Mayor Dave Hodgson has described the news of further rail fare rises as 'another kick in the teeth' for Bedford rail users. Commuters' rail fares will rise by a further 2.8% in the new year - a rise that Mayor Dave has called 'totally unjustifiable'.

Commenting on Facebook, Mayor Dave said:

"This is another kick in the teeth for long-suffering Bedford rail commuters. They have had to contend with the utter shambles of last year's new timetables, the loss of peak time intercity fast trains and the forthcoming loss of all intercity trains under the next East Midlands franchise.'

Exam celebrations for students and staff took place across Bedford Borough yesterday with provisional figures showing that nearly 99% [98.9%] of pupils achieved at least 1 A* to E grade and 83.8% of our students achieved 3 or more A* to E grades at A-level; an increase from 2018.

There is advice for students about their next steps available from UCAS at www.ucas.com. There is also support available for students at the Jobs Hub, which provides advice about education and training options, help with skills, and job search assistance, and can be contacted on 01234 223510 or the.jobshub@bedford.gov.uk.

India Indepedence Day celebrations took place in Bedford today, with a flag-raising, speeches and entertainment in Harpur Square in the town centre. Mayor Dave Hodgson was among the speakers at the event, which took place bright and early at 7:30am.

Honoured guests in attendance at the event, organised by the band Han Bedford community group, included the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Ruchi Ghanashyam.

Today is Pakistan Independence Day, and the Pakistan flag was raised at Bedford's Old Town Hall today in a ceremony at lunchtime. The flag-raising was followed by a reception in The Harpur Suite, where Mayor Dave Hodgson was among the speakers.

Commenting on Facebook, Mayor Dave said: "Happy Pakistan Independence Day! The Pakistan flag is flying today at the historic Old Town Hall, and I was pleased to help mark the occasion at the flag raising and reception earlier."

Mayor Dave Hodgson has confirmed continued funding for the Jobs Hub, ensuring this pioneering service can continue to help people find a new job, or get started on the career ladder.

The Jobs Hub, on Greyfriars, provides career advice and guidance to people of all ages who live in Bedford Borough to find work, training and apprenticeships. This can include helping job seekers find a job, gain new skills, or change careers.

Yesterday, was the 100 year celebration of Bedford Bus Depot on London Road and hundreds of people attended.

There were lots of old buses, including United Counties buses.

Whilst there Mayor Dave Hodgson spoke with Michelle Hargreaves, the Managing Director of Stagecoach East, about a number of issues relating to bus services across Bedford Borough.

Bedford Borough Council has sent out this year's 'Household Enquiry Forms' to ensure everyone who has a right to vote, is on the Electoral Register.

The Council is required by law to carry out what is known as an 'Annual Canvass' every year. This involves writing to every household in the Borough, so local residents can check that the correct individuals are registered to vote at their address and, if necessary, make any changes.

Last week, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited the Forest Centre and Millennium Country Park to dedicate the Forest of Marston Vale to The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy.

The Princess planted a tree and unveiled a plaque in the new Forest Shelter, and with local school children in attendance it was another great occasion for the Trust, which does so much good work locally.