After submitting a forceful response to the Environment Agency's consultation on the environmental permit application for the proposed incinerator at Rookery South Pit near Stewartby, Mayor Dave Hodgson has called for local residents who will be affected by the development to be listened to.
Writing on his Facebook page, Mayor Dave repeated his criticisms of a process to date which has 'shut out local people at every turn'. He made his statement after submitting a response to the consultation which highlighted issues including the impact that the vast number of lorry movements will have on local air quality and quality of life.
The first completions have taken place at Riverside North, the exciting new development which is bringing town centre cinema back to Bedford alongside new riverside restaurants, public space, a hotel and more.
The cinema, hotel and first restaurant units have been completed and handed over to operators Vue, Premier Inn, Coal Bar & Grill, Miller & Carter, Bella Italia and Gourmet Burger Kitchen, who will all now begin their 'fit outs'. The first of these is expected to open to the public in the coming months with further openings this summer. Other brands confirmed for Riverside North include Wagamama and MEXIco, the latest brand from the Prezzo group.
Ofsted has today published its latest report on Children's Services in Bedford Borough and whilst the services 'Require Improvement to be Good' the Inspectors have acknowledged the quality of leadership, both political and professional, that has been overseeing an improvement journey instigated by the Borough in 2014.
The controversial programme reviewing local healthcare services in Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes has been placed on a 'fast track', despite Mayor Dave Hodgson's refusal to give the Council's approval as a supposed partner.
The Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) approached the Council at 5pm on Thursday 23rd March to ask for approval for the programme to be fast-tracked, and insisted on a decision by 2pm on the following day.
In his latest monthly column for the Bedford Bulletin, Mayor Dave Hodgson has laid out the dire funding situation in which the 2017/18 Council budget was delivered, and of the importance of the all-party support it received last month.
Here's the full text of the piece:
The combined effect of massive government cuts and rising need for care services is a full-blown funding crisis for Bedford Borough Council. The Council's main government grant is falling from £30 million in 2015 to under £6 million in 2019. By 2020/21, there is a funding gap of £27.5 million.
- Mayor Dave calls for community to deliver 'resounding message' in opposition to the plans 'before it's too late'
Mayor Dave Hodgson has spoken out against new proposals for A&E, Maternity and Paediatric services to each be downgraded in at least one of Bedford, Luton or Milton Keynes Hospitals. He has also called for residents to deliver a resounding message in support of Bedford Hospital in response to the proposals.
Councillors of all parties and independents joined Mayor Dave Hodgson in demanding the protection of key services at Bedford Hospital at a Full Council Meeting last week.
Across the chamber there was unanimity in approving a motion which called for the retention of essential A & E, paediatric and obstetric services in the midst of an ongoing review, the Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) process. The motion also highlights the fact that elected council representatives have largely been sidelined to date in the process.
Speaking on Friday in the wake of Storm Doris last week, Mayor Dave Hodgson praised staff from across the council who were joined by specialist contractors and of course many residents in tackling the difficulties caused by the storm.
Bedford Borough Council received over 80 reports from residents regarding fallen or damaged trees caused by the strong winds, leading to the closure of many roads across the Borough. Council officers and teams from Bartlett Tree Experts worked throughout the day and into the night in bad weather to reopen roads.
