News

Public service leaders urge Bedfordshire residents to keep preventing the spread of coronavirus

12/3/2020 8:45:00 AM

Public service leaders from across Bedfordshire have urged people to continue playing their part in halting the spread of coronavirus as the county moves into more local restrictions.

From today (Wednesday) Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Luton will move into tier two restrictions, having spent the past month in the national lockdown.

In the last few weeks Bedfordshire has started to see the positive impact of people reducing their contact with others, with the nu...

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Festive Christmas Trail comes to Bedford Town Centre

12/1/2020 2:05:00 PM

This Christmas, Bedford Borough Council in partnership with Love Bedford have set up a festive Christmas Trail across Bedford Town Centre.

Starting on Friday 4 December, the Christmas Trail lets families explore the town centre to find the twelve Christmas characters that have been hidden in the windows of some of your favourite town centre businesses.

The trail, which runs until Thursday 24 December, is free to enter and although aimed at younger children, it can be enjoye...

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Bedford Borough To Be in Tier Two- High Alert

11/26/2020 12:33:00 PM

With national restrictions coming to an end next week, the Government has announced that Bedford Borough will be in Tier Two- High Alert from Wednesday 2 December.

This means:

you must not meet indoors with anyone you do not live with or who isn’t in your support bubble.
groups of no more than six people can meet outdoors, including in a private garden
pubs and bars must remain closed, unless operating as restaurants. Hospitality venues can only serve al...

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Philip Simpkins, Bedford Borough Council Chief Executive Announces Decision To Retire

11/24/2020 3:33:00 PM

Philip Simpkins, Chief Executive at Bedford Borough Council has announced that he will be stepping down from the role in April 2021.

Philip has worked in local government for 43 years and for Bedford Borough Council since 1990, having previously held posts including Director of Finance and Deputy Chief Executive before being appointed as Chief Executive of the newly formed unitary authority in 2009.

Philip Simpkins said “It has been an honour to work with and for the people...

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The Higgins Bedford calls for community stories for UK Disability History Month

11/23/2020 2:08:00 PM

UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) is an annual event that serves as a platform to focus on the history of people living with a disability and their struggle for equality and human rights. It raises awareness of the history of inequalities people with disabilities have encountered and continue to face today.

This year, Disability History Month runs from 18 November to 18 December and focuses on the theme of ‘Access: How far have we come? How far have we to go?’

To reco...

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Short-Term Parking Bays Introduced in Bedford Town Centre

11/20/2020 2:05:00 PM

Bedford Borough Council has introduced ten short-term parking bays across Bedford Town Centre, to allow shoppers to take advantage of click & collect in Bedford Borough.
During the current lockdown, some shops in the Bedford Town Centre are offering a click & collect service, making it easier for shoppers to support local businesses in the town centre. Under current government guidelines, non-essential retailers can still open for click & collect services, where shopping ...

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Parents reminded to social distance on the school run

11/20/2020 12:43:00 PM

Bedford Borough Council are asking parents to remember to social distance and wear face coverings if possible at the school gates, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Rates remain high in Bedford Borough and as children and young people have been returning to schools following half term the Council is asking everyone to play their part.

There have been reports of groups meeting outside or near schools after the school run. Bedford Borough Covid Marshals have visited some...

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The Jobs Hub is open for business

11/20/2020 10:29:00 AM

The Jobs Hub is here to help residents of Bedford Borough find employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities.

COVID-19 has caused many uncertainties in the job market, with people struggling to find employment and some looking to retrain to pursue new career paths, The Jobs Hub is available to all residents of Bedford Borough who would like support and guidance to help them.

The Jobs Hub reopened the doors to their building on Greyfriars on 2 November and are ready ...

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Residents urged: ‘Play your part’ to stop Covid-19 spread

11/20/2020 10:23:00 AM

HEALTH bosses in Bedford have joined up with leaders from Bedford Borough Council to urge residents to ‘play their part’ and abide by new lockdown rules, following a steep rise in new Covid-19 cases and hospital admissions in the town.

Patricia Davies, Accountable Officer for NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Groups said:

“The increase in infections is a cause for concern locally. We’re already seeing more patients that need urgent care as a r...

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Council to Move to 100% Green Electricity

11/19/2020 3:54:00 PM

From 1 April 2021, Bedford Borough Council will be moving to 100% green renewable electricity.

This will see the Council owned and operated buildings and street lighting across the Borough powered by renewable energy.

Climate change is recognised internationally as a serious global crisis, with carbon dioxide releases from burning fossil fuels as a major contributor.

By switching to 100% green renewable energy, the Council is leading the way for local businesses and...

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