Local News
Central Bedfordshire libraries launch 2026 Summer Reading Challenge: “Read to the Beat”
The annual challenge celebrates the power of reading through a music-themed adventure. Tying in with the National Year of Reading 2026, Read to the Beat encourages children to explore books linked to music, creativity and the arts while developing a lifelong love of reading. The free challeng...
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Have your say: What do you think we should do to improve Bedford town centre?
The council wants your opinion on ways to develop the town.
Bedford High Street closed due to burst water main
The High Street has had to be shut this morning (Monday).
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Plan to convert barn into padel courts to go to Bedford council
Padel enthusiasts in north Bedfordshire are hoping for a positive outcome when revised plans for a new base are considered later this month.
South African police arrest suspect wanted in connection with Great Denham triple murder
South African police have arrested a suspect in connection with a triple murder in Great Denham.
Bedfordshire firefighters called to tackle spate of outdoor fires
Beds Fire & Recue Service have reported a spate of fires in the open yesterday (July 9).
Bedford's Chicken George makes top 10 list for best vegan chicken
Good news for vegans with Bedford’s Chicken George making PETA’s top 10 list for its crispy, crunchy Chickless Chicken Burger.
Universal theme park visitors could be put off staying in Bedford if 'tourism tax' imposed
A ‘tourism tax’ targeting overnight visitors to the Universal theme park and resort near Bedford would be “the absolute last thing” the borough council needs to impose, a meeting heard.
Hosepipe ban in place for Anglian Water and Affinity users in Bedfordshire
Bedfordshire is facing a hosepipe ban by two water companies as the third heatwave of the year puts pressure on water supplies.
Meet tiger Ginger Biscuit who has joined the big cats at Woburn Safari Park
Ginger Biscuit, a rare Amur tiger, has moved to Woburn Safari Park as part of an international conservation programme.
Ombudsman upholds complaint over Central Beds Council failure to provide for disabled child's needs
A complaint by a parent of a disabled child against Central Bedfordshire Council’s failure to conduct an educational assessment has been upheld.
Figures highlight contribution of Cranfield University’s international students to UK economy
Figures published in a new report have highlighted how international students at Cranfield University help generate an economic benefit of £78.3 million.
Photo released of missing man believed to be in Bedfordshire
Police have released an image of a missing man who may be passing through Bedfordshire.
Tributes to mum and children found dead in Great Denham as family thanks community for its support
The family of a mum and two children found dead in Great Denham have spoken out about the outpouring of support from the community.
Universal United Kingdom: Tourism strategy in development to make the most of 'once-in-a-generation investment' for Bedford
A tourism strategy is being developed to make the most of the Universal UK theme park’s “once-in-a-generation investment” to transform the borough.
New website coming soon
We have produced a short video to explain why we are moving to a new website, the longer-term benefits, and some of the immediate improvements. Key benefits include: improved usability and accessibility – the platform is built specifically for UK councils and is tested to meet t...
We join partners in multi-agency crackdown on used car sales in ‘Operation Ignition’
A coordinated enforcement operation targeting used car sales businesses in Leighton Buzzard has been successfully carried out by our Trading Standards service, in partnership with Bedfordshire Police, the Bedfordshire Road Safety Partnership and specialist vehicle examiners. Operation Ignition, w...
Have your say on submitted sites as part of the new Local Plan
The new Local Plan will help shape how Central Bedfordshire grows up to 2050. It will set out how the area can meet future needs for homes, jobs and infrastructure, while creating and maintaining great places to live, protecting the countryside, green spaces, historic places and the character of loc...
Young Person’s discounted bus fare scheme remains strong value as price update announced
From 1 September, the cost of a single bus journey using a YP Card will change from £1 to £1.50. The scheme will still provide significantly discounted travel for young people, with fares remaining at half the national bus fare cap, which is currently £3. Since its launch in July 2024, the YP ...
Bridge removal marks early stage of Slow the Flow flood management work at Etonbury Woods
We are working in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council and other organisations through the ResilienTogether programme – a Defra-funded initiative exploring new and innovative approaches to flood risk management across the Pix Brook catchment. Initial activity on site has included soil ...