Picture of Local Democracy Reporter

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.

Shop’s licence under threat after trading standards and police uncover 14,000 counterfeit cigarettes

A corner shop found to be storing 14,000 counterfeit cigarettes could be put out of business if its alcohol licence is revoked, a meeting heard. Trading standards officers and Bedfordshire Police have called...

Government inspector rejects second attempt to build homes on Cople village back gardens

A Government planning inspector has rejected a second attempt to build homes on back gardens in Cople. Five landowners, including the Shuttleworth Trust, took their case for building up to five homes on land...

New Police and Crime Commissioner outlines his aims

The “staggering rate” at which officers are leaving Bedfordshire Police is a key concern of the county’s new Police and Crime Commissioner, a meeting heard. Festus Akinbusoye, who succeeded Kathryn Holloway...

Council in talks with big fashion retailer in preparation for town centre’s post-covid future

A council officer has revealed that efforts are ongoing to find space for big brands to move into Bedford as part of a massive effort to bring shoppers back to the town centre. A committee was told about a multitude...

Staff being paid to keep Bedford vaccination sites open as up to half of jab slots remain unused

Up to half the available slots at two GP-run vaccination sites in Bedford aren’t being filled, a meeting heard. Health and council leaders said there are a number of reasons why over 18s haven’t been filling slots...

“We have made a rod for our own back” Bedford family doctor explains GP appointment delays

GPs and patients are at loggerheads over appointments as family doctors struggle to cope with a “tsunami” of previously unmet needs, a meeting heard. The use of online consultation...

New settlements on drawing board as council is set target of 12,500 new homes

Two new settlements with thousands of homes each are on the drawing board as the Government tells Bedford Borough Council that it needs to find space for an extra 12,500 homes...

No plan for intensive mental health ward for women in £60m scheme to replace Weller Wing

Women with intensive mental health needs may still have to travel into London for treatment under a £60million plan to return inpatient mental health services to Bedford. A meeting heard that there are so few women requiring...

Up to 60% of people in some Bedford areas still to have first COVID vaccine

Up to 60 per cent of people living in parts of Bedford are yet to receive their first coronavirus (covid-19) vaccine, a committee heard. So called 'vaccine hesitancy' in the town even...

Borough Council CEO steps down after one month in the job

Bedford Council’s chief executive has stepped down due to ill health after little over a month in the post. Terry Collins was only appointed to the £185,000 a year role in April but by...

Get the latest Bedford news first

Subscribe to our free daily email for our lead story each morning before we publish it anywhere else, plus the key Bedford Borough headlines from the last 24 hours – without having to log into social media.