News Archive

Community art project to commemorate Captain Sir Tom Moore

Local school children to help with artwork A new piece of art is set to honour Captain Sir Tom Moore, featuring artwork by local children and cards he received for his 100th...

Final week to have your say on improving bus services

Bus Back Better: Enhanced Partnership Consultation Following the publication of our Bus Service Improvement Plan – part of the government’s new national bus strategy (Bus Back...

Sandy Cricket Club: Walking Cricket

Sandy Cricket Club will be organising FREE taster sessions for anyone who would be interested to participate in Walking Cricket. If you would be interested in having a go, please come along to...

There’s still time to complete the Police Precept survey 2022.

If you haven’t done so already, please follow the link below to take the survey and share your views: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3TD8NNQ The closing date is 20th January...

Weekly COVID-19 update 13.01.22

Number of COVID-19 cases still extremely high Although over the last week (week ending 12 January), new cases of COVID-19 in Central Bedfordshire have gone down by 964 to 4,152, the number of...

Skills for work

Would you like to gain qualifications to improve your CV and boost your employment opportunities? BESS Adult Learning is working in partnership with Best Practice People to provide Central...

Timebanking

Timebanking is a community initiative where people come together to share skills and time.   Please see here for more information. 

Cyber Crime Survey

The survey can be found here - http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/consultations and really will only take a couple of minutes to complete.

Sandy Skatepark Design Consultation Meeting - 19/01/22

You're invited to help shape Sandy's new skatepark! Come to a design consultation meeting at 5pm on Wednesday 19th January in our Council chamber at 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy, SG19...

Solar panel cold-callers spotted in Flitwick

Act with caution if you receive a visit from an unexpected caller The Trading Standards team is warning residents – especially those with solar panels fitted to their homes – to be...

Flood resilience spending programme gets the green light

Our Executive has approved approximately £6 million in grant funding to better monitor, respond and adapt to changing flood risks over the next 6 years. We were one of 25 councils to be...

Have your say on how social and affordable housing is allocated in Central Bedfordshire

We are proposing changes to our Housing Allocation Scheme and would like your feedback Our Housing Allocation Scheme sets out who qualifies for social and affordable rented housing in Central...

Create your own musical video game

Bring an adventure to life by creating your own video game… and maybe invent the next Fortnite or Minecraft! A free, fun and educational after school club, where those aged 8 and up...

Bedfordshire Fire Service Public Consultation

It's time to have your say! We're kicking off the new year by giving Bedfordshire the chance to feed back to us on how we are doing. Follow this link: https://bit.ly/3pl4X9v to...

Active Lifestyles

Start 2022 with our new 10 week exercise schedule, live from Monday 10th January! See the new 10 week schedule for our Facebook Live classes free to everyone. Find us on Facebook  -...

SEND News and Update 06.01.22

Welcome to this edition of the SEND News Bulletin.  This week includes information on • Happy New Year • Household Support Fund • Home-Start Parenting...

Weekly COVID-19 update 06.01.22

Massive increase in number of COVID-19 cases Over the last week (week ending 5 January) new cases of COVID-19 in Central Bedfordshire have gone up by 1,192 to 5,116, a rate of 1,739.6 cases...

Tell us your experiences of cyber crime

We have launched a new survey We have launched a new cyber crime survey to establish the scale, the impact and awareness of cyber crime in Central Bedfordshire to inform our future work....

Improving bus services: Have your say on the next steps

You can help shape the future of bus services in Central Bedfordshire Following the publication of our Bus Service Improvement Plan – part of the government’s new national bus...

Your views will support our community buildings

Our community buildings and halls are at the heart of our towns and villages. They make a significant contribution to a community. They are places where local people meet up and many offer...

How to recycle your real Christmas tree

Is your Christmas tree looking a little limp and threadbare? It might be time to say farewell. But don't be sad, it could have another life as wood chippings for paths in our local parks and...

Have your say on budget proposals 2022/23

Each winter, the council refreshes its budget proposals which includes proposals for Council Tax in 2022/23. In the next financial year (from April 2022 until March 2023), we expect to be...

Notice of Councillor Vacancy

Bedfordshire Lieutenancy Press Release: New Year’s Honours List 2022

HM The Queen’s New Year’s Honours List for 2022 has been announced and includes twelve Bedfordshire recipients. Those who have been successful are as follows: Commanders of the...

New year, new you

The new year is a time for new year’s resolutions. So how about (more) walking or cycling for exercise and to meet people where there will be plenty of fresh air? We have books and maps to...

Happy New Year from Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre

Happy New Year! As we say goodbye to 2021, we look forward to 2022 and all it can bring. We are excited to see the return of Leighton Buzzard Music and Barnstormers comedy, giving us a...

COVID-19 Business Support Grants

Good news – there’s more money and support coming for businesses. However, we do not have any grant schemes open yet as we are waiting for further information from the...

Have a safe and happy Christmas

Get Boosted During the festive season, it is vitally important we keep ourselves and our loved ones as safe as possible. Booster jabs are the best way to do this. First and second doses are...

