Biggleswade news

Thursday, 6 June 2024

New special school places approved in Biggleswade and Shefford

We have approved new special school places at Ivel Valley School and College and Shefford Lower.

Thursday, 2 May 2024

Bridging the future: bridleway bridge officially opens in Biggleswade

Biggleswade’s residents and visitors now have a safer way to cross the East Coast Main Line thanks to a new bridleway bridge at Lindsells Level Crossing.

Monday, 22 April 2024

Enforcement efforts combat blue badge misuse in Central Bedfordshire

Our recent enforcement measures targeting fraudulent use of Blue Badge disabled parking permits have put three drivers at risk of potential court action.

Friday, 15 March 2024

Story Search podcast: a celebration of arts and culture in Central Bedfordshire

A captivating new podcast series celebrating the rich arts and cultural heritage of Central Bedfordshire has just gone live.

Wednesday, 28 February 2024

Have your say on new special school places in Biggleswade and Shefford

We have launched two statutory consultations to ensure that more children and young people with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) have access to great education.

Thursday, 15 February 2024

What’s on this half-term in Central Bedfordshire?

As the half-term holiday approaches, we're reminding families about the exciting activities available in the area that they can enjoy together.

Monday, 4 December 2023

Green celebrations as 21 Central Bedfordshire schools receive Eco-Schools Green Flag Award

In a resounding testament to the commitment to environmental sustainability, 21 schools have achieved a prestigious Green Flag Award for their outstanding and innovative sustainable projects.

Tuesday, 14 November 2023

Christmas 2023 road closures

Various road closures to accommodate Christmas preparations.

Tuesday, 7 November 2023

Remembrance Day Road Closures: Sunday 12 November

Road closures and closure times for Sunday 12 November 2023.

Wednesday, 1 November 2023

Have your say on proposed active travel networks in Central Bedfordshire

As part of our active travel commitments we want to make it easier and safer to walk, wheel and cycle in our towns.

Tuesday, 17 October 2023

Biggleswade Library re-opens after transformation

Biggleswade Library opens its doors this month after being transformed into a modern facility.

Monday, 16 October 2023

Residents only access at Central Bedfordshire Household Waste Recycling Centres

From 1 November 2023, visitors to Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) - also known as tidy tips - in Central Bedfordshire will be asked to show proof that they live in the area.

Thursday, 14 September 2023

Council set to deliver £4.6m investment in Central Bedfordshire

We are finalising plans for £4.6 million of government funding to deliver investment in town centres, provide support for businesses and rural communities, and enhance skills for local people.

Tuesday, 29 August 2023

Leighton Buzzard children benefit from pre-loved school uniform sale

Around 180 children have received school uniform ready for the new term in September, as a result of Leighton Buzzard Children's Centre’s annual pre-loved school uniform event.

Friday, 25 August 2023

Students celebrate GCSE exam success

Thursday 24 August 2023, students at schools across Central Bedfordshire have been discovering their GCSE results.

Thursday, 24 August 2023

Council reviews restrictions on dogs control orders and alcohol in public areas

We are reviewing our public space protection orders (PSPOs) and people are being asked for their opinions about the review.

Monday, 21 August 2023

Leighton Buzzard Children's Centre celebrates 15th birthday

Last Thursday (17 August), Leighton Buzzard Children's Centre celebrated its 15th birthday with a fun-day!

Thursday, 17 August 2023

New Community Energy Groups emerge, pioneering sustainable energy initiatives in Central Bedfordshire

Central Bedfordshire takes a giant leap towards a sustainable future with the formation of two ground-breaking community energy groups that are set to revolutionise the local energy landscape.

Friday, 28 July 2023

We support plans to investigate potential for additional health and care facility in Leighton Buzzard

We're working closely with the BLMK ICB and residents’ groups in Leighton Buzzard with regard to early-stage plans to bring a new healthcare facility to the town.

Monday, 3 July 2023

Introducing App-Bike: Biggleswade’s new cycle hire scheme

A new cycle hire scheme comes to Biggleswade. Five docking stations will be provided at locations throughout the town. Bikes will be hired by downloading user-friendly app on smartphone.

Wednesday, 24 May 2023

Community Safety Team assist police with weapons sweep

Our Community Safety Team supported Bedfordshire Police with Operation Sceptre last week (15 to 19 May) – a dedicated week of action to raise awareness of the dangers of knife crime.

Tuesday, 9 May 2023

Temporary closure of recycling centres for maintenance work

Starting from the end of May until August 2023, we will be temporarily closing three of our household waste recycling centres – Biggleswade, Ampthill and Leighton Buzzard.

