The recent CIPFA's annual library survey has found that spending by local authorities on public libraries fell by £30m in 2017/18 and that 127 service points were closed down this year. This is in contrast to Bedford Borough who, under Mayor Dave Hodgson's leadership, have kept all of our libraries open.
Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats have praised social care workers after new figures revealed that the amount of homecare delivered across the Borough has doubled in the past ten years.
After writing previously on mayordave.org.uk about Network Rail's plan to remove the riverside footbridge over the railway near Prebend Street in Bedford without providing any alternative to protect the right of way, I am delighted to report that following our negotiations it has committed to a major investment in a new footpath and underpass.
Mayor Dave Hodgson has insisted that if Theresa May's claim that 'austerity is over' means anything at all, the Tory Government must use its forthcoming budget to change course dramatically over its plans to continue with massive, punishing cuts for local services.
A post on Twitter on Sunday by a member of a vocal group which took part in the Bedford Busking Fest declared that "Bedford had a great vibe today." I couldn't agree more, and I would add that that vibe extended across the whole weekend, not just on Sunday, and also to a range of events in addition to the Busking Festival. The performing arts festival Bedfringe continued with a number of events over its middle weekend at a variety of venues, while on Saturday it was great to welcome Proms in the Park back to Bedford Park for the first time in a number of years. The fireworks and light show to round it off could not doubt be enjoyed from across town! The busking festival continued on Sunday with a diverse range of performers, adding a lovely extra dimension to a trip into town. Also on Sunday, a very special charity football match took place at the New Eyrie, home of Bedford Town F.C.
Mayor Dave being interviewed for BBC Three Counties Radio at the time of the introduction of the gritting quad bike three years...