Highest ever COVID-19 case numbers recorded

Over the last week (week ending 22 December), new cases of COVID-19 in Central Bedfordshire have gone up by 929 to 3,114, the highest ever recorded and a rate of 1,058.8 cases per 100,000....

Sandy Town Council Christmas & New Year Closure

Please be aware that Sandy Town Council's Reception & Information Centre at 10 Cambridge Road, Sandy will be closed from 12noon on Friday 24th December 2021 until 9am on Wednesday 5th...

SEND News and Update 22.12.21

Welcome to this edition of the SEND News Bulletin.  This week includes information on • SEND Progress Update • Household Support Fund • Home-Start Parenting...

Tips for a smoke and booze-free Christmas

When it comes to smoking and drinking, it’s easy to get swept up in endless festive celebrations and overdo it. If you want to reduce the amount you smoke or drink, free support is...

Be Central Bedfordshire - Business Newsletter 21.12.21

Public Health message: Guidance for large venues Businesses have been given additional advice and guidance and are now required to use COVID-19 status checks as a condition of entry. If your...

New provider appointed for advocacy services

VoiceAbility were successful following procurement process Following a procurement process, we have appointed a new provider for Adult Advocacy Support Services. An advocacy service helps...

Hurry! Only a few days left to have your say on local pharmacy services

Your local health services want to get a better understanding of how pharmaceutical services are used in Central Bedfordshire, to make sure you receive the highest quality care. What are...

Get Boosted now!

Get your Booster jabs as soon as you are eligible. The NHS has stepped up its vaccination campaign to provide more opportunities for you to get your booster vaccine. If you had your 2nd...

One month left for parents to apply for school places

There is only one month left for parents to apply for school places if their child is due to start school or go to middle school in September 2022. Applications are now open. Parents applying...

One month left to have your say on how social and affordable housing is allocated in Central Bedfordshire

We are proposing changes to our Housing Allocation Scheme and would like your feedback Our Housing Allocation Scheme sets out who qualifies for social and affordable rented housing in Central...

Be Central Bedfordshire - Business Newsletter 17.12.21

Have your say on council budget draft Central Bedfordshire Council will be inviting you to have your say on its draft budget for 2022-23. This will include council tax, our spending plans for...

We are trialling an innovative technique to repair roads and footpaths

We are trialling an innovative technique to make long-lasting repairs to our roads and footpaths. A special hand-applied micro asphalt by Rejuvo will provide an exceptional, hardwearing road...

It's behind you! Oh no it Isn't! Oh yes it is!

It's showtime! We all love going to see a show at Christmas, the comedy, the slapstick, the dressing up, the pantomime horse, the children shouting out with  righteous indignation...

Council outlines support for most vulnerable households this winter

How we're allocating funding from the Government's Household Support Fund In September the Government announced its new £500m Household Support Fund, designed to support those...

Weekly COVID-19 update 16.12.21

New cases of COVID-19 reach another record high Over the last week (week ending 15 December), new cases of COVID-19 in Central Bedfordshire have gone up by 6 to 2,185, a new record high,...

Bedfordshire’s Victim Services, Signpost has a new name

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s, victim service has a new name.  Signpost, the current name will be changing to ‘Bedfordshire Victim Care Services’ as of...

One month left to apply for your child’s lower, primary or middle school place for September

Deadline for applications is 15 January 2022 Children born between 1 September 2017 and 31 August 2018 are due to start school in September 2022. Parents applying for their children to start...

We're seeking parent governor representatives for children’s committee

Could you be a parent governor representative on our Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee? We are seeking nominees for a replacement volunteer parent governor...

Volunteers to help in vaccination centres

See here for more information. 

Holiday Activities & Food Programme Winter Holiday Activities

Please click on links below for more information:  Activities Flyer Bedford Blues Sandy Creative Activities List Holiday Clubs List SEND Activities List Sports...

Your Christmas and New Year Waste Collections

Some people say the countdown to Christmas begins when the John Lewis advert appears on TV or even on first day of December.  But we all know that the true countdown begins when the council...

Latest news from Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre

Arts and Culture Survey A team of researchers at the University of Bedfordshire has been commissioned by Central Bedfordshire Council to undertake research on the arts and culture...

Weekly COVID-19 update 09.12.21

COVID-19 cases reach record high and first Omicron case confirmed locally Over the last week (week ending 8 December), new cases of COVID-19 in Central Bedfordshire have gone up by 445 to...

Consultation on the Tenancy Strategy for Central Bedfordshire Council's Social Housing Tenants

Our proposed strategy will see an end to the use of five-year fixed term tenancies and offer secure tenancies often referred to as 'lifetime' tenancies. The key proposal is to end the...

Our goggles are on so let's jump in

A £25 million leisure centre is planned for Houghton Regis on the Kingsland Campus and we have the first artist impression showing you what it could look like. The impressive facilities...

SEND News and Update 08.12.21

Welcome to this edition of the SEND News Bulletin.  This week includes information on • eLearning: A guide to co-production • Useful Information for parents - New joint...

New leisure centre planned for Leighton Linslade

Another new leisure centre is planned for Central Bedfordshire after our Executive agreed to progress plans for a £25 million facility in Leighton Linslade. The next step is to a develop...