Monday, 6 March 2023

Shefford and Stotfold Children’s Centre supports families with free, hot meals

In the first two months of 2023, a club run by Shefford and Stotfold Children's Centre has provided food for 13 adults and 25 children.

Friday, 3 March 2023

New Central Bedfordshire special school approved to next stage

Our application for a new special free school has been approved to progress to the next stage.

Thursday, 2 March 2023

Children’s Centre offers free half term fun for children

Leighton Buzzard Children’s Centre, on East Street in Leighton Buzzard, ran a free activity session during half term, which was attended by 18 families with almost 36 children.

Tuesday, 28 February 2023

Bridge to future growth in Biggleswade reaches new milestone

A 350-tonne crane has lifted the new Lindsells Bridge into position over the East Coast Mainline in Biggleswade.

Monday, 13 February 2023

Flitwick Children’s Centre has supported over 1,500 families in the past year

Through weekly outreach sessions in the community, staff at Flitwick Children’s Centre have supported 1,528 families over the past year.

Monday, 13 February 2023

Schools in Biggleswade set for two-tier change

We have approved plans for its lower and middle schools in the Biggleswade area to become either primary or secondary.

Wednesday, 8 February 2023

Milestone for new bridge over the East Coast Main Line in Biggleswade

A new bridge over the East Coast Main Line, made possible thanks to funding we've secured, has reached an important milestone.

Friday, 23 December 2022

Children’s centre teams up with local charity to deliver food parcels to families

A children’s centre we run has teamed up with a local charity to pack and deliver food parcels to families in time for Christmas.

Thursday, 8 December 2022

Biggleswade Library set for a major refurbishment

Biggleswade Library is about to be transformed into a modern, attractive facility and community hub for residents.

Monday, 28 November 2022

New bike repair stations open for use

We've installed a series of new bike repair stations for residents to use in different locations across Central Bedfordshire, as part of a suite of wider improvements to cycling infrastructure.

Wednesday, 23 November 2022

Forestry Commission Treescapes Fund: round two

We're planting 750 trees across towns in Central Bedfordshire as part of the second phase of the Local Authority Treescapes Fund (LATF).

Friday, 4 November 2022

Plans to get more people cycling and walking in Central Bedfordshire

The views of residents across Central Bedfordshire continue to be sought to shape plans to make cycling and walking the first choice for local journeys.

Tuesday, 1 November 2022

Have your say on changes to Biggleswade schools

A consultation has been launched seeking your feedback on proposals to change the Central Bedfordshire Council-maintained three-tier schools in the Biggleswade area to two-tier from September 2024. 

Friday, 28 October 2022

The first Tiny Forests come to Central Bedfordshire

We have received confirmation of a successful bid of over £150,000 from the Local Authority Treescapes Fund (LATF), to support the planting of its first Tiny Forests.

Tuesday, 11 October 2022

Children’s home rated ‘good’ by Ofsted for fifth year in a row

Maythorn Children’s home in Biggleswade has been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted for the fifth year in a row. The home has achieved a ‘good’ rating in every inspection conducted since 2017.

Thursday, 6 October 2022

Grant Palmer to take over local bus service

Flitwick-based bus operator Grant Palmer, is to provide an alternative bus service for passengers from Biggleswade, Potton and Sandy from the end of October.

Wednesday, 28 September 2022

Central Bedfordshire to see boost in electric vehicle chargepoints for residents – funding confirmed

We've successfully secured £360,000 in funding toward the installation of 48 new electric vehicle charge points with 98 charging bays at 12 locations across Central Bedfordshire.

Tuesday, 30 August 2022

New transport interchange to put Biggleswade on the fast track to jobs and growth

Work has begun on the new £2.3million Biggleswade transport interchange that supports transformational growth in the town.

Friday, 5 August 2022

Day centre donates vegetables to local food bank

Last week, Silsoe Horticultural Centre donated leftover vegetables from its farm shop to Preen CIC; a food bank in Biggleswade.

Wednesday, 3 August 2022

Biggleswade Adult Centre’s trip out to Biggleswade Fire Station

In June, adults with learning disabilities from Biggleswade Adult Centre visited Biggleswade Fire Station for a tour around the site by a member of the fire and rescue service.

Tuesday, 2 August 2022

Council Executive agrees proposals to enhance Biggleswade Library

Our Executive Committee has agreed proposals for a £700,000 refurbishment of Biggleswade Library to provide a modern, attractive facility community hub for residents.

Wednesday, 27 July 2022

New electric vehicle charging scheme trialled in Central Bedfordshire

Our new initiative is making the charging of electric vehicles at home safer and easier for residents without off-street parking.

