Bedfordshire

Don’t fall victim ❌

Bedford Borough Council has said it will no longer be able to allow visits to homes evacuated after an explosion in Cleat Hill at the weekend due to safety concerns but that they hope to "resolve...

The company has issued a statement 😨

Plans are afoot to help residents return safely to their homes to get essential items following Saturday’s explosion and subsequent fire.

Bedford residents are less likely to have a nearby library than almost anywhere in the East of England, new figures show.

The panel brings together residents of Central Bedfordshire who have lived through domestic abuse, aiming to use their experiences to improve the local response for those seeking support.

Run by our Domestic Abuse team, the panel ensures that the voice of survivors is embedded when developing new processes and services. The insights provided by the panel could lead to changes that may ultimately be lifesaving for others facing domestic abuse.

All panel members are offered specialist, independent support, provided by the Victim Support Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) service.

One AVP member said:

I have been privileged to meet some amazing people within the domestic abuse field and have learnt an incredible amount. My confidence has grown, and I am proud to be a part of something that I know will make a difference to others experiencing domestic abuse. Being a voice when others are unable to is empowering and I will continue to be a part of the changes that need to happen. We, as individuals and as part of a group, are very supported and considered at every part, I feel valued for the first time in years.

Anyone with lived experience of domestic abuse is welcome to apply to join the AVP. For those who want to contribute but cannot commit to joining the panel, there is an option to sign up for a mailing list, which will keep them informed about local surveys and other opportunities to get involved.

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

Domestic abuse is a widespread issue, with around one in four women and one in six men in the UK expected to experience it at some point in their lives. By joining the panel, survivors can provide essential insights that will help break down barriers and improve the support available for others in need. Your voice can drive real change and play a vital role in tackling domestic abuse in our communities.

We're also hosting an information event about the Authentic Voice Panel on Tuesday 26 November from 9:30am to 12:30pm, and anyone interested in becoming a member of the panel is invited to attend. To find out more, or reserve a space at the event, please email: authentic.voice@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.

The closing date for expressions of interest is Friday 6 December 2024.

An ambulance depot could be moving to Thurleigh – if plans are approved.

The realisation of a “200-year-old dream” for a canal has taken a step forward after Bedford Borough’s Executive voted to attempt to form a Limited Liability Partnership with other parties...

Don’t get fooled when the clocks go back ⏰

The realisation of a “200-year-old dream” for a canal has taken a step forward after Bedford Borough’s Executive voted to attempt to form a Limited Liability Partnership with other parties.

Bedford Borough Council have announced that nominations for 14 awards in the Bedford Sports and Physical Activity Awards are now open in the latest edition of one of the council's marquee events...

Bedfordshire Police are appealing for your help to find Brajan.

For the two Bedford Hockey Club players on international duties, playing for England at the Over-35's World Cup in South Africa, the journey has come to an end, and what a journey it has been...

The Howard League for Penal Reform has called for a reduction in prisoner numbers following a new report by HM Inspector of Prisons that says they are still concerned about rising rates of violence...

The Bedford mayor and the leader of the LIb Dems have clashed over the progress in building GP surgeries in the borough.

An inquest into the death of Bedford man, Andrew McCleary while under arrest in May 2021 has ruled that he was unlawfully killed while being restrained by police and ambulance staff...

The use of force by police officers and ambulance staff to restrain a “caring” and “compassionate” father “more than minimally” contributed to his death, an inquest jury has found.

Drivers in and around Bedford will have seven National Highways road closures to watch out for this week.

Beds Fire and Rescue Service is dealing a rupture within a medium pressure gas pipe in Bedford’s Manton Lane and Murdoch Road area.

Workers at the Bedford Greenacre School building site on Manton Lane have damaged a gas mainline, and businesses have been told to keep their windows open to prevent gas buildup...

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service control room staff received verbal abuse while answering emergency calls during last month’s flooding.

Bedford Athletic were beaten 28-7 at home by Oundle in a match against the favourites for the league title and a side who fielded six players with either Championship or National One experience...

Police are still at the scene of an explosion and major house fire in Cleat Hill, Bedford, on Saturday morning in which a man died.

The money will allow 11 charities, voluntary groups and town and parish councils across Central Bedfordshire to invest in their facilities – improving access, reducing running costs, and creating better spaces for the benefit of their communities.

The grants are fully funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).

These projects will be completed between now and the end of December 2024 and they include: improvements to a well used public kitchen and toilets; extending a skatepark; refurbishing a British Legion Club; the renovation of sports courts; installing new play equipment; renovating a village hall driveway and repairing a multi-use games area.

Councillor Tracey Wye, Chair of the Local Partnership Group said:

This is an exciting opportunity for the projects which have been awarded a grant.

The application process received 58 bids which were assessed leaving 11 projects being selected on merit to receive a share of the £298,155 budget for 2024/25.

The UKSPF and REPF funding is limited, and we recognise the enormous effort all the applicants put into their bids.

However, the projects which were successful will have a big impact on local people and will go a long way to improving the health and wellbeing of our communities.

Grant offers have been made to the following organisations and projects:

• Ampthill Baptist Church - Kitchen & Toilet Refurbishment Project (Phase 1 – Kitchen)
• Caldecote Playing Fields - Multi-use Games Area - Surface relay
• The Greensand Trust - Clophill Lakes Nature Reserve
• Flitwick Town Council - Extension to Flitwick Skatepark
• Royal British Legion Heath and Reach - British Legion Club Refurbishment 2024
• Stanbridge & Tilsworth Community Association - Sports Court Renovation
• King's Church Flitwick - Enhanced community access project
• Toddington Parish Council - Toddington Village Green and Memorial Garden and Pond enhancements
• St Leonards Church Hall Heath & Reach - Village Hall Driveway Refurbishment
• Barton-le-Clay Parish Council - New Play Equipment for Arnold Recreation Ground

Discussions are still ongoing with one further project in the Biggleswade area with details to follow. All funding awards are subject to final checks and agreements being put in place.

Read more about UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).

Funding applicants and projects | Applicant name/organisation | Project | Grant requested | |

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| | Ampthill Baptist Church | Kitchen and toilet refurbishment project (phase 1 – kitchen) | 31,854.24 | | Caldecote Playing Fields | Multi-use games area surface re-lay | 21,560 | | The Greensand Trust | Clophill Lakes Nature Reserve | 36,468.58 | | Flitwick Town Council | Extension to Flitwick Skatepark | 38,400 | | Royal British Legion | British Legion Club refurbishment 2024 | 36,189.56 | | Stanbridge & Tilsworth Community Association | Sports Court renovation | 12,508 | | King's Church Flitwick | Enhanced community access project | 18,566 | | Toddington PC | Toddington Village Green and Memorial Garden and Pond enhancements | 24,274.53 | | St Leonards Church Hall Heath & Reach | Village Hall driveway refurbishment | 15,000 | | Barton-le-Clay Parish Council | New play equipment for Arnold Recreation Ground | 26,174.09 |

Aside from the financial impact, those who have fallen victim to ticket scams face an emotional impact too 😥