Paul Hutchinson

2 weeks ago | bedfordindependent.co.uk | Paul Hutchinson

A Bedford-based charity that has supported over 50,000 families and children is celebrating a major funding boost while calling on more volunteers to help expand its vital work. FACES (Family and Children’s Early-help Services) hosted an open day last week (4 June) to mark National Volunteers’ Week and toast its recent award of five years’ National Lottery funding.

2 weeks ago | bedfordindependent.co.uk | Paul Hutchinson

A 17-year-old cat from Bedford is searching for a loving retirement home after being taken in by the local Cats Protection group. Ruby, who is the equivalent of 84 in human years, had lived with the same family since she was a kitten, but was sadly given up for adoption earlier this year. She is now being cared for by a local Cats Protection fosterer while she waits to find a new forever home.

2 weeks ago | bedfordindependent.co.uk | Paul Hutchinson

Over the past few months, the Bedford Independent has been exploring how journalism works and why that matters. Through our Media Literacy Project, we’ve opened the curtain on how stories are sourced, written, edited, and held to account. We’ve explained our decision-making process, outlined our standards, and highlighted what distinguishes professional journalism from opinion, hearsay, or clickbait.

2 weeks ago | bedfordindependent.co.uk | Paul Hutchinson

Editor,In a recent Bedford Ian column (Bedford Ian, 30 May 2025), it was said the police row was now becoming a political row. In my opinion, this is completely wrong. The Police and Crime Commissioner’s role is to advocate for our local police force and bid for funding from central government, whatever their political colour. Under both Conservative and Labour PCCs, numbers have risen, and I am told that we now have record numbers of police officers in Bedfordshire, so his job is mostly done.

2 weeks ago | bedfordindependent.co.uk | Paul Hutchinson

Bedford Borough Council staff will now be expected to work from the office at least three days a week, as part of a shift in workplace policy announced tonight by Mayor Tom Wootton. Mayor Wootton (Conservative) announced in a social media post from the Council Chamber, where he also revealed next week’s executive meeting has been cancelled due to a “thin” agenda and key reports not being ready. ‘We had two choices. Push ahead with half-baked paperwork or do the right thing.