Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats

Responding to Boris Johnson's announcement on investing in prison security, Bedford Borough Liberal Democrat Crime and Policing spokesperson Councillor Hilde Hendrickx said "This is yet another hollow move by Boris Johnson to seem tough on crime, but yet again fails to tackle the causes of crime. The further funding announced is still not being used to rehabilitate people to stop them committing crimes in the first place."

Hilde added "Boris Johnson can lock people up for longer or search people on their way in and out of prison, but none of this bravado will actually make our streets safer. Instead of just talking tough, it's time Boris Johnson looked at the evidence in front of him. The Liberal Democrats in government would invest in rehabilitation and reverse Tory cuts to community police officers and youth services to actually cut crime right across the UK."

Booking is now open for Bedford Borough Council's 'Active Adults' Sports Courses.

These are relaxed, informal sports sessions aimed at the over 35s, and are ideal for people who maybe haven't done a sport for a long time or who would like to have a go at something new.

As well as Badminton, Tennis, FitSteps, Golf, Indoor Bowls, Martial Arts, Nordic Walking, Pilates, Walking Football and Yoga, there are new activities this term including Clubbercise, Dance Yourself Fit, Fit in the Park, Just Play Football, SwingStreetJazz Solo Dance Class and Yoga in the Evenings.

According to Pulse's annual survey of waiting times, for the first time ever the average wait for a routine GP appointment is now more than two weeks.

Responding to the survey, Bedford Borough Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson Councillor Dean Crofts said "The waiting time figures released today must be condemned. To see for the first time ever that patients are having to wait over two weeks for a GP appointment makes a mockery of the care the NHS seeks to provide, showing what Conservative cuts have done to our healthcare system. This looks like the beginning of the collapse of the general practice system. GPs are tired, overworked and do not want to work in inner cities or rural areas. Older GPs are choosing to retire early due to taxation disincentives and many young ones choose not to practise at all."

Dean added "The Conservatives continue to ignore the struggles of our doctors to meet the rising demand, leaving patients at risk. This needs more than the Prime Minister throwing money at it, we need to work with GPs to look at how a 70 year old system needs to change to deliver the service we need. This situation is simply not sustainable. The Liberal Democrats in government would implement a national workforce strategy to tackle the staffing crisis. We are clear that more doctors are urgently needed to guarantee a fully-staffed NHS that provides everyone with the care they need."

Yesterday, was the 100 year celebration of Bedford Bus Depot on London Road and hundreds of people attended.

There were lots of old buses, including United Counties buses.

Whilst there Mayor Dave Hodgson spoke with Michelle Hargreaves, the Managing Director of Stagecoach East, about a number of issues relating to bus services across Bedford Borough.

Bedford Borough Council has sent out this year's 'Household Enquiry Forms' to ensure everyone who has a right to vote, is on the Electoral Register.

The Council is required by law to carry out what is known as an 'Annual Canvass' every year. This involves writing to every household in the Borough, so local residents can check that the correct individuals are registered to vote at their address and, if necessary, make any changes.

Last week, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited the Forest Centre and Millennium Country Park to dedicate the Forest of Marston Vale to The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy.

The Princess planted a tree and unveiled a plaque in the new Forest Shelter, and with local school children in attendance it was another great occasion for the Trust, which does so much good work locally.

Mayor Dave Hodgson visited Bedford's Beach and the Gumbles Children's Funzone at Harpur Square this afternoon. Dave met with Gumbles to discuss thier plans for the rest of the summer including hearing about the Funzone at Bedford Park, which will take place between 19th and 22nd August.

There are some high winds expected later this week, so the inflatables may be taken down earlier but the beach will remain. For updates please check Gumbles facebook page.

Today, we are celebrating Jamaican Independence Day by flying the Jamacian flag at Bedford Borough Hall. Jamaica gained their independence on 6th August 1962.

Before the flag was raised at Borough Hall, Mayor Dave Hodgson met with Kingsbrook Councillor Patrick Solomon who is of Jamacian heritage.