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28 August 2026
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Bedford Town Centre

Bedford Town Centre from above

Councillors fear tourism tax could drive Universal visitors away

A ‘tourism tax’ targeting overnight visitors to the Universal theme park and resort near Bedford would be “the absolute last thing” the borough council needs to impose, a meeting heard...
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Sir Bruce Forsyth arriving for the Strictly Come Dancing 2012 Launch, Television Centre, London. Image: Henry Harris/Shutterstock

Bedford Ian writes…

5 June 2026: WTAF? Dirty business, Off air, and Brucie bonus. Bedford Ian has been looking at recent goings on across Bedford Borough and tells us what he thinks of it all…
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Former Clintons Cards shop could become casino. Image: Google Stretview 19 Silver Street, Bedford in June 2018 (C)2026 Google

Breaking news: New Bedford town centre gaming centre approved despite objections over crime and vulnerability

Bedford councillors have approved a new adult gaming centre in Silver Street despite concerns over gambling harm, crime, deprivation and the impact on vulnerable residents...
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Former Clintons Cards shop could become casino. Image: Google Stretview 19 Silver Street, Bedford in June 2018 (C)2026 Google

Bedford councillors to decide on town centre gambling venue plans

Bedford Borough councillors will decide next week whether to approve plans for a new adult gaming centre in Silver Street which could operate 24 hours a day. A licensing sub-committee will meet...
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Mayes Yard, Bedford Town Centre artist’s impression. Image: Cityheart.

Bedford Borough Council selects preferred bidder for former Debenhams redevelopment

Bedford Borough Council has selected regeneration specialist Cityheart as preferred bidder for the Mayes Yard redevelopment, including the former Debenhams site...
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Approximate location for proposed flats on 72–74 Bedford High Street Image Google MyMaps Map Data (C)2026 Imagery (C)2026 Airbus, Maxar Technologies via LDRS

Third bid submitted for flats behind Bedford High Street shops

Plans to build four flats behind Bedford High Street shops have been submitted for a third time after two earlier planning permissions expired without work starting. The latest application...
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Former Clintons Cards shop could become casino. Image: Google Stretview 19 Silver Street, Bedford in June 2018 (C)2026 Google

Backlash against proposed all-night gambling venue in Bedford town centre

Concerns have been raised over plans to open a gambling venue which could operate 24 hours a day in Bedford’s town centre. Future Leisure Limited has applied for a premises licence...
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The Bear pub on Bedford High Street with a police cordon after a break‑in in the Early hours of Thursday, 9 April 2026. Image: Bedford Independent partner

Man arrested after burglary at Bedford town centre pub

A man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of burglary after a break-in at The Bear pub in Bedford town centre. Police were called to High Street just after 2.15am on Thursday...
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Beales is now half clean after Panther Plc cleaned the part they own, but the council has yet to complete the job on the side they're responsible for. Image: Bedford Independent

Dancebox set to take over part of former Beales building in Bedford Town Centre

Dancebox Studios & Theatre Works Ltd is set to take over part of Bedford’s former Beales building under council plans approved this week. An executive decision signed by the mayor...
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Boutique Planet is closing its doors in April. Image: Bedford Independent

End of an era as Boutique Planet bids farewell to Bedford’s Old Arcade

One of Bedford's best-loved shops will be closing its doors for the final time next month, as Boutique Planet ceases trading after more than three decades in Bedford town centre...
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