The Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes area (BLMK) is one of the worst hit areas in the country by the growing shortage of GPs, new analysis by the Liberal Democrats has revealed. It comes as many people are struggling to book an appointment with their GP, with services increasingly under pressure from rising demand.
The last two winters saw exceptionally low temperatures and heavy snowfall, with the 'Big Freeze' lasting for an extended period in each case. With winter fast approaching, we have worked to make sure we can keep the Borough moving should the weather make it a hat-trick this year. Over the last two winters, despite the incredibly harsh conditions in the borough, we were able to maintain services and to continue to grit a full network of road routes and heavily-used pedestrianised areas thanks to early preparation and the commitment and dedication of front-line staff . This year, we are committed again to doing all we can to keep the Borough moving, and have worked very hard in the warmer months to ensure we are fully prepared for what the winter has in store.
For the February half term break, Bedford Borough Council will continue to provide supermarket vouchers to thousands of families who are entitled to income related free school meals.
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has sent a message of congratulations to the new Mayor of Bedford Dave Hodgson. Commenting on the victory of Liberal Democrat Dave Hodgson in the Bedford Mayoral election, Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said:
A few weeks ago, local resident and athletics coach Dennis Johnson contacted me to ask for my thoughts on his proposal for a plaque to be installed next year at the Bedford birthplace of Harold Abrahams, the 1924 Olympic 100 metres champion whose triumphant story was told in the film Chariots of Fire. Abrahams is a true Olympic icon, and I couldn't agree more with Dennis that his Bedford roots should be marked in the year of the London 2012 games. Abrahams, who is one of only three British Olympic 100 metre gold medallists, was born at 30 Rutland Road in Bedford. The house was demolished in the 1930s, but Dennis is hopeful that, subject to the agreement of the current householder, a plaque can be put up on display at the current property on the site.
Mayor Dave Hodgson's latest monthly column for the Times and Citizen looked at the dramatic fall in unemployment revealed by the latest figures for Bedford Borough, including a 46% drop in jobseeker's allowance claimants since February last year. Here's the piece in full:
