Bedford
Liberal Democrats

News

Dave Hodgson at the Clapham end of the planned final section of the Bedford Western Bypass

Keeping up the Momentum on the Bypass 'Missing Link'

We have moved another step closer to the delivery of the crucial 'missing link' of the Western Bypass, after I signed off the formal decision to authorise Compulsory Purchase Order proceedings for the acquisition of the land required for the road. The publication of this decision is a necessary, formal further step in the process of acquiring the land which is on the long-identified route for the 'missing link' of the bypass, linking the A428 at Biddenham with the A6 at Clapham.

29 Aug 2012
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Dave Hodgson with Town Bridge behind

Funds in Place for Bus Station Regeneration

While everyone has their own views and ideas on improvements which are desired or required for Bedford Town Centre, there is one opinion that seems to be shared almost universally. This is of course the view that Bedford bus station has for many years been in sore need of improvement. In fact, this has been recognised for decades, and as Mayor I have been absolutely determined that we make real progress on what has been an unacceptable situation for residents for too long. That's why, in one of my first acts as Mayor, I signed an agreement with Stagecoach which saw an immediate investment of £67,000 in improvements such as a new paint job and CCTV to increase security for bus users. As we all know, however, what we really need is a more fundamental overhaul of the site and the facilities there. That's why I'm delighted that thanks to a lot of hard work and sound financial management at the Council, we have been able to put together a fund of £6.25 million to deliver an improved bus station.

25 Aug 2012
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Mayor Dave Hodgson Using his Orange-Lidded Recycling Bin

New Waste Treatment Arrangements Bring Major Financial and Environmental Benefits

This week we have agreed new contracts for dealing with the black and orange bin waste collected from the doorstep which bring major benefits for both local taxpayers and for the environment. The contracts will save a combined £6.9 million over the 5 year contract periods, while delivering a boost to recycling and to the effort to divert more waste away from environmentally harmful landfill.

24 Aug 2012
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Dave Hodgson with weed-killing teams

Waging War on Weeds!

On of the effects of the the unusual spring and summer weather has been unwelcome, vigorous weed growth in locations across Bedford Borough. The periods of heavy rain during what was our wettest recorded period in history not only caused excessive weed growth but also caused significant disruption to the Council's annual weed killing programme. That's why we're declaring 'War on Weeds' to fight back against this blight in our local neighbourhoods.

18 Aug 2012
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The gold postbox in St Paul's Square, Bedford, painted in honour of Etienne Stott's gold medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games

After a Fantastic, Thrilling Olympic Games, Let's Make 'Legacy' Really Mean Something

With the thrilling, inspiring action from the Olympics now over and the Paralympics to come, it's a good time to reflect on Bedford Borough's considerable contribution to both events, and to consider how we can all help ensure that that word 'legacy' really means something for current and future generations here in Bedford Borough. This was the subject of my column in this week's Times and Citizen newspaper, and if you've not seen it, I have reproduced it below:

17 Aug 2012
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Mayor Dave Hodgson cuts the ribbon at Bedford's new Waitrose store

A Very Warm Welcome to Bedford for Waitrose

It was my very great pleasure to cut the ribbon at the opening of Bedford's brand new Waitrose store yesterday morning. Those who live nearby or who travel past the new store off Goldington Road (on the site of the former Courts building) will know how swiftly the building work has taken place in recent weeks. The new store is great news for Bedford, bringing new choice and competition for local shoppers, not to mention significant investment and new jobs for the local economy. The store employs 140 staff, and is even taking on a small number of apprentices, which is fantastic.

10 Aug 2012
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