Britain bounces back - but what about the East?
The UK's economy is out of recession. But do the figures truly reflect what is happening in our region?
Chocolate makers defy economic downturn
Chocolate makers buck economic downturn
Visitor numbers up
Boost for regional economy
Live updates
Bedford wins share of £1.2 million to revitalise High Street
Bedford is among 12 town centres across the country set to be revitalised after being selected as one of the first Portas Pilots. Bedford will get a share of a £1.2 million package of support from retail guru Mary Portas.
The towns will be helped to implement their ideas to rejuvenate the shopping centre. Bedford will be offering mentoring support for High Street businesses and community use of empty properties.
'Portas' cash to boost Bedford shopping centre
Bedford is among 12 town centres across Britain to win a share of £1.2 million to revitalise the High Street as 'Portas Pilot' town.
Read the full storyAdvertisement
Bedford wins 'Portas' High Street cash
Bedford is among 12 town centres across the country set to be revitalised after being selected as one of the first Portas Pilots. Bedford will get a share of a £1.2 million package of support from retail guru Mary Portas and Local Government Minister and Hertfordshire MP Grant Shapps.
The successful pilots will be helped to implement their ideas to rejuvenate the shopping centre as well as test out the measures in Mary Portas' High Street Review. Bedford will be offering mentoring support for High Street businesses and community use of empty properties.
Today's top stories
