Bedfordshire

Research by the Department for Transport (DfT) has revealed that three of the top five busiest trains in England and Wales are from Bedford to London. According to the data gathered from...

A bombshell independent finance review has sparked a political blame game as Bedford borough councillors clash over the true state of the authority’s finances and the credibility of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).

A basketballer from Bedford is celebrating after achieving a bronze medal for Team GB at the World MaxiBasketball Championships, held in Ticino in southern Switzerland, defeating the home nation...

A woman in her 20s was taken to hospital with serious injuries yesterday (Sunday).

A planning application has been submitted to Bedford Borough Council proposing a mixed-use development on land south of Interchange Way, west of Ampthill Road. But plans for a Lidl...

18 July 2025: Bruce McWayne, Paper thin, Small but mighty, Screw loose, and Class dismissed. Bedford Ian has been looking at recent goings on across Bedford Borough and tells us what...

Local businessman Peter McCormack has announced he will personally fund private security patrols in Bedford town centre every Saturday in August, saying residents and businesses have...

Following a Youth Engagement survey, turntablism (or DJing) emerged as a popular area of interest, particularly among year 6 and year 7 pupils. In response, Inspiring Music has launched a programme providing a new whole class turntable set to Lancot Academy in Dunstable. The school is the first to be supplied with the equipment. The service hopes to introduce it to other schools and throughout the community in the future.

Inspiring Music is also offering specialist training for teachers to deliver sessions using the equipment, with training already beginning earlier this year in selected schools across Central Bedfordshire.

The new programme is being delivered during the summer term in year 6 and will continue into secondary school from September onwards. The aim is to provide students with an engaging, practical entry point into music education, and to offer an alternative route into music for those who may not engage with traditional instruments.

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

Young people have been clear that they want access to more contemporary music, and skills that match that. In response to their feedback we have broadened our offer, ensuring more students have the opportunity to explore music in ways that are relevant and inspiring to them.

Early feedback from pupils has been extremely positive, which is encouraging because we want every young person to feel engaged in their learning and to have access to high-quality music education regardless of their background or musical preferences.

The project forms part of Inspiring Music’s ongoing commitment to making music education inclusive, diverse, creative, and reflective of the interests of the young people it serves.

People living in Bedford are more likely to die early than most people in England, a new study shows.

The fixture list for the Southern League has been released as Real Bedford learn of their first opponents for their debut season at step three in Southern League Premier Central, while the Women face...

A local tutor from North Bedfordshire has been named Home Education Tutor 2025 at this year’s National Tutoring Awards. Praema Stelling is the owner and founder of Tutor Train, an...

Stage 3 of Britain’s biggest professional cycle race and the UK’s largest free-to-spectate live sporting event will start from Midsummer Boulevard in Milton Keynes, and finish on Woburn Street in Ampthill, Central Bedfordshire.

It marks the first time that the Lloyds Tour of Britain has come to Central Bedfordshire and Ampthill, and a return for Britain’s national tour to Milton Keynes for the first time 17 years, with the city last hosting a start during the 2008 race.

Find out more about the event.

Councillor Mick Legg, Milton Keynes City Council’s Cabinet Member for Sport and Leisure said:

Milton Keynes is truly a cycling city with more than 200 miles of redways, two national cycle routes and so many passionate cyclists. We’re excited to welcome the Lloyds Tour of Britain back to our city and it promises to be a fantastic celebration for all our cycling enthusiasts.

Councillor Adam Zerny, Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, said:

We’re incredibly proud to be hosting a stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain cycle race for the very first time. Many of us remember the moment we were inspired to take up a sport, so perhaps amongst those who watch the athletes whizz past them in September will be a future cycling champion. We hope it will be a thrilling day for all residents and visitors alike and are looking forward to welcoming the riders and celebrating this world-class sporting event with our communities.

The detailed route of the Milton Keynes to Ampthill stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men will be published later in July.

Commenting on the announcement, Jonathan Day, Managing Director of British Cycling Events, said:

It is great to be working with Milton Keynes City Council and Central Bedfordshire Council to bring the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men to their communities this September.

Over the coming weeks we look forward to sharing more exciting details about this year’s race with fans and building up to what will be another incredible edition of the Lloyds Tour of Britain.

The Lloyds Tour of Britain Men begins in East Suffolk on Tuesday 2 September, with an opening leg between Woodbridge and Southwold.

