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28 August 2026
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Cllr Henry Vann

Bedford Hospital main entrance Image: Gordon Bell/Shutterstock

Monthly column: Hands off our hospital – again

There are some places in Bedford that I can’t imagine not existing. Bedford Hospital is one of them. My children were born there. In recent years I have visited family and friends...
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The former Debenhams store on the corner of Bedford High Street and Silver Street. Image: Kirkby Diamond

Bedford Ian writes…

Mayes 'school' Yard, River rivalry, and Lieutenant pride. 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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Mayor Tom Wootton outside the former Debenhams building. Image: Bedford Borough Council

Debenhams row continues, but Bedford Borough mayor makes public guarantee over sale price

A political debate over the regeneration of Mayes Yard has escalated following concerns raised over agreement terms and annual running costs for Bedford's former Debenhams...
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The former Debenhams building and the 'faces' at the top of Silver Street and Bedford High Street Image Bedford Independent

Political row erupts over Mayes Yard site £1 transfer, but Mayor says developer will fund regeneration

Bedford Borough Council faces opposition after agreeing to transfer the former Debenhams site for £1, though Mayor Tom Wootton insists developer City Heart will fund the regeneration...
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Mayor Tom Wootton standing along Bedfords Embankment with the town bridge in the background

Mayor Tom Wootton loses council no-confidence vote

Bedford Borough councillors voted 28 to 12 in favour of a cross-party motion calling for the resignation of Mayor Tom Wootton, who insists he will remain in office until next year's elections...
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Cllr Henry Vann Image Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats. Image: Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats.

Monthly column: A brighter future needs a change at the top

We’re missing a trick in Bedford Borough. The Mayor is distracted by politics and resignations from his Cabinet instead of making sure local residents – and particularly our young people...
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A calculator and cash in coins and notes.

Mayor says Bedford council will ‘get out of’ financial difficulties despite concerns

Bedford Borough Council is facing a financial shortfall of around £5 million, but Mayor Tom Wootton says he remains confident the authority can balance its budget by year-end...
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Mayor Tom Wootton signs off the new cabinet in June 2026. Image Bedford Borough Council

Council in crisis as mayor “adjusts” cabinet following high-profile resignations

Bedford's elected mayor, Tom Wootton (Conservative), has today (Tuesday) announced changes to his cabinet, following three high-profile resignations. He has reduced the...
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East West Rail (EWR) jacket

Mayor responds after councillors question East West Rail interest

Mayor Tom Wootton has explained his declared East West Rail pecuniary interest after councillors questioned his involvement in the project during a Bedford Borough Council debate...
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Mayor Tom Wootton outside the former Debenhams building. Image: Bedford Borough Council

Third cabinet resignation sparks questions over mayor’s East West Rail interest

A third Bedford Borough cabinet resignation has intensified pressure on Mayor Tom Wootton, with Sarah Gallagher’s resignation letter raising concerns over East West Rail...
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