Shop local, urges councillor as Bedford is back in business

With shoppers heading into town today (Monday, April 12), one councillor is calling on the public to support Bedford s many independent shops.

As lockdown eased earlier today with pub gardens, shops and hairdressers opening, councillor Henry Vann, portfolio holder for town centres and planning, was positive.

He said: “Bedford’s businesses have done an amazing job under Government restrictions and I know they are ready to welcome us all back to Bedford town centre. We are working alongside businesses to make sure they have the support they need to reopen safely and in line with government guidance.

“On top of this, we’ve been working hard to make sure that Bedford town centre is in excellent condition for reopening.

"This includes tackling minor repairs as well as delivering major public realm improvements to Silver Street Square, such as completely repaving the square with York stone, opening up the environment and planting six new trees. We have also been working to deliver improvements to Allhallows, which we expect to have completed by the end of April 2021.

“We’re urging everyone to shop local and support the great independent and national chain stores that we have to offer in Bedford borough and to visit local businesses in town and enjoy the town centre and riverside responsibly. And if you do go out, remember to follow the ‘Hands, Face, Space, Fresh Air’ advice in order to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.”