Fairness taskforce given green light at Executive

Preventing people from being left behind or slipping into need in Central Bedfordshire, which has been exacerbated by COVID-19, was top of the agenda at today’s Executive committee (7...

Public Consultation – Aligning policies across BLMK

Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group (BLMK CCG) is undertaking a public consultation asking residents to share their views on proposed changes to three of its...

Be Central Bedfordshire - Business Newsletter 02.12.21

First aid products made available for the public and private sectors Counter Terrorism First Aid products have been developed in collaboration with medical professionals and lead government...

Covid Update 02.12.21

COVID-19 cases back up again Over the last week (week ending 1 December), new cases of COVID-19 in Central Bedfordshire have gone up by 285 to 1,734 (589.6 cases per 100,000) with rates highest...

CBC Volunteering Newsletter - December 2021

Edition December 2021 A huge thank you to everyone who volunteers to help our communities in Central Bedfordshire over the holiday period and all year round.  We wish you a safe and...

Bogus "Omicron PCR Test" email

Act with caution if you ever receive a suspicious email We have been made aware of a suspicious email, which is attempting to exploit Covid-19 developments in relation to the new Omicron...

Powering ahead with innovative geothermal energy trial

As temperatures begin to drop and the winter maintenance season starts, we are well prepared with a new geothermal energy system helping keep our vehicles on the roads. As part of the...

Central Bedfordshire schools cycle their way to Lapland

Central Bedfordshire lower and primary schools are once again taking part in a Christmas challenge; counting up their walking, scooting and cycling trips to school to see if they can travel...

SEND News and Update 29.11.21

Welcome to this edition of the SEND News Bulletin.  This week includes information on • SEND Health Focus Week - 29 November • Useful Information for parents - Medical Needs...

Book of the Month -December 2021

Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake Our book of the month is Entangled Life, which explores how fungi make our worlds, change our minds, and shape our futures. The more we learn about...

Bedfordshire Flood Preparedness Week - Day 5

Who to contact during a flood. It’s the final day of the Bedfordshire Flood Preparedness Week. Today’s focus is on who to contact during a flood. Depending on where the...

East London NHS Foundation Trust's (ELFT) New Five-Year Strategy

ELFT provides mental health, community health and some primary care services to the people of Central Bedfordshire. Supporting our partnership working we recently promoted its 'Big...

Suspicious Cold Callers in Arlesey area

Act with caution if you receive an unexpected visit from a tradesman offering their services We have received reports of individuals cold-calling at homes in the Arlesey area, without prior...

Latest shows at Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre

Inspector Drake's Last Case Thu 9, Fri 10 & Sat 11 Dec, 8pm. Inspector Drake’s Last Case is the ultimate murder mystery whodunnit spoof. Watch as Drake, ably hampered by...

Bedfordshire Flood Preparedness Week - Day 4

Flooding – your responsibilities It’s day four of the Bedfordshire Flood Preparedness Week. Today’s focus is flooding – your responsibilities. If you own land...

Have your say: support for unpaid carers

Consultation launches today Today we have launched a public consultation on our new Adult Carers Strategy. It outlines how we will support unpaid carers who are caring for family, friends and...

Weekly COVID-19 update 25.11.21

COVID-19 cases remain very high in most age groups Over the last week (week ending 24 November), new cases of COVID-19 in Central Bedfordshire have gone down by 97 to 1,449 (492.7 cases per...

£600,000 funding for business support programmes with Cranfield University and SEMLEP

We're committing a further £600,000 to deliver additional business support programmes. The programmes will be delivered by Cranfield University and South East Midlands Local...

Roadworks - A1 southbound Sandy to Biggleswade and Buckden to Wyboston

National Highways will be carrying out essential maintenance work to replace the road markings and studs between Sandy and Biggleswade and Buckden and Wyboston. Once complete, drivers will benefit...

Bedfordshire Flood Preparedness Week - Day 3

Flood Kits It’s day three of the Bedfordshire Flood Preparedness Week: Today’s focus is on flood kits. Preparing a flood kit will help stay safe in the event of flooding....

The Leaders Blog - 24.11.21

Transport plans to benefit Central Bedfordshire Councillor Richard Wenham talks about travel plans and government funding received in the past few weeks in his latest blog. Read the...

Survey: Tell us what you think about local pharmacy services

Your local health services want to get a better understanding of how pharmaceutical services are used in Central Bedfordshire, to make sure you receive the highest quality care. What are...

Bedfordshire Flood Preparedness Week - Day 2

How to best prepare It’s day two of Bedfordshire Flood Preparedness Week: Today’s focus is on how to best prepare. Do you live in an area at risk of flooding? You can take...

Bedfordshire Flood Preparedness Week

Know your flood risk This week is Bedfordshire Flood Preparedness Week, coinciding with the Environment Agency's national Flood Action Week. We are working with partners, including...

We need you! Electric Vehicle Charging Pilot

Do you have an electric vehicle that is parked in the road and that is a challenge to charge? We are taking part in a pilot scheme to trial new technology for electric vehicle users who want...

