communities so our Libraries are stocking a collection of books covering topics such as budget cooking, managing money, growing your own and making and mending, to help you make the most of your income.?

Look out for the Living Well, Spending Less display in your library, or visit the website to see the titles and reserve for collection.

There are a host of other ways libraries can help you save money, from accessing free eMagazines, eBooks and eAudio rather than buying subscriptions, to free computer access, internet and WiFi plus a wide range of free activities for all ages from Totstimes to Knit and Natter and Games Clubs.? Also Work Clubs in many libraries can help you maximise your income, with Business & IP Centre Nottinghamshire on hand to help you start or grow your business.

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Nottingham?s Light Night returns for its 15th year on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 February. It?s always a wonderful event for families and a chance to get out to enjoy our great city in a whole new light.

Over 30 immersive and interactive light-based installations, performances and activities will once again feature right across the city centre as a part of this popular after-dark event.?

Highlights include Pulse, a large-scale light sculpture exploring the perspectives of audio-visual perception; Evanescent, an immersive light and sound environment in the form of bubbles; a dance performance at Nottingham Contemporary presented by the Tom Dale Company and Inspire Youth Arts; and City Arts? joyful community lantern parade.

Plus, there are many more installations and events from Nottingham Trent University?s Arkwright Building down to Binks Yard (Island Quarter) and from the Robin Hood Statue to Sussex Street, bringing communities together to celebrate the city.

Visitors will be able to plan their visit and read more about the installations using the Light Night App, which will be available to download before the event on the IoS App Store and Google Play. There will also be a small number of pre-printed guides available from the Tourist Information Centre and at key locations on the day.

Find out more at www.whatsonnottingham.com

I was pleased to join the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Wendy Smith, for a civic event earlier this week in recognition of the city?s hospitality workers.

Members of Nottingham Hospitality Association were invited to an afternoon tea hosted at the Council House and supported by Nottingham BID. The event was an opportunity to recognise the hard work of those working in the hospitality industry and thank them for their efforts to encourage tourists, guests and visitors back to the vibrant city centre during difficult times.

It was a chance to acknowledge the important role that hospitality venues, from small bars to larger restaurants and hotels, play in making Nottingham a destination of choice, and benefiting the local economy in terms of jobs and skills.?

[Photo: Tracey Whitefoot]

Wollaton Hall and Newstead Abbey are fantastic places to visit ? and there?s extra reasons to give both a go in 2023. You can discover Wollaton Hall's Natural History Galleries with free entry. You and the family can see the Great Hall, Salon, plus the newly transformed Bird room, Fish room and Long Gallery that showcase objects from Nottingham City Museums collection, including a resident favourite George the Gorilla. Plan your visit at?www.wollatonhall.org.uk/visit

There are also options to see the Titus: T.rex is King exhibition that has opened once again, plus Hidden History and Mini Tours inside the Hall too. Wollaton Park also boasts the Nottingham Industrial Museum which is hosting its next Steaming Event on Sunday 29 January.

Meanwhile at Newstead Abbey & Gardens, discover the House & Abbey each weekend with?House Admission?or?House Tour, and step outside and stroll among the gardens of the parkland for some fresh air too. You can discover the home of Lord Byron and explore the Historic House yourself, or with a tour guides.

Activity, site entry or parking charges apply.