At a meeting of the Executive this evening the finishing touches were agreed for a bold new investment plan for Bedford.

We know Healthcare is vitally important to our residents and that Bedford Borough has lagged behind other regions. That’s why the new Conservative Council has agreed a funding package which will secure a GP Surgery in the Wixams, a new Health Hub in Kempston and Primary Care Services in Great Barford. Much needed, overdue and on the way.

We’re delighted to announce that a number of other initiatives were agreed which together will enhance and support the residents of Bedford Borough and attract both visitors and investment:

Significant investment will provide state of the art leisure villages and modernise our neglected facilities. This initiative will bring tremendous health and wellbeing benefits to residents of the Borough;

A much-needed development package will breathe new life into our Town Centre. You’ll already have seen new shops opening, footfall is increasing and with our Town Centre plan we’ll put Bedford back on the map as a destination people want to visit;

A large funding contribution will build the Prebend Street Relief Road to ease gridlocked traffic and reduce emissions from idling vehicles;

We’ll invest to see the Bedford to Milton Keynes Waterway Canal Link finally delivered;

The Conservative Council will deliver a new Primary School in Sharnbrook;

A funding package will ensure the Paula Radcliffe Way Highway Corridor remains a safe route through the Borough.

This is just the start of the improvements Mayor Tom and his Councillors will deliver for Bedford Borough.

The residents of the Borough put their trust in us to deliver change, and we are.

Our ambitious Capital Program represents a bold new direction for Bedford, our best days are coming.  

Martin Towler, Portfolio Holder for Health, Public Health and Wellbeing commented on the “Improving the Health Estate in Bedford Borough” report adding,

“This is really positive and fantastic news for the residents of Bedford Borough who have suffered for years as the Borough slipped into the top ten worst areas for patients per GP.

Our plans will set a solid foundation to support NHS partners in delivering GP surgeries to meet local demand. Residents will no longer need to travel miles, at significant cost, just to see a GP.

We will also be working collaboratively with NHS partners to ensure Bedford projects are prioritised and current projects are delivered on time over the next 4 years. This bold initiative fulfils one of our key election pledges, access to GPs for our residents.”

Graeme Coombes, Portfolio Holder for Finance, Risk & Welfare also commented,

“I am extremely pleased that our Executive is cracking on with the job.

These projects seek to improve the lives of everyone in Bedford Borough. Whether it is unblocking the delivery of GP surgeries, committing funding to fix our crumbling leisure facilities or creating a framework to improve the general maintenance of our Borough and deliver on the Bedford to Milton Keynes Waterway Canal project – we are here to make a difference and do a job. Ultimately, that is what our capital programme represents, a commitment to the people of Bedford Borough that we have heard your concerns and will deliver on fixing them.”