Tuesday, 26 July 2022

Have your say on plans to get more people cycling and walking in Central Bedfordshire

The views of residents are being sought to shape plans to make cycling and walking the first choice for local journeys across Central Bedfordshire.

Friday, 22 July 2022

We're continuing to raise awareness of exploitation this summer

A team of our youth workers, social workers and community safety officers were out and about last weekend as part of a project to tackle exploitation.

Wednesday, 20 July 2022

A major project set to power up Biggleswade gets underway

Work has begun on a new electricity substation that provides the vital infrastructure to power up new homes, business growth, and jobs in Biggleswade.

Wednesday, 6 July 2022

Biggleswade self-storage company fined for breaking planning rules

A landowner and 2 directors of self-storage company ‘Contain-it-4U Ltd’ in Biggleswade have been fined more than £2,100.

Tuesday, 28 June 2022

Changes to Potton schools approved

Our Executive Committee has approved changes to two schools in Potton in order to create a primary school with effect from September 2023, as part of the Schools for the Future programme.

Thursday, 23 June 2022

Residents urged to comment on plans to stop moving traffic offences

Residents are being asked to comment on potential new powers to address moving traffic offences across the whole of Central Bedfordshire.

Tuesday, 21 June 2022

Have your say on the future of our day service for older people

There are only a few weeks left for people to take part in two consultations to help shape the future of our day service for older people.

Thursday, 2 June 2022

Bedfordshire Lieutenancy: The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Bedfordshire Winners 2022

Buckingham Palace has today announced The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service recipients for 2022.

Wednesday, 25 May 2022

Community Safety Team support knife crime week of action

We supported Bedfordshire Police with Operation Sceptre last week (16 to 20 May) – a week of action to tackle knife crime.

Thursday, 21 April 2022

Bedfordshire Queen’s Award for Enterprise Winners Announced

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, has praised 2 Bedfordshire companies that were among the winners in the 2022 Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, the UK’s most prestigious business awards.

Wednesday, 6 April 2022

Biggleswade woman fined for falsely claiming she was homeless

A 25-year-old Biggleswade woman who falsely declared she was homeless on a housing application has been sentenced to a six-month community order.

Thursday, 31 March 2022

New partnership launched to support adults with autism

A new partnership has been launched in Central Bedfordshire to better support local adults with autism.

Tuesday, 29 March 2022

We've welcomed £109,000 funding for Changing Places facilities

We're delighted to have received £109,000 grant funding in the first round of the Department for Levelling Up Housing, and Communities Changing Places Fund.

Tuesday, 22 March 2022

Central Bedfordshire encouraged to plant a tree for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

We have completed our tree planting pilot, with approximately 300 garden trees given away to be planted in homes across the area.

Monday, 14 March 2022

We're consulting on plans to enhance Biggleswade Library

We're proposing a major makeover of Biggleswade Library to provide a modern, attractive facility and community hub for residents.

Thursday, 10 March 2022

Biggleswade residents asked to step forward with views on a proposed sustainable transport corridor

Plans to encourage more cycling and walking in Biggleswade in the future are being shared with residents for comment.

Tuesday, 8 March 2022

We're calling for feedback on plans to change two schools in Potton

We've launched a statutory consultation on a proposal to amalgamate Potton Lower School and Potton Middle School to create a primary school from September 2023.

Friday, 25 February 2022

Council agrees budget for 2022/23

At our Full Council meeting on 24 February, we agreed on our annual budget.

Thursday, 24 February 2022

Next arrival in Biggleswade is a new transport interchange

Another major development in Central Bedfordshire is to start as the site of the new £2.3 million Biggleswade Transport Interchange is prepared for construction.

Friday, 11 February 2022

Approval for changes to Potton schools and new plan to be developed for Biggleswade schools

Our Executive committee has agreed a number of actions that aim to improve education in the Biggleswade area.

Thursday, 28 October 2021

Murder, mystery and mayhem with Central Bedfordshire libraries

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

Monday, 18 October 2021

We're match funding the Forestry Commission's Treescapes Fund

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

Friday, 8 October 2021

Queen’s Green Canopy: “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee”

We're supporting The Queen’s Green Canopy, a tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

Friday, 17 September 2021

Music centres in Central Bedfordshire re-open, to start the new term on the right note

After a year of distribution caused by the pandemic, Inspiring Music (our music service) announces the re-opening of its three music centres for face-to-face music making, playing and performing.

Monday, 16 August 2021

Central Bedfordshire Council holds Community Action Day in Biggleswade

Central Bedfordshire Council held a successful Community Action Day in Biggleswade last week.

