Lib Dems back Bedford whilst Tories talk it down yet again

Local Councillor Henry Vann has slammed the Tories for promoting out-of-town shopping centres and failing to back Bedford, whilst not telling the full story on Bedford Town Centre and having over a million pounds of uncosted promises in their manifesto.

Cllr Vann said "It is hugely disappointing to hear the Tories talk down our town yet again. The national cost-of-living crisis and their failure to tackle crime locally are the number one issues raised with me by local businesses and there is no doubt that there are national challenges affecting everyone.

"But they repeatedly ignore our investment in restoring our historic buildings, our wide range of accessible toilets, our amazing car parking offer, the exciting conversations with the owners of the old Beales store, our protected library, our outstanding markets - independent and Charter - and independent businesses. Instead, all they offer are uncosted promises that would bankrupt the council. We invest in our town, they just talk it down."

Bedford is continuing to buck national trends with a 13% town centre vacancy rate and a 1% rate in Council-owned buildings. The town centre has a wide range of shops, bars and restaurants with 62% of businesses independently run. There are events and markets happening most weeks in Bedford and Kempston town centres. On 7th April there is the return of Saxon Street Feast to the Saxon Centre and on 8th April Bedford Craft Market will return to Harpur Square.