Murder in the Library - The Central Beds Crime Festival - part 2

In Conversation with Cara Hunter Cara Hunter lives in Oxford, in a street not unlike those featured in her books. She has written 5 books (with number 6 coming soon) featuring DI Adam Fawley...

Be safe, be seen - keeping students safe when cycling this winter

A new road safety initiative will see over 500 young people across Central Bedfordshire become safer when cycling to and from school this winter. We have been awarded a grant from the Office...

Remembrance Sunday: a Message from the Mayor

On Sunday, the residents of Sandy turned out in large numbers to remember and pay their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the two World Wars and conflicts in between and since....

The Safer Central community survey

As we move into the final, colder months of 2021, don’t miss your chance to have your say about crime and community safety, by completing our Safer Central community survey. Responses...

Bike recycling events to set old wheels spinning again

We are once again thrilled by the response to our latest call for unneeded bicycles, with 75 bikes now set for new homes and cyclists. The Bike Recycling Scheme sees unwanted and outgrown...

Gathering your views on our community buildings

Our community buildings and village halls are at the heart of our communities. We want them to stay that way. To help us we want to know what you think. Just a few minutes of your time is all...

Murder in the Library

The Central Beds Crime Festival - part 2 Rowan Coleman writing as Bella Ellis Bella Ellis is the Brontë inspired pseudonym of bestselling author Rowan Coleman, who lives with her...

University Of Bedfordshire undertakes Arts and Culture Research on behalf of Central Bedfordshire Council

A team of researchers at the University of Bedfordshire has been commissioned by Central Bedfordshire Council to undertake research on the arts and culture sector. The purpose of the research...

Covid Update 11.11.21

COVID-19 cases are still high and the impact on hospitals is increasing Over the last week (week ending 10 November), new cases of COVID-19 in Central Bedfordshire have fallen by 349 to 1,397...

Latest blog posts from Cllr Wenham 11.11.21

Latest blog posts from Cllr Wenham You can read Councillor Richard Wenham's latest blog posts on: • Green energy and energy efficiency • Creating a legacy with trees •...

Flitwick Transport Interchange: improvements ahead

A new station forecourt, taxi and passenger drop off areas and dedicated facilities for Center Parcs Woburn visitors are all on their way at a new transport interchange in Flitwick. Councillor...

Sandy celebration: Pride of Place Day

Residents of Sandy have celebrated their first Pride of Place Day, coming together to help create a safer environment and improve the look of Winchester Road estate. We hosted the event at the...

Have your say on our proposed Domestic Abuse Strategy

We have launched a public consultation on our new Domestic Abuse Strategy for 2022 – 2025 The proposed Strategy outlines how we will work with partners to prevent domestic abuse and...

SEND News and Update 10.11.21

Welcome to this edition of the SEND News Bulletin.  This week includes information on • New Local Offer website • Local Offer launch events • SEND Forum (formerly...

Sandy Remembrance Parade and Service: Sunday 14th November 2021

Sandy Town Council, the Royal British Legion Sandy & District Branch and St Swithun’s Parish Church are glad to invite people across the town to come together again to honour all those...

All Saints View - Applications are now open

New website for All Saints View We are delighted to announce that All Saints View, our brand-new independent living scheme for the over 55s in Houghton Regis, will be accepting applications...

Holiday Inn Express, Dunstable fined for health and safety breach

A serious health and safety breach at the Holiday Inn Express in Dunstable has seen the responsible parties have to pay fines and costs totalling £16,830. We prosecuted The Gateway Hotel...

FREE Business Support Webinar (30 November 2021)

The Investment, Employment & Skills Team are hosting a free webinar for businesses at the end of the month to promote the current support programmes on offer for free to Central Bedfordshire...

Warmer, greener homes on offer with an extra £3.9m funding from the Green Homes Grant Scheme

More Central Bedfordshire residents are set to benefit from the Government’s Green Homes Grant Scheme with funding available to install free loft and cavity wall insulation. This is in...

Welcome back to Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre

Welcome back! We are very pleased to announce that Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre will re-open it’s doors on Sat 13 Nov 2021. The safety of our audiences, artists and staff remain...

Insulate your home for FREE with a Green Homes Grants

If you are a homeowner living in Central Bedfordshire, you can now apply for grant funding to pay for loft and cavity wall insulation from the government’s Green Homes Grant Scheme. The...

Consultation launched on the Tenancy Strategy for Central Bedfordshire Social Housing Tenants

Have your say on the Tenancy Strategy On 5 November we launched a 12-week consultation on proposed changes to the Tenancy Strategy. The changes are a key as part of improving our housing...

Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre set to reopen

Great news! Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre is reopening with a live performance of Woodland Tales with Granddad on Saturday, 13 November. It’s part of our autumn programme offering...

Be Central Bedfordshire - Business Newsletter 04.11.21

Green Homes Grant for cavity and loft insulation for employees living in Central Bedfordshire Central Bedfordshire Council are offering their local residents the opportunity to have their...

Weekly COVID-19 update 04.11.21

COVID-19 cases down this week but remain high Over the last week (week ending 3 November), new cases of COVID-19 in Central Bedfordshire have fallen by 69 to 1,746 (593.7 cases per 100,000)....

