Major Boost for Bedford Town Centre as Mayor Dave Hodgson Announces HMV Set to Stay

Mayor of Bedford Borough Dave Hodgson has announced a major boost for the town centre with the news that not only has HMV extended the lease on its temporary Silver Street store by three months to April 2010, the major music and DVD retailer also 'firmly intends' to open a store in Bedford on a permanent basis.

Mayor Dave Hodgson made the announcement after receiving the news from HMV following a meeting of the firm's board this week.

Commenting, Dave Hodgson said: "This really is a fantastic boost for the town centre. The desire of such a major national retailer as HMV to make a long term commitment to Bedford is a huge vote of confidence in the town. It is great news for shoppers, and also for other retailers, with the presence of HMV sure to help draw people into town.'

"HMV have told me that sales at the temporary Silver Street store have indicated that a permanent store in Bedford can succeed. I hope this provides real pre-Christmas cheer to all the many residents who have told me that the town centre is lacking a major music and DVD retailer, and those who have used the temporary store in great numbers. I'm certainly delighted myself, and will be heading down to the store next week to do my Christmas shopping!"

The temporary HMV store in Silver Street is one of ten opened nationwide in November by the leading entertainment retailer 'just for Christmas,' with the lease agreement originally set to expire in January. However, following encouraging sales at the store, the lease on the Bedford store has been extended by three months to April 2010. In even better news, HMV has informed Mayor Dave Hodgson that, if it is able to secure a suitable long-term location, it is the retailer's 'firm intention' to open a store in Bedford on a permanent basis.