Local News
Raging motorcyclist tries to pull driver out of car on rural road near Bedford
A driver was assaulted and their car damaged following a dispute on a rural road.
Local messages
Garden fire in Bedford spreads to houses near Norse Road
Firefighters were called at a house on Saturday afternoon (May 30).
New Houghton Regis primary school plans move forward to support growing community
The proposed new school would open in September 2029 and support families living in Bidwell West, Linmere and neighbouring communities, helping ensure more children can attend a local school close to home as the area continues to grow. The Bidwell West Primary School, Nursery and Additionally Re...
Get Weekly Updates
Get the headlines in your inbox every week.
Housing Matters – May 2026
Landlord Assurance Board visits Oakley Green Board members saw how work in Oakley Green is helping to improve shared spaces for residents. Tenant members of our Landlord Assurance Board recently visited Oakley Green in Leighton Buzzard to see first-hand some of the work our Neighbourhood O...
Bedfordshire Minerals and Waste Plan Review – update May 2026
Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Luton councils are currently preparing a new minerals and waste plan timetable that responds to the new regulations and associated guidance. Each council also needs to agree to commencement of the initial stages. These include a consultation on the scope of the p...
Olympic and Paralympic sporting stars to officially open new £33.9 million Leighton Leisure and Community Centre
The state-of-the-art facility, operated by Everyone Active on behalf of Central Bedfordshire Council, represents a £33.9 million investment in health, wellbeing and community facilities for Leighton Buzzard and the surrounding area. To mark the opening, residents of all ages are invited to enjoy...
Central Bedfordshire Council Leader backs bid to expand Forest of Marston Vale
The government recently announced plans to create two new National Forests, backed by a £1 billion investment in tree planting and nature recovery. In a letter of support, the Leader, Councillor Adam Zerny and Councillor Tracey Wye, Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience, ha...
Bedford landlord who searched 'how do police find out if you grow cannabis in your house' sentenced
A landlord who was letting properties as cannabis factories has been handed a suspended sentence.
Mystery medieval find and returning artefacts continue to fire kiln interest after Sutton archaeology discovery
Last year, we revealed that excavations carried out at Sutton Primary School by its archaeology service, Albion Archaeology, between 2024 and 2025 had uncovered a well-preserved pottery kiln, ahead of construction for a new sports pitch. Initially the find was thought to have dated back to the Tu...
'My concern turned into alarm' panel overseeing Bedford council's financial recovery raises issues
An independent panel overseeing Bedford Borough Council’s recovery programme has warned there is an “optimism bias” in the authority’s improvement plans and said the pace of change must increase.
Everything’s coming up roses for Moggerhanger’s Open Gardens event
If you’re not lucky enough to visit Chelsea Flower Show next week Mogerhanger’s Open Gardens event will make up for it.
Central Bedfordshire Council re-elects Chair and Vice Chair
Councillor Vicky Malone has also been re-elected as Vice Chair. Both councillors represent Caddington. Councillor Collins has served as a Central Bedfordshire councillor for 12 years, while Councillor Malone has served for three years following her election in 2023. As Chair, Councillor Co...
Design plans for new Queens Bridge linking Bedford and Kempston being finalised following demolition
Design plans for a replacement Queens Bridge linking Bedford and Kempston are being finalised, following its demolition.
Singer Olly Murs cycles through Dunstable during 400km charity challenge
Singer songwriter Olly Murs waved to supporters in Dunstable as he cycled on his nearly 250-mile journey raising money for Unicef.
Chairman and vice-chairman at Central Bedfordshire Council reappointed unopposed
Conservative Caddington councillor Kevin Collins has been re-elected chairman of Central Bedfordshire Council for a second year.
Reform win second seat on Dunstable Town Council
Reform UK has a second councillor on Dunstable Town Council in the space of four months, after a resounding 551-vote victory margin to capture a vacant seat in the town’s East ward.
Choose You celebrates one year of supporting healthier lives across Central Bedfordshire
Launched in May 2025, Choose You is a free service, designed to support people to quit smoking, manage their weight, and build healthier habits that last. Over the past 12 months, the service has supported residents by providing personalised, flexible help. In its first year, 965 Central Bedford...
Foster carers recognised
The event took place on Saturday 9 May at Houghton Regis Leisure and Community Centre, with adults and children attending a Hollywood themed celebration day focused on recognising the foster carers’ commitment to supporting children and young people across the area. The celebration also gav...
Have your say on proposal for a new Linmere ward
The consultation, which opens on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, focuses on how Linmere should be represented as it continues to grow into a distinct and established community within Houghton Regis. Linmere is a major new development that, once complete, will be comparable in size to a small town. Through ...
Gorgeous former Bedford coaching inn goes back on the market after less than four years
The old Swan pub in Elstow has gone back on the market with an elevated price tag to match.