Polish Ambassador visits Bedford

Poland's Ambassador to the UK Mr Arkady Rzegocki and Polish Consular General Mateusz Stasiek were in Bedford on Wednesday (30th October) to meet with the Polish British Integration Centre (PBIC), visit The Higgins to see the 'Poland in Bedford' exhibition and meeting with history keepers as well as meeting Mayor Dave Hodgson and local Polish businesses, community groups and residents in Bedford.

Mr Rzegocki said, "I am pleased to have had the opportunity to visit Bedford and see first hand the impact Polish residents have had in Bedford, include the number of businesses that have been set up."

Mr Rzegocki also urged Polish residents in Bedford Borough and beyond to apply for settled status should they wish to be certain of their right to remain in the UK during this uncertain time. Mr Rzegocki said "The Polish British Integration Centre can help any residents interested in applying for settled status and have regular drop-in surgeries, you can contact them on 07802 579808 or by visiting their website at www.pbic.org.uk."

Mayor Dave Hodgson expressed his thanks to Mr Rzegocki for visiting Bedford and also thanked the Polish British Integration Centre for all the work they do in the Borough. Mayor Dave said "The Polish community play a huge part in the life of Bedford and have done for many years. This is demonstrated at the 'Poland in Bedford' exhibition which runs at The Higgins until January 2021."

The photograph shows Polish Consular General Mateusz Stasiek, Poland's Ambassador to the UK Mr Arkady Rzegocki, Bedford Borough Mayor Dave Hodgson and Malgorzata Brady of the Polish British Integration Centre.