Lib Dems Keep Focus on Key Issues for Town Centre Development

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats have responded to the awarding of outline planning permission for the Town Centre West Redevelopment with a clear message that the core issues of local housing and town centre car parking must be resolved in order to ensure the success of the development for the town and surrounding area.

Following Monday's meeting of the Planning Committee, at which the plans were voted through unanimously, Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Michael Headley said:

"I am pleased that redevelopment is moving forward, but we must not lose sight of one crucial issue: the hundreds of people who live in the area affected and who will face considerable disruption to their lives if they have to move away.'

"There are other legitimate issues raised by the proposed development, including the fate of the building currently occupied by the Pilgrim's Progress pub. However, people's homes must be the primary concern for all involved.'

"Another key issue yet to be satisfactorily resolved is town centre car parking. Loss of parking during development and overall parking provision when the work is complete are real concerns. The loss of the Castle Lane site as a central, surface-level car park has already been felt strongly by many local residents. For the new development to work these issues now have to be given the attention they need before it is too late. Bedford needs a successful redevelopment - not one that will fail because of any of these challenges."