Picture of Jasmine Barton-Hanson

Jasmine Barton-Hanson

Paul Hutchinson started as a reporter at a local Bedford radio station 20 years ago. Here he developed a passion for local media and worked his way up to become Deputy Editor of what was then the country’s largest commercial radio news hub.

Paul is fiercely passionate about local journalism and its important role in supporting democracy and the communities it serves.

Paul also sits on the Code Committee for regulator IMPRESS and plays an active role in promoting responsible and accurate journalism, as well as empowering younger writers to become the responsible and ethical journalists of the future.

VAT on private schools sparks debate over SEND children’s education options

On 1 January 2025, the Labour government implemented a 20% VAT on private schools as pledged in their manifesto. However, parents of SEND children say this has negatively affected SEND students...

Opinion: Being without power during the Kempston power cut was a challenge

On the morning of Wednesday, 25 June, the power to over 200 homes in Kempston was cut following a fault in an electricity substation. For thousands of people, this was just a headline and a story...

Refurbishment works to begin on Bedford Park bandstand

Bedford Borough Council has announced that refurbishment works on our iconic Bedford Park Bandstand are set to begin the week commencing Monday, 21 July 2025. The project is...

Interactive adventure trail for families launches in Bedford this summer

The team behind Cardboard Clues are launching a new interactive game this summer, following the success of their project in the Higgins Bedford. Riverside Ramble takes you...

New website launched to help people make the most of the River Great Ouse

One of Bedford’s best-loved assets is the River Great Ouse, and a new website has been launched to help locals and visitors make the most of it. If you are interested in walking, paddling, swimming, boating...

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