The Bedford Manifesto A Plan for Civic Renewal, Local Pride & Prosperity Introduction (Full text available at https://www.projectbedford.com/) - - - - - Introduction Bedford is in decline. Boarded-up shops, rising crime, economic stagnation and civic apathy reflect a town losing its way. But decline is not destiny. This manifesto lays out a clear, actionable vision to reverse that trend, by restoring order, unlocking local enterprise, attracting new investment, and creating the conditions for long-term economic renewal. To rebuild Bedford, we must foster a new civic spirit, one grounded in pride, shared responsibility and bold local action. - - - - - 1. Restore Public Order and Safety There is no clearer signal of Bedford’s decline than the open decay in its town centre: a plague of addiction, open drug dealing and use, rampant shoplifting and antisocial behaviour. This is wholly unacceptable. Lawlessness has driven people away, crippled local businesses and made parts of the town unsightly, unsafe and avoided. Civic pride and public confidence has been lost. Objective: Make Bedford town centre safe, welcoming and secure, for residents, workers and visitors alike. This demands a coordinated effort between locals, business owners, the council and Bedfordshire Police. But if the police cannot, or will not act, we will. And we will do so within the full bounds of the law. Actions: - Enforce a zero-tolerance policy on drug dealing, public drug use, street drinking, aggressive begging and shoplifting. - Deploy permanent, high-visibility foot patrols in partnership with Bedfordshire Police, focused on peak times and high-risk areas. - Expand CCTV coverage with live monitoring and rapid-response protocols. - Broaden the use of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to tackle nuisance and antisocial behaviour. - Work with addiction support services to provide meaningful help to those ready to seek it. - Use every legal power available to remove those who flagrantly break the law and undermine the safety of the town centre. Rationale: Public safety underpins everything: community life, commerce and investment. When crime goes unchecked, it is local businesses and the hardworking residents who pay the price. - - - - - Read the full manifesto at: https://www.projectbedford.com/