Mayor Dave Hodgson has wished a very happy St George's Day to all.

The St George's flag has been flying proudly at Borough Hall, although it was extremely still - this photo is therefore the one Mayor Dave posted to his Facebook page today with the comment:

"A very Happy St George's Day to all! We've got the flag of St George flying proudly at Borough Hall. Not a breath of wind today, so here it is flying a bit higher during the World Cup last summer.'

Congestion-busting improvement works on Manton Lane begin this week. The works are part of Mayor Dave's Transporting Bedford 2020 scheme targeting congestion hotspots across Bedford, and will involve widening the road to provide additional capacity, new lights at the junction with Bedford Modern school and improvements to existing traffic signals.

Mayor Dave Hodgson has thanked all involved for another 'truly stunning' spring display on The Embankment in Bedford.

You can see a number of photos of the dazzling display on the Embankment on Mayor Dave's Facebook page here, where he commented:

"My thanks to all the team involved for another truly stunning spring display on The Embankment. Dazzling in the sunshine!"

Mayor Dave Hodgson has wished everyone celebrating a very happy and peaceful Easter.

Mayor Dave said: "A very happy Easter to all. Very best wishes for a happy and peaceful time to you and your loved ones."

Bedford's new b&m store, on Riverfield Drive, is now open after Mayor Dave Hodgson cut the ribbon at the official opening earlier today.

Commenting on Facebook shortly after the opening, Mayor Dave said: "Thanks to B&M Stores for inviting me along to officially open the brand new b&m on Riverfield Drive/off Goldington Road this morning.... Congratulations and good luck to the staff on the new store!"

Mayor Dave Hodgson set out his positive pitch for re-election at the final mayoral election hustings, which took place on Thursday evening at Bedford Blues' Goldington Road ground.

The debate was produced by The Bedford Independent and BBC Three Counties Radio, who broadcast the event live on debate Chair Roberto Perrone's drivetime show.

Postal voters will be receiving their postal ballots very shortly, if they haven't already, and Mayor Dave Hodgson has encouraged people to make sure they fill in the form and return it - and to vote for him and their Liberal Democrat council candidate!

Commenting, Mayor Dave said:

"Please fill in the form and return it - we're all exasperated by goings-on in Westminster but these are critical local elections about local services and who you want representing you and your community over the next four years.'

The Council's 'Number 13' building on St Paul's Square is the new home for 'Made in Bedford' in Bedford's town centre.

'Made in Bedford' is an established movement promoting the work of local artists, designers, makers and producers. Working in partnership with Bedford Borough Council, this new venture will see a shop, café and art display space at Number 13. Number 13 will continue to operate as a bar and box office during performances at Bedford Corn Exchange.