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Prior to Local Government reorganisations in 1973, the main local
authority in the town was Biggleswade Urban District Council, housed
in what is now Stratton House Hotel. Following reorganisation, Biggleswade
Town Council and Mid Beds District Council were formed. The District
Council took up residence in offices in London Road and the Town
Council were based at 1 Chestnut Avenue.
In 2006, Biggleswade Town Council moved to the former Magistrates’
Court in Saffron Road, which has been restored and refurbished to
house an impressive Council Chamber and office accommodation. Mid.
Beds. District Council moved in early 2007 to its new purpose built
offices in Chicksands, Shefford, but they retain a Customer Service
Centre in the Old Court House.
April 2009 saw the introduction of the new Unitary Councils. Central
Bedfordshire Council (formerly Mid. Beds. District Council) &
Bedford Borough Council taking over the functions of Bedfordshire
County Council.
Biggleswade Town Council comprises 15 elected Councillors, who remain
in office for 4 years. Each year Councillors elect a Town Mayor,
who also holds the position of Chairman. A full list of Councillors,
Committees and Committee Meeting dates are always available from
the office and the Town Council website www.biggleswadetowncouncil.gov.uk.
The Town Council employs a number of staff; Town Clerk, Finance
Assistant Administration Assistants, Working Foreman and several
Groundstaff.
The Town Council is responsible for a number of community facilities
throughout the town, including the ancient Charter Market (held
every Saturday in the Market Square), the Farmers’ Market
(held on the third Wednesday of every month from 9.00 a.m. to 2.00
p.m. in the Market Square), two cemeteries (Drove Road and Stratton
Way), an allotment site at Kennel Farm Road, a number of car parks
throughout the town and a variety of parks, play areas and recreation
grounds. The Council is also responsible for a number of street
lighting columns, with Central Bedfordshire Council now owning the
remainder.
The Town Council are looking to the future in a positive manner
and are eagerly anticipating the challenges to be faced when providing
a comprehensive and equitable service to the residents of the town.
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