Happy New Year

Mayor Dave Hodgson has wished residents a Happy New Year.

In Mayor Dave's New Year message, Dave said:

2021 was a difficult year with COVID-19 dominating and various restrictions and Lockdowns taking place throughout the year.

Sadly 2022 hasn't got off to a much better start with the Omicron variant arriving in the UK in December.

I would like to thank everyone across Bedford Borough for following the restrictions and protecting themselves, their family, friends and each other. We will need to continue this for a bit longer yet.

I would also like to thank everyone who has had their COVID vaccinations and booster. Being vaccinated doesn't just help you but helps everyone in our communities.

If you haven't had the vaccination or booster yet, you can find out more information including where you can receive the vaccination or booster at https://www.blmkccg.nhs.uk/covid-19/.

Not everything is doom or gloom though, during December we saw lots of festive fun across the Borough. We have had three weekends of activities in Bedford town centre and many of our villages held Christmas Fairs and Christmas Light switch-on events.

Bedford High Street has now re-opened to traffic and is looking much nicer and is more accessible to pedestrians. We have seen new shops and businesses open in Bedford town centre including a new B&M in the old Marks and Spencer store and Foxy Wings open in Riverside. We should see even more new additions to the town centre this year.

We will also welcome back the River Festival this summer, on 23rd and 24th July. Keep an eye on the River Festival website at https://riverfestival.bedford.gov.uk for the latest information. There are still a number of sponsorship and trader opportunities available as well as the chance to participate in a number of events.