Local News
Help tackling retail crime in Bedford: Join the free event on April 16
People wanting to protect their businesses are invited to join a police-led event to expert advice and insights about how to keep their companies safe from crime.
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'They make me feel like a king' Special award recognises Bedford record shop for going ‘above and beyond’
A popular Bedford record store is celebrating after scooping a special award for exceptional customer service.
6.2% hike to some fees and charges proposed by Central Beds Council
Central Beds Council is holding a six-week consultation on proposed changes to some of its fees and charges.
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Central Bedfordshire agrees refreshed SEND Strategy to improve support for children and young people
It sets out how the authority and local partners will work together over the next three years to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND and their families. The SEND Strategy 2025–2028 has been shaped by engagement with children and young people, parent carers and partners acro...
Council approves new support services for vulnerable children and families
The proposals for new contracts, which will come into effect in April 2027 for three years, with an option to extend for a further two years, will ensure continued investment in specialist education, safety support and stable care placements when they need them. One of the largest parts of the pr...
Listed Cardington house could be converted to special school as plans submitted to council
A Grade II* listed Cardington house could become a special educational needs (SEND) school after plans were submitted to Bedford Borough Council.
Council launches consultation on proposed fees and charges increase
Residents, businesses and service users are being invited to have their say as Central Bedfordshire Council launches a six-week consultation on proposed changes to some of its fees and charges. The consultation will open on Wednesday, 8 April 2026 and run for six weeks, closing at midnight on Wed...
Six new family hubs approved across Central Bedfordshire as plan agreed to give children the best start in life
This follows approval of a new plan focused on improving support from pregnancy through to starting school. The Best Start in Life programme will focus on identifying needs earlier until 2029, supporting families sooner and making services easier to access, helping more children start school read...
Police 'increasingly concerned' for 15-year-old missing for over a month - and believe he is in Bedford
Police have renewed their appeal for help to trace a teenager who went missing from his home over a month ago.
3 charged with drug offences after police raids in Bedford and Arlesey
Three people have been charged in connection with county lines drug dealing after police raided homes in Bedford and Arlesey.
Plan submitted for house on Bedford patch of land
Bedford Borough Council has received an application for Permission in Principle for a single dwelling house on land in Parklands, Brookfields Road, Bedford.
Free events to celebrate St George’s Day in Luton and Dunstable
Families can enjoy free celebrations this April to mark St George's Day (April 23) in Dunstable and Luton, including meeting dragons, medieval activities, and a Victorian-themed market.
Highways plan to improve roads and enhance safety
The data-driven approach ensures that decisions are based on real-time assessments of road conditions, traffic patterns, and community needs. This approach allows us to allocate resources efficiently and swiftly respond to changes in demand or unexpected circumstances. The 2026-2027 Capit...
Fund launched to support Central Bedfordshire residents facing financial shock
Wider support is now available through Central Bedfordshire Council’s Crisis and Resilience Fund for residents on a low income. From 1 April, residents experiencing a financial crisis or sudden financial shock can apply for support through the fund. The fund provides short-term financial suppor...
“I'm going to place some pebbles in my vest to represent the weight of carrying grief,” says runner tackling marathon for Moggerhanger hospice
A runner says she'll be putting pebbles in her running vest to represent the weight of grief as she tackles a marathon.
Bedfordshire bus operator announces new multi-buy app feature with discounts of up to 30%
Stagecoach East has introduced a major new online facility, allowing customers to get a discount by buying bundles of tickets at the same time on its app.
Dunstable Yesteryear: Victorian view of the Priory
There’s a fascinating story behind the painting reproduced here of Dunstable’s Priory Church.
It's happening: Food waste collections across Bedford begin this week
You should all have your little grey caddies by now – this is the week the much-mooted food collections go live.
Delays increasing and discharge targets missed at Bedford Hospital
Key hospital discharge targets in Bedford are being missed and delays are increasing, despite a senior councillor saying that performance is “not too far off”.
Bedfordshire chief constable's contract extended 'in the public interest'
Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard has approved a three-year extension to Trevor Rodenhurst’s fixed-term appointment as Bedfordshire’s chief constable, meaning he is now expected to remain in post until January 2031.