Local News
Bedford Ian writes…
15 May 2026: Lifeblood, Another round, Order order and Electric Avenue. Bedford Ian has been looking at recent goings on across Bedford Borough and tells us what he thinks of it all…
Local messages
Plans for up to 1,000 new homes in Bedford's Ford End Road take a step forward
Plans for up to 1,000 new homes on the former Ford End Road gasholders site in Bedford have taken a step forward.
Monthly column: New volunteers hit the river
On a beautiful spring day, new volunteers enjoyed a morning of getting to know each other and their mentors during a BedsGOVET training day, held at Harrold Country Park for easy access...
Get Weekly Updates
Get the headlines in your inbox every week.
Letters: The mayor is asking the electorate to judge him on his record – he might as well just resign
In the Green Party, we were interested in the Mayor’s comments about the next election, that “the town should go Green”. Whether he was talking about Bedford or Kempston, he’s right...
Man in serious condition after “violent assault” at Bedford takeaway
Police are appealing for witnesses after a man in his 50s was seriously injured following a violent altercation at a takeaway shop on Midland Road in Bedford. Officers were called to Midland Road...
Bedford landlord who searched 'how do police find out if you grow cannabis in your house' sentenced
A landlord who was letting properties as cannabis factories has been handed a suspended sentence.
'My concern turned into alarm' panel overseeing Bedford council's financial recovery raises issues
An independent panel overseeing Bedford Borough Council’s recovery programme has warned there is an “optimism bias” in the authority’s improvement plans and said the pace of change must increase.
Everything’s coming up roses for Moggerhanger’s Open Gardens event
If you’re not lucky enough to visit Chelsea Flower Show next week Mogerhanger’s Open Gardens event will make up for it.
Huntingdon Races to host ‘Syndicate Night’ encouraging locals into horseracing ownership
Bedford's nearest horse racing track at Huntingdon is hosting an RSA 'Syndicate Night' on Tuesday, 19 May in an effort to boost horseracing ownership. This comes after Huntingdon's...
Independent panel raises alarm over pace of Bedford council recovery plan
An independent panel has warned Bedford Borough Council its recovery plans show an “optimism bias”, calling for faster delivery and stronger financial management. Yesterday’s Finance and...
Design plans for new Queens Bridge linking Bedford and Kempston being finalised following demolition
Design plans for a replacement Queens Bridge linking Bedford and Kempston are being finalised, following its demolition.
Watch: Demolition complete as Bedford prepares for new Queens Bridge
Bedford Borough Council is preparing final design proposals for a replacement Queens Bridge linking Bedford and Kempston after demolition of the old structure was completed...
Chairman and vice-chairman at Central Bedfordshire Council reappointed unopposed
Conservative Caddington councillor Kevin Collins has been re-elected chairman of Central Bedfordshire Council for a second year.
What does the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire do? The ancient role explained
The role of High Sheriff dates back more than 1,000 years. Here’s what the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire does today, how the role began and why it still matters. Today, the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire...
Bedfordshire’s new High Sheriff wants to champion kindness, volunteers and young people
New High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Ismail Anilmis has pledged to champion kindness, volunteering and opportunities for young people during his year in office. Ismail, a well-known Bedfordshire...
Monthly column: We must deliver for young people in Bedfordshire
Young people across Bedfordshire are being let down by this Government time and time again. Since being elected as our MP in 2024, I have made it a priority to put young people at the heart...
Bedfordshire’s Cranfield University could become part of UK ‘super-university’
Cranfield University and King’s College London have announced plans to merge by 2027, creating one of the UK’s largest universities and boosting Bedfordshire’s role in science and technology...
Sharnbrook runner raises £3,600 for cancer charity after daughter’s leukaemia battle
Sharnbrook mum Jude Goodacre completed the TCS London Marathon and raised more than £3,600 for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust after it supported her daughter following leukaemia...
Gorgeous former Bedford coaching inn goes back on the market after less than four years
The old Swan pub in Elstow has gone back on the market with an elevated price tag to match.
Third bid submitted for flats behind Bedford High Street shops
Plans to build four flats behind Bedford High Street shops have been submitted for a third time after two earlier planning permissions expired without work starting. The latest application...