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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.

Kimbolton Road mental health facility plans include keeping original facade of Shires House

Plans to create a new regional mental health centre in Bedford include retaining the façade to Shires House, but demolishing Florence Ball House for parking. Shires House was partially...

Police ‘map’ 10 organised crime gangs operating in Bedford Borough

Bedfordshire Police has ‘mapped’ ten organised crime groups and three gangs in Bedford borough, councillors were told. Detective Chief Inspector Katie Dounias...

Tackling town centre drinking through better understanding and engagement

Banning drinking in public is just one part of tackling alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, says Bedford Borough Council. Back in December 2020 a Public Spaces Protection Order...

Bedford Borough Council forecasts £17m ‘levelling down’ budget gap

Bedford Borough Council’s financial forecast estimates that its budget gap will grow to £17 million in 2026/27 – but its executive was told...

Local wastewater testing is key to detecting new Covid variants

Testing wastewater is one way new Covid variants could be detected when mass testing comes to an end next month. Bedford Borough’s Local Outbreak...

Controversial cycle ban renewed in Bedford town centre

Bicycles, e-scooters and skateboards are set to be remain banned from certain parts of Bedford. Council executive members have agreed to controversial Public Space Protection Orders...

Green councillors accused of “dredging the barrel of human decency” over cycle ban

Green councillors were accused of "dredging the barrel of human decency" by bringing up racism in a heated exchange about controversial cycling rules in Bedford...

Council promise not to increase fees for Bedford’s taxis and private hire vehicles… for now

Unavoidable council fees faced by Bedford Borough’s Covid-hit taxi/private hire trade won’t be increased this year – but a higher than usual increase may follow next year. The council charges...

Police: Waiting time slashed by two-thirds for 101 callers

Bedfordshire Police said that it has reduced the average waiting time for 101 calls from over 15 minutes to less than five after staffing was...

Police meeting told: “Local cops need to know their community”

Bedfordshire Police community officers are holding meetings with residents to help set the priorities for their area – and the force has the...

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