"As a government we back growth and we back good jobs, paying decent wages, and there'll be plenty of these on this site."Are locals happy?Nicola Haseler/BBCCoffee shop owners Rebecca Burnage and Brendan Flynn are worried about sudden competition from global brandsThe government said consultations run by Universal had found more UK public support than any other potential location in the world.But some locals have shared concerns about the impact of such an enormous development.Brendan Flynn, owner of The Kiln coffee shop in Stewartby, said the resort was a "dream come true" for a local lad, but was concerned big chains could move in and take over.He said: "People that Google where to go for coffee near Universal are going to find big chains, they're gonna just immediately discount us."As soon as that happens, we're just going to be demoted - that's where we're going to have to find ways to bring people in."Co-owner Rebecca Burnage added: "I feel like you can say you're going to chuck as much money as you want to something, but is it going to happen? Is it going to benefit people like us? Probably not."She said the increased number of visitors would require employing more staff, which could increase the amount paid on tax and national insurance.Bedford Borough CouncilJohn McReynolds, senior vice president of external affairs at Universal Destinations and Experiences, pictured with Bedford mayor Tom WoottonTom Wootton, Conservative mayor of Bedford Borough, celebrated the "lasting legacy" the investment would have on the area.Universal has already opened offices in Borough Hall.He explained: "It's not just about making it an unmissable destination for visitors from the UK and across the world; it's about creating apprenticeships, upskilling our existing workforce, and taking the range of opportunities for young people to a whole new level."Our region is already a hub for tech industries, and this multibillion-pound investment will further create new Bedford-based jobs in creative industries, engineering, construction and hospitality."Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks?
Contact us below.Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.More on this storyUniversal park officially named as government pledges £1.3bnWhat happens when eight million Universal visitors need the loo?Mayor confident Universal theme park will deliverRelated internet linksUniversal UK ProjectBedford Borough CouncilUniversal Studios UKTheme parksKempston HardwickBedford
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