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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.
Two high rise blocks of Council flats in the UK Image DrimaFilm Shutterstock

Monthly column – Have your say: Consultation to end the service charge scandal

For years, leaseholders across England and Wales have been trapped in a broken system, one that too often turns the dream of home ownership into an expensive nightmare....
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(c) Pcc John Tizard (l) shakes hands with Mayor of Bedford Tom Wootton as business owners, police officers and councillors help launch the Summer Policing Plan. Image: Bedford Independent

Policing for the people: Why public policing is the bedrock of a safer Bedford

In my most recent column, I wrote about the importance of rejuvenating our town centres, and particularly Bedford Town Centre. I am revisiting this topic again, this month as we’ve now got...
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Cllr Henry Vann on the North Beds Liberal Democrat 2025 Village Tour. Image: Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats

Monthly column: Bedford can’t be back of the queue

Universal runs internationally renowned theme parks, and we welcome Universal’s intention to come to Bedford Borough. While visitors will be happy to queue for rides, when it comes...
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Mayor Tom Wootton was elected in 2023. Image: Bedford Borough Council.

Monthly column: Fixing the financial firestorm: A Borough brought back from the brink

When the new Conservative administration took office in Bedford Borough in 2023, the scale of the financial crisis it inherited was both shocking and unacceptable. On day one, the incoming...
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Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, officially known as the Palace of Westminster in London, England. Image Nigel J. Harris Shutterstock

Monthly column: Our welfare system needs fixing to support people back into work

The Government claims it is delivering sensible welfare reforms, but in reality, all they have delivered is chaos and yet another U-turn.  They have failed to grasp the reforms needed to deliver...
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Bedfordshire Police officers speaking with people congregating on St Peter's Green in Bedford Image Bedford Independent

Monthly column: Safer streets, safer Bedford town centre

Bedford town centre is an important place to shop, enjoy hospitality, meet friends, attend cultural events, and conduct business. I have been visiting this town centre and taking...
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Bedford & Kempston MP Mohammad Yasin (Labour) speaking at PMQs 24 July 2024. Image: Screenshot via Parliament.TV.

Monthly column: A healthier future for Bedford and beyond

As the NHS marks its 77th birthday, the Government’s bold new 10-Year NHS Plan for Change is a major step towards rebuilding and renewing our health service. After years of missed...
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Cllr Abu Sultan litter-picking with his daughter. Image Bedford Labour Group

Monthly column: “Our work is not glamourous, but it’s vital”

Social media has its advantages – on one hand, it enables me to let residents of my ward know what their councillors have been up to – but it can also be a place where disgruntled people...
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Bedford's elected mayor, Tom Wotton, pictured by Riverside Square

Monthly column: Local Plan in chaos – Inspector calls for fresh start

For years, many councillors and residents across Bedford Borough have raised serious concerns about the previous Mayor’s Local Plan 2040. They were right to do so...
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Construction site, Crane, Construction machinery development building planning Image Jürgen Rübig Pixabay

Monthly column: Balancing nature and growth: Planning reform to get Britain building

Britain’s outdated planning system has long delayed the homes we need, stalled infrastructure projects, and held back economic growth. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which will...
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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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