Mayor Dave invests thousands in rural communities

The last few years have seen hundreds of thousands of pounds invested in rural communities across Bedford Borough through Mayor Dave Hodgson's Rural Grants Scheme. This funding has been provided to improve community buildings and facilities in rural villages.

Mayor Dave said "One of the best things about Bedford Borough is the number and variety of different communities in villages across our area. It is vital that as well as investing in our town centres, roads and green spaces, we also provide funding for our rural communities and I am committed to doing so. The Rural Grants Scheme ensures that the needs of residents are met and that each village's traditions and heritage are retained."

Residents in rural villages have benefitted from significant investment in communities across the Borough. The scheme was set up to improve accessibility and facilities in rural areas. Some highlights include funding towards a new building at Oakley Pre-school, a new play area in Bromham, a new bus shelter in Felmersham and an extension to the Willington Peace Memorial Hall.

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Oakley, Jon Abbott said "I would like to thank Oakley Parish Council, the Mayor and the contractors for completing the new building project for Oakley Pre-school. Having visited the new build with Mayor Dave last month I was very impressed. It is one of many examples of how much this Council values it's rural communities."

Mayor Dave frequently visits villages across the Borough to meet with residents, businesses and voluntary organisation and to see the impact of projects that the Rural Grants Scheme and other Council projects such as the Mayor's Climate Change Fund have supported. If you have a project that you think could be funded by the Rural Grants Scheme, please contact your local parish council or visit https://www.bedford.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/advice-and-benefits-grants/grants-for-financial-assist/. Also, look out for information on Mayor Dave's Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DaveTheMayor/ to see when he is next visiting your village.