Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats

Bedford Borough is fortunate to have great park run events, and this week marks a special occasion for Park Run in the UK as it celebrates its 15^th birthday.

Bedford Park Run was the first Park Run to be established locally, in 2011, followed by Great Denham Park Run in 2018. They are also joined by The Bedford Junior Park Run, which takes place in Jubilee Park. The Park Runs see large numbers of all ages and abilities taking part every Saturday morning at 9am, thanks to the efforts of their many dedicated volunteers.

Bedford FiverFest is back from, from Saturday 5th - 12th October, and this time even more local businesses have signed up and are offering special offers for just five pounds. In fact, so many local firms have signed up with Bedford Town Centre Champions for the initiative that there are more independents taking part in Bedford than anywhere else in the UK!

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats have called for Putnoe Walk-In Centre's future to be guaranteed, after health bosses revealed their plans for a maximum one-year extension for the service from September 2020

In a report going to be considered by Bedford Borough Council's Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee next week, Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (BCCG) states that it intends to extend the contract for the popular healthcare facility for 'up to a year' while a national review of access to primary care continues.

The Bedford Beer and Cider Festival is in full swing at Bedford Corn Exchange, and continues until Saturday 5th October. You can check opening times and prices on the North Beds Camra website here: https://northbeds.camra.org.uk/bedfordfestival.htm

Cllr Henry Vann visited the Festival on Thursday night and, commenting on Facebook, he said: "Good to see so many people at the North Bedfordshire Campaign For Real Ale (North Beds Camra) Beer and Cider Festival this evening, including Mayor Dave Hodgson!"

October is Black History Month, and once again the Higgins Bedford is hosting several events and activities, while there's a range of events taking place at The Place Theatre.

You can read more about the live shows, art exhibtion and film showings taking place at The Place on its Facebook page here.

BedPop Fun Palaces are back in Bedford this weekend, Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October, and this year the brilliant range of free and fun art, science, craft, heritage and adventure activities includes Liberal Democrat Cllr Jake Sampson's Young People's Political Workshop.

The Newnham Ward Lib Dem Cllr, who became the youngest Member of Bedford Borough Council in May's elections, is leading an educational and interactive political session for young people at 11am on Sunday 6th October at The Higgins Bedford. The workshop will explore the fundamentals of UK politics and the role that young people themselves can play both locally and nationally.

On Monday evening, Mayor Dave Hodgson's new Climate Change Committee met. This follows the Mayor declaring a Climate Emergency earlier this year.

Mayor Dave set a target to achieve a 40% carbon reduction target when he was first elected in 2009. Since then the Council has reduced its carbon emissions on council buildings by 62% and delivered a number of energy efficiency projects across the Council's estate including installing solar panels on several Council sites.

Bedford & Kempston Parliamentary Spokesperson Henry Vann has been celebrating the success of four of the borough's parks that have won the prestigious Green Flag Award. Addison Howard Park, Bedford Park, Harrold-Odell Country Park and Priory Country Park have all once again been awarded this prestigious mark of quality parks and open spaces.