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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.

Uproar at ‘environmental’ plan to kick taxis out of Bedford bus lanes

A plan to kick some taxis and private hire cars out of three of Bedford’s bus lanes has been slammed by drivers and councillors alike. Bedford Borough Council is consulting...

Digital billboard approved after planning rejection overturned

An old-fashioned paper advertising billboard is set to go digital after a planning inspector overturned the council’s refusal of consent. Clear Channel UK appealed to the Government’s Planning...

Plans to build massive solar power station at Stagsden gain momentum

A solar power station straddling the borders of Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes, could be on the cards after developers approached three councils for their opinions...

Up to a dozen covid cases linked to one household cluster as infection grows in Bedford

Up to 12 recent cases of covid-19 in Bedford appear to be linked to one extended family, a meeting heard yesterday (Thursday)...

Socially distanced visit arranged to view a Kempston street’s parking woes

A socially distanced visit will be arranged so councillors can see a Kempston street’s parking problems. Councillors heard there is opposition from...

Great Barford takeaway plan hinges on legal agreement being reached

Controversial plans for a hot food takeaway in a Bedford borough village hinge on whether officers at the council can reach an acceptable legal agreement...

Bedford Hospital set to start trials for cautious release of visitor ban

Health chiefs are set to begin trials next week to start allowing visitors back onto the adult wards at Bedford Hospital.A meeting also heard yesterday...

Borough Council prepares for upsurge of kids in care following lockdown

More children could be brought into council care as a result of months of lockdown and school closures, a committee heard...

Bedfordshire healthcare consultation labelled a “sham”

Talks with local authorities over proposals to merge the Luton, Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) have been labelled “a sham consultation” and...

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