Tonight is the night of the big Christmas Lights Switch-On and Fireworks show on the Embankment. This is always a great event, and in addition to the customary appearance of Father Christmas himself, we also have another very special guest joining us tonight. Bedford's very own 2012 Olympic hero Etienne Stott will be there, adding to the excitement around this ever-popular free event.
Yesterday I went out and about to see some of the areas in the Borough worst-affected by the floods, or at least some of those which were accessible. There has obviously been real disruption for many people, and I spoke to people about how they are prepared for the high waters, and how it has affected them locally. One of the places I visited was Bromham which, as you may be able to see in the photo with Herons Mead resident Mr Webb on the right, has seen very high levels on the river. None of the homes had been flooded, although I visited some properties where the water has come perilously close.
This week we received the very welcome confirmation of the award of £3.1 million from the national weekly collection support fund. The grant award is in recognition of our commitment as one of the minority of councils to have protected weekly black bin collections and our plans to increase recycling and reduce waste even further.
Two weeks ago the festive season in Bedford Town centre was kicked off in customary, spectacular style with the Christmas Lights switch-on and firework display along the Embankment. Even better, this year, we were honoured to be joined by a true hero of 2012 and a great Bedfordian, our very own Olympic Gold Medallist Etienne Stott. Etienne once again gave his time selflessly in support of a great community event, as families and people of all ages enjoyed the fun. The lights are looking great, and with late night shopping on Wednesdays and every day in the week prior to Christmas, not to mention events and festivities coming thick and fast, there are so many reasons to come into Bedford for your Christmas shopping. The array of excellent independent shops have something for everyone, and just as the Portas Pilot Bedford Town Team's postcards (see right) have it, if we all enjoy a Very Bedford Christmas this year and shop locally, the better it is for our economy and for our community as a whole.
I have just come from a meeting of the Council's Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which had invited me to talk about the Riverside North development and answer the Committee's questions on the scheme.
There was dreadful news from Parliament this week, when the Joint Committee of the two Houses considering US waste giant Covanta's appalling plans for a monstrous, oversized incinerator near Stewartby effectively gave the final go-ahead for the scheme.
