Bedford Borough Council has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a town centre that is vibrant, welcoming and safe for everyone who lives, works, or visits.
The Council’s ambition is for Bedford town centre to reflect the very best of Bedford Borough and to be a place that generates real civic pride. This ambition will be delivered through close collaboration across Council teams, working together with Bedfordshire Police.
The Council recognises that residents and businesses have expressed concerns about anti-social behaviour and feelings of reduced safety in the town centre. In response, decisive action is being taken to address these issues.
On Wednesday, 25 February, Bedford Borough Council and Bedfordshire Police formally launched the Town Centre Task Force. This follows a successful six-month trial which began in October. The trial showed clear benefits by providing a visible presence in the town centre, deterring nuisance behaviour, and helping people access the support services they need.
Following approval of the Borough Council’s 2026–27 budget, enhanced resources have been secured through a partnership between Bedford Borough Council and Bedfordshire Police, with Bedfordshire Police funding two Anti Social Behaviour (ASB) Officers to mirror the funding agreed by the Council.
This joint investment will fund a team of four dedicated ASB Officers, ensuring a continued safety presence in the town centre. The team will also have the flexibility to support communities in areas such as Queens Park and other local hotspots by adopting a data-informed approach. This will lead to resources being put where they are needed most and reassuring residents, visitors, and businesses across the Borough.
The new Town Centre Task Force brings together key services from both organisations to coordinate action, share intelligence, and deliver a joined-up approach to improving public safety and the wider public realm. The team will focus on tackling anti social behaviour and crime, improving the look and feel of the town centre, delivering intelligence-led initiatives, running targeted action days throughout the year, and providing daily reassurance, engagement, and enforcement activities.
Members of the public can report issues in several ways:
- Bedfordshire Police online reporting: www.beds.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour/
- Bedford Borough Council online reporting: www.bedford.gov.uk/asb
- Bedfordshire Police: Call 999 in an emergency or 101 if the incident is not an emergency
- Bedford Borough Council email: communitysafety@bedford.gov.uk
Cllr Phillippa Martin-Moran-Bryant, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services, said; “Our town centre is critical to Bedford. We want it to be a vibrant, safe space we all enjoy visiting. This Town Centre Task Force is designed to tackle the issues that matter most to our residents and businesses.
“By working collaboratively across Council services, with our blue-light partners, the business community, and local residents, we will deliver the improvements people want to see. Together, we can create a town centre we are all proud of.”
Cllr Andrea Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning and Prosperity, said; "The creation of the Town Centre Task Force marks a significant step forward in our determination to make Bedford a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming place for all.
“By bringing together dedicated officers, intelligence-led approaches, and strong partnership working, we are ensuring that issues are tackled quickly and effectively. This is about giving people confidence - confidence that their concerns are heard and acted upon, and confidence that our town centre can continue to thrive.”
Tom Wootton, Mayor of Bedford Borough, said; "Our residents and businesses deserve a town centre that reflects the best of Bedford, one that is vibrant, safe, and makes us proud.
“This enhanced partnership with Bedfordshire Police shows our commitment to taking real, practical action. The Task Force will provide a visible daily presence and a joined-up approach to tackling the issues people most frequently raise with us. Together, we are laying the foundations for a town centre that everyone can enjoy and feel proud of.”