Tuesday, 3 August 2021

Central Bedfordshire Council launches summer recruitment support campaign

Throughout the summer, our National Careers Service Team will be engaging with residents to help support people looking for employment and the skills to help prepare them for new jobs opportunities.

Tuesday, 3 August 2021

We're working with businesses to raise awareness of exploitation and domestic abuse

We've spent time visiting local businesses to raise awareness of drug dealing, its associated exploitation and domestic violence.

Friday, 16 July 2021

We held our first Community Action Day in Leighton Buzzard

We held our first Community Action Day in Leighton Buzzard earlier this week.

Thursday, 8 July 2021

Lily and Dixie sniff out shops’ illegal tobacco and cigarettes

Sniffer dogs Lily and Dixie have put their noses to good use, helping our Trading Standards Team seize illegal tobacco across several shops in the area.

Monday, 5 July 2021

Biggleswade transport interchange gets the green light

Plans to create a new transport interchange for Biggleswade at the railway station have been approved by our Development Management Committee.

Thursday, 24 June 2021

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

We've launched a public consultation on proposed changes to schools in Biggleswade and the surrounding area, which includes a move from the three-tier model to a primary/secondary model of education.

Friday, 11 June 2021

We've launched a business survey to review Stratton Business Park Local Development Order

We've launched a survey to capture the thoughts of local businesses on the Stratton Business Park in Biggleswade to feed into the review of the Stratton Business Park Local Development Order.

Thursday, 10 June 2021

Council agrees to consult on changes to schools in Biggleswade and the surrounding

We have approved the launch of a public consultation on proposals for schools in Biggleswade and the surrounding area.

Tuesday, 8 June 2021

Welcome Back Fund boost for local high streets

As part of the government’s £56 million Welcome Back Fund being issued to councils nationwide, we're being allocated £255,873 to help local high streets re-open and attract shoppers and tourists.

Wednesday, 19 May 2021

Biggleswade company fined more than £100K after worker seriously injured

A company based in Biggleswade has been fined over £100K after one of their warehouse workers was seriously injured.

Friday, 14 May 2021

Lindsells crossing bridleway bridge scheme proposed

A proposal to invest a total of £5m to replace the Lindsells level crossing in Biggleswade with a bridleway bridge has been submitted as a planning application by Network Rail.

Monday, 19 April 2021

Local business rapid testing for Coronavirus is ‘no brainer’ to keep staff safe

Manager of local firm Potton Windows is urging fellow local businesses to take advantage of rapid testing for Covid.

Thursday, 15 April 2021

Free rapid COVID-19 tests now available for everyone over 18 in Central Bedfordshire

If you're over 18 and don’t have symptoms of coronavirus, take advantage of free rapid COVID-19 tests which are now available from community testing sites, local pharmacies or online.

Wednesday, 14 April 2021

Decision on Abbotsbury older persons’ care home

A plan to close Abbotsbury older persons’ care home in Biggleswade and move residents to alternative, more suitable accommodation was agreed at our Executive meeting on 13 April.

Tuesday, 6 April 2021

Plans submitted for rail and bus interchange in Biggleswade

We've submitted a planning application to invest a total of £2.3 million in a new rail and bus interchange next to Biggleswade railway station.

Wednesday, 10 March 2021

Donate digital devices through High Sheriff’s scheme to support Central Bedfordshire pupils

Members of the public are being encouraged to donate their no longer used digital devices to be data erased, refurbished and distributed to pupils across Central Bedfordshire.

Tuesday, 2 March 2021

Consultation begins for walking and cycle routes in Biggleswade, Cranfield and Leighton Buzzard

New active travel schemes to encourage more walking and cycling have been proposed in Biggleswade, Cranfield and Leighton Buzzard.

Tuesday, 16 February 2021

Help Vera celebrate turning 100!

A care home in Biggleswade is asking people to help celebrate a resident’s 100th birthday, by sending in birthday cards.

Friday, 12 February 2021

Free rapid COVID-19 testing available for workers in customer facing roles

In partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care, we've launched a community testing initiative to help drive down COVID-19 transmission rates.

Monday, 11 January 2021

We're deploying new COVID-19 stewards

We've employed 16 new COVID-19 stewards to support businesses and the public.

Friday, 8 January 2021

Consultation to launch on changes to special schools and SEND provision in Central Bedfordshire

A consultation is set to launch about changes to Central Bedfordshire’s four special schools and additional places for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) within mainstream schools.