SEND STRATEGY CO-PRODUCTION WORKSHOP WITH PARENTS AND CARERS

We would like to invite parents and carers with children and young people (0-25) with special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to the development of the Central Bedfordshire SEND...

Bedfordshire Lieutenancy: HM Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets ready for service

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis recently appointed her cadets for 2021/2022 at a ceremony held at Bedford Modern School by kind permission of the Head, Mr Alex...

Transforming Bus Services

Bus travel is set to be improved over the coming years, with greener, better connected, and more reliable services for all bus stop We have published a Bus Service Improvement Plan following...

Pride of Place Day & Waste Amnesty - Winchester Road, Sandy

See here for details of the Pride of Place Day taking place in Winchester Road, Sandy on Saturday 6 November. There will also be a waste amnesty, see here for details of the waste that can be...

Murder, Mystery & Mayhem - To Plot a Murder with A B Morgan

The Central Beds Crime Festival Wed 10 Nov 7pm Orchard Community Centre, Biggleswade A former mental health nurse, Alison sings along to the radio, argues with the TV, and chats to the...

Active Lifestyles - 01.11.21

Join us for our new 10 week class programme online - Starting 1st November - A great way to get active before Christmas! Active Lifestyles Find us on Facebook Facebook - Active...

Planning application submitted for future Flitwick crematorium

A new planning application has been submitted for Central Bedfordshire’s first crematorium. We withdrew the original planning application for the proposed crematorium off Fordfield Road...

We've installed solar panels in our highways depot car park to reduce our carbon footprint

We've installed solar panels directly onto the road surface of our Thorn Turn highways depot car park. The energy from these solar panels will be used to light, heat and power the...

Murder, Mystery and Mayhem, our very first Central Beds Crime Festival!

With Halloween over and the kids back at school it's time for some grown up treats this November.  Join us for Murder, Mystery and Mayhem, our very first Central Beds Crime Festival! We...

Book of the Month - November 2021

The Last House on Needless Street This is the story of a murderer. A stolen child. Revenge. This is the story of Ted, who lives with his young daughter Lauren and his cat Olivia in an ordinary...

Advice Central

What is Advice Central? It is: a single point of access that deals with a wide range of advice enquiries staffed by trained assistants to assess and signpost callers to the most...

Murder, Mystery & Mayhem - Rowan Coleman writing as Bella Ellis

The Central Bedfordshire Crime Festival Bella Ellis Bella Ellis is the Brontë inspired pseudonym of bestselling author Rowan Coleman, who lives with her husband, and five children in a...

Weekly COVID-19 update 29.10.21

COVID-19 cases this week reach highest level ever recorded Over the last week (week ending 27 October), new cases of COVID-19 in Central Bedfordshire have gone up to levels not recorded...

Join our libraries this November for our very first Crime Literary Festival

Library crime festival Join our libraries this November for their very first Crime Literary Festival as they go crime crazy with competitions, quizzes, reading challenges and author...

WhatsApp / Messenger scam

Act with caution if you receive a suspicious message from an unknown number or contact A number of residents have contacted us recently after receiving suspicious messages via messaging apps...

Send News 28.10.21

Our relaunched Local Offer website is here New Local Offer website Parents/carers, children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can now browse and scroll...

New Memorial Bench Installed

On Thursday 28th October, the Mayor of Sandy, Councillor Martin Pettitt, joined the Sandy Royal British Legion’s Branch Poppy Appeal Organiser, Cheryl Watkins to mark the installation of a...

Murder, Mystery & Mayhem - An Evening with Peter Laws

The Central Bedfordshire Crime Festival Friday 12 November at 7:00pm Cranfield Village Hall Peter Laws is an author, journalist, film critic and the creator of the Creepy Cove Community...

Have your say on how social and affordable housing is allocated in Central Bedfordshire

We are proposing changes to our Housing Allocation Scheme and would like your feedback Our Housing Allocation Scheme sets out who qualifies for social and affordable rented housing in Central...

New £24 million community hub and leisure facility lined up for Houghton Regis

A modern Community Wellbeing Hub in Houghton Regis is one step closer after Central Bedfordshire’s £20 million ‘Levelling Up’ Fund bid was backed by Government...

Murder, Mystery & Mayhem - In Conversation with Gytha Lodge and Rachael Blok

The Central Beds Crime Festival Monday 8 November at 7pm The Rufus Centre, Flitwick Join us as we chat with two great local authors and find out what attracted them to writing...

Central Bedfordshire Council's - Leaders Blog

The sad death of MP Sir David Amess Councillor Richard Wenham reflects on the sad death of MP Sir David Amess in his latest blog. Read the blog   

Wider business support is available for Central Bedfordshire based businesses

We have partnered with local organisations to deliver a comprehensive package of support to businesses: • Cranfield School of Management: we are working in partnership with Cranfield...

Have you had your say on Sandye Place Academy?

We want to explore, with the community, is what the former Sandye Place Academy site could be used for following its closure by the Department for Education (DfE) in August 2019. Absolutely no...

