Showing the Consumer Affairs Minister why there are Lots of Reasons to 'Buy in Bedford' this Christmas and Throughout the Year

Yesterday I welcomed Liberal Democrat Business Minister Ed Davey MP to Bedford Town Centre to discuss the regeneration activity going on in the town and to talk about the range of positive ways in which Bedford is responding to the challenges facing all town centres in the current climate. The visit coincided with yesterday's publication of the report into the future of Britain's High Streets by 'Queen of Shops' Mary Portas, and Mr Davey came to Bedford to see for himself how the Council, local businesses and residents are working together to improve their town centre now and in the future.

I showed the Minister just a few of the many excellent independent retailers we have in Bedford, and he was immensely impressed with the range and quality of stores on offer. We really do have a lot to be proud of in Bedford, and we should not be shy in saying so and in encouraging people to support their local stores and to Buy in Bedford. Of course, all town centres are having to adapt to tackle a range of challenges and competing trends such as online and out-of-town shopping. However, the Minister saw first hand how Bedford town centre is able to offer an excellent shopping experience in spite of the difficult wider economic climate, from traditional long-standing stores such as Goldings on the High Street to the exciting new Rock City Art gallery, the first of its kind in the country.

I was also able to talk to the minister about the regeneration we are delivering in the town centre, too, which is crucial for the future of our town. We discussed how the High Street heritage regeneration scheme will draw on the historic character of that part of town, while the forthcoming Riverside North Development will see Bedford town centre making the most of its riverside location with new shopping and leisure opportunities, such as a new cinema. By building on these existing strengths and exploiting the potential within our town centre, we can make Bedford an even more attractive destination for people to visit and to shop in. In the meantime, the current range of quality stores, in particular independent shops, make Bedford town centre the place to be this Christmas, so my message continues to be 'Buy in Bedford!'