More than 100 Bedfordians – business owners, residents and councillors packed into Real Coffee on Bedford’s High Street last night (24 July) for a public meeting that laid bare the challenges facing Bedford, and the growing determination to take action.
The meeting, led by local businessman Peter McCormack, was sparked by rising concerns over crime, anti-social behaviour, and the economic decline of the town centre. But what unfolded was more than a complaint session; it was a rallying cry for civic action.
“This is about reclaiming our town,” McCormack, who owns Real Bedford FC and other local businesses, told the crowd. “If people don’t feel safe, they won’t come into town. And if they don’t come into town, our businesses die.”
Read: Bedford business owner tells Bedfordshire Police ‘tackle crime or we’ll do it ourselves’
McCormack outlined a month-long pilot scheme starting on Saturday, 2 August, which will see private security personnel from Belmont Guard patrolling various areas around the town every Saturday in August between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm.
“We’re not here to be forceful,” said Jason D’Silva, director at Belmont Guard. “We’re a visual deterrent. We’ll wear body cams, log incidents, and pass intelligence to the police. We’re here to help people feel safe.”
Security personnel will be stationed at locations including Lurke Street car park, Pinewood House, and Fifth Avenue, areas repeatedly cited as flashpoints for drug use and intimidation.
Business owners speak out
Several business owners shared harrowing stories of daily struggles.
Kerry Cash, who has run Fifth Avenue salon for nearly 28 years, described a town centre “under siege.”
“The area around my business, especially Lurke Street car park, has become increasingly unsafe. We’re dealing with constant begging, drug use, and groups of people loitering; it’s intimidating for staff and customers alike,” she said.
“I’ve even had to remove shovels from outside to stop them from being used to damage property.
“I employ a lot of young women, and I’m genuinely worried that their parents will soon start telling them not to work in town anymore. That’s how bad it’s getting. And I’ve already had customers tell me they won’t come into Bedford because they don’t feel safe.
“A year ago, I tried to bring together around 160 businesses via email to share experiences and support each other, but it didn’t really take off. That’s why I think we need something more structured, maybe a volunteer reporting group.
“People could take shifts, just to monitor and report issues like rubbish or anti-social behaviour.
“And if we want people to get involved, why not reward them? A coffee voucher, a swim pass, something small to say thank you. We all love this town, but we need to work together to protect it.”
Siobhan Moriarty Jones, owner of Cavalier Club Barber Shop, voiced support for action but urged compassion.
“I’ve had experience with addiction in my family. I understand the need for safety, but we can’t just push people out of society. That’s short-sighted,” she said. “We need a long-term plan that includes support for those struggling.”
McCormack acknowledged the tension, sharing his own history with addiction and calling for others to step forward with solutions.
“The majority of the issues come down to central government, and that applies to any government. Councils are under immense pressure.
“That’s why I believe the towns that will thrive are those with a strong civic response, where everyone comes together to take action and say, ‘We’re not going to accept this’.
“There are around 100,000 people living in Bedford. If everyone went into town just once more each week and spent a tenner, that would generate £50 million a year. We’d end up looking like Bath.”
Demand for change
Residents echoed the concerns. An Albany Road resident described drug dealing and violence on their street, including a recent incident where a child’s bike helmet was stolen and a woman was exposed to indecent behaviour in front of children.
“We’ve seen a massive decline in just six years,” they said. “It’s heartbreaking.”
Meanwhile, a resident of the Midland Road area also questioned the effectiveness of private security, noting that even police presence hasn’t always deterred open drug use.
“People are doing these things in front of officers. What difference will security guards make?” he asked.
McCormack responded that the pilot would provide valuable data and visibility, a first step in a broader civic response.
Read: Businessman to pilot private security for Bedford town centre, PCC calls it a ‘political stunt’
“Short window”
Mayor Tom Wootton praised the initiative and acknowledged the urgency.
“We’ve got a short window to turn things around,” he said. “We’re spending huge amounts on cleaning, events, and free parking, but a small element is ruining it for everyone.”
Speaking to the mayor after the meeting, the Bedford Independent challenged him on whether the summer policing plan, a collaboration between Bedford Borough Council, Bedfordshire Police, the PCC and other public bodies, had been given enough time to show results.
Read: Bedfordshire Police face criticisms head on with launch of Summer Policing Plan
Wootton responded that, while the plan was still in its early stages, the pressure from his recent letter to the Chief Constable had already led to more officers being deployed on the streets.
“I probably should have written the letter earlier,” he admitted. “But I’m really happy we’ve got more police on the street now. Is it enough? Let’s see.”
Read: Mayor says Bedford town centres ‘under siege’ by crime in letter to police chief constable
He also addressed the political tensions surrounding the issue, saying, “I won’t criticise Mr Tizard – he’s doing his best. Let’s see what happens.”
Green Party councillor Lucy Bywater (Castle) urged residents to take action by reporting issues through official channels.
“Please, please report it,” she said. “Overflowing bins, graffiti, anti-social behaviour, it all builds a picture. The police say they’re not getting the data. We need to give it to them.”
Bywater also pointed residents to Volunteer Bedford, a platform for those wanting to help with litter picking, green spaces, and other civic efforts.
“It’s not just Pete’s problem”
Among the attendees was Rosanna Heasman, a town centre resident and owner of The Store in St Cuthbert’s Arcade on St Cuthbert’s Street, who said the meeting underscored the need for collective responsibility.
“Everyone thinks it’s someone else’s problem to fix,” she said. “But if everyone just spends a tenner or picks up some litter, it makes a difference.”
She praised McCormack’s leadership but warned against placing the burden solely on him.
“I felt in the room that people now think this is Pete’s problem because he’s doing something. But it’s not, it’s all of ours. We need to reclaim our streets, our shops, our town.”
“We get the town we’re willing to fight for”
Speaking after the meeting, McCormack said he was encouraged by the turnout and the range of voices.
“It was brilliant to see so many passionate locals and business owners show up and back the cause,” he said. “This isn’t going to be easy, but I believe we can turn it around.”
When asked whether it was fair to lay the blame for anti-social behaviour and crime solely at the feet of the police and PCC, McCormack was clear, “This requires joined-up thinking and real coordination between businesses, the council, the police, and local services,” he said.
“The PSPO must be properly enforced. There needs to be a clear plan for what happens when offenders are released into Bedford, how they’re monitored, supported, and reintegrated.
“The same applies to addiction. Without a coordinated approach to treatment and housing, the problem just keeps cycling.”
He added that while the police are under pressure, the community must also hold them, as well as all stakeholders, accountable.
“Nothing changes until every stakeholder is aligned and committed to taking action. Action which puts the safety of locals and the needs of business first.”
The meeting concluded with a call to reconvene in a month to share progress. McCormack’s website will serve as a hub for updates and volunteer coordination.
“We get the town we’re willing to fight for,” McCormack said. “This is just the beginning.”
No representatives from Bedfordshire Police or the PCC attended the meeting. The Bedford Independent has approached both for comment.