Roadworks - A1(M) junction 9 slip road: lighting renewal

Highways England plan to close the A1(M) slip roads at junction 9 and carry out renewal of the slip road lighting. They expect to complete this work over five nights from Wednesday 10...

We've installed a solar panel car park to reduce our carbon footprint

We've installed solar panels directly onto the road surface of our Thorn Turn highways depot car park. The energy from these solar panels will be used to light, heat and power the...

SEND News and Update 26.10.21

Welcome to this edition of the SEND News Bulletin.  This week includes information on • New Local Offer website launch events • Parenting Insight Session -SEND •...

Firework season sparks retailer checks to keep the public safe

The nights are drawing in and there is a chill in the air, and it won't be long before the Halloween, Diwali and Bonfire Night season is upon us. But before we can remember, remember the...

Proposed Temporary Road Closure – The Hill, Blunham

Road:   The Hill, Blunham Application from:  Anglian Water - 0800145145 Reason:  Installation of new water connection Length affected: Opposite number 28 Date:...

Weekly COVID-19 update 21.10.21

COVID-19 cases reach highest level since July Over the last week (week ending 20 October), new cases of COVID-19 in Central Bedfordshire have gone up to levels last seen in July. The number of...

National Adoption Week champions the voices less heard

Adoption can be difficult for all those whose lives it touches. Through championing the stories less told, this year's National Adoption Week aims to educate and inform people about adoption...

Keep going this Stoptober!

We're passed the midway point of Stoptober. Even if you haven't gone completely smoke free, it's still a good time to keep trying or start. If you can make it to the 28-day mark...

Murder, Mystery & Mayhem

The Central Beds Crime Festival In Conversation with Amanda Brittany Friday 5 November at 7.45pm Shefford Methodist Church Hall One of the advantages of reading a crime book by a local...

Local business continues to show its support for a new Sandy Skatepark!

We are delighted that Sandy-based GeeJay Chemicals Ltd. have made a generous donation to project funding and expressed their excitement for the Sandy Skatepark Project. Thank you, GeeJay...

Waiting restriction on Medusa Way & Shannon Close Proposals

Please see links below for details of proposals for waiting restrictions on Medusa Way and Shannon Close.  Public Notice A00160 Medusa Way and Shannon Close Plan A00160 Medusa Way...

Council to match fund Forestry Commission Treescapes Fund

We have secured £300,000 in funding over the next four years for tree planting from the Forestry Commission as part of their Treescapes Fund and our Executive have agreed to match fund this...

£32.7 million government funding for M1 to A6 Link Road confirmed

We've been successful in securing £32.7 million in government funding from the Department for Transport for a new road, linking the M1 to the A6. Construction of the new 2.75-mile...

Don’t forget: apply for your child’s school place for September 2022

Deadline for transfer to secondary or upper schools is approaching School admissions 2021 There are only two weeks left to submit school applications for pupils who are transferring to a...

Spooky stories for children to enjoy

Warning If you don't like ghosts, ghouls, vampires, werewolves and witches, read no further! Ghouls of Howfair You're bound to have a Howwww'ling time this  "All...

Sandy Skatepark Project - Frontier Contribute to Project Funding

We are pleased to announce that Frontier, who have a local base in Sandy, have expressed their excitement and support for the Sandy Skatepark Project by making a generous donation to the project...

Newly Planted Trees Vandalised

Sandy Town Council, like many local residents, has been saddened to discover thoughtless acts of vandalism to trees which have taken place in our parks during recent weeks. Saplings, newly planted...

Weekly COVID-19 update 14.10.21

COVID-19 cases up again this week Over the last week (week ending 13 October), new cases of COVID-19 in Central Bedfordshire have gone up by 120 to 965 (328.1 cases per 100,000). There were...

Be Central Bedfordshire - Business Newsletter 14.10.21

All new Business Support Programmes have launched across Central Bedfordshire Further Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) funding from the Government has enabled Central Bedfordshire Council to...

Poppy Appeal 2021

This year the Royal British Legion celebrates 100 years of providing support to the country's armed forces and their dependants, this could not have been achieved without the support of the...

New Remembrance Banners Installed

Sandy Town Council, the Royal British Legion Sandy & District Branch and St Swithun’s Parish Church are glad to share that we will be able to invite people across the town to come...

Bus Service Improvement Plan adopted by Executive

This morning our Executive adopted the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) for Central Bedfordshire which will be published on our website by 30 October 2021. The BSIP will form the basis of...

National survey seeks local views from unpaid carers on social care services

A survey will be dropping on the doormats of unpaid carers of adult social care customers in October 2021. Central Bedfordshire Council as part of a National Survey will be sending out the...

Bike Recycling Events - Sandy 1 November 2021

Please see here for more details.  

SEND News and Update 13.10.21

Welcome to this edition of the SEND News Bulletin.  This week includes information on • New Local Offer website launch events • Diagnosis Support Pack • Carers in...

Street Tag to launch in Central Bedfordshire Schools

School students, teachers, other school staff and their families in Central Bedfordshire are being encouraged to join in the fun of using Street Tag, the free smartphone game app that offers...

