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.

Beds, Luton & MK: Creaking NHS feels the strain of proposed new local diagnostic hubs

Whole communities across the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes region are not being effectively served by diagnostic services but NHS chiefs are struggling to find solutions, a meeting heard...

Retiring chief executive set to receive Borough’s top civic honour

The retiring chief executive of Bedford Council will receive the highest honour the borough can bestow. Bedfordshire born and bred Philip Simpkins received high praise from councillors who...

Japanese multinational given permission to build brand new HQ in Bedford

A Japanese multinational company has been given permission to build its new 13.2m (43 ft) tall headquarters building in Bedford. Bedford Council’s planning committee on Monday heard how Fujifilm, which...

Unstable former chapel in Stevington is a ‘danger to health and safety’ committee told

An old chapel building in Stevington is being held up by buttresses and remains a “danger to health and safety”, a meeting heard. The former Methodist chapel, in Park Road, was built in 1863 but ceased use...

Covid sticker envy as councillors celebrate latest virus statistics

Vaccination sticker envy came to the fore at a meeting where councillors were in a happy mood after hearing some good news on the state of the battle against covid in Bedford...

Hospital maternity chiefs ‘look forward’ to next inspection following inadequate rating

Hospital chiefs have committed themselves to keeping and improving maternity services in Bedford. The service was rated inadequate following a Care Quality Commission (CQC) unannounced visit on...

New 24-hour McDonald’s fast food drive-thru set for land off Paula Radcliffe Way

McDonald’s and Bedford Borough Council have teamed up to apply for planning permission to build a new fast-food drive-thru restaurant on the outskirts of town...

Maternity chiefs set for grilling following Bedford Hospital ‘inadequate’ rating

Maternity chiefs are set to be grilled by councillors about their improvement plans after inspectors found there was a risk of baby abduction at Bedford Hospital...

Licence bid for 4.30am events puts former science teacher at loggerheads with council officials

A teacher-turned-businessman is at loggerheads with council environmental health officers over his bid to win a 4.30am entertainment licence for his Afro-Caribbean social club...

Health chiefs describe rare blood clot symptoms and urge Bedfordians to keep taking their jabs

A Bedford professor and GP has described the rare symptoms of blood clots to look out for as he urged local people to keep taking their Covid-19 (coronavirus) jabs...

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.