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28 August 2026
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Debenhams

A map showing the Drought status across the UK from the Environment Agency. It shows a large area, including Bedford Borough is officially in a drought status. Image: ©Crown Copyright.

Bedford Ian writes…

14 August 2026: Burnham down, Sun dog, and Pound of paint. 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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Mayes Yard development plans. Image Bedford Borough Council

Letters: Investing for those who come after

There is an old and famous Greek proverb, “A community grows great when people plant trees in whose shade they may never sit.” That simple idea captures what public service should be about...
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Mayes Yard, Bedford Town Centre artist’s impression. Image: Cityheart.

Monthly column: Putting the heart back into Bedford town centre

When I stood to become mayor, I made a simple promise. That Bedford town centre would once again become somewhere people choose to visit. Somewhere to shop. Somewhere to...
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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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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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Mayor Tom Wootton with councillors and officers of Bedford Borough Council outside the new What's On Hub

Monthly column: Delivering for Bedford Borough by investing in opportunity

As a local Council, we are proud to be a force for growth, helping to drive prosperity across Bedford Borough. That means championing major investment and attracting new opportunities...
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Mayor Tom Wootton outside the former Debenhams building. Image: Bedford Borough Council

Report reveals risk behind Bedford mayor’s £2.2m acquisition of former Debenhams building

Bedford’s mayor approved a £1.8m purchase of the former Debenhams building with no guarantee that the investment will succeed, according to a report. And the total...
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Mayor Tom Wootton outside the former Debenhams building. Image: Bedford Borough Council

“When is a vacant property not a vacant property? When it’s Debenhams” – empty property report questioned

Bedford Borough councillors have raised questions over how the council defines “vacancy”, after the former Debenhams building was excluded from the official count of empty units...
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