A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all
It's hard to believe that it is already time to wish all residents a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It has been another busyyear, campaigning to make our area and Bedford Borough an even better place to live and work. The greatest gift we could exchange at this time of year is to look out for one another. Please remember your neighbours at this time of year; especially the elderly and those who live alone. My very best wishes go to those who are sick at home or in hospital this Christmas. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Rubbish, Recycling and Waste Services
Just a reminder that all bin collections during the week beginning 25th December, are subject to change due to the festive bank holidays. Normal rubbish and recycling collections will recommence on 15th January 2018. Click here to check which day to put your bin out for collection over the festive period.

A Christmas Message from Liberal Democrat Leader Vince Cable MP
In his Christmas message this year, Vince is asking you to support a charity that works with people who are homeless near to you. Watch the video to find out more.

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats welcome the news yesterday (11122017) of £490,000 joint funding for Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Councils for the One Public Estate programme to help transform Bedfordshire's community.

Bedford Borough Council in partnership with Central Bedfordshire is one of 56 councils announced yesterday by the Cabinet Office in relation to allocation of funds.

More than 500 child protection investigations were started every single day on average last year by councils concerned about children at risk of harm, the Local Government Association reveals today.

Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson Layla Moran MP commented:

"While many of us are anticipating a happy family time at Christmas, it is as sobering as it is scandalous that there are such a vast number of child investigation cases conducted every single day.

"It is not all about money, but it is surely no coincidence that rising levels of child investigations coincide with rising levels of child poverty, as shown by a recent report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation showing that 400,000 more young people are living below the bread line.

"With the debacle over tax credits and cuts to children centres, this horrific situation is only going to grow worse, particularly when by 2020 children's services departments will be facing a funding gap of £2 billion.

"A personal tragedy for each family has become a national disgrace."

Liberal Democrats in Bedford Borough Council are shocked at the announcement that the Department of Transport (DoT) are continuing with no intercity trains stopping in Bedford during peak morning hours, travelling to London, from May 2018.

Also East Midland train services will not be stopping in Bedford during peak evening hours.

Running Markers are now on the Embankment in Bedford, to help walkers and runners around the 2.8KM pathways around the river. Running is a great way to get fit and reduce illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Running is also free and markers will identify when you have progressed 1km and each kilometre after that. If you want to try the course then start between the junctions of Tennyson Road and Shaftesbury Avenue near the riverside. Give it a go!

Free support and Guidance is available from Carers UK for anyone with care responsibilities in Bedford Borough,

Cllr Wendy Rider said "Carers add so much to our local communities in looking after family members and bearing the emotions and complexities of looking after someone. Carers need support too and this will enable all carers to get that support when needed."

Read the latest news here for Elstow, Stewartby and Kempston Hardwick from the Lib Dem Councillor, Cllr Tim HIll.

The newsletter includes information on Covanta Incinerator, grass cutting, dropped kerbs, fly-tipping, Hansons Reach Phase 2, 8300 houses south-east of Stewartby, new shop on Hansons Reach, resurfacing of B530, local schools, double yellow lines, weeds and the roundabout at Greenlakes Rise.

Read the latest news for Brickhill from the Lib Dem Councillors, Cllr Charlie Royden and Cllr Wendy Rider.

The newsletter which can be found here includes information on schools, tree planting, BPHA housing, Travellers, Thomas More School, No Verge Parking, Roads and Pavements, Dirty Street Signs, Street Lighting, Bedford Hospital, The Local Plan, 20 MPH zones and the railways.