Further announcements about the host venues of the remaining stages, as well as the participating teams for the Lloyds Tour of Britain will be made over the coming weeks.

A 16-week scheme of roadworks in Bedford’s town centre is set to start at the end of July.

The announcement was made during the Council meeting on 17 July, where Cllr Collins praised the work of Amicus Trust in supporting individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Speaking about his decision, Councillor Collins said:

Homelessness can affect anyone, and the causes are complex. It’s not just about finding a place to stay — it’s also about supporting people with life skills, education, mental health, and more. Amicus Trust delivers this holistic approach with care and compassion. I’m proud to support their work and help raise awareness of the vital services they provide in our communities.

Dominic Ball, Chief Executive of Amicus Trust, welcomed the appointment:

When someone moves into an Amicus Trust property, they are supported in progressing towards their own home, breaking the cycle of homelessness. Safeguarding and high-quality support are at the heart of our services, guided by robust policies and comprehensive staff training. I’m grateful to Cllr Collins for recognising the impact of our work in Bedfordshire, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership with the Council.

As the Chairman’s charity, Amicus Trust will benefit from a year of fundraising and awareness-raising activities.

Thousands of children in Bedford are living in households affected by the two-child limit, new figures show – as charities urged the Government to scrap the policy.

A Hungarian cafe in Bedford’s Church Arcade is closing its doors for good on August 10.

This week’s government announcement on tighter rules for political campaign material is, at last, an acknowledgement of something we’ve been saying for years: fake newspapers mislead...

The Government claims it is delivering sensible welfare reforms, but in reality, all they have delivered is chaos and yet another U-turn.  They have failed to grasp the reforms needed to deliver...

This summer, look no further than Bedford town centre for some great family fun and even feel the sand beneath your feet at a beach in Silver Square. The John Bunyan Museum, Bedford...

Your voice matters: have your say on our draft Air Quality Action Plan for Sandy.

Sandy is the only area in Central Bedfordshire where an air quality action plan is required, due to previously elevated nitrogen dioxide levels although these have been consistently below the legal threshold since 2022. No other areas in the district require air quality action plans, as air quality objectives are being met elsewhere.

This updated plan outlines the steps we will take from 2025 to 2030 to reduce air pollution, improve public health, and protect the environment. It replaces the previous plan (2019 to 2024).

Poor air quality, particularly nitrogen dioxide from road traffic, can have serious effects on health especially for children, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions.

Our draft Air Quality Action Plan for Sandy sets out practical measures to tackle this, including:

• promoting walking, cycling, and public transport
• expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure
• supporting sustainable development through local planning
• integrating air quality actions with transport and freight strategies

Councillor John Baker, our Executive Member for Finance and Highways, said:

We know how important clean air is for people’s health and wellbeing. That’s why this draft Air Quality Plan is important for Sandy. We want your input as your local knowledge of living and working in Sandy is key and can help us make sure the actions we’re taking will have a real impact.

This is your opportunity to help us build a healthier, more sustainable community. Please take a few minutes to review the proposals and have your say.

The consultation runs for four weeks, starting on Wednesday 16 July 2025 and closing on Tuesday 12 august 2025.

Mohammad Yasin, MP for Bedford, has been removed from his position as the UK’s Trade Envoy to Pakistan in a move understood to be part of a broader set of reprisals by Prime Minister Keir Starmer following a Labour backbench rebellion over proposed welfare cuts.

Celebrity singing star Russell Watson has sung with the likes of Paul McCartney, Sean Ryder, and now - Rohan Regmi.

A fire broke out at a children’s play area in Bedford this week.

We may be double landlocked here in Bedford – but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a day at the beach.

From creative play sessions at children’s centres to the much-loved Summer Reading Challenge in libraries, there’s a wide variety of things to do, both indoors and out. Whether you're planning a full day out or just looking for something local and low-cost, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.

With over 1,000 hectares of beautiful countryside, Central Bedfordshire is also the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors. Families can explore scenic walking and cycling trails, or take part in events at Dunstable Downs, Rushmere Country Park, Houghton Hall Park, and the Forest of Marston Vale.

A range of inclusive activities is also available for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), delivered by local partners.

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

There’s so much happening across Central Bedfordshire this summer. From outdoor adventures to creative indoor fun, there’s something for everyone, and lots of it is free or low-cost. It’s a great opportunity for families to get out, explore, enjoy time together and make the most of what Central Bedfordshire has to offer.

Find out what's on over the school holidays

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