Local News
'Fobbed off, misled and misrepresented' - school leaders blast Central Beds Council
School leaders across Central Bedfordshire have accused Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) of misrepresentation and failing to work collaboratively on critical education plans.
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MP column: Christmas Reflections - Hope, Friendship, and the Children of Al Walaja
by Mohammad Yasin, MP for Bedford and Kempston
Police want to speak to cyclist after harassment complaint in Bedford
A CCTV image has been released of a man Police want to speak to about an investigation over harassment in the Bedford area.
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Bedfordshire named parcel-theft hotspot as ‘real-life Grinches’ strike ahead of Christmas
People in Bedfordshire are being warned of parcel thieves after the county was named as a hotspot for the crime in the run up to Christmas.
Central Beds Council gives green light to new plans to shape future of education
New plans to shape the education system have been agreed by Central Beds Council.
Bedford Town football hero celebrated in new sports clothing campaign
Local football hero Tyrone Marsh features in a new community focused campaign honouring the places and people that inspired a lifelong love of the game.
CCTV appeal in Bedford council fly-tipping crackdown
New CCTV images have been released by Bedford Borough Council in a crackdown on fly-tipping in the town.
'When is a vacant property not a vacant property? When it's Bedford Debenhams'
Borough councillors have raised questions over how Bedford Borough Council defines “vacancy”, after the former Debenhams building was excluded from the official count of empty units.
Small business Saturday - love your high street, local MP urges
Shoppers are being urged to love their local high street on Small Business Saturday which this year takes place on 6 December.
'I absolutely loved it' Tom Grennan backs music video by Bedford fans ahead of homecoming gig
Bedford music star Tom Grennan has backed a video set to his smash hit Remind Me – featuring fans and Bedford people.
Leighton Buzzard shop shut down after repeated sale of illegal tobacco
This follows the previous closure of the same business on 13 June 2025, for the continuous sale of illegal tobacco. This latest closure marks the third time the shop has been shut by enforcement action. On 3 December 2025, Luton Magistrate's Court approved a three-month closure order. The ord...
Critical month ahead as Bedford council faces tough financial decisions
Bedford’s mayor has warned that there is a “critical month” ahead as councillors question whether authority may need Exceptional Financial Support.
Plans to remove juries from some criminal cases 'only part of the solution' says Beds Police and Crime Commissioner
Bedfordshire’s police and crime commissioner said government plans to remove juries from some criminal cases may help speed up justice.
Luton and Dunstable Hospital to restrict ward visits after spike in flu admissions
People going to visit patients at the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital are being urged to call the ward before arriving as staff deal with an increase of admissions.
Bedford Hospital to restrict ward visits after spike in flu admissions
People going to visit patients at Bedford Hospital are being urged to call the ward before arriving as staff deal with an increase of admissions.
Central Beds Council's finance boss calls for Labour MPs to help soften impact of £24m funding shortfall
Labour MPs in Central Bedfordshire constituencies are being urged to do more to reverse the potential £24m impact of proposed government changes to local authority funding.
Clare's Law: Domestic violence disclosures have surged by 250% in Bedfordshire
Clare’s Law disclosures in Bedfordshire have risen by 250 per cent over the past two years, the county’s Police and Crime Panel heard.
Political Opinion: "Broken promise after broken promise" - Mid Bedfordshire MP Blake Stephenson criticises Labour's Budget
Blake Stephenson MP has slammed the Labour Government's Budget as being full of 'broken promise after broken promise' following another large increase in taxes.
Police and Crime Commissioner's Column: No place for violence - our collective responsibility
Last year, more than 7500 cases of domestic abuse and more than 1600 serious sexual offences were recorded in Bedfordshire. We are confident that this figure is, regrettably, an underestimate. Behind these numbers lie real lives—lives marked by fear, harm, and loss.
Presents for paws: Flitwick cat hotel joins campaign to feed cats in need this Christmas
Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel in Flitwick is joining a special Presents for Paws campaign to help feed cats in need this Christmas.