Council News

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Mayor Dave Hodgson Set Sights on Speeders

Mayor Dave Hodgson is making progress on his plans to slam the brakes on reckless driving by installing 15 sets of new average speed cameras across Bedford Borough this year.

The average speed cameras are being installed in speeding hot spots across Bedford, Kempston, Wilstead, Wixams, Wymington and on the A6. The Council has also secured funding for average speed cameras from the developer of a new housing estate on Cleat Hill in Bedford.

These 15 sites will add to the other 31 locations across the Borough where average speed cameras have already been installed. In addition to the current plans, Bedford Borough Council has identifi ed more than 70 sites across the local area that meet the criteria for installing average speed cameras.

Average speed cameras are an incredibly e ective way of discouraging drivers from both speeding and from having accidents on the road. In fact, research from the RAC Foundation has suggested that the number of fatal and serious collisions decrease by up to 36% following the introduction of average speed cameras.

Surprisingly, although they are responsible for installing and maintaining average speed cameras, Bedford Borough Council does not get to keep the fi nes collected from road users who are caught speeding.

Advice on how to support Bedford Foodbank

Most households will start to receive the £400 energy rebate this month, spread over the next six months. These payments are not means tested and there is no option to opt out.

A number of residents, that do not feel they need the energy rebate, have contacted the Council to ask how they can make a donation and help others.

Mayor Dave Hodgson has suggested that those who can make a donation consider supporting Bedford Foodbank to help those less fortunate.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said, “The cost of living crisis is impacting so many of our community, so it is heartening to hear from those that are in a position to help others. Bedford Foodbank is run by local people for local people and relies on the support of the community to ensure that it can continue to stop the local residents it meets from going hungry.”

Sarah Broughton, Project Manager at Bedford Foodbank said, “Bedford Foodbank feeds over 1,500 people a month who are living in Bedford Borough and experiencing food poverty. Lots of households are going to fi nd this winter tough, with the cost of living increasing. By making a small donation of food or cash to Bedford Foodbank you can make a massive di erence to many families.

Discover the di erent ways people can make a donation or o er help to Bedford Foodbank at www.Bedford.foodbank.org.uk.

The national fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) is also asking for donations from those that can a ord to at; https://www.nea.org.uk/

who-we-are/nea-campaigns/donate-your-energyrebate/

Many households may be struggling to cope with the rising cost of living, particularly with food and energy costs and the council has updated its website with information about various forms of help that may be available to residents in Bedford Borough Bedford.gov.uk/costofl iving.

News About Town

Bedford’s Botanical Banksy

Adorning the Silver Faces, the ‘Refl ections’ fl oral art installation looked blooming marvellous during Bedford’s Great Big Green Week campaign at the end of September. Silver Square burst into life with sustainable, locally grown British fl owers from Bedfordshire-based fl ower farms, and was staged on the square by a team of local fl orists. The event wowed shoppers, who could take home the beautiful blooms along with free fl ower seeds to plant in their own outdoor spaces.

By encouraging shoppers to buy locally grown British fl owers and in doing so, take a small step towards tackling climate change and reducing their carbon footprint, the event proved to be a huge success. Look out, the Flower Flash is set to return this Autumn!

After Hours – Wine bar and cocktail lounge is now open!

A brand-new addition to Bedford’s night-time economy has launched on St Cuthberts Street. After Hours is Bedford’s new, sexy, cosy, wine bar and cocktail lounge stocked with a great selection of cocktails, wines, champagnes and if you’d prefer, ice cold beer!

After Hours have the perfect atmosphere for a date, or just a cozy drink with some friends. If you’re the party planner, why not gather a few pals and try their 2 for 1 cocktails (and mocktails) on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 6.30 to 9pm and see if this luxe new venue fi ts the bill!

Open Wed 6.30pm – 1am, Thurs 6:30pm – 2am, Fri & Sat 6:30pm – 4am More info: afterhoursent.co.uk

Bedfordshire Festival of Remembrance at the Corn Exchange

Saturday 12th November at 7.30pm, The Corn Exchange, Bedford is the place to be for a special evening packed with colour and tradition. The Royal British Legion Bedfordshire invites you to join in their very own “Festival of Remembrance” raising money for the 2022 Poppy Appeal.

This year, they are planning a memorable performance to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War, remembering those service personnel who participated in this confl ict.

Special guests “The Swingtime Sweethearts” will transport you back to those wartime classics, along with the amazing sound of Bedford Brass and the Bedford Pipe band, and this year, their very own Military wives’ choir of Henlow & Chicksands. This super evening will culminate with a live “Poppy drop” – as seen at the Royal Albert Hall.