North East Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats

In his keynote speech to the Liberal Democrat Conference, Party Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has outlined his goals for the Government and the country over the coming years. He reiterated his commitment to liberal values on the environment and human rights and his determination to ensure a fair chance for every child, saying "every child can do good things, great things, if only we give them the opportunities they deserve."

Cllr Sarah Holland

Chair of Bedford Borough Liberal Democrat Group

Portfolio Holder for Community and Regulatory Services

41 De Havilland Avenue

Shortstown

MK 40 0TE

Tel: 01234 311866

Email: sarah-jayne.holland@bedford.gov.uk

Results are in and schools across the borough are celebrating, following the release of provisional 'A' Level results today. Notable successes include:

Biddenham Upper School

• 75% of pupils received 3 or more 'A' Level A* - E grades

Hastingsbury Business & Enterprise College

• 89% of pupils received 3 or more 'A' Level A* - E grades

A new public consultation and budget tracker has been launched by Bedford Borough Council to ask residents how local taxpayers' money should be spent in 2012/13 and beyond.

Bedford Borough Council is facing an incredibly challenging economic climate and must make £36 million of savings in the next four years, from an existing net budget of £129 million.

The parks and green spaces of Bedford Borough have again been recognised as ranking among the best in the country by Keep Britain Tidy.

The national environmental charity has announced that Addison Howard Park,BedfordPark,PrioryCountryParkandHarrold-OdellCountryParkhave all retained their Green Flag status, the national benchmark standard for parks and green spaces. Hill Rise Nature Reserve inBedfordhas also achieved Community Green Flag status, which is awarded to high quality community-run green spaces.

The 'Warmer Beds' Home Insulation Scheme is offering a special summer discounted price to homeowners in Bedford Borough to help make their homes more energy efficient, save money on their heating bills and reduce carbon emissions.

Bedford Borough Council is offering cavity wall insulation for just £99 and loft insulation for just £129 (subject to survey), or FREE to over 70s or those on qualifying benefits.

Bedford is set to be at the forefront of the forthcoming electric car revolution, after it was confirmed that four charging posts will shortly be installed in public places around the town, with another four to follow. There will be two plug-in points on each post, which will be installed thanks to the Council's leading role in two joint bids for local areas to be amongst the first places where residents who wish to reduce the cost of running a car and their impact of the environment are able to consider the growing range of electric vehicles now coming onto the market. The first four new posts will be installed in the next few months, and with the electricity to be supplied through a sponsorship arrangement with renewable energy firm Ecotricity, the plug-in points will offer a real incentive for residents considering electric vehicles.

Bedford Borough Council has announced it will step in to continue two rural bus services.

The 152 service is operated by Cedar Coaches and runs between Bedford and Riseley. Previously, Cambridgeshire County Council then paid a subsidy for the service to continue to Kimbolton and on to St Neots. However, that funding has now been withdrawn.

On 5th May you have a choice. You can keep the discredited First Past the Post system to elect our MPs, or you can choose a new and fairer system - Alternative Vote (AV). Back the campaign for change at www.YesToFairerVotes.org

AV is a small change that makes a big difference.

Saying YES! to Fairer Votes Means:

Bedford Borough Council is offering extra help to local residents who want to celebrate the Royal Wedding by holding their own street parties.

On Friday 29th April, Prince William and Kate Middleton will be married at Westminster Abbey in front of thousands of people in London and millions on TV around the world.