Bedfordshire

The climate and nature crisis, "may not feel as urgent as a terrorist or an imperialist autocrat. But it is more fundamental. It is systemic. It’s pervasive. And accelerating towards us at pace”...

Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), John Tizard has been told to “tell the truth” on what he can achieve with his new plan at a meeting of the Bedfordshire Poice and Crime Panel.

The micro-asphalt road surface treatment aims to prolong the life of roads, ensuring safer and smoother travel for residents and other road users.

The following roads are scheduled for micro-asphalt treatment:

• Church Avenue, Ampthill
• Sidney Road, Ampthill
• High Street, Clophill
• Verey Road, Dunstable
• Western Way, Sandy
• Mills Walk, Sandy
• Bury Road and Ashdown Road, Shefford
• Maple Drive and Southfields, Shefford

Micro-asphalt is a preventative surface treatment applied over the existing road surface. This method is used before visible signs of damage appear and, by adding this layer, the life of the road can be extended by up to 10 years, delaying the need for more extensive and costly repairs.

Primarily used in residential areas with slower-moving traffic, micro-asphalt treatment minimises future disruptions and ensures road users can enjoy safer journeys. When applied at the right time, it significantly reduces long-term maintenance needs.

Subject to the weather, we aim to carry out works at the above sites by the end of September before completion and the reinstatement of road markings in October.

Councillor John Baker, our Executive Member for Finance and Highways, said:

We are committed to maintaining and improving the condition of our roads across Central Bedfordshire, and doing so in a cost-effective and targeted way. Micro-asphalt treatment is a proactive approach that allows us to extend the life of our roads and ensure a smoother, safer driving experience for residents and other road users.

By carrying out this work now, we can reduce the need for more extensive repairs in the future, minimising disruptions and ensuring the best use of our resources.

Bedford Ladies Tug of War side have cemented their place as one of the strongest sides in the world in winning a World silver medal in the 540kg weight class at the Tug of War World Championships in Mannheim, Germany...

Unreported and unpunished crime “undermines the whole system of justice”, a political economist has said.

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to harness the power of nature and create stunning cyanotype prints using sunlight, here’s your chance.

Young carers from across Central Bedfordshire were celebrated at a special summer festival.

Planning for a new Bedford KFC drive-thru has been delayed so councillors can check road safety and traffic concerns for themselves. Monday’s (16 September) Planning Committee heard...

On Wednesday (28 August), the young carer’s summer festival at Marston Moreteyne Community Centre brought together young carers and their families for an afternoon filled with free activities and free food, offering them a much-needed break from their caregiving responsibilities.

They were able to enjoy a range of activities including karaoke, funfair games, inflatables and arts and crafts activities. As well as providing a day of fun, it gave each young carer an opportunity to connect with others in a similar situation who understand their unique experiences, and served as a reminder of the importance of the contribution that young carers make when supporting friends and family.

A range of other professional services were also available to provide information and advice to parents and carers.

The event was a resounding success, with one family member saying:

We had a fabulous afternoon at the festival. The children enjoyed all the crafts on offer and loved seeing the banner they helped to make at a previous event. Face painting was a hit along with the inflatables and karaoke. [It was] a lovely afternoon with lots of smiles and laughter for all of us.

Councillor Steve Owen, our Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:

Young carers play a crucial role when providing support to friends or family, shouldering these added responsibilities all while managing the usual demands of school and everyday life. It is essential that they receive the support they need and have opportunities like this to take a break, recharge, and simply enjoy being young.

We are proud to support our young carers in Central Bedfordshire and pleased to host events like this which make a difference by showing them that they are seen, valued, and supported by their community.

We ran several activities for young carers over the summer break, which were funded by our Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. They also enjoyed spending time at a forest school, carrying out spy missions, having fun with water sports, time at a wildlife park as well as various arts and crafts activities.

Find out more about young carers.

While the majority of the nation's sport lovers gear up for a new football and rugby season, one Bedfordian is making headlines in a sport rarely featured among the headlines in the world of roller hockey...

Bedfordshire’s deputy police and crime commissioner (DPCC) has said “more needs to be done” to make it easier to report violence against women and children.

My mum was robbed at knifepoint while walking her dog in our local park on Sunday lunchtime.

Bedford Tigers' application to be the new side in the RFL Super League setup has been unsuccessful as the Rugby Football League confirmed Goole Vikings will be the newest side to join RFL League One...

The site of a former gasworks off Ford End Road in Bedford will be turned into housing

The number of families in the area who have signed up for a Tax-Free Childcare account on the government’s website has increased by 18.9% from 4,645 families in 2022/23 to 5,525 families in 2023/24. This is well above the national average of 13.8%.

It means that working parents of 7,200 children (compared to 6,040 children in 2022/23) are receiving help with the cost of childcare.

Despite this increase, we are keen to ensure that all families who are eligible for Tax-Free Childcare have signed up for the provision.

Tax-Free Childcare provides help with childcare costs for working parents. The scheme is open to all parents of children under 12 (or under 17 if disabled). For every £8 a parent pays into their Tax-Free Childcare account, the government will add an extra £2, up to a maximum of £2,000 per child per year (or a maximum of £4,000 per year for disabled children or young people).

Tax-Free Childcare can be used to pay for childcare including childminders, nurseries, nannies, after school clubs and play schemes.

Councillor Steve Owen, Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:

We are thrilled to see an increasing number of families in Central Bedfordshire benefiting from the Tax-Free Childcare scheme. The scheme is so important, helping to reduce childcare costs for working parents, helping them better balance their professional responsibilities and ensuring their children have access to quality care. If you're a working parent or carer, you can get up to £500 every three months to help with the costs of childcare, which is up to £2,000 a year per child. That’s a huge saving, and that’s why it’s important that parents find out if they are eligible for support by visiting the government’s website.

Find out more information about Tax-Free Childcare, about the eligibility criteria and how to set up an account.

Bedfordshire’s chief constable will “retire” in October before returning to the post, the police and crime commissioner (PCC) has announced.

Bedfordshire Police has released an image of a teenage girl who has gone missing.

Passengers are being warned that engineering works are set to disrupt rail services over the next two weekends – with a rail replacement bus service in place.

Planning for a new Bedford KFC drive-thru has been delayed so councillors can check the traffic for themselves.

Luton, Bedford and Biggleswade commuters face delays on Thameslink trains this afternoon.

Police are searching for a missing Bedford woman who has links to Luton and Milton Keynes.

Bedford Borough Council is “very confident” that the staff at King’s Oak Primary School can handle additional Early Years entitlement, a senior councillor has said.

This month, The Future Sessions will bring four of the area’s best new and emerging young bands to Esquires, celebrating original music from the next generation. On Friday, 27 September, Daybreak...

Plain clothes officers from Bedfordshire Police will be in bars and clubs this week amid concerns over drinks spiking