Question 7

If people are encouraged to travel to Oxford or Cambridge we will not increase the value of economy of Bedford. The Borough needs to encourage people to bring their business , including hi tech businesses, and relocate to Bedford.

Setting us up as a center for electric and autonomous vehicle development with the Millbrook vehicle testing ring nearby. Historical links to motor manufacture in the Bedford Luton area equip us well for this. Also testing and proving grounds in Milton Keynes

I think it's worth looking at other areas (for example around Manchester) to see what the benefits of increased connectivity have actually been. I'm sure I've seen news stories that there haven't been improvements within local areas as shopping and work is still based around large city areas. It may be that there is limited actual benefit to Bedford and this needs to be known about in advance.

Council could offer 50% off council tax for the first year of living in the borough

You need to encourage some of the businesses currently in both Oxford and Cambridge to move to Bedford- a central area between both cities, and could provide better joint working venture sites between companies currently based in one or other of the two cities mentioned. Housing may well be cheaper here and with a good train service commuting could be available with a better standard of living for those moving to Bedford

By making it easy to live in Bedford but work in oxford or Cambridge - which the yellow and pink options, and the brown option also, support. I do not think any of the other options support this

Primary way to capture must relate to skilled jobs in the local area

I do like the idea of a Northern railway station outside of Bedford Two Centre, but I fear that as it will bring benefit primarily to Bedford, it will never happen.

Look at Stratford upon Avon for inspiration on how to maximise heritage and contemporary needs

By providing support services including: - Child care - Employment services - Animal care - Research facilities (all ages) - Hopitality (places to eat, meet and rest) - Links with oversees investors and markets - Government, legal and accounting services - Education (all ages) - Health and Welfare - Leisure facilitis

Park and ride at vital points to support use of railway.

Need decent transport links within the Borough and encourage those working in Cambridge/Oxford and even Milton Keynes to live in Bedford where housing is cheaper

Each area is a stand alone and unique. Bedford needs to concentrate on tourism, improving shopping and recreational facilities.

Improve cycling links to the station and around town, plus improved cycle lock-up facilities. Bedfordshire in general, and Bedford in particular, is perfect for commuter cycling because of the relatively flat geography. We could model as a "mini Cambridge"

A railway station on the North side of Clapham village.

IT DEPENDS IF IT EVER GETS BUILT SO YOU CANNOT BASE YOYR PLANS ON A IF.

East-West growth is the only growth that will benefit Bedford. It's location being optimal between the two. The key to success will be getting companies based at Oxford to work with those in Cambridge and vice versa rather than racing against each other. If growth is encouraged towards London then the only economy that benefits is Londons as people spend their wealth where they work.

The proven danger of increased connectivity is a related increase in volume. How will the Bedford area and the wider Arc compete with the attractions of working in Oxford or Cambridge? Greater connectivity is likely to drive longer commutes as staff are drawn to Cambridge and Oxford from further afield unless the type of work, the working environment and the wider benefits of work can be balanced across the region. This will actively compromise some of your stated aims so an integrated approach is paramount to make sure a brain drain from Bedford is avoided. How valuable is physical connectivity ? Connectivity only has value if there are reasons to use the connectivity and actually travel within the Arc - so "why would I go there" has to be addressed positively.

More houses in rural locations that are in the lower value barcket to attract a younger demographic. Villages have an ageing demographic and are more for a wealthier demographic. By introducing more properties that are affordable the scope becomes wider. Villages consist mostly of a retired population.

This will rely on the service on this line having good passenger capacity and frequent services. Housing and workplaces need to be developed withing walking or cycling distance of the railway, with appropriate transport infrastructure to match. If the planning strategy makes Bedford a more pleasant, sustainable and attractive place to live, then people will choose to come here.

Destination leisure and activity options throughout the Town and embankment should be constructed to encourage visitors. The overspill from these visitors into the Town Centre retail offerings will add that economic growth.

Already being considered with a new station north of Bedford and a new station at Wixhams

Must maintain the attraction of Bedford as a centre for people to spend their time in. In particular cultural and leisure activities. Reviving the centre of the town for retail activity appears a lost cause and alternative uses need to be found.

I think the Bedford North station concept actually detracts from the business case because of the journey time impacts. It is early days but I think BBC should talk to bus providers about direct shuttle services from Bedford Midland (not the bus station) to the developments / villages around Bedford. There are towns where this kind of service works extremely well (Sevenoaks, Kent). This would support growth outside of the town centre. For residents within a mile or two of the station I think BBC should consider improved / segregated cycle lanes to the residential areas. No one route feels particularly safe or obvious to/from the station.

The best way to capture value is to use the Oxford Cambridge arc for housing and employment opportunities. This is surely now the stand out opportunity for Bedford.

I am a Northerner and moved to Bedford 24 years ago to be a teacher. Whilst we've lived here my husband has had a job in Oxford Street (fast commuter trains improved his commuting experience), Esher (driving in on a Monday to return on a Friday), Dunstable and Coventry. It is a brilliant base from which to access work. However, whilst I love the countryside around Bedfordshire (it needs to be promoted) I am so disappointed with the town centre!!! I also hate having such a slow (albeit more regular) train into London. I think we're probably in the top 5% income bracket and feel (apart from golf courses and Towers, MK and London on our doorstep, plus some amazing restaurants further out of town, Bedford Town has lost it's appeal for us. The river is amazing but town has no buzz for the likes of us. If we are going to attract the brightest minds to live here then we need to have something other than affordable housing.

I am not sure!

I think Bedford will struggle to increase the value, it runs the potential of becoming a commuter belt for the arc. Significant investment will be required to draw companies to Bedford and to build on the successes of Bedford including the University.

A possibility is for the Borough to undertake a longitudinal survey which quantifies the impact of great connectivity to the Borough in terms of opening up new possibilities for residents, increased building/site usage, creation of linked services, increased convenience for residents, improved funding and more sustainable transport links. This survey should be quantitative and qualitative and focus not just on outputs but outcomes and impact.