I?m really pleased to see that Nottingham has once again been awarded Purple Flag status as recognition for the standard of its night-time economy.

This national standard takes into account our vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and? culture, while promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and local residents. It?s very much a partnership effort between the City Council, Nottinghamshire Police, Nottingham Business Improvement District and the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner.

It is great to see us recognised for the 13th year running for what local people know: our city centre is a safe, fun, and well looked after place to spend time. Popular events like the recent Light Night which attract families to the city centre confirm this.

More here

It is now clear that many thousands have tragically lost their lives in the earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria earlier this week.

These devastating earthquakes have caused an extreme humanitarian disaster. Thousands of people need aid and rescue. Help is needed to provide those that have survived with shelter, food and water so that they can begin to rebuild their lives.

If you are able to at the moment, you can donate money to a number of organisations working and helping those affected including Doctors without Borders, the Red Cross, Oxfam and Unicef.

I?m really pleased that pupils eligible for Free School Meals will be provided with supermarket vouchers for the half term holiday next week (Monday 13 February ? Friday 17 February).

We have consistently made ?15-per-week vouchers available to the 17,800 children who receive Free School Meals (FSM) over holiday periods. Once again these vouchers will be issued to parents through schools using funding from the Government?s Household Support Grant.

There will also be plenty of free family fun with Festival of Science and Curiosity, the annual festival of activities to showcase a world of science and curiosity that?s all around us every day. Also check out our Ask Lion website which rounds up the free and low cost activities available across the city including libraries, museums, park and attractions ? there?s something for everyone this half-term.

As the cost of living crisis continues, I?m aware that as people face higher food prices, energy bills and mortgage rates, they may be worrying more about money.

For further help, you can join the next Cost of Living Support event taking place at The Chase Neighbourhood Centre, St. Ann?s, Tuesday 21 February, 1-4pm. This will be a great chance to speak to someone about how to reduce energy bills, money management, debt advice, along with benefits and employment support.

For more information visit www.asklion.co.uk/budgeting

We are asking you for your views on the City Council?s new draft equality, diversity & inclusion objectives. We want to get your input to make sure that our objectives fully reflect our communities in Nottingham.

Fill in the online survey until 8 March - https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/engage-nottingham-hub/open-consultations/edi-strategy/