Bedfordshire

Bedford Blues saw off a spirited challenge from National One side, Blackheath in their first pre-season game under the Friday night lights, scoring six tries in a 34-24 victory at Goldington Road...

Now this is something that certainly won’t jar with us – not having to worry about which bottle or jar goes where.

Mini golf is back at Russell Park, Bedford with a newly refurbished course that has taken on a historical twist celebrating the Borough's iconic landmarks. The new 12-hole accessible mini golf course...

Bedford Prison has come under fire following the death of a prisoner.

Bedford Borough Council has issued a warning that there could be some overnight noise and disruption with work on the long-awaited Wixams Station beginning later this month...

Bedford Borough Council has issued a warning that there could be some overnight noise and disruption with work on the long-awaited Wixams Station beginning later this month...

Preparatory work for the new Wixams station begins in earnest.

Owners of zombie-style knives and machetes are being encouraged to hand them in during a month-long amnesty.

With the Bedford Running Festival taking place in just over a fortnight, a team at the Bedford Independent has dusted off their running shoes, stretched out their calf muscles, and downloaded the...

While Bedfordshire is known for its nature, history and, of course, clangers, you might be surprised to learn that there are some famous faces who have called the county home.

Headline information on the Department for Education's (DfE) provisional Key Stage 4 data for Central Bedfordshire shows:

• The overall Attainment 8 score is 43.8, which is a 0.6 point decrease on 2023
• 64% per cent of students achieved Grade 4 or above in English and mathematics, which is the same figure as in 2023
• 42% per cent of students achieved Grade 5 or above in English and mathematics, which is a 1 percentage point decrease from 2023
• The average English Baccalaureate point score is 3.77, which is a 0.1-point decrease from 2023

Councillor Steve Owen, Central Bedfordshire Council Executive Member for Children and Families, said:

I am pleased that so many students across Central Bedfordshire have done so well and have seen the rewards at the end of so many years of study. Teachers, parents and carers have also played a huge part in this important step in young people’s lives. I wish everyone the very best in deciding upon their next steps.

Our ‘Find Your Future’ website has details on education, training, apprenticeships and volunteering. 

Some of Central Bedfordshire’s headteachers have also spoken of the success of their students, including:

Etonbury Academy

Principal Joanne Young said:

Congratulations to every student who collected their exam results. They have been a wonderful cohort of students throughout their time at the school and have embraced the academic challenge that GCSE presents. They have been determined to always aim high and be the best they can be.” “I would also like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the staff who have supported the students and worked tirelessly to ensure students are able to achieve their full potential. Thanks also must go to the parents and carers of students collecting results today for their unwavering support. Working in partnership with our families is one of the keys to the success of the school.

Manshead CE Academy

Headteacher Debbie Chivers-Shepherd said:

We are delighted for our Year 11 students and for the staff that worked so hard to support them. Their hard work has resulted in a significant increase in our overall GCSE performance and a great finale to the academic year.

Redborne Upper School

Olly Button, Headteacher, said:

Congratulations to all Redborne Year 11 students for another impressive set of GCSE results. Most students achieved a good pass in both English and Mathematics ensuring they are well placed for the next stage of their education or employment. We look forward to welcoming most of them back into our Sixth Form and wish everyone the very best for the future.

Stratton School

Principal, Sam Farmer added:

To those who are leaving Stratton School this year, we wish you all the best as you embark on the next chapter of your educational journey. We also look forward to welcoming back our successful applicants into our Sixth Form who will continue their studies with us. In this next academic year, we're entering a truly exciting chapter at Stratton School as we prepare to welcome Year 7 and 8 students for the first time this September. Expanding into a full 11-18 secondary school is a proud moment for us. We've been working hard to refresh and upgrade our facilities, and we're eager to embark on this new phase for Stratton School.

The waste was dumped along Woodside Road, Luton, an area covered by us. We began an investigation having received a complaint about the fly tipping.

The waste, traced back to Mr Haq, included car parts and general refuse which he claimed to have paid someone to dispose of the waste. We issued Mr Haq with a Fixed Penalty Notice which he failed to pay, and he also failed to attend a required interview under caution. As a result, we began legal proceedings.

Mr Haq was fined £660, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £264, and costs of £1,261. Investigations into identifying the individual who dumped the waste continue.

The Executive Member with responsibility for community safety, Councillor Steve Owen said:

We know residents want us to do what we can to reduce fly-tipping across Central Bedfordshire – one of the ways we can do that is by clamping down on those who dispose of their waste illegally and bringing them to justice. We're working hard to tackle this issue, and we know that only a very small minority of people dispose of waste irresponsibly. People can help further by making sure that anyone you hire to take away your waste has a valid waste carrier’s licence and get the proper paperwork as proof.

We are urging communities to work together and share information to help catch fly-tippers. Anyone who witnesses fly-tipping or wants to report a fly-tip can visit our website, call 0300 300 8302, or email customers@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.

Bedfordshire’s biggest bus operator has revealed figures which show significant improvements, in 2024, on its reliability and the number of local people it carries.

School leavers across Bedford Borough have been collecting their GCSE results this morning, and schools have been sending us their news so we can collectively celebrate their success...

Bedfordshire Youth Opera’s (BYO) double bill of Dido and Aeneas and Down in the Valley opens at the University of Bedfordshire Theatre on Polhill Avenue this Wednesday, bringing music...

The Mayor of Bedford, Tom Wootton (Conservative) has confirmed that work being carried out at the former Debenhams store on Silver Street has begun, turning it into small business...

Your weekly what’s on guide for Bedford and the surrounding area from The Bedford Clanger. Never miss a thing in Bedford ever again. From theatre to film, live music to art exhibitions, The Bedford...

The new owner of a holiday park in Pavenham has ordered the removal of all privately-owned static caravans at Riverside Holiday Park, leaving the current residents in limbo ahead of a deadline at the end of October...

Instead of your children threatening to run away with the circus, why not enrol them into a workshop to learn the skills instead?

Swimmers have been urged to avoid 19 beaches across the UK due to serious health concerns.

Bedfordshire’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (DPCC), Umme Ali, is "concerned" about the increase in domestic abuse families seeking housing in Bedford Borough...

The police have released an image of man wanted in connection with a non-fatal strangulation offence.

Wixams Parish Council has asked two councillors to resign after a vote of no confidence was held, but parish councillors David Whiteley and Clinton Taylor deny the accusations...

Wixams Parish Council has asked two councillors to resign after a vote of no confidence was held.

Every summer the serene countryside of Bedfordshire comes alive with the sound of swing and rock & roll as Twinwood Festival draws thousands of enthusiasts from around the globe...