Anniversary Thanks from the Mayor

On the occasion of the ninth anniversary of the start of his first term as Mayor of Bedford Borough, Mayor Dave Hodgson has said a big 'thank you' to everyone who has voted for him, supported local campaigns or who has in any way been part of the shared effort to make our communities and Bedford Borough as a whole an even better place to live in.

In his latest email update, Mayor Dave took a brief look back at some of successes and the progress seen over the past nine years, noting that it has only been possible with support from people in communities across the Borough. Mayor wrote:

"Nine years ago last week I began my first term as Mayor of Bedford Borough, so I want to say a big thank you.

Thank you to everyone who has voted for me, everyone who has supported our campaigns to get the best for the borough and everyone who, in whatever way, helps to support their neighbourhood, community, borough etc.

It's only thanks to the support from people across Bedford Borough that we have been able to achieve success in a number of our campaigns and projects, including:

• Seeing off several attempts to downgrade Bedford Hospital, where the focus must now be on safeguarding services for the future.
• Major investment successes bringing new jobs, with jobs growth rapidly outstripping both the regional and national rate.
• The ongoing project to replace all temporary classrooms and ensuring school places for all children, with 96% of children getting a place in their first choice primary this year.
• Fighting to save local services from the widespread cuts and closures seen elsewhere, while also averting the financial collapse seen in next-door Northamptonshire.
• Delivering long-awaited new infrastructure such as the final section of the western bypass and the new Bedford Bus Station, plus the return of a town centre cinema.

...and much more. But while I'm grateful for the support in helping us to achieve all we have, there is much more to be done. I want to keep listening to local residents' views on key issues in order to help shape our actions and priorities. So I would be very grateful if you could fill out this survey here.

With brutal government funding cuts to local services ongoing, the challenge only gets bigger each year. But by working together, we can make Bedford Borough an even better place to live in.

Thanks again!

Dave"

If you want to receive regular email updates from Mayor Dave, you can sign up here.