Category: Bedford

Victim left with potentially life-changing injuries after confrontation on the A6 in BedfordshireAuthor: Poppi AndelinPublished 4 hours agoLast updated 4 hours agoPolice are appealing for witnesses after a man suffered serious injuries during an attack on a road in Luton on Tuesday evening.According to officers, the victim was driving northbound along the A6 New Bedford Road, heading away from Wardown Park at around 8.30pm. Investigators believe the incident began when a black Ford Kuga carrying two men flashed its headlights behind the victim’s car between Cranleigh Gardens and Graham Gardens. The driver pulled over to allow the vehicle to pass, but the Ford reportedly stopped directly in front of him instead. All three men then got out of their vehicles before one of the suspects allegedly assaulted the victim, possibly using a weapon during the attack. The suspects later fled the scene, continuing north along the A6 towards the BP garage. The injured man was taken to hospital, where he is being treated for injuries described as potentially life-changing. Bedfordshire Police are now urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or motorists who may have captured dashcam footage in the area at the time, to contact them with information.Detective Constable Ellie Smith, of Bedfordshire Police, said: “This was a vicious assault which has caused very serious injuries.“It is vital that anyone who knows anything about this attack comes forward so we can trace the culprits.”Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.

New police dogs join the team across four countiesAuthor: Grace McGachy Published 4 hours agoFour new police dogs have successfully completed their training and are now part of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire (BCH) Dog Unit.The canine recruits, Murphy, Madden, Dixon, and Muzza, along with their handlers, Sergeant Dan Amos, PC Dale Jenkins, PC Josh Westgate, and PC Liam Mandrell, officially joined the team following a ceremony at Hertfordshire Constabulary’s headquarters earlier this month. The intense 13-week General Purpose Initial Course equipped the dogs with essential skills in scent tracking, searching, obedience, agility, chasing, and detaining. Notably, PD Muzza and PD Murphy were named in tribute to two BCH Armed Policing Unit officers, Sergeant Dan Murphy and former PC Paul Murray, who both passed away last year. Family members of the late officers attended the ceremony, where they received special commemorative plaques, marking the legacy of their loved ones. Chief Superintendent Jon Hutchinson, speaking at the event, highlighted the officers’ profound impact on policing, complementing their professionalism and dedication to service.According to Chief Inspector Declan McDonagh, who leads the BCH Dog Unit, the new recruits embody the legacy and commitment of the officers they honour.“I am incredibly proud to welcome four new dogs to the team, who will be out on the streets sniffing out crime and helping to protect the public alongside their handlers,” he said.Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.

A proposed residential development could deliver new homes, affordable housing and green space on the edge of Potton.
Bellway Strategic Land has submitted outline plans to Central Bedfordshire Council for a development of up to 180 homes on a 22-acre site north of Myers Road.
The proposals include a mix of one to five-bedroom properties, including bungalows, with almost a third earmarked as affordable housing through low-cost rent or shared ownership.
Alongside the homes, more than ten acres of green infrastructure would be created, including public open space, children’s play areas, and new walking and cycling routes.
The scheme could support the future expansion of the Potton Green Wheel, a long-term project aimed at improving links between green spaces and public routes around the town.
Plans also include a new access road from Everton Road, an emergency access point via Myers Road, and upgrades to nearby junctions and pedestrian links, including routes to Potton Primary School.
Matthew Gransbury, strategic land and planning associate for Bellway, said: “There is a significant and growing need for new housing in Central Bedfordshire. 
“Our proposals for the site at Myers Road would help to address this identified shortfall across the district whilst also meeting the recognised demand for smaller-sized properties for first-time buyers and downsizers within Potton itself.
“With almost 3000 households on the district’s housing waiting list, the need for affordable homes is particularly acute. 
“This development would provide 30 per cent affordable housing in line with the council’s policy requirements.
“Prior to submitting our planning application, we conducted an extensive consultation process which involved engagement with the local planning authority, ward councillors, Potton Town Council, and residents. 
“Feedback received during this process was integral in shaping the proposals to balance the requirement for new housing with the need to respect the countryside setting.
“As a result, the maximum number of homes proposed has reduced from 200 to 180, allowing for an increased green buffer between the development and the existing properties on Myers Road. 
“Proposed allotments have been changed in favour of more tree planting and community orchards, which could serve as outdoor educational spaces to connect residents with nature.”

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The Accelerating AI Conference 2026 will return to Milton Keynes on Tuesday 9 June 2026, convening business leaders, technology specialists, public sector partners and regional support organisations to examine how artificial intelligence can be adopted in practical, responsible and commercially viable ways.
Taking place at The Ridgeway Centre, Wolverton Mill, the half-day conference will focus on real-world AI adoption for businesses across Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and the wider South Midlands.

