In a sign of cross-organisational cooperation, the Mayor for Bedford Borough Tom Wootton has spearheaded a proactive partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Tizard, to open a new policing hub in Bedford town centre.
The police hub will be situated in Bedford Bus Station, a site chosen for its strategic location and accessibility in the centre of Bedford.
While not a fully-staffed public enquiry office, the site will serve as the force’s central base for the area, providing a visible and effective presence to deter anti-social behaviour (ASB). This will enable them to better respond to incidents, engage with the community, and proactively address residents’ concerns.
This partnership marks a key milestone for both the Mayor and the PCC, who have both pledged to create a safer borough. This new policing hub showcases how collaborative working allows for more innovative and forward thinking, which can help to tackle complex urban challenges.
Mayor Tom said; “This partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner ensures that we are taking meaningful steps to improve safety and tackle the issues that matter most to our residents.
“The police hub will support ongoing efforts to foster a safe and welcoming environment in the heart of Bedford and this cross-party collaboration also sends a positive message that it is not all about politics, it’s about delivering the results that Bedford Borough needs.
“Due credit goes to everyone involved, past and present for seeing this through.”
The policing hub will be used on a daily basis and will be open to the public for events such as surgeries and pre-planned engagements. These will be communicated via the Bedford Community Policing Team Facebook page and via the emails provided by BedsConnected. Learn more about BedsConnected and sign up for emails at www.bedsconnected.co.uk/.