Bedfordshire

The council is hosting three drop-in events this week starting today (Tuesday) to showcase plans for Greyfriars junction.

Bedford’s mayor has said the purchase of the Lloyds Bank building on Bedford’s High Street is part of his election pledge to make the town centre a place where “people want to shop, live, work and socialise”...

A charity funded by Bedfordshire’s police and crime commissioner (PCC) has been described as “being in turmoil” after the sacking of its chief executive, a series of resignations, and the withdrawal...

If you’re planning on using the train this Sunday, be warned.

Scammers have been going after Oasis fans 😢

Don’t fall victim to one of these scams! ❌

Plans for Armistice Day and Remembrance Day have been revealed by Bedford Borough Council, the Bedford & District Branch of the Royal British Legion.

Two en suites? Now, that’s luxury living and it could all be yours if you snap up this house.

Thousands of pounds worth of tools have been stolen from vans near Bedford.

The Call for Sites asks landowners and residents to suggest brownfield land that could be redeveloped to meet future demand for homes and jobs, and other land uses such as green spaces, education and local facilities.

As part of recent engagement, around 3,000 people shared their views on what makes a great place to live and what the future of Central Bedfordshire should look like as the Council starts work on a new Local Plan – the blueprint for growth in the area.

One of the things residents wanted to see was more redevelopment of brownfield land – land that has been built on previously and is now maybe empty or derelict.

The brownfield ‘Call for Sites’ is the next step in the council’s fresh approach to plan-making and is a request for submissions of land that could be transformed, enhancing the local community and reducing the need to develop greenfield sites.

Anyone can submit a site and it doesn’t matter if you don’t own the land yourself. You can still make suggestions from your local knowledge, although the council will need to have landowner support to take it forward.

Councillor Adam Zerny, Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, said:

We want our residents to shape the future of our area, and we’ve heard from thousands of people saying how much they want to preserve green spaces and the unique character of our towns and villages. Maximising the development opportunities of derelict or unused buildings and sites is one way we can do this. We recognise the need to provide new homes and jobs for the next generation, so younger people have the chance to buy their first homes near family and friends, and for people downsizing to stay close to their roots. Developing a Local Plan is a long process, and there will be many opportunities for people to have their say as the plan develops. But one way everyone can make a real difference now is suggesting local derelict sites that could be considered for future development.

Sites can be submitted online from Monday 4 November until Monday 2 December 2024.

Call for Sites - submit a site

A man who killed and dismembered his 74-year-old landlady before hiding her remains in a storage unit has been sentenced to life in prison. YOU CAN WATCH HIS CONFESSION ABOVE

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Bedford Athletic advanced to the Final of the Bedfordshire Cup with a 33-6 semi-final victory over Stockwood Park. It was a commendable win from the Ath's 2nd XI, against a team from the league...

Take the perfect Bonfire Night snap 🎇

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Police are warning people about a fraud around claims of a successful lottery win.

Bedford Town returned to winning form on Saturday as they dispatched Bromsgrove Sporting 3-0 in a comprehensive victory that see them back in the play-off spots in Southern League Premier Central...

Real Bedford extended their lead at the top of Southern League Central Division One to three points after comfortably seeing off Kidlington 5-1 at the Ledger Stadium on Saturday afternoon...

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The family of a missing Kempston man have made a heartfelt plea for him to come home

This luxury stay in Croatia is a family treat