Bedfordshire

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.

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Mohammad Yasin, MP for Bedford & Kempston, has been stripped of his role as the UK’s Trade Envoy to Pakistan after defying the government over welfare reform plans earlier this month...

Fearful villagers are refusing to budge from their homes to make way for Britain's biggest theme park.

Queensway News, located at 15 Queensway, Dunstable (LU5 4ET), has been ordered to close for 3 months after Luton Magistrate's Court granted the order on 15 July 2025. The closure order makes it a criminal offence to enter the premises during this period.

The action follows ongoing concerns from local residents and comes after the shop was previously prosecuted twice, in August and November 2024, for possession of illegal tobacco and vapes. W ith the help of sniffer dogs Ziggy and Billy on 9 July 2025, all seized items were ordered to be destroyed.

Councillor John Baker, our Executive Member for Public Protection, said:

Queensway News have repeatedly been caught selling illegal tobacco and vapes and I’m pleased we’ve been able to protect our residents, and other businesses. Illegal tobacco and vaping products not only present a health risk, but they also undermine legitimate businesses.

We’re grateful to the members of the public who came forward with information. Their support was vital in enabling us to take this action and keep our neighbourhoods safe.

Residents and businesses who suspect the sale of illegal or counterfeit tobacco or vaping products are encouraged to report it anonymously.

Addison Howard Park, Bedford Park, Harrold-Odell Country Park and Priory Country Park have all successfully retained their Green Flag Awards for 2025.

A crew from Bedford attended a bonfire in Dale Close on Thursday (July 10) and swiftly put it out.

This year’s theme celebrates the magic of storytelling and the natural world, brought to life with illustrations by award-winning artist Dapo Adeola. Children can collect free activity packs, join nature-themed events, and borrow specially selected books to keep them reading and exploring all summer long.

The free challenge encourages children to read 6 books — including e-books, audiobooks, or magazines — earning stickers and rewards along the way, once children have read 3 books they can collect a seed pack from their library. Those who complete the challenge will then receive a badge, medal and certificate and be entered into a lucky dip to win a £50 voucher from The Works.

Libraries will also host free activities and crafts. Children can also take part in a treasure hunt upon completing the challenge to be in with a chance of winning a £10 book token.

To join, sign up online or visit your local library. All events will be listed on the Virtual Library.

Books can be borrowed from a local library, or children can read e-books, magazines and audiobooks that they can download for free using their library cards and the Libby and Borrowbox apps.

Tailored resources are also available, including dyslexia-friendly books, graphic novels and audiobooks via the Libby and BorrowBox apps.

Read more about the Summer Reading Challenge online or pop into your local library to find out more.

Councillor Tracey Wye, our Executive Member responsible for Library Services, said:

We’re really excited to welcome children and families back for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. It’s a fantastic way to inspire a love of reading while exploring nature and creativity. We can’t wait to see our libraries transformed into a Story Garden this summer!

The next phase of the work to improve Harpur Square and St Paul’s Square starts next week.

We've invested over £3 million into local communities, businesses and skills development.

These government-backed initiatives are designed to boost local pride, improve life chances and drive economic growth across the UK and here in Central Bedfordshire, the results are already making a real difference.

As the lead authority, we've worked hard to ensure every pound of funding is put to good use – supporting projects that matter to residents and helping our towns and villages thrive.

2024/25 highlights

In the past year alone, £3.3 million was invested in projects tailored to local needs. Here are just a few of the standout achievements:

Town centre transformations

• Flitwick has completed the roof renovations to the new community hub at 3 Station Road, opened a Film Club at Flitwick Library and supported their 'Living Histories' project
• Dunstable has delivered water fountains, solar benches, living pillars in the town centre, a new art installation in Middle Row, and completed an electrical upgrade for future events at Grove House Gardens. Dunstable Town Council allocated its revenue funds to run 'Calling Dunstable' –– aimed to support performing arts organisations
• Leighton-Linslade has installed a series of benches and planters around Market Square and the high street and commissioned local artists to illustrate them. The town council also ran a series of 'Alive After Five' events to attract people into the town centre in the evenings
• Biggleswade has renovated the suite of public toilets in Century House and is installing new tourist signage across the town. It has held a series of events in the town centre including the successful Wadefest
• Houghton Regis has installed large planters outside All Saints View, as a further deterrent to parking on the path and are installing hanging baskets and planters in the town centre and purchased new Christmas lights. It has also commissioned a documentary called 'Houghton Regis:12,000 years in the making', due to be launched in the summer

Community and culture

£427,553 was allocated to 16 community projects including:

• building renovations and improved access pathways to community halls
• new play park and sports installations
• upgrading theatre lighting and sound equipment
• providing new sensory equipment

5 cultural organisations received grants to enrich local arts and heritage.

People and skills

More than 200:

• residents took part in training courses to enhance their skills and employment prospects
• students earned green skills qualifications, supporting the region’s sustainability goals

Business boost

• over 1,000 local businesses received support to grow and innovate
• 1,065 businesses engaged, with 944 enrolled in the programme
• 12,923 hours of expert business support delivered
• including 670 rural businesses enrolled in tailored programmes
• 140 grants awarded

Councillor Tracey Wye, our Executive Member for the UKSPF, said:

Securing every penny of available funding is vital to help our communities flourish. Thanks to the UKSPF, we’ve been able to support town centre improvements, community projects, and training opportunities that are already having a positive impact on people’s lives.

It’s been a brilliant year- and we’re not stopping here. We’re continuing to work hard to bring even more investment into Central Bedfordshire in the year ahead. Watch this space!

Find out more about the UKSPF and what’s planned for 2025 to 2026.

A new dance night is launching in Bedford this month, bringing a party filled with love, underground music, joy, positivity and inclusivity. Organisers of REMEDY say, "imagine all your...

Bedford borough councillors have deferred a decision on an application for up to 315 new homes in Bromham.

The Chief Executive Officer of The Bedford College Group, Yiannis Koursis OBE FRSA, has been awarded a Fellowship by the Chartered Institution for Further Education, recognising his contribution to the...

Bedford Borough Council has been awarded the prestigious Bees’ Needs Champion Award 2025, recognising the Council’s commitment to protecting and enhancing habitats...

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...