Bedford Borough Council

We've recently shared our What's on email for April, and there's so much going on this month! If you didn't receive it, you can have a read and subscribe for future bulletins here - https://lnkd.in/eAJE4Sct

Please share your thoughts on the proposed new Public Spaces Protection Orders. These aim to help tackle persistent anti-social behaviour in Bedford town centre. A Public Spaces Protection Order is a tool available to local authorities to address anti-social behaviour in specific areas. Its aim is to ensure that public spaces can be enjoyed by everyone, free from anti-social behaviour. The proposed three-year Public Spaces Protection Order for Bedford town centre seeks to consolidate two existing orders and introduce new measures to tackle a range of issues regularly reported to the Council and its partner agencies. These include drinking alcohol, aggressive begging, spitting and littering in public spaces, and using these places as toilets. Further issues covered include people accessing stairwells or rooftops in public places to commit anti-social behaviour and riding a bike in the pedestrianised area of Bedford town centre between 9am-6pm, or a skateboard or e-scooter at any time. The existing order, restricting the use of cycles, e-scooters and skateboards, will end on 8 June 2025, and the alcohol-related Public Spaces Protection Order ends on 15 December 2026. The new Public Spaces Protection Order aims to create one unified town centre order to improve clarity and enforcement. In addition, the Council is seeking views on extending the existing Public Spaces Protection Order for dog control for a further three years, with potential additions of new locations. The dog control Public Spaces Protection Order covers four key issues, dog fouling, the exclusion of dogs in some areas, and areas where dogs must either be always kept on a lead or are to be put on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer. Paper copies of the survey will be available for collection from Customer Services at the Borough Hub (Horne Lane), Bedford Borough Hall, and Bedford Central Library on the third floor, near the staff desk.

Bedford’s newest school offers a “vision of inclusion and excellence,” after the Mayor of Bedford Borough was shown around Rivertree Free School. The Kempston school, which caters to children with both SEND and physical disabilities, hosted Mayor Tom Wootton and Councillor Jane Walker, Portfolio Holder for Valuing Families: Children’s Services on Thursday, following its official opening earlier this year. And Mayor Tom did not hold back with his praise for the facilities, the dedication of staff, and the warm welcome he received from children. “It fills me with pride to be here today, at what is set to become one of the largest SEND schools in the country,” said Mayor Tom. “In time there will 200 students here, all the way from two years old to 19. “Offering the best possible opportunities to all our young people is a cause that is very close to my heart. And I believe that the people of Bedford Borough will cherish this school for decades to come.” The school in Hillgrounds Road is built on the former grounds of Robert Bruce Middle School, which taught Kempston children for almost 100 years after first opening as Kempston Senior Mixed School. Before that the site had been home to Bedford Road Council Girls' School, and when former Robert Bruce headteacher Frank McMahon visited the building work in 2023 he described it as being the new chapter – “a phoenix from the ashes, which is going to be a fantastic facility”. Councillor Walker echoed his words, saying; “So much hard work has gone into making Rivertree a reality. “There is a real vision for inclusion and excellence here, which is something we want for all of our young people.”

We can give you more than 30,000 reasons why our libraries are blooming – following a successful Love Libraries Month in Bedford Borough. There were more visits and books borrowed across our libraries during this year’s event in February than there were last year. And the 30,000-plus visits included a whopping 19,208 to Bedford Central Library, the highest since the team started recording via the door count system in 2022. Libraries saw a 30% increase in children attending events this February with over 2,700 attending events across all libraries. Adults attending events totalled over 2,000 and marked a 10% increase compared to 2024. Activities ranged from author visits and workshops to Rhyme Times with Bookstart Bear and free half-term crafts. Councillor Sarah Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience (inc. Leisure, Recreation & Culture) said; “Anything which boosts a love of books and reading has to be celebrated, and it’s no surprise that we’ve had such a successful Love Libraries Month during Bedford Borough’s Year of Reading. “If you aren’t yet a member of Bedford Borough Libraries, why not take the opportunity to do so now? Joining is free, and book-lovers will be thrilled to know they can borrow up to 20 books at a time with full library membership. “That goes for children too, so if you have a young reader who is flying through Dogman or Dork Diaries, your bank balance might thank you for getting them a library card. “If you prefer to read on a screen or listen to a book you can borrow free e-books, magazines, and audiobooks - and you don’t even have to remember to return them! Download Libby and BorrowBox to enjoy titles such as Lessons in Chemistry, Thursday Murder Club, Amelia Fang, and the Wild Robot- the list goes on! “Or you are in a hurry to join or don’t have ID on you, you can still get an instant membership to access digital services and borrow up to four books at a time. “Join online at https://lnkd.in/e52Sfkmz or speak to staff at any Bedford Borough library. We look forward to seeing you.”

We welcome the news from London Luton Airport today, as their expansion plans get the green light. This is great news for Bedford Borough residents who rely on the airport for travel – and for those who live here and work there. It's a real boost for connectivity and local employment. https://lnkd.in/eKRBxn9P

Record-breaking success! The 2025 Bedford Junior Aquathlon saw 173 young athletes take part at Robinson Pools & Bedford Park – the biggest turnout in its 19-year history! Aged 8–16, participants swam and ran their hearts out in a fun, inclusive event that celebrated fitness, community, and achievement. Huge thanks to all involved – we can’t wait to do it again in October! Detailed results are now available online at https://lnkd.in/eueQBUbH

Bedford Borough Council is pleased to announce a major victory in its ongoing fight against environmental crime, with five individuals successfully prosecuted for fly-tipping related offences at Luton Magistrates Court on Friday 14 March, 2025. The offenders were collectively ordered to pay over £11,000 and now all have a criminal record as a result of their actions. The cases highlight the Council's commitment to protecting the environment and holding offenders accountable for their actions. The successful prosecutions demonstrate the effectiveness of the Enviro-Crime Team's efforts to tackle fly-tipping, a serious issue affecting communities across Bedford Borough. Find out more at https://lnkd.in/dtU7m_K6

Members of the Cemetery Committee, Councillors and the Mayor of Bedford Borough came together at Borough Hall earlier this week to mark a major milestone: the signing of the Funding Grant Agreement for Bedford’s first dedicated Muslim burial ground.   Cemetery Committee member Parvez Akhtar said: “This moment has been five years in the making. Many larger councils across the country don’t have such a facility, so Bedford is truly leading the way. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far.”   Mayor of Bedford Borough Tom Wootton added: “The project has enjoyed full cross-party support, with all 46 councillors voting in favour, an extraordinary show of unity across the political spectrum. The signing of this agreement marks an important milestone in the creation of this burial site and the start of a new chapter for our Borough.   “It reflects our shared values of respect, inclusion, and dignity, ensuring that all members of our community, in life and in death, are treated with the care and consideration they deserve.”   With White Horse appointed as the contractor, the project now moves into its delivery phase, turning years of planning and community collaboration into reality.

We couldn’t agree more with the Metro today – “Buzzing Bedford **IS** perfect choice!” Our Borough is a fantastic place to live, work, and grow. It’s all about location, location, location – less than an hour from London, nestled between the A1 and M1, with easy access to mainline train routes and major international airports. As a council, we’re proud that Bedford Borough is one of the fastest-growing populations in the country. With our thriving independent shops, fantastic food scene, and vibrant cultural offer, it’s easy to see why so many people are choosing to make Bedford their home.

Thank you to all those that were able to come along and help the team plant trees in Goldington Green Community Orchard last week! We had a great time, and appreciate the support of all of the volunteers who gave their time.