Mayor Dave Hodgson's latest column for the Bedford Independent was on the topic of Bedford Borough's 'fascinating and illustrious' history. In the piece, Mayor Dave reflects on recent visits he has hosted in the historic Mayor's Parlour, including from the Maldives' UK Ambassador, and he invites anyone involved with a local group which might enjoy a visit to get in touch, because the Parlour and its contents 'belong to all of us'.

Mayor Dave Hodgson has told BBC Look East that the Government needs to show it actually cares about infrastructure by investing in critical road upgrade schemes in Bedford Borough and the wider region. In comments made during an unconventional interview while travelling along the Bedford Western Bypass, Mayor Dave outlined the reasons why the Government should invest in the dualling of the bypass and other roads schemes proposed by the England's Economic Heartland partnership, whose Strategic Transport Forum he chairs.

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 Bandhan 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.