Better protect your children online 📱

Looks like the water is back up and running in the Prime Ministers area now.

Avoid Church Lane, in Oakley, if you can as the road is closed (Tuesday).

A young designer has won an award for creating a unique garden to highlight the dramatic loss of treasured trees outside woods.

Today (Tuesday 23 July) sees the launch of a 10-week conversation with people throughout Central Bedfordshire that will start to shape the future of new homes, jobs and infrastructure, recreation and leisure, transport, local facilities, and green spaces, in the years ahead.

We want to hear from people of all ages, and across all its towns, villages and communities, about what is important to them and their families for the future of the area. Early engagement with local councillors, at both ward and town and parish level, have highlighted 6 themes which will be a starting point for the conversation about the new Local Plan – a blueprint for Central Bedfordshire’s future:

• access to outstanding new or improved green space and nature
• jobs that are easy to get to
• high-quality, well-designed homes for every stage of life
• excellent transport options, including walking and cycling
• great local facilities such as roads, schools, shops, and parks
• respecting and enhancing the unique character of our towns and villages

Leader of the Council, Councillor Adam Zerny, is urging people to get involved at this crucial stage of the plan’s development:

We want this plan to give the public a real say in shaping the future of our area. It’s vital the council learns about the hopes and aspirations residents have for their communities.

I know how much people want to preserve green spaces and the unique character of our towns and villages, and we want to ensure wildlife flourishes, and create communities where families can thrive.

Within this, we recognise the need to provide new homes and jobs for the next generation, so younger people have the chance to buy their first homes near family and friends, and for people downsizing to stay close to their roots.

Effective planning allows us to control it. We want to put communities at the heart of our new Local Plan, ensuring that development brings the opportunity for appropriate facilities, services and roads, and new or improved green spaces.

Developing a Local Plan is a long process, and there will be many opportunities for people to have their say as the plan develops. But getting involved at this stage is crucial if you want to help shape the future of where you live – we encourage everyone to find out more, sign up for updates, and take part in the conversation.

Read more about the Local Plan and share your thoughts, ideas and views.

Paper copies are also available in Central Bedfordshire libraries.

You can also sign up for updates via email and a dedicated WhatsApp news channel.

You won’t be able to pay with coins at Lurke Street car park as of next month.

Great Ouse Primary Academy has announced that one of its pupils has been selected to represent Great Britain at the 2024 Irish Optimist National and Open Championships. Rory Luddington...

Bedfordshire Police have said just ten arrests were made over the Bedford River Festival this weekend (20/21 July) with Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology responsible...

With the new non-league football season a matter of weeks away, the Bedford Independent were joined by Bedford Town manager, Lee Bircham at The Eyrie to discuss everything from new signings...

Houghton Hall Park and Rushmere Country Park have proudly received the prestigious Green Flag award, an internationally acclaimed hallmark of quality. 

In addition Flitton Moor,Linslade Wood, Studham Common, and Tiddenfoot Waterside Park all received the Green Flag Community award.

Councillor Mark Smith, Deputy Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, said:

This is a tremendous achievement, and I want to express my gratitude to all our staff and dedicated volunteers who tirelessly invest their time and effort to make our local parks and open spaces enjoyable for everyone.

Our parks and green spaces are vital for our physical and mental well-being, offering perfect spots to connect with nature, exercise, and spend quality time with family and friends. By attaining Green Flag status in so many of our green spaces, we hope to inspire even more people to explore and appreciate these wonderful environments.

Find out about events we have planned in our parks and countryside sites, in time for school summer holidays.

Meanwhile, Street Tag, a family-friendly game accessible through a free smartphone app, is still running in our parks. By making physical activity into a game, Street Tag rewards walking, running and cycling with points (tags). It’s suitable for all ages and can be enjoyed individually and in teams. Each game season lasts from 14 to 16 weeks. Schools, groups and individuals can compete to hit the top of the leader board and win prizes.

On 29 June 2024, Bedford International Athletic Stadium hosted the first-ever "Ready Steady Ride" event. Organised to support the construction of water wells around the world, the event saw....

If you’re a fan of The Boys, Spider-Man Noir or Judge Dredd, then this writers' convention is for you.

Bedford Park users have told the Borough Council “we’re watching you” while repairs to areas damaged by events are carried out. John Copeland, who said he lives near Bedford Park, asked...

Bedford Park users have told the borough council “we’re watching you” while repairs to areas damaged by events are carried out.

A Bedford man has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after he was found guilty of sexually abusing two children two decades apart. Brian Watts, 79, was in his 40s when...

The University of Bedfordshire has announced two new professorships in the areas of Education and Computing. Professor Julie Brunton – who holds the position of Pro-Vice Chancellor of...

A Bedford paedophile has been sentenced to 13 years behind bars after sexually abusing two children.

Bedford's motorists will have five road closures to avoid nearby on the National Highways network this week.

Bedford Borough Council's Conservative cabinet has defended spending council tax reserves after being accused of "burning through" council savings and putting the council...

Bedford borough’s new leisure provider said it has had “positive feedback and minimal complaints” since taking over in February.

Ruth Wilkes, Federation Principal, is retiring after a decade of dedicated leadership at Castle Newnham School and an impressive 35 years in education. Ruth’s career began as a...

The new fixture list for the 2024/25 season has been released with Mike Rayer's side facing Caldy first on Saturday 21st September at Goldington Road as the Blues look ahead to the...

It was a fun-filled weekend for the town as families and friends enjoyed the river festival.

Bedford Borough Council is due to sign an agreement with Network Rail this week to build Wixams Station, a senior council officer has said. Jon Shortland, chief officer for environment and...

Three separate fire crews tackled another blaze at the former Robert Bruce Middle School.