Cllr. David Whiteley

06/06/2026

£418,950 written off.

Bedford Borough Council says the debtors are insolvent, dissolved, deceased, or untraceable, and that all recovery routes have been exhausted.

The losses have already been budgeted for, but Councillor Marc Frost has now called for stronger debt management and earlier intervention.

Fair and unavoidable, or a sign that action should have been taken sooner?

Almost £419,000 owed to Bedford Borough Council has been written off after debtors became insolvent, died, or could not be traced.

06/06/2026

Residents of Rowan Road, Four Acre Drive and the wider Wixams community may wish to be aware of a planning application currently under consultation relating to Parcel OS8, the proposed green spaces located between Rowan Road, Four Acre Drive and the Greenway.

The application can be viewed on Central Bedfordshire Council’s planning portal by entering reference CB/26/01667/RM:

http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/planning-register

The proposal relates to landscaping and open space provision rather than housing development.

As part of my comments to Wixams Parish Council, I have suggested that consideration be given to the larger western green space adjacent to the Greenway potentially accommodating a dog agility area, reflecting the significant level of interest and demand that many local residents have raised with me over recent years.

I have also suggested that the smaller eastern green space be landscaped broadly as proposed, whilst ensuring appropriate consideration is given to the residential flats that back directly onto that area so that any future use remains compatible with nearby homes.

These are, of course, only my own observations based upon discussions with a cross-section of residents. The purpose of this post is not to advocate a particular outcome but to encourage local people to review the plans and submit their own comments directly to the planning authority.

The final design of these green spaces will affect the community for many years to come, so if you have views on how they should be used—whether for informal recreation, biodiversity, children’s activities, dog facilities, community use, or simply landscaped open space—I would encourage you to make your views known.

I have attached the plans for residents’ consideration.

22/05/2026

High Court Decision Leaves Council Facing Serious Criticism Over ACM (Full Story in first comment)

28/04/2026

Wixams “Town Council”? The minutes and the audio don’t match.
(See first comment for details)

04/04/2026

🚗 Parking Across Driveways – Advice for Residents

Following a concern raised with me recently, I wanted to share some clear guidance on what you can (and can’t) do if a vehicle is blocking a driveway.

👉 The legal position (in simple terms):

• Blocking access into your driveway
Usually not a police matter – this is typically dealt with by the council.

• Blocking you in (you can’t get your car out)
This may be considered an obstruction and police may assist in some cases.

• Parking on your driveway without permission
This is trespass (civil matter) – not something police normally deal with.

• Dangerous parking (junctions, crossings, etc.)
This can be enforced by police or the council.

👉 What should you do?

If possible, try a polite word or leave a note

Report ongoing issues to the council’s parking enforcement team

If you are blocked in and cannot leave, you can consider contacting police (non-emergency)

👉 What NOT to do

Don’t block the vehicle in

Don’t move it yourself

Don’t damage it or escalate the situation

This can land you in difficulty instead.

👉 A bit of perspective

I appreciate how frustrating this can be, especially where it happens repeatedly. Often it’s down to limited parking, but that doesn’t make it acceptable—particularly where it prevents residents from leaving their homes.

📩 If this is a recurring issue in your area, please let me know.
If there’s a wider pattern, I can raise it appropriately.

⚖️ Bottom line:

Not all driveway blocking is illegal—but if you’re prevented from leaving or there’s a safety issue, it can become enforceable.

Feel free to share 👍

03/04/2026

02/03/2026

Update: Works at Bedford Road / Brooklands Avenue Green Space

Residents have contacted me regarding the construction activity currently underway at the green space at the junction of Bedford Road and Brooklands Avenue.

I have today written to Laura Church, Chief Executive of Bedford Borough Council, seeking clarification of:

• The relevant planning reference;

• The date of the operative decision;

• Any subsequent approvals;

• The consultation undertaken; and

• Confirmation that the works accord with approved plans and conditions.

At this stage, I am gathering factual information so that residents can be properly informed of the legal and procedural background to the scheme.

I will provide a further update once a formal response has been received.

— David Whiteley
Councillor, Wixams Parish Council

17/12/2025

E-scooters in WixamsWixams Newswarning for parents and riders

Private e-scooters are illegal on public roads, pavements and public spaces. This is not a grey area.

If stopped:

• The scooter can be seized.

• You can be fined and face prosecution for no insurance.

• Under-18s can receive an IN10 endorsement on a “ghost licence” — points that sit waiting and follow you when you apply for a real licence.

• That means higher insurance costs for years, before you’ve even started driving.

Parents: allowing this is not harmless fun. It exposes your child to criminal penalties and real risk of injury.

This video shows why it matters. Please think twice.

9714 likes, 1125 comments. “E-Scooters Explained: What the Law REALLY Says The legal issues surrounding the use of privately owned e scooters on public roads can be confusing so officer Owen and I discuss the consequences it can have on a persons future driving insurance premiums. Thanks again to ...

16/09/2025

📢 Statement on Complaint Outcome

I have now received the formal decision from the Monitoring Officer regarding a recent complaint submitted against me.

After a full review, the complaint has been dismissed in its entirety. The Monitoring Officer found no breach of the Councillor Code of Conduct, and concluded that no threats were made — either in relation to police reporting or to the existence of third-party recordings.

It was recognised that I acted lawfully, proportionately, and within my rights throughout.

The complaint has not been referred for formal investigation, no further action will be taken, and the case is now closed.

I remain committed to acting lawfully, holding others to account where necessary, and continuing to serve with integrity despite these ongoing distractions.

Cllr David Whiteley
Wixams Parish Council

15/09/2025

🛑 Statement Regarding Judicial Review 🛑

For clarity: I am the claimant in two active Judicial Review proceedings against Wixams Parish Council.

As these are now formal court matters, no party should be discussing the claims publicly—including on this forum.

I have already informed the Clerk that I will recuse myself from the relevant council item to allow others to consider next steps lawfully and without my involvement.

Contrary to a recent public comment, no other councillor is required to declare an interest or be excluded. I am the only party directly involved. It would also be wholly inappropriate to grant me a dispensation to take part—which I would not accept in any event.

Please respect the legal process and refrain from speculation.