Over the last month, I have been visiting villages across the Borough as part of my 2021 Village Tour and have met with several hundred residents.
I have been to 44 villages so far and I will complete the tour this weekend when I visit 14 villages on Saturday and Sunday. The details of where I will be this weekend can be found online at mayordave.org.uk/VillageTour2021.
I have been all across the Borough from Stewartby in the south to Shelton, Upper Dean and Lower Dean in the north and from Little Barford in the east to Podington, Harrold and Turvey in the west.
I have conducted a Village Tour for many years, although sadly last year’s Village Tour could not take place due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
I would like to thank all the residents that have met with me when I have visited their village this year.
There has been a wide range of topics discussed at the Village Tour so far this year.
These have included Coronavirus and the need for vaccinations, the potential route of the Government’s East West Rail line, the Transporting Bedford project and other roadworks, the Local Plan and Climate Change which has been particularly timely in the lead up to COP26. There have also been local issues particular to each village.
This year, I am also undertaking a Borough-wide survey which is being delivered to every home across the Borough.
The survey asks a number of questions including asking which road or pavement you think is most in need of repair, how the Council have dealt with Coronavirus and asking where you shop, how you think we can attract new business and jobs to Bedford Borough and what are the top three priorities for the country.
You can either return the survey or complete it online at mayordave.org.uk/HaveYourSay.
We have, of course, just celebrated the Great Big Green Week in Bedford town centre with a number of events including a Vegan Fair and the Made in Bedford Makers Market in Harpur Square.
We also lit both the Town Bridge and Riverside Bridge green to mark the week, you can see some photographs here.
This is a monthly guest column provided by
Mayor Dave Hodgson. It is published unedited and
does not reflect the views of the Bedford Independent.
