2006 was a tough year on the reputation of Nottingham. First there was that hoo-hah created by programme makers at Channel 4. In yet another one of those schedule filling Top Ten programmes, they decided on the best and worst places to live in Britain. And which city was second worst? Purrleeeease! Then there was that depressing research carried out by Experience Nottinghamshire. They revealed that 8 out 10 cats actually preferred somewhere else. (And that folk dwelling in other places associate Nottingham with words like "guns" and "drugs".)
Oh, and then there was a small handful of headline hitting unpleasant incidents. Love for NottinghamWell look. This has all got to stop. Any more of it and you'd be tempted to think residents like me would be house hunting in Baghdad rather than hang around any longer. I love living here. It has the buzz and vibrancy of a city, but it's small enough to really belong to. It has bucket loads of heritage and culture, and some gorgeous villages within easy reach. Facts about our cityHere are some facts about our great city. Nottingham has the second lowest serious violent crime rate in the country. Unbelievable given the negative publicity we attract. The latest figures from Nottinghamshire Police (2004/2005) show four incidents of murder, attempted murder or serious wounding per 10,000 people. The national average is nine. And what's more, the number of recorded firearms offences is below the national average. Nottingham is officially the fourth best place in the country to shop, based on spending, 'vibrancy' and numbers of shoppers. And an online survey voted Nottingham the culinary capital of England. We also have the best eatery in the country according to the AA with the Michelin starred Restaurant Sat Bains. And if you need any more convincing, the University of Nottingham regularly appears in the top ten of the rankings league table. Celebrate NottinghamSo isn't it time we celebrated our city? To tell the country it's a fantastic place and we're proud to belong to it? Well, I'd like to put a sticker in my car to send the right message to visitors and to the other places I drive through. Imagine if all of us had one. There would be a quarter of a million signs driving round shouting "Nottingham's Fab" and you can keep your exaggerated negative spin. Your suggestionsBut what to put on it? Your suggestions are welcome. You can write your slogans at the bottom of this page or ring BBC Radio Nottingham with your slogans on 0115 9343434, and we'll pick one soon. Click on 'Next' to see some of the suggestions so far. | 
