Bedford Borough Council and Bedfordshire Police have launched a new Town Centre Task Force aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour and improving safety in Bedford town centre.
The initiative was formally launched on 25 February, following a six-month trial which began in October.
The council said the trial showed benefits, including a more visible presence in the town centre that helped deter nuisance behaviour and connect people with support services.
The new task force will bring together council teams and police to coordinate action, share intelligence and deliver a joined-up approach to public safety and the wider public realm.
It will focus on tackling anti-social behaviour and crime, running targeted action days and providing daily reassurance, engagement and enforcement activity.
Dedicated officers funded
Following approval of the council’s 2026–27 budget, additional resources have been secured through a joint funding arrangement with Bedfordshire Police.
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This will fund a team of three dedicated anti-social behaviour officers, who will provide a continued presence in the town centre.
The council said the team will also be able to support other areas, including Queens Park and other identified hotspots, using a data-led approach to deploy resources where they are most needed.
The council said the task force has been created in response to concerns from residents and businesses about anti-social behaviour and feelings of reduced safety in the town centre.
Cllr Phillippa Martin-Moran-Bryant (Conservative, Great Barford), Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services, said: “Our town centre is critical to Bedford. We want it to be a vibrant, safe space we all enjoy visiting.
“This Town Centre Task Force is designed to tackle the issues that matter most to our residents and businesses.
“By working collaboratively across Council services, with our blue-light partners, the business community, and local residents, we will deliver the improvements people want to see. Together, we can create a town centre we are all proud of.”
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The best of Bedford
Cllr Andrea Spice (Conservative, Wixams & Wilstead) Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning and Prosperity, added, “The creation of the Town Centre Task Force marks a significant step forward in our determination to make Bedford a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming place for all.
“By bringing together dedicated officers, intelligence-led approaches, and strong partnership working, we are ensuring that issues are tackled quickly and effectively.
“This is about giving people confidence – confidence that their concerns are heard and acted upon, and confidence that our town centre can continue to thrive.”
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Mayor of Bedford Borough Tom Wootton (Conservative) also waded in: “Our residents and businesses deserve a town centre that reflects the best of Bedford, one that is vibrant, safe, and makes us proud.
“This enhanced partnership with Bedfordshire Police shows our commitment to taking real, practical action. The Task Force will provide a visible daily presence and a joined-up approach to tackling the issues people most frequently raise with us.
“Together, we are laying the foundations for a town centre that everyone can enjoy and feel proud of.”
