Accelerating the installation of superfast broadband across Bedford Borough, delivering the 'missing link' of the Bedford Western bypass, a brand new bus station for Bedford and stimulating new business investment in the borough. These are just some of the actions in an ambitious plan to help the borough grow and prosper in the coming years.
Bedford Borough Council's Church Lane Neighbourhood Centre regeneration scheme has been given a further boost after successful negotiations with a GP practice have resulted in the prospect of a brand new surgery joining the site.
Following a campaign by Lib Dem Cllr Tim Hill and local residents, the Planning Inspectorate has protected a Village Open Space in Stewartby by dismissing an appeal against the refusal of planning permission to build more homes in the village.
Works to improve the river walk between Prebend Street and Town Bridge are now underway.
Mayor Dave Hodgson has described today's rail fare rises as 'another kick in the teeth' for Bedford rail users. Rail fares have risen by a further 2.7% - a rise that Mayor Dave has called 'totally unjustifiable'.
I'm back out on the Village Tour trail again tomorrow, with surgeries in Oakley, Stevington, Turvey, Riseley, Swineshead, Melchbourne and Yelden. The '60 in 30' Tour is now down to 19 in 7, with 19 villages left in the schedule in the remaining 7 days of the month. The tour so far has been excellent, with 200 people coming out to talk to me about the issues on their minds in villages from Farndish in the north westof the Borough to Stewartby in the south and another 39 in between. So far 199 people have come out to talk to me about the issues on their minds.
