Bedfordshire

A fire at a waste operator’s treatment facility has left a local authority facing uncertainty over its dry recycling collections across Central Bedfordshire in the run-up to the...

Bedford's Embankment could gain seven self-contained flats – if plans are approved.

Bedford’s Embankment could gain seven self-contained flats – if plans are approved. Bedford Borough Council has received an application to convert a former house in multiple occupation...

The impact pets can have on people’s mental health has come under the spotlight in a new partnership between the RSPCA and Bedford singer-songwriter Tom Grennan.

Bedford's motorists will have seven road closures to avoid nearby on the National Highways network this week.

It is hoped this will only last for a few days.

This is due to issues outside of the council’s control.

The council has two contractors; one which collects household waste in the bin lorries, and another firm that treats this waste.

The firm that treats our recycling waste has suspended their service with just one business days' notice and no time to make alternative arrangements.

Residents are asked not to put their orange-lidded and green-lidded bins out for collection as of Monday 8 December.

Central Bedfordshire Council’s Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience, Councillor Tracey Wye, said:

The council is working flat out to try to resolve this as quickly as possible, to minimise the impact on residents.

We will update the council website, and social media, as soon as there is more information.

Residents who sign up for email bulletins will also receive an update as soon as all is back to normal.

Read more about the recycling pause.

In the meantime, residents can book a slot at their local Household Waste Recycling Centre where they take cardboard, paper, tins and cans for recycling. If that’s not possible, please store recycling at home until normal collections resume.

Food waste collections and residual waste (black bin with black lid) collections will continue as normal.

Here’s one to mark in your diaries, people.

This month’s Great Bedfordian is proud Kempstonian, Ken Parsons, the host of the wonderful Bedford Podcast. “I got frustrated at the amount of negative moaning on social...

Since 2020, the Bedford Independent Everyday Hero Awards have been held to celebrate individuals and organisations who go the extra mile to help those in our local community...

Real Bedford Women finished their 2025 home fixtures in style with a strong 5-1 win over AFC Wimbledon at the Ledger Stadium on Sunday (7 December), remaining fourth in the table...

Bedford singer Tom Grennan backs the RSPCA’s Big Give Back to Animals winter appeal with an emotional new You Are Not Alone video, highlighting rescue dog stories and rising abandonment...

East of England Ambulance Service backs new winter advice to help older and vulnerable people in Bedfordshire and beyond prevent falls, know what to do and when to call 999...

Bedford Town were once again denied all three points by another late show, as play-off chasing Scarborough scored a 95th-minute penalty to salvage a 2-2 draw in Bridlington on Saturday...

Bedford Borough councillors have raised questions over how the council defines “vacancy”, after the former Debenhams building was excluded from the official count of empty units...

5 December 2025: Street stupidity, Christmas sparkle, Giddy for Grennan, and Point proven. Bedford Ian has been looking at recent goings on across Bedford Borough and tells us...

by Mohammad Yasin, MP for Bedford and Kempston

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.

New CCTV images have been released by Bedford Borough Council in a crackdown on fly-tipping in the town.

Bedford music star Tom Grennan has backed a video set to his smash hit Remind Me – featuring fans and Bedford people.

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 order, which makes it a criminal offence to enter the premises, was granted in response to persistent concerns from residents, schools and businesses about the shop’s ongoing sale of illegal tobacco and vapes, including sales to minors over the past year. The decision was taken following information supplied by members of the public.

Councillor John Baker, our Executive Member responsible for public protection, said:

This closure sends a strong message that repeated criminal activity will not be tolerated in Central Bedfordshire. We are grateful to residents for reporting suspicious activity to the council, which supports our Trading Standards team take firm action. Illegal tobacco undermines legitimate businesses and poses real health risks, and we will continue to act robustly to protect the community.

If you suspect a business is selling unlawful tobacco or vape products, or supplying age-restricted products to minors, find out how to report it anonymously.

Bedford’s mayor has warned that there is a “critical month” ahead as councillors question whether authority may need Exceptional Financial Support.

BBC Songs of Praise has filmed a special Advent episode in Bedford, highlighting Hope in Bedfordshire, a town centre flash mob in the Harpur Centre and prayers at St Paul’s Church...

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...

A new appeal is calling on Bedford residents and businesses to help maintain daytime support for people experiencing homelessness this winter.

An eight-year-old boy from Bedford has published a book to raise autism awareness and help other children facing similar challenge to his own.