Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats have won unanimous Council backing over opposition to Conservative Government proposals for the planning system which would reduce local communities' involvement, impose poor quality development and threaten the delivery of vital infrastructure.

All Councillors at last night's Full Council meeting voted in favour of a motion by Liberal Democrat Councillor Dean Crofts which lays out the fundamental flaws of the government's 'Planning For the Future' White Paper.

Bedford's Town Bridge and Riverside Bridge which have been illuminated in Pink and Blue since the 9th October will join the wave of light tonight (15th October) to show support for individuals, families and charities supporting those affected by the loss of a baby during pregnancy, at or soon after birth and in infancy.

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats have welcomed the news that Bedford Hospital expects to make an announcement imminently that birth partners will be able to attend the hospital throughout labour, and not just during established labour as is the case currently.

The expected relaxation of the restriction on birth partners attending before established labour was signalled by the hospital's Head of Nursing during Monday night's Bedford Borough Council Health Overview and Scrutiny Committe meeting, and Liberal Democrat Committee Member Councillor Hilde Hendrickx has welcomed the news.

Today marks the launch of Adopt East, a regional adoption agency which has been established to recruit adopters across the East of England.

Adopt East will work across local authorities in Bedford Borough, Essex, Hertfordshire, Luton, Norfolk, Southend, Suffolk and Thurrock to find families for children who are waiting to find their forever home. Adoptionplus, Barnardo's and Adoption UK are also part of the partnership.

The Government has announced three new Coronavirus Tiers to clarify local restrictions. Bedford Borough has been placed in Tier One/Medium Alert Level.

Mayor Dave Hodgson is reminding local residents to keep washing your hands, wear a face covering and keep 2 metres away from others and limit your contact with people you don't live with.

Bedford Borough Council has awarded a grant of £23,000 to Bedford Foodbank to help families struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funding is part of a range of measures that the council is putting in place to provide emergency assistance to residents in urgent need who are struggling to afford food and essentials due to COVID-19. It follows the work of the council's community hub which was set up at the start of the 'lockdown' period and helped 9,000 residents with requests including food parcels and help with shopping.

Cllr Sarah Gallagher and Mayor Dave Hodgson have welcomed the long-awaited opening of the new Shortstown Surgery, which is now open following many years of campaigning by Cllr Gallagher alongside local residents.

Cllr Gallagher, the Ward Councillor for Eastcotts, commented on the 'vast improvement' the new facility represents in comparison to the previous surgery in the village. You can watch a video recorded by Cllr Gallagher on site here.

With cases of Covid-19 rising across Bedford Borough, Bedford Borough Council is calling on everyone to work together, play their part, and help reduce the spread of the infection.

In the last week up to the 4th October there have been 118 cases of coronavirus in Bedford Borough. This is an increase of 46 on the week before, and the latest figures show that cases are continuing to rise.