Mayor Dave Hodgson muses over the pressures of Christmas on the High Street

Below is the very recent article by Liberal Democrat Mayor Dave Hodgson in the Times and Citizen.

So, have you done your Christmas shopping yet? Whether you're a well organised shopper with just a few bits to pick up before the big day, or more of a last-minute Christmas Eve rush kind of person, I strongly encourage everyone to get along to Bedford Town Centre and enjoy all that it has to offer this Christmas. This week, a report into the future of our High Streets by 'Queen of Shops' Mary Portas was published, and Business Minister Ed Davey came to Bedford to find out how our town centre is adapting to provide local residents with an attractive destination to spend time in and enjoy.

The minister was particularly interested in some of the innovative solutions found here, such as the arrangement whereby voluntary community group We Are Bedford are running a fantastic temporary 'pop-up shop' in vacant Council premises in Castle Quay, selling goods exclusively made or designed in Bedford. He was also impressed to hear of how we are backing our market traders, with a range of measures which have helped create the conditions in which our markets are bucking the national trend and expanding, despite the current climate.

Clearly all town centres are facing a difficult time, with competing trends such as out-of-town and online shopping. However, with existing strengths to build on in Bedford and regeneration to come, Bedford Town Centre is well-placed to tackle those challenges successfully. For example, the £3 million heritage regeneration scheme for Bedford High Street will enhance that part of town by drawing on its historic character, while the exciting Riverside North development will enable the town centre to finally make the most of its Riverside location with shopping and leisure opportunities, such as a brand new town centre cinema.

Events which bring greater footfall to town help too, of course, and I was pleased to see so many people in town for last weekend's Victorian Christmas Fair. And the crowds at the Christmas Lights switch-on showed how determined we all are to come together and enjoy the festivities at this time of year, even in freezing weather!

May I wish you and your loved ones a very happy and healthy Christmas.

Dave Hodgson

Mayor of Bedford Borough