With City Council leader Jon Collins raging against Rushcliffe Borough Council for their dog-in-a-manger attitude to the prospects of bringing some part of the 2018 World Cup to Nottingham, it’s nice to be able to report that one of Nottinghamshire’s other borough councils has been recognised for something a bit more positive.

Broxtowe Borough Council has been named as best local partnership in the annual Green Heroes Awards from national conservation charity BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers).

Announcing the award, BTCV said “For 25 years, Broxtowe Borough Council and BTCV have worked together to care for and improve a number of sites across the borough. The Council’s backing has enabled BTCV to make a significant contribution, not just to managing habitats in the local parks and open spaces, but improving access and encouraging wider community involvement. The Council has also been particularly supportive in helping BTCV develop projects that are appropriate to volunteers, but also challenge and inspire them.”

And hot on the heels of this accolade, Beeston (which is in Broxtowe Borough) will be formally recognised as a Fair Trade town on 31st October. Local MP, Nick Palmer, who will launch the official designation, said: “It reflects a serious effort to ensure that in its own dealing and cafeterias, the council tries not to exploit anyone and supports international trade on a fair basis.”

So congratulations to Beeston and to Broxtowe Borough Council. These achievements might not have the profile of the World Cup but they are, I think, just as important.