Bedfordshire

A serious tower block fire in Bedford was prevented thanks to a sprinkler system.

The Bedford Independent has been shortlisted for a prestigious Press Gazette Future of Media Award, recognising its commitment to delivering high-quality, ethical and accurate news...

It was supposed to make the pavements in the town centre more presentable...

It was supposed to make the pavements in the town centre more presentable...

A teenage drug dealer has been jailed for two years and 10 months after officers discovered drugs and weapons while attending a property to make an arrest...

The national strategy focuses on early help for families, better access to services, and the creation of Best Start Family Hubs in every council area. It was published by the government on 7 July 2025.

Funding for Central Bedfordshire has not yet been confirmed, but we're preparing for the next steps to ensure sure that once it is announced, services can be set up quickly.

Councillor Steve Owen, our Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:

We welcome the government’s new strategy which will focus on giving children the best start in life. The early years are so important for a child’s development, and we are committed to making sure families in Central Bedfordshire get the right support during this crucial time.

We already provide a wide range of support for families through our children’s centres and early help services. These services offer advice on parenting, child development, and family wellbeing, as well as access to group activities and links to other local support. We know how valuable this early support can be in helping children thrive.

We await the detail of the government’s plans to see how closely their aims match what we are doing with our children’s centres – and of course what government funding is on offer.

We have children’s centres in Sandy (also covering Biggleswade), Shefford, Stotfold, Flitwick, Houghton Regis, Leighton Buzzard and Dunstable. Full details of all the children’s centres and the support they can offer to families are available in our Family Information Directory.

Drivers in and around Bedford will have 10 National Highways road closures to watch out for this week.

Bedford Cricket Club's Sunday 1st XI bounced back from defeat to comfortably see off Eggington Foresters by 88 runs at the top of Bedfordshire County Cricket League Division One...

Four schools came together for a special fun day for children with additional needs.

The HAF programme offers eligible children across the region access to free, fun-filled activities and nutritious meals throughout the school holidays.

Funded by the Department for Education, the programme is designed to support school-age children from reception year up to year 11 who are in receipt of benefit-related free school meals.

The programme provides a wide range of engaging activities, including sports and games, arts and crafts, performing arts, and multi-activity holiday clubs plus some exciting trips out to local theatres. There are also opportunities for children to go behind the scenes with some of the animals at Woburn Safari Park and Whipsnade Zoo.

The HAF funded sessions also ensures that every child attending a face-to-face activity receives a healthy lunch, easing the pressure on families during the summer break.

Councillor Steve Owen, our Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:

We’re proud to bring back the HAF programme this summer. Not only does it offer children the chance to stay active and make new friends, but they can also enjoy a nutritious meal each day.

For many parents and carers, the school holidays can bring added financial pressure, with managing increased food costs and finding ways to keep children entertained and engaged.

We hope the HAF programme helps to relieve some of that pressure, particularly by covering the cost of daily meals, which can quickly add up during the school holidays, but also by offering a safe, supportive environment where children can have fun.

The programme is inclusive and welcomes children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Sessions will run across various locations in Central Bedfordshire from late July through August, with activities delivered by trained and experienced staff.

Parents of eligible children should now have received a unique 16-digit booking code via email or text; one for each eligible child. That code should be used to reserve places through HolidayActivities. Any parent who thinks their child is eligible for the HAF programme but has not received a code should speak to their child’s school.

From Wednesday, 23 to Sunday, 27 July, Bedford will host the 18th International Bedford Festival Fringe, bringing to the town a carefully selected programme of comedy, theatre, live music, film, dance and physical theatre, spoken word and poetry to your doorstep. Bedfringe brings together over 90 events in five days and across five venues at […]

11 July 2025: National embarrassment, Blocked tackle and Roundabout rudeness. Bedford Ian has been looking at recent goings on across Bedford Borough and tells us what he thinks of it all...

The new strategy outlines 6 priorities that we wants to achieve over the next 3 years, to improve outcomes for children and young people up to 25 years old with SEND.

The 6 priorities are:

• person-centred and locally available education provision
• a local area partnership that works well together
• a skilled, supported and inclusive workforce and community
• clear pathways for support and meaningful transitions
• children and young people will receive the right support at the right time
• inclusive and accessible community opportunities

The new strategy was developed after seeking feedback from parent carers on the progress and impact of the current SEND strategy, which ran from 2022 until 2025. As well as seeking feedback, we asked parent carers and professionals about the challenges they faced regarding its current provision.

The strategy is also supported by an action plan that will outline how we will achieve each of the 6 priorities.

Councillor Steve Owen, our Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:

It’s important that every child and young person with SEND has the best possible support in life, and the right support to thrive and reach their full potential. Our draft strategy plays a key role as we continue to improve our SEND provision, outlining the priorities that will guide our work over the next three years. It’s important that as many people as possible share their views to help shape the future of SEND support in Central Bedfordshire.

There's been an increase in demand for children and young people who need support for special educational needs and disabilities. In 2015, there were 1,177 children and young people who had an education, health and care plan (EHCP) in place. In 2025, that number is 4,035; an increase of 2,858 – or approximately 243% – in the past 10 years.

The consultation launched on Thursday 10 July 2025 and will run until 1 October 2025. We would like to hear opinions from as many people as possible, particularly parent carers who have children with SEND, and professionals who work with children and young people with SEND.

We're also hosting a series of consultation events where people can come and speak to the team and find out more about the draft strategy and the consultation.

Find out more and have your say – your voice matters.

This month marks International Paramedics Day, shining a light on the work of paramedics across the East of England. The day is celebrated on 8 July, the birthday of French...

A Bedford care home supporting people with learning difficulties has been rated outstanding by The Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Drivers have been warned to expect delays after an overnight crash on the M1 led to a fuel spill between Milton Keynes and Bedford.

A new escape room is launching in Bedford next month, giving successful participants the chance to spring themselves from an ex-Serco prison van. Now celebrating their seventh year...

Bedford borough councillors will be asked to withdraw Local Plan 2040 after the planning inspector warned it could not be found sound without major changes.

A blaze at Elstow’s Waste Transfer Station has finally been put out – almost a week after the fire started on Friday, July 4.

Bedford’s mayor has said he “bitterly regrets” comments made on social media about staff working from home, as a councillor raised concerns over the council’s approach to hybrid working.

A Bedford borough councillor refused to accept an NHS report over the use of the term "birthing people".

A Bedford borough councillor refused to accept an NHS report over the use of the term "birthing people".

Your weekly what’s on guide for Bedford and the surrounding area from The Bedford Clanger. Never miss a thing in Bedford ever again. From theatre to film, live music to art exhibitions, The Bedford...

Kerbside glass collection is set to start in Bedford – along with weekly food waste collections.

For the first time since the 2006/07 season, Bedford Town are preparing for life at step two of the non-league football pyramid, with the fixture list for the new National League North season released...