As a teenager I lived with my Dad in what we called our ‘Batchelor pad’ in the centre of a town not far away. During a turbulent time in my life, my Dad was made redundant from...
An outline planning application for 20 new homes in Wootton has been submitted to Bedford Borough Council. The application from Rainier Developments is to develop land to...
I first became homeless when I was 15. At 16 I was put in a bedsit by social services and left to it – I had no idea of what to do. Then I spent the next 15 years living in hostels and...
A local councillor has slammed estate management companies for the "iniquitous and mind-boggling" charges faced by residents in Great Denham. Cllr Jim Weir...
Changes to government calculations mean additional 12,000 new houses in Bedford Borough
Local Democracy Reporter
Bedford borough will have to find sites for an additional 12,000 new homes following changes to government calculations, a meeting heard. Bedford mayor, Dave Hodgson told the...
Guest editor: “If I ruled the world here are two changes I’d make to improve the situation of homeless people”
Guest Editor
Today's Guest Editor post is written by barrister, Araba Taylor, one of the trustees of the JustUs charity. If I ruled the world… If I could change thing to improve the situation of the homeless...
Plans to change 22 moorings at Bedford’s Priory Marina into residential ones have been submitted. The change would increase the number of residential moorings at the Barkers Lane marina...
Guest Editor: Kieran’s story “We just felt like two little people against this big machine”
Guest Editor
The first Guest Editor post from JustUs is written by 14-year-old Kieran and powerfully describes the often overlooked impact of homelessness on children. ..
Housing committee hears some landlords are ‘gaming the system’ and accused of ‘rent farming’
Local Democracy Reporter
Landlords in Bedford have been accused of ‘rent farming’ at poor quality supported accommodation. The issue was highlighted in a report on the council’s homeless strategy...
Simon Hollands from Hollands Smith has partnered with the Bedford Independent to share his thoughts on the housing market over the last 12 months.
As 2021 draws to a close the emphasis – unfortunately – again...
A former care home will be converted into 13 flats providing supported living accommodation to people with learning difficulties. The transformation of the former Darrell Jeffreys...
Council pledge 24/7 outreach team responding to reports of rough sleepers this winter
Local Democracy Reporter
Almost 200 people claiming to be homeless and sleeping rough in Bedford borough could not be found by support teams. At the borough council’s Housing Committee meeting...