In his latest monthly column for the Bedford Bulletin publication, Mayor Dave Hodgson has written of a string of major investment successes for Bedford Town Centre, in defiance of a wider crisis for UK high streets.

With the Harpur Centre owners revealing major upgrade plans, the large BHS store due to be filled shortly and, crucially, the £36 million Riverside Bedford scheme opening this summer, there is good cause for optimism for the town.

Mayor Dave Hodgson has encouraged people to 'come and enjoy the fun' at the Big High Street Showcase, which returns this Saturday, 3rd June, on Bedford High Street.

This special summer festival which celebrates the best of Bedford Borough was introduced by Mayor Dave Hodgson and the Council in 2013 to promote the High Street and Bedford town centre and to expand Bedford's already thriving programme of public events for residents and visitors to enjoy. In its short life it has been hugely successful in attracting extra footfall to the town for the free family-orientated fun on offer.

Harpur Square came to a standstill early on Friday evening as people came together to remember those who so tragically lost their lives in the terror attack in Manchester earlier in the week. Mayor Dave Hodgson was among the speakers at the event, organised by the Bedford Council of Faiths.

He spoke of how we naturally feel helpless at a time such as this, but that one thing we can do is to send a message to the grieving families, to let them know that those who lost their lives will never be forgotten, and that we stand with them always. He highlighted the stories of incredible courage and of kindness in the face of true horror, commenting on how they have reminded us of the very best of humanity as we are forced to confront its very worst.

Writing in his May column for the Bedford Bulletin, Mayor Dave Hodgson looked ahead to an exciting summer of events and attractions in Bedford Borough.

Here's the full text of his piece

At the time of writing the weather has taken a turn for the better. Let's hope it's a sign of a warm, dry and bright summer ahead. While the weather can't be relied upon, however, one thing that is for sure is that there will be no shortage of things to do this summer in Bedford Borough.

After submitting a forceful response to the Environment Agency's consultation on the environmental permit application for the proposed incinerator at Rookery South Pit near Stewartby, Mayor Dave Hodgson has called for local residents who will be affected by the development to be listened to.

The first completions have taken place at Riverside North, the exciting new development which is bringing town centre cinema back to Bedford alongside new riverside restaurants, public space, a hotel and more.

The cinema, hotel and first restaurant units have been completed and handed over to operators Vue, Premier Inn, Coal Bar & Grill, Miller & Carter, Bella Italia and Gourmet Burger Kitchen, who will all now begin their 'fit outs'. The first of these is expected to open to the public in the coming months with further openings this summer. Other brands confirmed for Riverside North include Wagamama and MEXIco, the latest brand from the Prezzo group.

Ofsted has today published its latest report on Children's Services in Bedford Borough and whilst the services 'Require Improvement to be Good' the Inspectors have acknowledged the quality of leadership, both political and professional, that has been overseeing an improvement journey instigated by the Borough in 2014.

The controversial programme reviewing local healthcare services in Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes has been placed on a 'fast track', despite Mayor Dave Hodgson's refusal to give the Council's approval as a supposed partner.

The Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) approached the Council at 5pm on Thursday 23rd March to ask for approval for the programme to be fast-tracked, and insisted on a decision by 2pm on the following day.