Local News
Changes to taxi and private hire vehicle testing to strengthen passenger safety
The proposal was agreed by Full Council on Thursday 29 January and will mean that, rather than attending any MOT testing station, licensed vehicles will undergo their 6-monthly MOT at one of our approved depots. This brings the 6-monthly MOT in line with the annual compliance testing we already carr...
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‘We’re going to build baby build’ at sites like old Stewartby brickworks
The old Stewartby Brickworks site has been earmarked for accelerated house building as part of a government drive to build 1.5 million homes across the country.
Opinion: Why the Wheatsheaf and pubs in our communities matter
Community and local business support must come first.
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'Lord Doyle of Great Barford' champions East West Rail, Universal and Tempsford new town in first speech
Lord Doyle used his maiden speech in the House of Lords to champion East-West Rail, Universal Studios’ theme park and Tempsford new town as three huge projects in Bedfordshire.
Central Beds Councillor lodges ombudsman complaint after standards hearing
The former executive member for children’s services with Central Bedfordshire Council has complained to a local government watchdog about a local authority hearing held into two complaints against him.
David Lloyd Leisure to take over Oasis Beach Pool site
Bedford Borough Council has approved a 999-year long lease of the former Oasis Beach Pool site to David Lloyd Leisure Limited – paving the way for redevelopment into a “private members health and racquets club together with ancillary facilities”.
Extra urgent NHS dental appointments available for people in Bedfordshire
Extra NHS appointments are now available for people across Bedfordshire needing urgent or emergency dental care.
'It's heartbreaking' Bedford mum speaks out after son harmed by disgraced Great Ormond Street Hospital surgeon
A mum from Bedford has spoken of her heartache after her son was harmed by a disgraced Great Ormand Street Hospital surgeon.
Bedfordshire’s councils approve a bold strategy to restore nature and biodiversity
The LNRS outlines a long-term vision for a county where nature thrives, is connected, and remains resilient. It will inform decisions regarding land use, development, farming, and investment to guide actions across these areas that contribute meaningfully to nature recovery. Read more about the B...
£1.5 million funding boost for Skills Bootcamps in Central Bedfordshire
The funding will be used by the Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy (BESA), our apprenticeship and skills hub, to provide free, intensive courses in subjects including digital, construction and green skills, transport and logistics, and early years. Known as Skills Bootcamps, the courses...
Innovative sustainable crematorium near Bedford wins major award
Oakfield Gardens Crematorium has been named Crematorium of the Year in the Good Funeral Awards 2025.
More than 700 data breaches recorded at East of England Ambulance Service in last 3 years
New figures have revealed how many data breaches have happened within the East of England Ambulance Service in the past three years.
Dozens of children have been adopted in Bedford as council sets focus on training and support
Dozens of children in Bedford borough found permanent homes through adoption between January 2022 and December 2024 – as the council highlights its focus on support, early intervention, and regular collaboration.
Maternity services at Bedford and Luton hospitals AGAIN rated as inadequate
Bosses at Bedford and Luton & Dunstable hospitals have said sorry after maternity services were again rated as inadequate.
Youth Leader volunteers needed for new St John Ambulance cadet unit in Bedford
First aid charity St John Ambulance is appealing for volunteers to join its new cadet unit.
More road closures announced as part of Black Cat roundabout improvements
Further delays are expected on the A1, A421 and Bedford Road due to ongoing roadworks at the Black Cat roundabout.
Award-winning businesses to help anyone planning a wedding in Bedfordshire
The wedding season is almost here which means many couples will be looking for ideas to create their perfect day.
Road and footpath closures starting in Luton, Dunstable and Houghton Regis this February
We are back with another round up of the closures across our towns that could cause some delays to your journeys, starting next month.
Government ban Baroque masterpiece worth £9m from leaving UK to fund Woburn Abbey refurb
The Government has placed a temporary export ban on a Baroque masterpiece by Claude Lorrain from leaving the UK.
Here are the best parts of Bedford to live if you want some green space
As we all know – if you live in and around Bedford, you’re never too far from some green space.