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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.

Figures show dramatic collapse in local hydrotherapy care since NHS pool closure

Furious Bedford councillors will be firing off an angry letter to the town’s hospital and health commissioners over the closure of a well-used hydrotherapy...

Bedford Borough: Interest rates may come DOWN this year, council’s investment experts say

Interest rates may come DOWN this year as the economy stutters because of Brexit and global trade uncertainties. That’s according to the investment advisers...

Last ditch bid to stop plan for 165 new homes in Ravensden fails

Borough planners have voted to approve a controversial application for up to 165 new homes in a north Bedfordshire village after hearing a final plea to...

Bromham Parish Councillors ‘shocked’ as new doctor’s surgery approved for Biddenham

A plan for a new doctors’ surgery and care home in Biddenham to replace two part-time surgeries in Bromham has been approved despite objections...

Bedford River Festival bans single use plastic

Single-use plastics are being banned from bars at next year’s Bedford River Festival as part of the council’s drive to become more environmentally friendly. And a meeting of...

Trust ‘eroded’ between GPs and ambulance call handlers over 999 ‘algorithm’

Family doctors are frustrated with their ambulance service colleagues over the way that 999 calls are being handled, a committee heard.

Prevention of future deaths notice slapped on Bedford Hospital

A coroner has demanded action by Bedford Hospital to close loopholes in procedures and training that she believes may lead to more patient deaths...

Traffic death worries over homes plan near Wootton Upper School

Campaigners fear that children’s lives will be put at risk on even busier roads if 81 new homes are built next to a school.

Villages being ‘savaged’ by developers as more houses given planning permission

Bedford’s villages are being “savaged” by developers who are exploiting a massive breach in the borough’s planning defences.

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