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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.

Real Bedford FC submit plans to upgrade facilities

Real Bedford FC has submitted a new planning application to upgrade facilities at the Ledger Stadium following promotion to Step 3 of the National League System.  The planning application...

Council under cross-party pressure to retain recordings of meetings

Bedford Borough Council is facing cross-party pressure to rethink its policy of deleting meeting recordings after 12 months, with councillors from every political group saying...

Councillors flag up concerns over low response to licensing consultation

A Bedford Borough Council consultation on town centre alcohol licensing attracted only four responses – none from the public and none from police. This prompted concerns at Thursday’s (11 December)...

Dormice among species to benefit from Bedfordshire’s Nature Recovery Strategy

Bedfordshire has been described as one of the more nature-impacted areas in England in a new countywide strategy approved last night by Bedford Borough Council’s Executive...

Councillor urges cyclists to “light up their bike”

A Bedford borough councillor has bought four sets of bike lights with her own money and placed them at the council’s customer service centre as Christmas “stocking fillers”...

Council approves £5.5m for Wixams GP surgery but project still hangs in the balance

Bedford Borough Council Executive has approved a business case allocating £5.5 million towards a new GP surgery in Wixams – but official papers show the project still depends...

Concerns over Bedford Borough flood defences

One flood defence in Bedford borough is below the standards set to protect homes and businesses, according to new BBC analysis of flood defences in England. Data from the BBC Shared...

New Bromham Mill plans approved despite concerns over heritage, parking and wildlife

New plans to redevelop Bromham Mill have been approved by Bedford Borough Council’s planning committee, despite objections from residents who warned of harm to heritage, parking...

“Beggars belief”: councillors accept developer request to drop affordable homes at the former school site

Last night’s Planning Committee (Monday, 8 December) agreed to remove affordable housing from a previously approved housing scheme at the former Rushmoor School in Bedford...

Alcohol license granted for town centre cafe

Bedford Borough Council’s licensing sub-committee has approved a new premises licence for Maison Le Vôtre, a coffee shop and patisserie at 58A High Street. It can now sell alcohol...

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