First and foremost, I’d like to wish everyone across Bedford Borough a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

It is the season, for sitting back, spending time with loved ones, reflecting on this year and planning  for the future.

It is also the season for remembering loved ones and looking after our family and neighbours.

I have long held the belief that Bedford Borough is the best place in the world and its best days are still to come – that is why we at the Council, our Officers, together with Bedford Markets, the Flea Market, Bedford BID and the Harpur Centre to name a few have worked hard to make Christmas and New Year something special.

We’ve kicked off the festive season with a successful light switch on, featuring a new Christmas Tree and new lights - illuminating the Town Centre with a reinvigorated Christmas cheer.

We have also gone all out this time with so many more festive themed events such as Christmas markets, live music, mouth-watering street food and full programme of family activities during the Christmas period with Bedford Central Library and The Higgins hosting various events.

These and other initiatives have had a positive impact on the Town Centre as footfall continues to trend upwards and new shops have opened and more are due in the New Year.

This, however, is only the beginning and residents can expect far more positive change in the future, so watch this space.

In other fantastic news work has finally started on the Black Cat roundabout, a major roadwork project from Government National Highways that puts Bedford at the centre of the universe with a new 10-mile dual carriageway between the Black Cat roundabout and Caxton Gibbet roundabout to provide better links for us.

Bedford Borough Council are investing £3.9 million for essential health safety and leisure works, so our sites can remain safe and operational before we hand it over to the new contractor Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), which is expected to be February 2024.

I am positively buzzing with excitement about the news around Universal. While it is early days, I will work with everyone, from local businesses, to local residents, other stakeholders and all members of the Council to ensure any plans align with residents best interests.

There is plenty of great news for Bedford Borough. However, whichever stage in life you are at right now, take this time to treasure what matters to you most and take a well-earned rest.