Safer Communities & Partnership Team organise successful second conference

150 people attended to learn more about exploitation Over 150 people attended an online conference in September, organised by our Safer Communities & Partnership Team. As part of the...

Central Bedfordshire Intensive Business Support

We're working with South East Midlands Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) to deliver a robust business support programme for recovery and resilience. Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG)...

We will be collecting your garden waste soon

Your garden waste will be collected between 18 and 30 of October. To facilitate this, food waste will not be collected during this two-week window, as collection crews are redeployed to clear...

FREE singalong session in your venue

Bedfordshire and Luton Recovery College has been working with the Place Theatre in Bedford and Mangled Yarn (a performing theatre CIC). Mangled Yarn has recently received some funding to provide...

Services for the visually impaired

If you support someone who is visually impaired, or are visually impaired yourself, Central Bedfordshire Libraries offer large print books, audiobooks, newspapers and magazines in accessible...

Roadworks - A1(M) junction 9 southbound exit slip road

Highways Endland will be carrying out work to renew the slip road lighting at the above location. They plan to complete this work over 10 weeks from Monday 18 October to Thursday 23 December...

Free training - Introduction to working in Early Years Settings

See here for more information 

Queen's Green Canopy - "Plant a Tree for the Jubilee"

Yesterday, alongside Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, we planted trees in Jubilee Woods, Biggleswade in support of The Queen’s Green Canopy, a tree planting...

Cases down but number of deaths increase

Over the last week (week ending 6 October), new cases of COVID-19 in Central Bedfordshire have gone down by 150 to 845 (287.3 cases per 100,000). Sadly, there were 5 deaths registered in our area...

Central Bedfordshire Council: Apartments available at exciting new development for over 55’s in Sandy

Applications are now open for brand new apartments in Quince Court, in Sandy – an independent living facility for over 55’s. Built by specialist housing provider, Grand Union...

Apartments available at exciting new development for over 55’s in Sandy

Quince Court encourages independent living Applications are now open for brand new apartments in Quince Court, in Sandy – an independent living facility for over 55’s. Built by...

New - Leader’s blog

Councillor Richard Wenham, who became Leader of the Council in January, has launched a new blog to share his thoughts and reflections as he travels around Central Bedfordshire and meets local...

Consultation on the former Sandye Place Academy is live

Sandye Place Academy (SPA) Background: the former Sandye Place Academy (SPA) was closed by the Department for Education (DfE) in August 2019. Following the re-organisation of education...

Climate change

With the UN Climate Change Conference taking place in November, now is a good time to be reading, thinking and acting to help the environment. Shefford Library has a climate change book...

False "Trading Standards" claim during suspicious call

Act with caution if you receive a telephone call out of the blue The Trading Standards team has been made aware of a suspicious telephone call a local resident has recently received. The...

Enjoy some family fun in Sandy with The Puppet Van

Sandy Childrens' Centre, Laburnum Road Sat 9 October at 10am and 11.30am Catch the The Puppet Van in Sandy on Saturday 9 October and enjoy a fun outdoor theatre experience for all the...

Are you worried about money?

A number of support schemes that were introduced during the pandemic come to an end this week and this might leave you worrying how you are going to pay your bills, put food on the table or pay...

Housing Minister pays a visit to Central Bedfordshire park home residents

This week (Wednesday 29 September) Central Bedfordshire Council welcomed Housing Minister, RT Hon Christopher Pincher MP to a local park home to see ‘green’ improvements made to...

Almost a thousand new cases last week

Over the last week (week ending 29 September), new cases of COVID-19 in Central Bedfordshire have gone up by 242 to 995 (338.3 cases per 100,000). There was one death registered in our area in the...

SEND News and Update 30.09.21

Welcome to this edition of the SEND News Bulletin.  This week includes information on • New Local Offer website • Update on future ways of working of the Medical Needs...

Be Central Bedfordshire - Business Newsletter 30.09.21

Local business diversifies and continues to win awards Despite the uncertainty of the pandemic, this year has seen many successes for Sandy based Willow Tree Distilling. They have recently...

Stopping smoking is easier with support

Stoptober begins in only a few days time and we’re encouraging you to support your family, friends, and colleagues to help them go smoke free. How can you help someone? People are...

Latest shows from Central Bedfordshire Libraries

The Lost Colour Sat 2, 9 & 16 October (times vary) Join Malcolm Brushell, a professional painter and amateur alchemist, on his quest to find the pinky-est pink paint on the planet!...

Central Bedfordshire Council launches consultation on the future of Sandye Place Academy site

Today, 17th September 2021, Central Bedfordshire Council has opened a public consultation on removing the educational status of the Sandye Place Academy site. See their message and a link to the...

Have Your Say: Skatepark Survey Open Now!

We need your help to develop the design of a new skatepark for Sandy which truly fits the needs of our community. Answer this quick survey to tell us what you think of the initial concept...

Weekly COVID-19 update 23.09.21

Case numbers slightly down but still high and sadly there were seven deaths last week. Over the last week (week ending 22 September), cases in Central Bedfordshire have gone down by 26 to 753...

