Bedford Blues are up to fifth in Champ Rugby after Fred Tuilagi's 79th-minute try added an invaluable bonus point to a 40-27 victory against new boys, Blackheath on Saturday (7 November)...

A brace from Jordan Ponticelli and a bullet header from captain, Drew Richardson was enough to confirm back-to-back wins for Real Bedford as they beat Rushall Olympic 3-0 at the Ledger Stadium...

The owners of a Bedford restaurant have spoken of their surprise at receiving national recognition just 12 months after opening.

A man in his 80s remains in a critical condition in hospital following a serious two-car collision on Queens Drive in Bedford, as police urge witnesses and drivers with dashcam footage...

The owners of a Bedford restaurant have spoken of their surprise at receiving national recognition just 12 months after opening.

Universal Studios’ theme park in Bedfordshire will have its own wastewater treatment plant on the site, separate to Anglian Water’s domestic supplies to customers, a meeting heard.

Universal Studios’ theme park in Bedfordshire will have its own wastewater treatment plant on the site, separate to Anglian Water’s domestic supplies to customers, a meeting heard.

A Remembrance Day service will take place at Bedford War Memorial on Sunday (November 8)

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have launched a new public engagement programme in order to gain the views of Bedfordians on the hospital care they receive. The Trust...

Bedford Borough Council are celebrating two prizes at the Improvement East Inclusion Awards this week. The 'Team Around the School' pilot scheme won the 'Early Intervention' award...

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's prevention team joined celebrations at Bedford's Festival of Lights to share fire safety advice with visitors.

A new app to help shoppers find Bedford's independent businesses has now launched, and its creators say it will help connect the High Street, online businesses and customers...

Bedfordshire operating theatre staff have secured a pay deal after 14 days of strikes over proposed changes to overtime.

Don’t miss your last chance to see the Panacea Museum’s latest exhibition, a display of work by the local art group Beds Urban Sketchers. This varied art exhibition opened in early summer...

I am writing to you after hearing of the incident in Wixams on Halloween. Such incidents are harrowing enough for all of us, but especially for those who experience them directly...

A Bedfordshire dairy farm has expressed heartbreak and raised serious safety concerns after being named in an undercover investigation alleging widespread animal...

Another set of plans have been submitted to convert the old GP surgery in Goldington Road into flats.

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...

Real Bedford once again went a goal down early on, but bounced back to register a much-needed 2-1 Southern League win at Anstey Nomads on Tuesday night (3 November)...

After seven dedicated years of campaigning and fundraising, a major restoration project at St Paul’s Church in Bedford town centre has officially reached its first major milestone...

Homeowners refunded £142,000 after rogue trader investigation RosyVega Tue 03/11/2026 4:07pm

3 November 2026

Trading Standards

The traders called uninvited at the property and claimed urgent defects had been found on the roof. The homeowners were then pressured into agreeing to costly roofing works that were later identified as unnecessary.

Trading Standards launched an investigation and identified a range of consumer protection concerns, including failures to provide cancellation rights and practices commonly associated with rogue traders.

Following detailed enquiries and sustained engagement with the relevant financial institutions, Trading Standards helped secure a full reimbursement for the homeowners, who have now recovered all of the money they paid.

Councillor Liz Childs, our Executive Member for Public Protection at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: 

These homeowners suffered a significant financial loss after being targeted by rogue traders using pressure-selling tactics and misleading claims about the condition of their roof.

I'm delighted that, following extensive work by our Trading Standards team and the banks involved, more than £142,000 has been returned to the homeowners. This was a complex case that required detailed investigation and persistence to achieve a positive outcome.

Rogue traders can cause serious financial and emotional harm, often targeting people in their own homes and pressuring them into making quick decisions. This case highlights the importance of being cautious of uninvited callers and shows our commitment to tackling unfair trading practices and protecting Central Bedfordshire residents.

We are reminding residents to be cautious of anyone offering building or repair work after making an unsolicited visit to their home. Residents should never feel pressured into making an immediate decision, should seek independent advice and obtain multiple quotes before agreeing to any work.

Anyone concerned about a trader can contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133 for advice and to report potential consumer protection issues.

Turning 70 has not slowed down one Bedford triathlete and marathon runner, who is now preparing for her next sporting challenge, saying "age is just a registration category"...

The new system to register your car at the tip has been going for a month.

Bedfordshire Police are appealing for your help to find Sana.

Firework season sparks safety checks across Central Bedfordshire oliver.drackford Tue 03/11/2026 11:35am

3 November 2026

Community safety

As Bonfire Night on 5 November approaches, our Trading Standards team is stepping up its annual inspections of fireworks retailers across the area to help keep residents safe.

From late October through November, Officers will be carrying out visits to local retailers to ensure fireworks are being sold, stored and handled safely and legally. Officers will check that appropriate licences are in place, storage conditions meet legal requirements, and that products comply with UK safety standards.

The inspections form part of our ongoing work to protect consumers and reduce the risks associated with fireworks, particularly as sales increase ahead of Bonfire Night celebrations.

Retailers will also be reminded that it is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18 and that breaches can result in enforcement action.

Councillor Liz Childs, our Executive Member for Public Protection, said: 

Fireworks can be enjoyed safely by families and communities when they are purchased from reputable retailers and used responsibly. Our Trading Standards team carries out inspections every year to help ensure fireworks sold in Central Bedfordshire meet legal safety standards and are stored correctly.

We also want to remind residents to be considerate of others when using fireworks, particularly families with young children, older residents, and those with pets or livestock who may be affected by loud noises. By following the rules and planning ahead, everyone can enjoy the celebrations safely.

Residents are encouraged to buy fireworks only from reputable retailers and to look for the UKCA or CE marking, which indicates that products meet the required safety standards.

Residents who are concerned about handling fireworks themselves may wish to attend a professionally organised community firework display instead.

People should also be aware that it is illegal to set off fireworks in a public place, and fireworks must not be used between 11pm and 7am, except on Bonfire Night when the cut-off is midnight, and on certain other recognised celebrations where extended hours apply.

Anyone who suspects fireworks are being sold illegally or stored unsafely can report their concerns to our Trading Standards team by emailing trading.standards@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.