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9 November 2026
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Political Column

This byline is for regular columns submitted by various political leaders within Bedford Borough.
Police on the beat on Bedford High Street. Image: Bedfordshire Police/Facebook

Monthly column: My ambitions for a safer and fairer Bedfordshire

When I launched the Police and Crime Plan in October 2024, I reaffirmed my commitment to work to create a safer and fairer Bedfordshire. After nearly a year in office, I am more convinced...
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Bedford's elected mayor, Tom Wotton, pictured by Riverside Square

Monthly column: Transforming our Family Hubs to better serve Bedford Borough residents

It is important that the Council continues to review and update its services to better serve residents across the Borough because, over time, patterns, people and needs change. That is why we are transforming our Family Hubs...
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Ukrainian families flee the war across the Hungarian border to a peaceful area in February 2022

Monthly column: UK’s critical role in Ukraine peace negotiations

This month, global attention has been focused on the White House, where political shifts in the US are deeply impacting international relations, particularly across Europe...
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Bedfordshire Police Community Policing Team

Monthly column: Safer streets, safer Bedfordshire

I very much welcome the government’s new Crime and Policing Bill. This will make our streets safer and provide the police with new and stronger powers and resources needed to tackle...
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Cllr Carl Meader, Leader of Bedford Borough Labour Group. Image: Bedford Borough Labour Group

Column: We’re not about scoring political points or blocking every move

Bedford Borough Labour Group is first and foremost concerned with the needs and wants of residents of the Borough, not in scoring political points and blocking every move the...
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PCC John Tizard speaking at the launch of his police and crime plan on 3 October 2024. Image: LDRS.

Monthly column: Grants for a safer and fairer Bedfordshire

As Police and Crime Commissioner, I have a modest budget of £3.3m to award grants and commission services to fund activities to support victims, prevent crime and keep our county...
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Estate Agent's 'sold' sign

Monthly column: Government homebuying reforms aim to cut delays, costs, and support first-time buyers

The Labour government is making significant strides in modernizing the home buying process and supporting aspiring homeowners, especially first-time buyers. These transformative changes aim to save time, reduce stress, and put...
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Cllr Henry Vann standing in Bedford Park, You can see parts of the Pavilion coffee shop behind him. Image: Bedford Liberal Democrats

Monthly column: Don’t take huge risks with other people’s money

If you look after the pennies, the pounds will look after themselves… and that couldn’t be more important for those in public office when you are spending someone else’s (local residents’)...
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Bedford's elected mayor, Tom Wotton, pictured by Riverside Square

Monthly column: What the Capital Programme means for you

As many are aware, councils up and down the country are facing some really tough financial challenges. However, while others are cutting back and reducing services, we’re refusing to stand still and have chosen to invest in Bedford Borough’s...
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Blake Stephenson. Image: LDRS

Monthly column: Back into the swing of things

As we enter 2025, I want to wish everybody a very happy new year and hope you all had a relaxing break with your family and friends. Parliament returned from Christmas recess...
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An entrance to Putnoe Woods in Mowsbury Park showing its Green Flag award Image Bedford Independent

Ancient woodland in Bedford Borough under pressure from national housing targets

Rory Ward of Bedford Blues runs into a tackle against a Blackheath defender

Bedford Blues rising up the table after fourth straight max points win at Blackheath

Drew Richardson celebrates with his Real Bedford teammates after scoring

Second half blitz helps Real Bedford to win over Rushall Olympic

Close up of police car with lights on

Queens Drive collision leaves elderly driver fighting for life in Bedford

Members of the Armed Forces march at the Armistice Day remembrance march across the Embankment in November 2025

Lest we forget: 2026 Armistice Day and Remembrance Day events in Bedford Borough

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