An independent news website launched less than seven years ago has published its 10,000th story.

The Bedford Independent sprang to life in November 2018, following the closure of Reach plc’s Bedfordshire on Sunday title, and its Bedfordshire Midweek successor, in the previous 12 months.

It now attracts around 130,000 unique readers a month with a mix of content which seeks to both hold power to account as well as celebrating the town’s people and culture.

The Independent is published by Progress Publishing, alongside sister title the Bedford Clanger which majors on the local arts of culture scene.

Erica Roffe, Julia Course and Paul Hutchinson, founders of Progress Publishing

Stories it has published over the past seven years include the worldwide exclusive that Comcast planned build Europe’s first Universal Studios in the borough.

And the planned cancellation of the town’s historic river festival caused so much public backlash the mayor was forced to U-turn on the decision

In a statement, the company said: “We launched the Bedford Independent because Bedford deserved better. Ten thousand stories later, we couldn’t be prouder.

“We will continue doing what we are doing and leading by example, to help raise standards across the sector.

“This milestone belongs to every reader who believes that local, independent, transparent, and ethical journalism still matters.”

Co-editor Paul Hutchinson has also published an  opinion piece reiterating the title’s commitment to ethical journalism – originally published as part of a media literacy project.

Wrote Paul: “Tough questions build a stronger, more transparent society. They help uncover truths, challenge decisions, and shine a light where it matters.

“Good journalism isn’t always comfortable. But without scrutiny, there is no accountability. And without accountability, there is no democracy.”