• I have written in this column several times about the progress of the Friars Walk development, and the positive news this is for Newport. This week we have had the news that M&S have told the Argus they will be returning to the city centre with a Foodhall.

It is not long now until Friars Walk opens. It’s a credit to Newport Council who have driven this forward with partners, including some financial support from Welsh Government, over the last three years.

The city centre needs a mix of major development and small, independent traders, and I believe by bringing footfall back into the city there is an opportunity for all to benefit.

• One of the great medical advances of the last hundred years has been the spread of vaccination.

Before vaccines, infectious diseases were widespread and often deadly here in Britain. Diseases like polio, TB, measles, cholera used to be killers – vaccination has saved countless lives.

That’s why I want to share the news that from this month many young people in Wales can get access to the Meningitis ACWY vaccine. The vaccine will replace the existing meningitis C vaccine, which is given to teenagers and people starting university. It covers more strains of disease, and so gives greater protection.

Starting now, all students under 25 who are attending university for the first time this autumn will be eligible to receive the ‘MenACWY’ vaccine. There will also be a catch-up programme for 13 to 18-year-olds, beginning now and being carried out over the next couple of years.

If you are looking for more information on what immunisations you or your family needs, for example whether or not you are eligible for the flu vaccine later this year, you can talk to your GP, practice nurse or health visitor or call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647 or visit www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk.

• Finally, the Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations (GAVO) are looking for nominations for the annual Newport Volunteer Awards. There are many categories for individuals and organisations that do exceptional work. For more information and forms, visit http://www.gavowales.org.uk/volunteering

The closing date for nominations is 12 noon on 21 August. If you know of someone who deserves a big thank you for their volunteering, please take a few minutes to put them forward for an award.