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9 November 2026
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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.

Planning meeting told “The council’s function is not to determine the ownership of the land”

Bedford council has said it won’t get involved in rows over who owns land when planning applications are submitted. The comment came during a discussion over retrospective...
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Solar Power Image for illustrative purposes

Elstow solar park caught up in forced labour concerns over Chinese manufacturer

The manufacturer of the Elstow solar park project’s solar panels has been caught up in US government action against forced labour in China. Bedford Borough Council said that it was...
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Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Festus Akinbusoye

PCC responds to report that says how calls are handled ‘requires improvement’

Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has heard some “really disappointing accounts” of how people have been spoken to when calling the police. And he said it was ‘disappointing’...
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Councillor tells meeting that national planning rules are too “developer-led”

National planning rules are preventing Bedford councillors from refusing unwelcome developments, a meeting heard. The planning processes that have to be followed by Bedford...
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The exterior of Oasis swimming pool, before refurbishment, was often described as dirty and an eye-sore. Image: Bedford Independent

Fusion moans media are “unfair” when reporting on their running of Bedford’s leisure facilities

A representative of Fusion Lifestyle, the company that runs Bedford borough’s leisure facilities has moaned that media reports of how they run the facilities is “unfair”. Fusion Lifestyle Ltd...
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Bedford’s public health chief worried about “lasting impact” of pandemic on childhood obesity

Childhood obesity is at the forefront of Bedford council’s public health boss’ mind as one of the lasting impacts of the Covid pandemic. Figures show that nationally there has been a 20 per cent increase...
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Solar Power Image for illustrative purposes

Elstow solar park could generate income for Bedford Borough claim council

A solar park project on a former landfill site at Elstow will generate green energy and income for taxpayers over the next 25 to 30 years, according to Bedford Borough Council. As the solar array...
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Stagecoach local bus service. Image: Stagecoach

Borough’s Climate Change Committee quizzed on “impossible” bus timetable

A change to a Bedford bus route means that it’s back to the car instead of ‘Back to Bus’. The council was asked by a resident to clarify its position on active travel at yesterday’s Climate Change Committee...
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Councils encouraged to remove barriers to waste disposal to prevent fly-tipping

Fly-tipping costs up to £392 million a year to clear up, according to the government. In a statement released yesterday, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs said local authorities dealt with 1.13 million...
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Increase in rural crime makes communities wary of countryside visitors

The increase in rural crime is making farmers and communities wary of any visitors to Bedfordshire’s countryside. Tom Church, NFU Mutual partner agent and group secretary told the Police and Crime Panel on Tuesday...
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An entrance to Putnoe Woods in Mowsbury Park showing its Green Flag award Image Bedford Independent

Ancient woodland in Bedford Borough under pressure from national housing targets

Rory Ward of Bedford Blues runs into a tackle against a Blackheath defender

Bedford Blues rising up the table after fourth straight max points win at Blackheath

Drew Richardson celebrates with his Real Bedford teammates after scoring

Second half blitz helps Real Bedford to win over Rushall Olympic

Close up of police car with lights on

Queens Drive collision leaves elderly driver fighting for life in Bedford

Members of the Armed Forces march at the Armistice Day remembrance march across the Embankment in November 2025

Lest we forget: 2026 Armistice Day and Remembrance Day events in Bedford Borough

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