Editor,
In a recent Bedford Ian column (Bedford Ian, 30 May 2025), it was said the police row was now becoming a political row. In my opinion, this is completely wrong.
The Police and Crime Commissioner’s role is to advocate for our local police force and bid for funding from central government, whatever their political colour.
Under both Conservative and Labour PCCs, numbers have risen, and I am told that we now have record numbers of police officers in Bedfordshire, so his job is mostly done.
My letter was to the Chief Constable, who sends Police officers out, and I strongly disagree with where he is sending those officers, as Bedford, Kempston and our villages feel left out.
My residents in Bedford Borough pay for Bedfordshire Police through their Police Precept, the same way all residents do across the county. In my opinion, other areas get disproportionate care and attention as officers are diverted to other parts of the County.
The Chief Constable’s prior promise to Borough Councillors of more Police officers turned out to be just two additional officers to cover all of our communities. I feel that this is not good enough and does not represent value for money for Borough taxpayers.
No apology needed
We are putting our limited Council resources into supporting the police as much as we can. We are not removing Safer Neighbourhood Officers like Central Bedfordshire Council has, to name but one example, but we need to be met halfway.
I will not apologise for my recent speaking out for the residents of Bedford Borough.
My letter seems to have worked as I have been promised more Police officers above the previously committed amounts.
That being said, the proof will be in the pudding in how our Borough feels to our residents who have recently felt let down by our Police.
If these additional measures really do mean that we end up with more police in our community, and residents feel safer as a result, then I will make a point of thanking the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable personally.
We know that crime is currently getting worse, and we know that Bedford Borough is on the world map with Universal coming. That is why we need action now.
Tom Wootton
Mayor of The Borough of Bedford
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