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Local Democracy Reporter

Written by the BBC's Local Democracy Reporter named at the end of the article.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service was created to help strengthen coverage of local public bodies and ensure communities have access to trusted, independent reporting on decisions made in their name.

Funded by the BBC and delivered in partnership with local news organisations, the scheme supports dedicated journalists to report on councils, public services and other democratic institutions. Their work helps residents better understand how decisions are made, how public money is spent and how those decisions affect everyday life.

For the Bedford Independent, the Local Democracy Reporting Service plays an important role in maintaining regular, detailed coverage of Bedford Borough Council and other local public bodies, supporting our wider commitment to public-interest journalism, transparency and accountability.

Plans to change two tier schools to start next month, council says

Proposed changes to the schooling in the Wootton, Stewartby and Cranfield area are expected to move to the next stage next month.

Councillor says he is proud of Borough’s care of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children

A senior Bedford Borough Councillor officer said he was “proud” of how the council supports refugee and unaccompanied asylum seeking children in its care. Harmesh Bhogal, chief officer for

2,300 jobs could be created if Wyboston business park given the green light

A new business park providing over 2,300 new jobs could be built in Wyboston – if plans get the go-ahead. An outline planning application for the development of a 23,400msq...

Record amount of Bedford Borough rubbish incinerated

According to government figures, a record two-fifths of Bedford borough rubbish was incinerated in 2020/21. In the past, the UK sent nearly all of its waste to landfill sites. These were...

Wixams station at heart of further Bedfordshire developments

The planned railway station at Wixams is central to a mixed-use development nearby on the edge of Houghton Conquest, according to a Central Bedfordshire councillor...

Bedford can be the “place of choice” for new and relocating businesses says report

A council committee will be hearing next week about how Bedford can be the “place of choice” for new and relocating businesses. The council’s Environment and Sustainable Communities...

East West Rail has “hit the buffers” says local MP

The £5bn East West Rail project was “a fantastic concept”, but has hit the buffers, according to North East Bedfordshire MP Richard Fuller. He opposes the development now, saying to Biggleswade...

New eco-lodge holiday park proposed for Riseley

A new holiday park with six eco-lodges could be built in Riseley, Bedfordshire. Planning permission has been submitted to Bedford Borough Council to build six self-contained eco-lodges and to...

Plans proposed for new Bedford Borough wedding venue

Bedford borough could have a new year-round venue for weddings and civil ceremonies if plans for Hinwick Hall go ahead.A planning application has been submitted to allow the use of Hinwick Hall...

50-year-old Belgian woman could be behind missing Mark Rutherford millions

A 50-year-old Belgian woman has been revealed as the director of a company used to receive the £1.1m regeneration money meant for Mark Rutherford school, which was stolen by...

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