This morning was of course Macmillan Coffee Morning, a major nationwide charity event, and for me it was a reminder of the remarkable way in which local residents, groups and businesses in Bedford Borough come together to support community events and fundraising activities.
This afternoon Bedford has the chance to celebrate the contribution made by so many local people to the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer, and in particular to congratulate our very own Olympic Gold Medallist, Etienne Stott, at a celebration parade through the town. The parade will be setting off from De Parys Avenue at 1pm, before setting off down the High Street and then along the Embankment. Following the parade will be the official re-naming of the Duckmill White Water Arena as the Etienne Stott White Water Arena.
It may have been over a week ago now, but I have to put on record what a fantastic event the Homecoming Parade for Etienne Stott and the Olympic and Paralympic 'thank you' was. We were lucky to have some beautiful weather for the occasion - a contrast with the last time people lined the pavement on the Embankment for an Olympics-themed event, when it poured down on us all for the torch relay! Talking of the torch relay, it was great to see some of the torchbearers there for the parade, along with a good number of 'Games Makers.' Two of the Borough's Paralympians joined Etienne on the bus, with sitting volleyball players Julie Rogers and Jessica Frezza receiving richly-deserved cheers.
There was great news earlier this week for the campaign to bring relief for motorists and businesses at the Black Cat roundabout, with confirmation that the bid for Government funding we have been backing has been successful. The Department for Transport will commit £6.4 million from its 'Pinch Point Fund' for a project which will see the roundabout and A1 approaches expanded. Crucially, the improvement scheme also serves as a first step towards a wider, comprehensive solution which separates the road from the roundabout itself.
As you have probably heard through the local media, NHS plans threaten key services at Bedford Hospital, which could be downgraded and changed out of all recognition. The NHS's 'Healthier Together' review of hospital services in the South East Midlands area has announced that just two models for services across the five hospitals in the area should go forward for further consideration. Both of them represent drastic cuts in the range of services at two hospitals, with the other three essentially protected.
Last week saw an informal ceremony take place to mark the 'turning of the first sod' on the site of the new Shortstown Primary School, which will be open for the Autumn Term next year, in September 2013. The £6.45 million new school will replace the existing Shortstown Lower School, and will provide excellent facilities for the children of the growing Shortstown community. The new school will be a two form entry primary, in contrast to the current one form entry at Shortstown Lower School.
