WE are enjoying some fantastic weather, which is a change for us all. I hope everybody is keeping well and safe. Don’t forget to look out for any neighbours who may need extra help in the hot weather.

There’s a hosepipe ban in place, which I know is an inconvenience, but it’s something that we need to do because of the exceptionally hot and dry spell.

Exeter is currently enjoying large numbers of visitors to the city centre, and we remain a top national destination. The city has recently enjoyed several great festivals, like Respect and the St Thomas Festival, which help to bring people together.

Local Government Reorganisation has been decided. It has been a long process. Like many things, some people don’t realise until it happens. But the council has done a lot of engagement with partners and taken part in consultation. We’ve met online with parishes and maintain dialogue with them. In the main, people are supportive, but of course many have questions.

I’m hoping it will bring more opportunities for us in Exeter and the surrounding parishes. We are all interconnected through sport, leisure, shopping and schools, and I am sure the community will grow stronger as a result.

Politicians will have to listen to the wider communities from now on, to reflect their aspirations and deal with any issues before us. I feel our area is a great place to do just that. We will of course continue to work collaboratively with the other proposed authorities.

We will not be building walls around Exeter and people will still carry on with their lives - it will be business as usual for the time being, but we have to work hard to ensure day-to-day services are maintained.

Council recently backed a major investment of £2.5 million to improve the Quay and Cathedral car park. This is a significant investment in Exeter’s future. This is a strategically important city centre asset, and these improvements will create a safer, more attractive and more welcoming environment for users.

By bringing the whole car park back into use and improving the overall customer experience, we are supporting the continued vitality of our city centre, Quay and evening economy.

While travelling around on the bus, it is great to see so many young people taking advantage of the free travel. This is fantastic. It helps our young people and helps a little bit with the cost of living.

There are some great places to see in and around Exeter and on our coastline. At the weekend I experienced a boat trip around the Jurassic coast – it was a beautiful day and a fantastic trip. We are very lucky to have this right on our doorstep.

Congratulations to Andy Mulcock, who has been appointed chair of the Pride in Place board. The programme is providing £20 million in funding from the Government to be spent in Whipton and Heavitree over the next 10 years to support projects, activities and opportunities that improve lives across the area.

Finally, commiserations to Exeter City for their narrow Devon derby defeat to Plymouth Argyle in the Carabao Cup. It was a close game and a battling performance which bodes well for the long season ahead. I know everyone will want to join me in wishing the Grecians all the very best for the new campaign.

Phil Bialyk

Leader, Exeter City Council