Mayor Dave Writes - Just One More Day to Have Your Say on Bedford Town Centre!

The consultation on Bedford Town Centre closes tomorrow, Friday 27th September, and Mayor Dave Hodgson is encouraging those who haven't already to have their say and help shape a new Town Centre Plan.

Writing in his latest column for the Bedford Independent, Mayor Dave comments on how much people care about their town and want the best for it. He adds that 'by bringing together our thoughts and ideas, we can work towards making Bedford town centre even more vibrant, successful and enjoyable for all.'

A recent study revealed that 16 shops are closing per day across the country, as the crisis for the UK's town centres continues in the face of the rise of online shopping and other trends. In his column Mayor Dave asserts that he, his Executive Member for Town Centres Cllr Henry Vann and Bedford Borough Council are fighting back against these trends with a range of measures and support including free parking deals. Meanwhile, Bedford has a lower rate of empty shops and a higher proportion of independents than other nearby towns.

However, he adds that Bedford 'is by no means immune' to the challenges facing all towns, and asks those wanting to share their views on how to tackle those challenges to do so at https://forms.bedford.gov.uk/TCS/ before the close of the consultation this week.

Cllr Vann is pictured here at one of the public drop-in sessions the council has held during the town centre consultation.

You can read the full column on the Bedford Independent website here.