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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.

Police and Crime Commissioner says truancy police won’t come knocking on doors

“But despite me putting this out there, you’ve still got some of these parents say ‘you’re going to start having the police come to knock on my door. So what more can I do to explain that actually...

Planning application submitted for Wymington Solar Farm

A planning application for a 10.6 Hectares 10.5 MW solar farm across two fields south and east of Goosey Lodge Farm, Wymington has been submitted to Bedford Borough Council. The proposals include...

Former PCC hits out at successor’s comments

Bedfordshire’s former police and crime commissioner has said “how quickly they forget” when responding to comments made by her successor. There has actually been progress which related specifically to my...

Bedfordshire PCC reflects on his first year in office

Speaking about his first year in office, Bedfordshire’s police and crime commissioner, Festus Akinbusoye, said: “I am really pleased, I’m quite proud of what has been achieved by the team...

PCC blocks internet ‘trolls’ after personal attacks online

Internet ‘trolls’ are being blocked from Bedfordshire’s police and crime commissioner, Festus Akinbusoye’s personal social media accounts. The PCC said that being an elected...

School playing fields ‘held to ransom’ over Great Denham planning delays

Delays in agreeing a planning application has led to a primary school using its sports field to expand while it waits for promised land to be handed over. During the council’s planning committee...

Green light given to Muslim faith cemetery in Box End, Kempston

A cemetery for the Muslim faith is set to be built in Kempston after Bedford Borough Council gave the plans the green light. The council’s planning committee voted in favour of...

Council praises dedication and loyalty of staff during HGV drivers’ shortage

The shortage of HGV drivers has led Bedford Borough Council to hire drivers that may have missed the cut at other times. But the council carries out a skills analysis to ensure...

Pavement parking is a “nuisance” not offence say Borough officials

Bedford Borough Council’s new traffic enforcement powers will not automatically cover the “nuisance” caused by pavement parking. A report presented to the Environment and...

Bedford rail boss says they oppose EWR home demolition

The rail boss at Bedford Borough Council has stated, to “avoid any doubt," that the council opposes demolishing homes to make way for a six-track East West Rail route. Cllr Michael Headley...

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