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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.

FOI reveals former pub lease was signed without councillor sign-off

Bedford Borough Council confirmed that a senior officer signed a lease for the former Paddington Pub on Midland Road – without the decision being approved by councillors, the executive, or the...

Developer seeks tweaks for Wootton housing site

Blakeney Estates Ltd has submitted a new application to Bedford Borough Council seeking approval to amend the layout of two homes within its 20-dwelling development south...

Planning application to convert London Road family home into HMO

A planning application has been submitted to turn a detached house in Bedford into a shared home for up to four people. The proposal, submitted to Bedford Borough Council, seeks permission...

Padel courts planned for Mowsbury Golf and Squash Complex

Bedford’s mayor has approved a £300,000 investment to build new padel tennis courts at the Mowsbury Golf and Squash Complex, marking the first publicly available facility...

Mayor approves £2.5m Kempston Pool refurbishment

Bedford’s mayor has greenlit a £2.5 million refurbishment of Kempston Pool and Fitness Centre, with construction work scheduled to begin in April 2026. Mayor Tom Wootton approved...

Mowbray Road consultation deadline extended after local concerns

Developers have extended the deadline for public feedback on major new housing proposals at Mowbray Road in Bedford, after publicity concerns were raised by local councillors...

Interactive map to help residents understand Bedford’s new Dog Control Zones

Restrictions on dogs in Bedford have been expanded to cover dozens of new locations in the town. Read: New three-year PSPO covering irresponsible dog ownership introduced...

New Public Space Protection Order tackles antisocial behaviour but ‘safe’ cycling permitted

Bedford’s mayor has approved a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at tackling a range of antisocial behaviours in the town centre. The executive decision...

New three-year PSPO covering irresponsible dog ownership introduced

Bedford Borough Council has approved a renewed three-year Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle irresponsible dog ownership, expanding restrictions to cover dozens...

Despite volume of FOI requests, council has no internal or public disclosure log

Bedford Borough Council received 1,299 Freedom of Information (FOI) requests between April 2023 and March 2024, according to newly released figures. But despite the volume...

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