Help us create the right future for Central Bedfordshire
Friday, 11 October 2019
Residents are being urged to imagine what Central Bedfordshire will be like in 30-years’ time as the council launches a major consultation with residents.
Roadshows, pop-events and a new website www.centralbedfordshire2050.co.uk will be used to capture views from residents as well as businesses and local organisations.
Leader of the Council, Councillor James Jamieson explained:
The best way to predict the future is to create it. But we can’t do it on our own. Over the next few months or so we will be asking residents to share with us their vision of what are going to be the challenges and opportunities and how we are going to deal with them. We need to be able to paint a picture of the sort of place we want Central Bedfordshire to be in 30 years’ time.
This vision will influence and inform how we develop services, support local businesses, manage transport, educate our young people and grow our communities. Fantastic communities don’t happen by accident; they happen because members of these communities have a clear picture of how they want their place to be in the future and take action to make their vision a reality. We are a popular place to live and for business. This in turn means we are set to grow significantly with more people, more homes and more jobs.
Most people are doing well, but some are struggling. We want to make the most of future opportunities for the benefit of all our residents, while also recognising what we want to preserve about our history and what people love about this place. The roadshows, events and the website will show people the issues – the questions about how and where we will live and work, how we will get around and what we may need to have in place.
It’s not something a council could or should address alone. That’s why we’re working with other local organisations, businesses and of course our residents.
The team will be at the following veunes, with more dates and venues to be confirmed:
- Thursday, 17 October Sandy, Co-op
- Friday, 18 October Ampthill, Waitrose
- Monday, 21 October Marston Moreteyene (formerly Marston Moretaine), Marston Vale Community Forest Centre
- Tuesday, 22 October Dunstable, Tesco's
- Wednesday, 23 October Houghton Regis, Morrisons
- Thursday, 24 October Biggleswade, Asda
- Friday, 25 October Shefford, Weekly Charter Market
- Monday, 28 October Stotfold, Co-op
- Wednesday, 30 October Arlesey, Resource Centre and Library
- Thursday, 14 November Flitwick, Tesco’s
Leaflets giving more details of Vision2050 are available at libraries, leisure centres and council offices. Residents can have their say via the website or simply come along to an event and tell us what you think.