Henry Vann has uncovered figures showing massive increase in drug admissions among 18-21 year-olds as Labour government's policies fail to combat a growing problem.
The Liberal Democrat leader tells his party conference that it will be a long, slow climb out of recession but his party offers hope for the future.
Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats have revealed that the County Council's announcement of an extra £400,000 to mend Bedfordshire's crumbling streets does not include any funding at all for residential roads in Bedford and Kempston.
Bedford Borough Lib Dems are sounding the alarm bells after the latest report on the proposed East West Railway between East Anglia and Central England has left Bedford in real jeopardy of being bypassed by the route altogether.
Henry Vann has warned that Christmas bonus payments for 1,431 elderly people in Bedford and Kempston to help with winter fuel bills will not be paid until nearly Easter.
The Liberal Democrats' call for the introduction of a minimum price for alcohol, to stop shops selling alcohol at a loss, has won the backing of Bedford Borough Council.