24 October 2025
Bedford Ian has been looking at recent goings on across Bedford Borough and tells us what he thinks of it all…
Positivity please
You’ve got a choice. You can talk Bedford down or talk it up.
You can spend your days moaning about potholes, parking, crime and politics, insisting Bedford’s “gone downhill” while posting constant negativity under every Facebook story.
Keep that up long enough, and you’ll convince yourself you live in the worst place on earth, even while enjoying your latte from one of the town’s 47 brilliant independent cafés.
Or, you can look up. Notice the new businesses opening, the volunteers helping others, the artists, the athletes, and the people who quietly make this place work.
They’re there, turning up every day, too busy doing good things to shout about it or argue with others on social media. Just take a look at our good news only section for clear-cut evidence of that.
Read: Good news only
This week alone, the Bedford Independent and Bedford Clanger have shared stories of local award winners, businesses opening, charity champions, sporting victories and even a London filmmaker who came to town and had a blast.
The video he made while here has been described as “the greatest advert for Bedford that’s ever been made.”
Speaking to the Bedford Clanger, filmmaker John said: “I spoke to a couple of shopkeepers, and their instant reaction to my visit was really positive, giving me suggestions of where to go for lunch and what to see while I was here.
“That kind of positivity and enthusiasm tells you a lot about a place.”
Read: YouTube video described as “The greatest advert for Bedford that’s ever been made”
Of course, not everything’s perfect. My editorial colleagues will still report the crime, the politics, and the nonsense, because it’s their job and part of the picture too; no one’s suggesting we bury our heads in the sand.
But there’s a difference between holding things to account and just holding a grudge.
And what you do matters too. Every time you post, comment, or share on social media, you’re helping to shape how Bedford sees itself, and how others see us (and you) too.
So, what’ll it be?
Keep talking the town down, or start shouting about what makes it great, and inspire even more Bedordians to help make it greater still?
At the end of the day, Bedford will be precisely what we make of it. And frankly, this bloody brilliant Borough deserves better than to be constantly told it isn’t worth the effort.
Homecoming King
Did you see the news this morning? Tom Grennan’s coming home, headlining Bedford Park again.
Read: Bedford’s Tom Grennan returns home for massive Summer Sessions headline gig
Yes, he did it back in 2022. And yes, we’d happily have him do it every year. Because let’s face it, if there’s anyone who can get Bedford singing, smiling and slightly hoarse the next morning, it’s our own Tom.
He’s one of the few who’s made it big and never forgotten where he’s from, still talking about Bedford, still proud of it, still turning up to remind the rest of us that this town’s got talent, heart, and really does punch above its weight.
So welcome back, Tom. Keep coming home, and we’ll keep showing up.
Ticking boxes
Bedford Borough Council has launched its big public consultation on how to save £11.5 million. One slight hitch: they haven’t actually asked anyone about any of the cost-saving measures.
Read: Public consultation now open on Bedford Borough Council’s budget proposals
Except, of course, the green bins. The sole yes/no question asks if we support being charged for their collection.
No prizes for guessing how that will go.
The rest of the ‘consultation’ is less about choices and more about homework, things like ‘Developing the Workforce Operating Model’ and ‘Effective Contract Management’. In other words, “Please tell us how to do our jobs, because we aren’t quite sure”.
Now, I’m no expert in writing consultations, but asking the average person how to run a council is a bit like asking them how to land a plane; everyone’s got an opinion, but barely any of them are qualified.
And judging by comments from Bedford Independent readers, people are unimpressed:
- “The only yes/no is the charging for green bins? Why not ask opinions on all the other proposals?”
- “Tick-box exercise.”
- “Really doesn’t ask the right questions, does it?”
- “Why ask people who don’t work with the facts and figures? Stop trying to pass the blame and just get on with it.”
All fair points.
Consultations are supposed to make us feel heard, so, if the council’s really listening, here’s some free advice: ask clear questions, offer clear choices, and stop pretending “tell us how you’d fix everything” is participation.
Because right now, it feels less like consultation and more like passing the buck.
Political pivot
Peter McCormack has been courting controversy again. Love him or loathe him, he’s got people talking about issues in the town, even if his methods haven’t been everyone’s cup of tea.
Now, after repeatedly saying he’s not interested in politics, he’s reportedly considering a run for Bedford & Kempston MP. Many Bedfordians responding to the news haven’t hesitated to say they think this was the plan all along.
He insists otherwise, claiming it’s only something he’s seriously considering because more and more people “are asking him to.” Which, in politics, is roughly the same as saying “Don’t blame me, they made me do it.”
He hasn’t confirmed whether he’ll run as an independent or align with a party, having said he doesn’t really like any of them.
But regardless of that, one thing he’ll have to decide is if he’s going to employ a little more humility and grace. After all, telling people to “shut the f**k up” on social media might get attention, but it won’t win hearts, votes or the moral high ground.
Zero problem
I’m all for political parties opposing each other and calling each other out on their irresponsible behaviour, but let’s not exaggerate things too much.
Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats had to quickly apologise today after accidentally turning a £450,000 problem into a £4.5 million scandal, all thanks to an extra zero.
In an email to Bedfordians, the party warned that the “near-empty Debenhams building continues to cost taxpayers £4500,000 (sic) a year.”
An obvious typo to many, but spare a thought for those who mistook it to mean £4.5million and panicked at the idea the council’s Conservative executive had secretly bought several more empty department stores – which, thankfully, they haven’t.
In fairness, we’ve all hit the wrong key now and then. But in local politics, one extra zero can turn outrage into apocalyptic meltdown faster than you can say “mayor’s special property buying fund.”
To their credit, the Lib Dems quickly owned up, blaming a stray keystroke and confirming the actual figure is £450,000 a year, with group leader Henry Vann issuing a swift apology and wishing everyone “a good weekend”… I think I’ll do the same.
See you soon, Bedford Ian.
PS: If you see anything Bedford Ian might find amusing, let us know at news@BedfordIndependent.co.uk.
