Local News
Premium Bonds: One lucky person from Central Bedfordshire scoops £1m
A Premium Bonds holder from Central Bedfordshire has struck it lucky – winning £1 million in this month’s draw.
Local messages
Free breakfast clubs roll out to another eight schools in and around Bedford
More free breakfast clubs are being introduced to eight schools in Bedford and the surrounding area.
Healthcare improvements for Central Beds 'potentially hitting a brick wall'
A local authority’s attempts to secure better healthcare facilities in parts of Central Bedfordshire has been compared to “potentially hitting a brick wall” by its health portfolio holder.
Get Weekly Updates
Get the headlines in your inbox every week.
Bedford man given 10-year ban after he failed to take wounded dog to vets
A man has been banned from keeping all animals for 10 years after he failed to get vet care for a dog’s lesions.
Dunstable Yesteryear: A vanished hat factory, demolished in 1909
The once-famous Dunstable hat-making factory of Munt and Brown is seen in this hand-coloured photo of High Street South taken in early Edwardian times.
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...
‘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.
'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.