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.
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.
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.
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.
My 2012 Village Tour continues this weekend with open surgeries on Saturday at Briar Bank Park in Wilstead, Biddenham, Great Denham and Bromham. For all the details of this weekend's sessions, click on the 'Meet Dave - Village Tour' button on the menu on the left hand side of this page. This lists the 38 open street surgeries I've held so far, and gives details of the schedule of 25 further sessions to come.
Yesterday I was at the new Jobs Hub on Greyfriars for its official opening. The Jobs Hub is an innovative project, which we believe is the first centre of its kind in the country, to help people into work, training or enterprise. Its town centre location, open-door drop-in approach and unique capacity to link people with the services or support they need is designed to make a real difference for residents during these difficult economic times.
