Councillor calls for demolition of troubled Bedford area
A Bedford councillor has said that a crime-ridden, run-down area in the town needs to be completely demolished and regenerated if there is to be any hope of eliminating the social problems there.
Speaking to the local Bedfordshire on Sunday newspaper, Apu Bagchi said that the town's Midland Road is rife with crime, violence and drugs. He asserted that its demolition and rebuilding would be a decisive and ultimately constructive means of addressing the situation.
The councillor spoke out after the latest violent incident to take place in the area, which saw a 34-year-old man shot in the face while he was visiting the road's Royal Peri Peri Chicken takeaway. He was seriously injured by pellets in the attack, but was able to make his way to hospital, where he is currently being treated.
"The area from the bus station down to Midland Road and the train station begs for regeneration," said Mr Bagchi, who is the Independent representative for Castle Ward on Bedford Borough Council. "It needs to be knocked to the ground, flattened and started all over again. There's all this money being spent on the High Street but half of that should be spent on the Midland Road area."
A 16-year-old male has been arrested and charged with attempted murder in relation to the shooting incident. He is due to appear at Bedford Youth Court on Wednesday this week.
