New figures have confirmed a continuing rise in the number of local families who face losing their homes, with 17% more families facing repossession claims in the first part of this year.
Cllr Dave Hodgson is the new leader of Bedford Borough Liberal Democrat Group. He succeeds Cllr Michael Headley, who led the group for nine years. Cllr Headley remains the group's Scrutiny Spokesman, as part of a formidable team of spokespersons revealed by the Lib Dems today.
Users of a town centre car park have been left fuming after being slapped with fines thanks to a council error which has made it impossible for the correct ticket to be purchased. Ticket machines at St Peter's Street car park have not been re-programmed correctly following the introduction of new evening parking charges imposed by the borough council. With all tickets becoming invalid at 6pm regardless of the amount paid, many motorists have been hit by penalty notices through no fault of their own, causing anger and confusion.
Controversial new policies for the future development of Bedford Borough have been branded 'deeply flawed' by Liberal Democrats. The Core Strategy and Rural Issues Plan, passed at last week's meeting of the borough council but opposed by the Liberal Democrats, imposes weak environmental standards on the 17,500 new homes due to be built in the borough by 2021 and could permit over-development and urban sprawl across unsuitable sites.
Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats have called for all children's play areas to be declared alcohol free zones. The Lib Dems want to see the council use its powers to impose a ban on the consumption of alcohol in play areas in order to make them safer places for children to play.
Liberal Democrats have warned that a traveller encampment that appeared at Berry Farm in Wootton Green will be the 'first of many' if the council does not take action to protect the site. Lib Dem Councillors have previously highlighted the need for a height restriction barrier at the Berry Farm car park to prevent such encampments, and are now stepping up their calls for immediate action. The Lib Dems have also criticised Bedford Borough Council for leaving the site for over a week before clearing up the mess left by the encampment.