Wednesday, 18 November 2020

Councils win at National Sustainable Travel Awards

In partnership with Luton Council, Bedford Borough Council and Govia Thameslink Railway, we triumphed at the National Sustainable Travel Awards 2020 last week, winning the Best Partnership Award.

Friday, 6 November 2020

Play your part by supporting our local businesses during lockdown

The next four weeks will see many of the local shops and services we love having to stop trading. But not all Central Bedfordshire businesses are shutting down during lockdown.

Monday, 2 November 2020

Contracts signed for £70 million investment in Biggleswade

Working with partners including Biggleswade Town Council, we've signed contracts for £70 million of central government funding for Biggleswade via Homes England.

Friday, 30 October 2020

Have your say on the future of Abbotsbury Older Persons’ Home

A consultation on the future of Abbotsbury Older Persons’ Home has launched, as part of a wider programme to improve the accommodation offer for older people across Central Bedfordshire.

Monday, 12 October 2020

Council seeks views over leisure facilities and being active

We are consulting residents, businesses and organisations over its draft leisure facilities and physical activity strategies.

Tuesday, 15 September 2020

We've set out our carbon neutral sustainability plan

A major step forward in making us carbon neutral by 2030 was agreed by our Executive Committee (Monday 14 September) when it recommended the next full Council meeting adopt a new sustainability plan.

Monday, 20 July 2020

Biggleswade skatepark rolls into action

The new skatepark at Chambers Way play area in Biggleswade is now open for use.

Wednesday, 8 July 2020

Abandoned bikes restored for NHS key workers

Three bikes abandoned at railway stations in Bedfordshire have been renovated for NHS key workers at Biggleswade Hospital.

Wednesday, 22 April 2020

Garden waste collections to resume

We’re planning to restart collections of garden waste from next Monday, April 27 operating a normal service.

Wednesday, 26 February 2020

Two fined over Council Tax benefit fraud

Two people received fines and costs and have to pay back thousands of pounds after admitting fraudulently claiming Council Tax Support for years while they were actually working.

Monday, 10 February 2020

Bike recycling event

Our Travel Choices team will be holding a bike donation event on Wednesday 19 February from 8am to 1pm at Biggleswade’s Saxon Pool and Leisure Centre car park.

Monday, 10 February 2020

Green light for skatepark

A detailed design for the new Chambers Way skatepark in Biggleswade has been signed off by Central Bedfordshire Council with construction work set to start in April.

Tuesday, 3 December 2019

New state-of-the-art gym facilities at Saxon Leisure Centre

The newly refurbished gym is the latest in a line of redevelopments at the leisure centre, designed to enhance the community facility and encourage everyone to get active.

Wednesday, 16 October 2019

Biggleswade skatepark initial designs revealed as Central Bedfordshire Council seeks feedback

The initial designs for the new Biggleswade skatepark are being revealed to the public next week.

Friday, 11 October 2019

Help us create the right future for Central Bedfordshire

Residents are being urged to imagine what Central Bedfordshire will be like in 30-years’ time as the council launches a major consultation with residents.

Tuesday, 8 October 2019

Biggleswade pool open, after £1 million facelift

We've given the Saxon Leisure Centre in Biggleswade a facelift with new, modern, swimming pool changing facilities to make them more family-friendly and give customers more privacy.

Wednesday, 2 October 2019

Your library - a gateway to the digital world

Want to produce your own version of Who Do You Think You Are? Or indulge in your secret love for K-pop or old skool jungle? Or binge read a year’s worth of Hello! magazine?

Friday, 20 September 2019

Get your idea off the ground with our help

With our partners, Community Catalysts, we're looking to help local people to start up small businesses or community ventures designed to care for and support other people in their local area.

Wednesday, 11 September 2019

HM Lord-Lieutenant’s Honours Ceremony held at The Woburn Hotel

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis honours Bedfordshire recipients of Queen's Birthday Honours, 2019.

Monday, 9 September 2019

Have your say on changes to dog control orders and antisocial drinking orders

A blanket rule requiring dogs to be on leads in any open space with a marked sports pitch could be relaxed, but residents will be consulted before any action is taken.

Friday, 23 August 2019

Family atmosphere at council care home rated one of the best

Biggleswade’s Abbotsbury Residential Home, run by Central Bedfordshire Council, is rated as one of the best in the country by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for its family atmosphere.

Tuesday, 20 August 2019

A new model for power investment - Investment in 240MW Supergrid for Central Bedfordshire through Housing Infrastructure Fund

We have allocated £40M of £70M Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) grant to a ground breaking first 240MW Supergrid which will boost power supply over the whole of Central Bedfordshire and beyond.

Monday, 19 August 2019