I was honoured yesterday to unveil the blue plaque at the birthplace of Apsley Cherry-Garrard, who was a member of Scott's fateful Terra Nova expedition and author of the book which recounted his experiences on the quest - 'The Worst Journey in the World.'
Free Christmas parking will be on offer in Bedford town centre again this year as Mayor Dave Hodgson seeks to encourage shoppers to use the town centre as well as providing a timely boost to local businesses.
Commenting on the Government announcement to provide guaranteed respite care by making £400m available to carers, Liberal Democrat Care Services Minister, Paul Burstow said:
As Mayor I am committed to supporting business across the Borough, and this week Finance Portfolio Holder Cllr Michael Headley announced our move to give additional financial help to small rural businesses. We are amending the Council's policy and making a financial commitment to ensure that small rural businesses who receive rural rate relief are not disqualified from receiving further small business rate relief to which they would otherwise be entitled.
It was an honour to be involved in the Armistice Service in the town centre yesterday, which saw hundreds of people in town stop to observe the service and pay their respects to fallen soldiers from wars past and present. The services can never fail to be deeply moving, and all involved, from the Standard Bearers to the Salvation Army Band Members and all veterans present combined to ensure that the eleventh hour hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month was marked in fitting fashion.
Bedford Borough Council has announced plans to begin charging interest on overdue commercial debts. This follows increasing concerns in recent months of the impact on Council finances due to delays in payment of invoices.
