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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.

Urgent plea to businesses to help Bedford avoid ‘disastrous’ local lockdown

A minority of businesses have been failing to follow social distancing guidelines, a meeting heard. With Bedford on the Government’s watch list as an “area of concern”, councillors are worried that...

Councillors invited to ‘decide again’ over Bromham housing plan

Councillors have been invited to have another go at making a planning decision that was already on the brink of being signed off. Bedford Borough Council’s lawyers have advised the planning...

Emergency cash pot to help Bedfordians to eat and get basic essentials

An emergency cash pot of more than £178,700 has been created to help people who are struggling to afford food and essentials during the covid crisis in Bedford. The money has been...

Massive redevelopment plan approved for Aspects Leisure Park in Bedford

Owners of a “tired” leisure park near Bedford town centre have been given the green light to redevelop the site and build four blocks of flats that...

Bedford Hospital and healthcare providers focus of covid infection ‘deep dive’

Coronavirus (COVID-19) detectives are focusing their investigation on workers at Bedford Hospital and other healthcare settings, suggesting they're behind the high rate of virus...

“Act as if you’ve got the virus this weekend” says Bedford Borough’s health lead

A leading Bedford politician is urging residents to show caution when pubs, restaurants, barbers and hairdressers re-open this weekend...

Councillor says ‘democratic rights’ at stake during planning committee’s lockdown

A councillor says the democratic rights of the public are being lost during the planning committee’s lockdown.Cllr Alison Foster (Cons, Harrold ward)...

Booze license granted for new Riverside North bar despite noise concerns

An alcohol licence has been granted for a new Mediterranean-style coffee bar despite the noise concerns of a council environmental health officer...

Council creates £50k lifeline fund for Bedford charities struggling during pandemic

A charitable trust run by Bedford Borough Council has created a £50,000 urgent fund to help charities struggling to survive the coronavirus pandemic...

Beds Police: ‘We’ve got a better understanding of gangs now than we’ve ever had’

Gang activity in the county is better understood by Bedfordshire Police than ever before, a meeting heard. The force dealt with 54,000 crimes in...

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