Since the day he was first elected as Mayor in October 2009, Mayor Dave Hodgson has prioritised economic growth and jobs for Bedford Borough. He has retained the Economic Development portfolio personally throughout his time as Mayor, and has worked tirelessly to attract new investment and create a supportive environment in which existing businesses can succeed. Here are the facts on jobs and the local economy:
Preparatory work for the building of the river-fronted public square, new hotel, cinema and restaurants including Wagamama and Zizzi got underway in Bedford Town Centre today.
Bedford Town Centre's big Christmas Fair is underway, and continues through the weekend until Sunday 14th December. The fair offers visitors the chance to experience the sights, sounds and smells of a traditional Christmas with stalls throughout the heart of the Town Centre selling an array of seasonal gifts, foods and treats. Throughout the fair's three days there will also be an array of madcap seasonal street entertainment, music and shows that are filled with fun characters.
In his latest monthly column for the Times and Citizen, Mayor Dave Hodgson has written of how, with just days to go until the opening of the bus station on March 29th, the new facility will bring to an end a period lasting almost as long as he can remember during which Bedford Bus Station was widely recognised as a blot which let the town down. He also remarks on the construction of the final section of the Bedford Western Bypass, another common topic of conversation over the years locally which is now becoming a reality.
The East West Rail Company is holding a number of community events open to the public to discuss the next steps for the railway, these will include an opportunity to ask questions and have your say about the exact route of East West Rail.
