The Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service in Bedford on the Embankment was, as always, a moving experience. There was a very strong turnout of people who had come out to pay tribute and to observe the act of remembrance together.
The recent meeting of the Full Council was the first since the conclusion of both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. In light of the remarkable summer of sport we all enjoyed, and in particular the unique contribution made by Bedford Borough throughout, I wanted to take the opportunity to say a special thank you to all those locally who, in their different ways, helped make it such a special experience for all.
I was honoured to be invited to open the Bedford Poppy Shop on Saturday, which is once again located in the Harpur Centre. The volunteers do a fantastic job in staffing the store, helping to raise money for the crucial support and welfare work carried out by the Royal British Legion. I want to take this opportunity to thank Angela Parker and her team once again for all they do. They will be open throughout the Poppy Appeal period, so do pop along to the Harpur Centre, say hello to the volunteers and support the RBL in the vital work they do to support serving members of the Armed Forces, ex-Service men and women, their families and dependants all year-round.
If you've not done so yet, don't forget to sign the petition to save Bedford Hospital from downgrading and severe service cuts. You can find it here: www.savebedfordhospital.org.uk . NHS plans under the 'Healthier Together' review of hospital services in the South East Midlands could mean downgrading for Bedford Hospital and a reduced A&E role, no trauma unit, no emergency surgery, no complex surgery and no obstetrics for high risk births. We need to speak with one voice as a community and make sure these plans do not become a reality for our local hospital.
I am pleased to be able to confirm that as part of our regeneration of the bus station area in Bedford Town Centre, we will construct a brand new surface car park to serve the town. The car park, which will be located on the site of the former Gwyn and Patteshull Court blocks of flats, will be constructed next year.
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.
