Outgoing Nottingham City Council leader Cllr David Mellen shares message to city residents

Outgoing Nottingham City Council leader Cllr David Mellen sends his last message as leader to city residents.

Cllr Mellen said:

‘This is my final bulletin as Leader of Nottingham City Council.

‘On Monday 20 May, we are holding a meeting of all Councillors where Councillor Neghat Khan is set to be appointed as the new Leader, the first woman of colour to hold the position.

‘I would like to take this opportunity to wish her well for the future.

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‘I have worked with Neghat for more than ten years in Dales Ward and know that she will work hard on behalf of the people of our great city. I hope that she can count on the same support that has helped me through my five years as a Leader.

‘Our city has faced many challenges since I took over in 2019: financial hardship, Covid, the collapse of Intu the owners of the Broad Marsh shopping centre, Government intervention in our council and the tragic killing of three people in our city last June.

‘Despite the challenges, I am pleased that I have been able to lead some significant improvements and changes in our city. The Broad Marsh area is now dramatically improved, with the new Central Library, bus station and car park, and revamped public areas – and just this week I was able to help start the digging at the Green Heart park that will being much-needed green space into our city (see picture).

‘I am pleased to have been able to work with neighbouring councils to help deliver a devolution deal that will see our first elected regional mayor, Claire Ward, helping to bring much-needed investment back into the East Midlands and into Nottingham.

‘Our ambition to be the first carbon neutral city by 2028 continues – I have championed the work led by my former deputy leader Sally Longford to ensure that we do all we can to promote clean air, green technology and improved public transport. Our bus network under Nottingham City Transport continues to be one of the best in the country.

‘I was also proud to reopen Nottingham Castle after the independent trust ran out of money and that we now see thousands of visitors flocking to see this jewel in our city’s crown.

‘I would like to thank the Deputy Leaders who have served alongside me. As well as Sally, I am grateful for the support of Cllr Adele Williams and Cllr Audra Wynter.

‘Being Leader has not always been easy, but it has been my privilege to serve our citizens and to do my best for the people of Nottingham.’

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