As part of the Budget announcement that has already set aside funding for climate change projects, green space investment and improvements to the road network, Mayor Dave Hodgson has also announced investment to improve Kempston's natural flood management. Commenting on the proposal, Mayor Dave said "After the flooding in 2020 that impacted many residents and businesses, it is vital that we put measures in place to prevent these issues in the future. I am very pleased that we are investing in this area, which will protect homes and businesses in Kempston."

Last week at a meeting of Full Council a Liberal Democrat amendment to a motion calling on divestment from fossil fuels was passed with cross-party support.

The amendment, proposed by Liberal Democrat Councillor Jake Sampson and seconded by Conservative Councillor Graeme Coombes, called on Bedfordshire Pension Fund and Border to Coast Pension Partnership to divest from fossil fuels. It also highlighted the fantastic work the Council has done in combatting climate change since Mayor Dave Hodgson was elected in 2009 on its march to become carbon neutral by 2030. Prior to the meeting, there was a lot of hard work and cross-party discussion to establish a motion that all members would be happy to vote for. At Full Council, the amended motion was passed almost unanimously, with Green Party Councillor Ben Foley the only member to vote against.

To celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month, the OUTing the Past Festival returns to The Higgins Bedford for the fifth year running on Saturday 26th February.

A range of dynamic speakers and presentations will share the hidden histories and stories of the LGBTQ+ community, celebrating its diversity, and raising awareness of the challenges that the community have encountered and continue to face today.

The Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes area (BLMK) is one of the worst hit areas in the country by the growing shortage of GPs, new analysis by the Liberal Democrats has revealed. It comes as many people are struggling to book an appointment with their GP, with services increasingly under pressure from rising demand.

The latest weekly Coronavirus snapshot for Bedford Borough has been published.

The figures show that in the seven days up to 9th January:

• 6,527 PCR tests were taken
• There were 2,819 Coronavirus cases (198 fewer than the previous week)
• The weekly positive cases per 100,000 population was 1,613.7 (down from 1,727.1 in the previous week)

A preferred design for the much anticipated railway station in Wixams has been selected, allowing the project to progress further ahead of the planned opening in 2024.

Commenting on the selection of the design, Portfolio Holder for Rail Councillor Michael Headley said "I'm very pleased that we have been able to progress to this next stage. This design had the best support from the railway stakeholders and will provide a great passenger experience for local residents. This keeps us on track to deliver a station in Wixams in 2024."

Bedford Borough Council's Children's Services have been rated 'Good' by Ofsted following an inspection in November 2021.

The final report, published today by Ofsted, grades Children's Services Good, across the board as inspectors commented that "Senior leaders have worked relentlessly to address the recommendations from the last full inspection in 2017. They have built on the strengths identified at that time, and services are now of a good standard."