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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.

Monthly column: Government’s controversial Planning Bill will remove local powers

The Government’s new controversial Planning Bill represents the biggest reform of the planning system in England since the introduction of the Town and Country Planning Act 1947...
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Mayor Dave Hodgson

Monthly column: Town Deal success for Bedford

As you may have seen the Government has announced Bedford Borough was successful in securing £22.6million in our Town Deal Bid. This money will help regenerate the Station Quarter and Midland Road...
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Mayor Dave

Monthly column: Council to hold public meetings on EWR consultation response

As you may know, the East West Rail Company is currently consulting on the route alignments for the Oxford to Cambridge route. This consultation covers a number of different areas including...
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Monthly column: If the Govt can stand up to a football monopoly why not other broken markets?

News that the six English clubs signed up to the European Super League have withdrawn after 48 hours of a virtually unanimous backlash from fans has been welcomed on all sides of Parliament...
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Mayor Dave

Monthly column: East West Rail Company launches next phase of their consultation

Last week the East West Rail Company launched the next phase of their consultation on the route from Oxford to Cambridge and we have received the details of EWR's proposals...
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Monthly column: Why I’m voting against the Police and Crime bill

The tragic death of Sarah Everard and the Met Police's handling of a vigil for her has instigated a national demand for action to tackle violence against women and girls and sparked a renewed focus on...
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Mayor Dave Hodgson

Mayor’s monthly column: Roadmap for easing Lockdown

Last week the Prime Minister outlined the roadmap for easing lockdown restrictions in England. This is incredibly good news, but we must continue to follow existing guidelines of washing hands regularly, wearing a face covering...
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Keir Starmer

Monthly column: The virus exposed an unequal economy – we will not go back

Keir Starmer gave his most important speech yet laying out Labour’s vision for the future. “The Conservatives say they want to build back. But I don’t want to go back. You can’t return to business as usual. And certainly not back to...
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View from the villages: It’s vital that all of us support the town centre and shop local

The now finally confirmed closure of all Debenhams stores, as it goes purely on-line, further damages Bedford town centre. Until now Bedford has, despite the losses of several major retailers, been doing better than many comparable towns...
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Mayor’s monthly column: Vaccination video and roll-out update

Today we have seen a new national vaccination centre open at Bedford Heights. This new centre joins Kings House and the Gurdwara...
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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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