Bedfordshire

BedsGOVET, the local river quality testing charity, set up to monitor water quality in Bedford Borough through their Don't Lose the Ouse campaign has called fines aimed at water companies...

Bedford School has announced the latest in a growing collection of professional relationships, as a new 'elite community partnership' with Northampton Saints begins, allowing Bedford School students the opportunity to work...

The A421 will close tonight (Wednesday) for repairs after a month of rain fell in under 48 hours last month.

The Bedfordshire Festival of Autumn Walks 2024 ran between 7 and 15 September this year, and it is fair to say that the festival was a huge success with 55 walks attracting 850 walkers over the nine days. One difference to this year's festival was...

All regions of England are reporting measles cases, but there hasn’t been an outbreak in Bedford borough.

The refreshed plan, first adopted in September 2020, addresses new opportunities and challenges to keep us on track to meet its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, particularly considering the current climate emergency and rising energy costs.

In particular, the updated plan focusses on:

• cost-of-living crisis and energy efficiency: a stronger focus on reducing energy use in our buildings and supporting residents to do the same, helping to bring down bills
• national focus on active travel: the establishment of Active Travel England mirrors our efforts to promote walking, cycling, and wheeling
• new legislation and policy changes: we've adapted its plans to comply with new laws, such as the Environment Act, which emphasises creating and improving natural habitats, and updated national planning policies and building regulations
• technological advancements: with improvements in electric vehicle (EV) technology and renewable energy solutions like solar power, the financial case for green investment has never been stronger
• extreme weather events: more frequent and severe weather events, such as the floods hitting Central Bedfordshire right now, highlight the importance of climate adaptation in our long-term planning

We've already made significant progress towards our sustainability targets through the current Local Plan, improved bus services, and the implementation of Local Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Plans. These successes, along with securing external funding and private sector investment (including £1.5 million for EV charging), reinforce our commitment to a sustainable future.

The refreshed plan will maintain its focus on 4 key areas: improving our processes, leading by example, encouraging investment, and influencing change. Actions will be prioritised to ensure maximum impact, particularly through securing additional government grants and private-sector funding. We'll also aim to address weaknesses identified in recent climate action assessments, with a clearer focus on adapting to Climate Change and sustainable transport.

Councillor Tracy Wye, our Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience, said:

Our updated Sustainability Plan ensures that Central Bedfordshire is well-prepared to face both the very current and future challenges posed by Climate Change.

By focusing on energy efficiency, sustainable transport. and green investment, we are taking significant steps to reduce our carbon footprint and improve the resilience of our communities. Our commitment to sustainability is stronger than ever, especially after witnessing the recent extensive flooding across our region. We have approved the refreshed Sustainability Plan and continue to work closely with residents and businesses to achieve the new goals we have set out.

Since publication of a “landmark report” last year, the Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board has changed how it operates, is structured, and thinks, a meeting heard.

A Kempston woman who left her career to fulfil wishes for children battling terminal and life-limiting illnesses says she feels “grateful every single day.” Pritti, 46, founded the charity Creating...

Umme Ali, Bedfordshire's Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner says “Stalking must be taken seriously by the police". She made the comments in response to the 'super-complaint' investigation...

The number of prosecutions against stalking crimes in Bedfordshire reached a record high last year, new figures show.

It was another successful week across Bedford Hockey Club’s adult squads, with ten wins, one draw and just three losses. In the men’s section, the first team gained further points, adding to last week’s victory by beating Dereham 4-1...

These last few months have been filled with achievements that not only help serve the community but put Bedford Borough on track to be a better place to live, work and raise a family. So, what has...

Wixams Parish Council has voted to find an alternative cost-free conflict resolution process after an estimate to resolve the current complaints was put at £55,000.

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

A former Bedfordshire Police officer who sexually assaulted a woman on a night out in Bedford has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison.

A team of Bedford 'brother's has scaled Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District, in a challenging trek to raise money for Al Ansari Foundation, which is helping to create access to...

A team of Bedford 'brother's has scaled Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District, in a challenging trek to raise money for Al Ansari Foundation, which is helping to create access to...

A climber from Bedford has been rescued after being stranded for three days on a mountain in India’s Himalayan north.

It did not go as planned

Bedfordshire’s police and crime commissioner (PCC) said a strategy for enhancing community policing will be in place by March next year – if all goes to plan. The PCC, John Tizard...

Located outside the Asda supermarket on Court Drive, Dunstable and funded through the Department for Transport’s Bus Service Improvement Plan, this cutting-edge shelter promises to improve the daily experience for thousands of bus users in the area.

Serving as a vital hub for the community, the stop connects residents to sports venues, leisure centres, schools, and shopping facilities. It is used by 13 bus services and five bus operators, making it the busiest stop in the region.

At nearly 20 metres long and almost three metres wide, the new structure provides over 50 square metres of sheltered space for passengers and cyclists. Designed with comfort, accessibility, and safety in mind, the shelter includes 12 passenger waiting bays, two dedicated cycle storage bays, and wide entrances that accommodate wheelchair users.

Councillor Tracey Wye, our Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience, said:

Bus stops have certainly come a long way to becoming a place where passengers can not only wait protected from the elements but also safely store their bikes and charge their phones.

It is another step towards our sustainability goals that the shelter itself takes advantage of energy-saving technology, a living roof and enhanced information access for all, while the shelters being replaced will be refurbished and relocated to upgrade other bus stops across Central Bedfordshire.

With more super shelters planned for Houghton Regis near Morrisons, Dunstable’s Church Street, as well as smaller higher-spec Neighbourhood Shelters at key locations such as Dunstable West Street and High Street, Sandy Market Square, and Cranfield University, we are hoping more people will be encouraged to take the bus now the bus stop is comfortable and convenient, and can also take care of their bicycles.

Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, said:

Buses are an affordable and sustainable travel option and it’s fantastic to see that passengers in Central Bedfordshire will benefit from this new, state-of-the art bus shelter.

Our Buses Bill will help Central Bedfordshire Council give passengers modern, clean and efficient services they can truly rely on.

Passengers will benefit from real-time journey information, displayed on a roof-mounted, double-sided screen visible from all shelter entrances. In addition, an e-ink (electronic ink) timetable display with button-activated audio ensures that visually impaired users can stay informed.

Along with wireless charging pads on the seats, the shelter boasts a sensor-controlled lighting system, providing subtle low-level lighting at dusk and brighter lights when motion is detected—making the shelter safer and more energy-efficient. The double-sided display boards are strategically positioned, offering essential information inside the shelter and the cycle parking area.

One of the most striking elements of the new shelter is its living "green" roof, featuring resilient sedum plants. These hardy plants are low-maintenance and thrive in urban environments, helping to improve air quality, reduce rainwater runoff, and support our goal of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2030.

The shelter features Central Bedfordshire branding and a distinctive hub roof design that displays the stop name, making it easier for passengers to locate the right bus. Additionally, a large map of the Dunstable area helps passengers find local points of interest.

Bedfordshire’s police and crime commissioner (PCC) said “shoplifting is an epidemic”, but if shops don’t report it “the police aren’t going to act”.

A police officer who made racist remarks during a night out has been dismissed.

National Highways has reopened the A421 with traffic now being diverted 'up and over' the flooded section of the road at Marston Moretaine. A section of the road has been closed since...

The A421 is set to reopen to traffic in both directions for the first time in two weeks after major flooding.