Bedford Borough Councillor Report:
- Coronavirus and its impact in Bedford Borough
As of 20th September, there have been 1574 cases of Coronavirus in Bedford Borough with 30,829 individual tests. This is a positive test rate of 5.1%. In the preceding 7 days there had been 49 new cases of Coronavirus in the Borough, up from 37 cases the previous week, an increase of 12. The per 100,000 rate has increased by 6.9 to 28.3 so up on the previous week of 21.4. The highest number of additional cases is in Castle Ward with 8 new cases. Kempston Rural Ward also shows 4 new cases.
The Borough is still off the Government’s “Area of Concern” list, but the advice to follow the guidance on handwashing, face masks and social distancing remains in place.
There is a new walk-in testing centre in Bedford for residents showing symptoms of Coronavirus. The testing site is located at Prebend Street, car park, Bedford. While you can just walk in and queue for a test, it’s preferable to book an appointment. The drive through testing centre at Borough Hall remains open seven days a week.
The financial impact of Covid-19 that the projected financial gap over the next 5 years will be £22-36m! Extra costs and lost income amounts to £12.7m in the current financial year with additional cost in the last financial year of £1.3m due to early covid-19 activities. Government gave grants to the Borough of £8.9m with the short fall of £3.8m covered by reserves. Tough times ahead!
Updated advice from the Borough Council is available here:
https://www.bedford.gov.uk/social-care-health-and-community/public-health/coronavirus/
- Planning Applications
A new system is in place for people to register interest in Planning Applications and receive updates. This will allow people to register for ward-wide details or just for a specific application and receive updates.
I have registered but am yet to see how this new system will play out or whether it will be an improvement. There has been consistent criticism of the Borough’s Planning portal as a minefield of maps and data that is difficult to negotiate.
I will send a link on how to register for this service via a separate email to Parish Councillors and other key stakeholders.
- Borough leisure services facilities – Fusion
Other than Mowsbury Golf Course, Fusion Lifestyle has still not opened any of the swimming pools or leisure centres that it operates on behalf of the Borough Council, despite permission being given nationally from 25 July for leisure centres to re-open. The situation remains unclear, with the Borough and Fusion saying talks will continue, but regular users of the facilities still not knowing when they can expect classes to resume.
Some Members have recommended that the Borough cuts Fusion loose and looks to operate leisure centres under an ‘arms-length’ company that can get the same tax advantages as Fusion, so not to cost Council-taxpayers more money.
- Bedford Borough Local Plan
The consultation on the Borough Council’s “Issues & Options” for the next Local Plan closed on 4th Sept. What impact the Governments ne “Planning for the Future” will have is not yet clear.
5. Borough ward boundary review
The deadline for public responses to the review was 20 July and the Boundary Commission are now considering proposals. They expect to produce a first draft of their recommendations on 29th September. These will then be subject to a further period of consultation.
6. Government Consultation on verge parking
The Government is currently undertaking a public consultation on verge parking, with one option being a nationwide ban. This is a personal bugbear of mine, particularly when I see the way some people park dangerously and inconsiderately and others churning up grass verges without a thought. Whilst I am generally not into banning things, I do think on this issue the inability of some people to park responsibly means tougher measures are needed.
Details of the consultation can be found here:
Cllr. Jim Weir