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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.

County-wide partnership to help families affected by drug & alcohol problems

A system is to be adopted across Bedfordshire to help parents overcome serious drug or alcohol problems and keep their families together, where possible.

Bedford station has second highest number of bike thefts in the country

Bedford's train station has been found to have the second highest number of bike thefts in the country. Data collected found that in the past three years, out of 1,245 stations, Bedford had the second...

Housing charity could be at risk if forced to buy expensive wooden windows

“Don’t make us pay more than three times as much for wooden windows.” That’s the plea from elderly residents of a charity’s housing estate in Stewartby. Planning officers at...

Councillors approve final Bromham Road Bridge plan despite disability concerns

Cyclists and a wheelchair-using councillor have slammed plans for the design of the replacement railway bridge on Bromham Road. The bridge is currently closed until Spring 2020 while...

Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group on course for “real terms deficit”

Health bosses in Bedfordshire want to put the brakes on expenditure to avoid implementing a so-called “stink list” of cost cutting measures. Early indications in the...

Thousands sign petition to save Bedford Hospital hydrotherapy pool

Over one thousand people has signed an online petition to save a much needed hydrotherapy pool, yet health chiefs have told Bedford Borough council they still plan to launch...

Garry Forsyth officially confirmed as Bedfordshire’s new Chief Constable

Deputy Chief Constable, Garry Forsyth, has been officially confirmed as the new Chief Constable of Bedfordshire Police and will replace Jon Boutcher next month. Mr Forysth was the...

Poorer Bedford men and women dying up to 11 years earlier

Men and women living in poverty in Bedford Borough are likely to die up to 11 years earlier than their more fortunate neighbours according to a new report. Ian Brown, the council’s...

Bedford Borough sees 48% shortfall in GP spaces

Bedford Borough has seen a 48% shortfall in GP spaces according to a new report by Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group’s (CCG) and they expect it to get worse. Bedfordshire health...

Petition calls for increased road safety in Bedford Borough village

Residents of a Bedford Borough village are demanding action to improve road safety following a collision that left a nine-year-old girl fighting for her life. Over 200 parents and...

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