All Weather Pitch Refurbishment Nears Completion

Sandy’s sports provision will have a great boost this Autumn as major refurbishment works on the All Weather Pitch at Sunderland Road Recreation Ground come to completion. The All...

Grand Union Housing Group: Introducing Quince Court

Introducing Quince Court 55 modern self-contained apartments. The new development at Quince Court will see the addition of 25 modern self-contained apartments to the existing popular...

Consultation on accommodation strategy for adults with care and support needs

On Wednesday, 1 September we launched a 12-week consultation on a draft accommodation strategy for adults with care and support needs to deliver new and improved accommodation for adults with care...

Positive feedback for Council following review of Early Years programme

Not-for-profit organisation Parents As First Teachers review our work We have been praised by not-for-profit organisation Parents As First Teachers, after a review of its training programme...

Central Bedfordshire Council: Our plan to clear your garden wast

Watch our full statement: We are pleased to confirm that we will collect your garden waste between 18th October and the 30th of October. To facilitate this, food waste will not be collected,...

Be Central Bedfordshire - Business Newsletter 17.09.21

Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) scheme open until 28 September Applications are open for the latest round of our Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG). The scheme is open to: •...

Music Centres in Central Bedfordshire reopen, to start the new term on the right note

After a year of distribution caused by the pandemic, Inspiring Music (Central Bedfordshire’s music service) announces the reopening of its three music centres for face-to-face music making,...

Improving Park Home and Caravan Site Management in Central Bedfordshire – Fit and Proper Person Register

In 2013 the government introduced new laws to give tenants more protection and further regulation has now been introduced with stricter rules to clamp down on the small minority of rogue site...

Apply for your child’s school place for September 2022

Applications are now open for children who are due to start school, or transfer to middle, secondary or upper school in September 2022. Children born between 1 September 2017 and 31 August...

Over 900 families benefit from council’s summer holiday programme

1,737 children registered for summer activities This summer, 961 families signed up to Central Bedfordshire Council’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, providing free...

Weekly COVID-19 report -16.09.21

Numbers of cases up this week Over the last week (week ending 15 September), cases in Central Bedfordshire have gone down by 193 to 779 (264.9 cases per 100,000). Sadly, there were eight...

SEND News and Update 15.09.21

Welcome to this edition of the SEND News Bulletin.  This week includes information on • Parenting Insight Session -SEND • CAMHS Wellbeing Seminar - Anxiety & Panic -...

Have your say on proposed changes to schools in Biggleswade and the surrounding area

Don't miss the chance to have your say on proposed changes to schools in Biggleswade and the surrounding area, including a move from the three-tier model to a primary/secondary model of...

Central Bedfordshire Council: Have your say on potential locations for Changing Places Toilets

We want to make Central Bedfordshire a great place to live and work for everyone, regardless of disability. An important part of this ambition is ensuring that everyone in our communities can go...

New grants for groups to tackle vaccine hesitancy

It’s good news if you belong to, or run, a community, faith or volunteer group and would like to help increase vaccine take-up amongst its members. Grants of up to £2,000 are now...

School stories for the new academic year

September, the start of the new school year, brings fresh challenges for children, those starting a new school like Henry and little Owl, or joining a different class and making new friends, or...

Central Bedfordshire Libraries Service Update

Changes to library loan periods and charges From Monday 6th September we will be  discontinuing automatic renewals and re-introducing: • 3 week loan periods (please be aware that...

Weekly COVID-19 report 09.09.21

Numbers of cases up this week The number of new cases of COVID-19 has increased this week, especially among younger people, while the numbers in local hospitals have slightly decreased. Two...

Sandy Green Wheel Walk - Saturday 11th September 2021

Sandy Green Wheel Walk & the Three Green Wheel Challenge: part of Bedfordshire Walking Festival 2021 Join us to walk the Sandy Green Wheel on Saturday 11th September 2021. Meet in...

Sandy Skatepark Project wants to hear your views - survey open now!

Sandy Town Council and Maverick Skateparks are excited to begin the public engagement and consultation stage of the Sandy Skatepark Project. We need your help to develop the initial design concept...

Garden Waste Collections Update 08.08.21

Unfortunately, garden waste collections remain suspended due to the ongoing national shortage of HGV drivers. At present time, we anticipate the suspension continuing throughout September, unless...

Have your say on buses in Central Bedfordshire

We are working in partnership with bus operators to deliver improved bus services for local people and to help make bus travel a more attractive way to travel. A consultation has been...

Bedfordshire Lieutenancy: New Dean of St Albans Appointed to serve Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis is delighted that Her Majesty The Queen has approved the nomination of The Venerable Joanne Kelly-Moore, Archdeacon of Canterbury and Residentiary...

Covid Update 25.08.21

See here for this weeks Covid snapshot.  

Book of the Month - September 2021

The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave On Christmas Eve, 1617, the sea around the remote Norwegian island of Vardo is thrown into a reckless storm. As Maren Magnusdatter watches, forty...

SEND News and Update 01.09.21

Welcome to this edition of the SEND News Bulletin.  This week includes information on • SENDIASS Survey • Parents and Carers Themed Focus Sessions • CAMHSTalk...

Bedfordshire Walking Festival