It's seems like no time at all since I was writing here about the problems facing residents in some parts of the Borough due to torrential rain and flooding. Now here we are with plunging temperatures and icy roads, bringing its own range of hazards and dangers.
Last week's meeting of the Council Executive saw us approve the proposed budget for 2013/14, with the proposals underpinned by the three priorities of protecting front line services, keeping local tax bills down and investing in the Borough's future. That's why, subject to the approval of the Full Council, we will deliver a third straight average council tax freeze, major investment in schools and infrastructure and the protection of services being lost so commonly elsewhere such as weekly bin collections, libraries and rural bus services.
The Speed Limit Review I launched in 2011 in response to residents' concerns about speeding traffic in their neighbourhoods saw a large number of speed limits in residential areas across the Borough reduced in direct response to local requests.
In my latest monthly column for the Times and Citizen newspaper, I took the opportunity to say a big 'well done' to our local schools for the truly remarkable run of Ofsted school inspection outcomes they have achieved in this academic year.
This week saw the announcement that elite international cycle race The 2014 Women's Tour will be coming to the streets of Bedford Borough next May. The announcement confirmed that the second day of racing will conclude in Bedford. This is an elite level race, having recently been awarded the highest possible status by the international Cycling authority the UCI, meaning that the very best international cyclists are likely to feature.
