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28 August 2026
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Mayor Tom Wootton

Tom Wootton (Conservative) and his supporters on 5 May 2023, the night he was elected mayor of Bedford Borough

Bedford Labour group seeks vote to abolish mayor as leader of Bedford Borough Council

The Bedford Borough Labour Group has proposed an Extraordinary Full Council meeting to trigger a public referendum, giving residents their first say in 20 years on how the local authority...
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A drought-induced blue-green algae formation (stock photo). Image Juergen Wackenhut ShutterstockImage: Juergen Wackenhut/Shutterstock.

Bedford mayor says council is holding water regulators “to account” over River Great Ouse pollution

Mayor Tom Wootton has blamed external agencies for blue-green algae on the River Great Ouse following recent hot weather, while staying silent on calls for tougher enforcement against water companies...
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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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Tom Wootton Aimee Fowler (Bedford College) Ewan Hartup Sophie Plummer Jonah Fielden Daisy Howden (Bedford College) Chris Morris at the Supported Internships celebration

Bedford Borough Council hosts special ceremony to celebrate Supported Interns

Bedford Borough Council has hosted a special ceremony to celebrate the young people who have just completed their year-long Supported Internships programme. Celebrating their achievements...
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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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East West Rail (EWR) jacket

Complaint against Bedford mayor’s East West Rail declarations dismissed

Bedford Borough's monitoring officer has dismissed a formal complaint against Mayor Tom Wootton regarding his East West Rail declarations, concluding no failure occurred...
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The canoe display area Bedford River Festival 2026. The canoe slides are to the left, with the water of the river still and calm. The suspension bridge can be seen in the background. Willow trees hang over the river on the right.

Bedford Ian writes…

Watered down, Simply great, Just say "no", and Careful what you wish for. 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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