Plans to spend more than three quarters of a million pounds on computers and software were voted through by Conservative North Herts Council at its meeting on Wednesday, despite forecasts that the Council's already dire financial position will get even worse. The spending plans are part of the Council's capital programme for 2010 - 2011.
After a huge amount of preparation, including by numerous volunteers, River Festival 2010 is upon us! We should be very proud that the celebration first held in 1978 to mark the opening of a navigable route from Bedford to the wash has grown to become one of the most popular free events in the country. Around 300,000 people are estimated to be heading to our town this weekend, and I cannot wait to join with the vast numbers of volunteers, community groups, sponsors and local performers in showcasing the best of what Bedford has to offer.
The people of Folkestone can be rightly proud of the Rainbow Centre (www.folkestonerainbowcentre.org.uk) and its work. As I have chosen the charity for fundraising this year, I was delighted to be invited to attend its 25th Anniversary service at St Mary and St Eanswythe's Church.
Invitations to events for Mayors can be a little vague - as was the case for the fundraising event put on by the Mayor of Ramsgate. The invitation invited us to attend a Bowls Tournament at Ramsgate Bowling Club but the clue was in the extra request for information on our shoe size!
Liberal Democrat County Councillor David Kendall asked some important questions at the Essex County Council meeting this week. He asked whether any changes to the existing bus pass scheme, or alternative concessions that are currently provided, could have a significant impact on bus pass users across Essex.
There's a busy agenda for next week's business meeting of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council - the first for new mayor Clive Smitheram - including the controversial matter of charging Blue Badge holders in council car parks. The meeting starts at 7.30 on Tuesday 20 July and local residents can observe the proceedings free of charge from the public gallery.