The event will open with networking from 8:30am, with the main conference programme beginning at 9:00am and concluding at 2:00pm.

Delivered with the support of a broad group of regional partners, speakers and business organisations, the conference is designed to move beyond the hype around AI and give attendees useful, actionable insight into where the technology is already creating value.

Partners and contributors include the South Midlands Growth Hub, Milton Keynes City Council, the British Business Bank, the University of Bedfordshire, techUK, Business MK, and speakers from businesses including Fliweel.tech, Qoob, Dragon IS, Zoho UK and Smart City Consultancy.

Accelerating AI Conference 2026 is aimed at business owners, senior leaders, marketing teams, operational decision-makers and SMEs that want to better understand how AI can support productivity, innovation, customer experience and growth.

The programme will explore how AI is changing day-to-day business operations, from automation and digital employees to Microsoft Copilot, AI-led marketing, autonomous robotics, regional business support, public sector adoption and access to finance.

Confirmed speakers include Andy Paul, Founder and CEO of Fliweel.tech, who will explore how AI agents are evolving into operational digital workers; Matthew Rigby-White, Managing Director at Qoob, who will discuss how businesses can build marketing teams that work effectively alongside AI; and Lionel Naidoo, Managing Director of Dragon IS, who will examine Microsoft Copilot, agents and the opportunity for every organisation.

The line-up also includes Robert Simpson, Director of Business Development at Zoho UK; Ian Pulford, Director at Smart City Consultancy and Head of Ohmio UK; Lisa Beckett, Head of Customer, Data and Insight at Milton Keynes City Council; Lewis Stringer from the British Business Bank; Dr Ed Braund from the University of Bedfordshire; and Usman Ikhlaq, Programme Manager for Artificial Intelligence at techUK.

The conference builds on three previous Accelerating AI events held at MK:U and Aiimi, which collectively welcomed more than 400 attendees. Featured as part of Milton Keynes Tech Week in 2025, the event continues to support the region’s ambition to become a leading hub for digital innovation, business growth and responsible AI adoption.

This year’s conference is expected to welcome more than 150 guests to The Ridgeway Centre, one of Milton Keynes’ prominent event venues.

Speaking ahead of the event, Matthew Rigby-White, Managing Director at Qoob and one of the event’s co-organisers and speakers, said: “AI is moving quickly, but many businesses are still trying to understand what it means for them in practical terms. This conference is about bringing together people who are already applying AI across different sectors, so attendees can hear what is working now, what is coming next and how to take sensible, confident steps forward.

“What makes the event valuable is the mix of perspectives. It is not just about one company or one technology. It is about connecting businesses with practical examples, regional support, funding guidance and people who can help them turn interest in AI into action.”

Alongside speaker sessions and expert insight, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with regional support organisations and learn more about funding, advisory services and growth programmes available to SMEs.

The South Midlands Growth Hub will share guidance on funded support available across Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire, including 1:1 advisory support, specialist programmes, Network & Learn events and information on the next round of grant funding due to open in July 2026.

The British Business Bank will also be represented, offering insight into access to finance and investment support for smaller businesses across the region.

Representatives from Milton Keynes City Council, the University of Bedfordshire and techUK will contribute perspectives on public sector AI adoption, regional innovation, research, skills and the wider national technology landscape.

Matthew Rigby-White added: “Businesses do not just need inspiration around AI; they need a clearer route forward. By bringing together technology specialists, support organisations, public sector leaders and regional partners, the conference is designed to help people leave with useful ideas, stronger connections and practical next steps.”

Event details

Event: Accelerating AI Conference 2026
Date: Tuesday, 9 June 2026
Time: Networking from 8:30am, conference starts at 9:00am, event closes at 2:00pm
Venue: The Ridgeway Centre, Featherstone Road, Wolverton Mill, Wolverton, Milton Keynes
Agenda: To be confirmed

Connect with nature, learn new skills and celebrate our environment at a series of amazing free events as part of Big Green Week at The Higgins Bedford. 
Great Big Green Week is the UK’s biggest celebration of action on climate change and nature, bringing together communities across the country to take part in practical, positive action. 
And on Saturday 13 June at The Higgins Bedford, visitors can enjoy learning new skills like whittling or wood carving, relax and unwind during Liz Burfield’s forest bathing and mindful doodling session, or explore nature on the smartphone discovery walk.
There will be fun for younger audiences too. Nature’s Playground will be running snail-themed crafts, dressing-up, stories and sensory play for children aged three to eight. And there will be information stands from community groups Country Days, seed planting with Zesti Foundation and more. 
Bedfordshire Natural History Society (BNHS) will be there with a nature table and volunteers that can help visitors find out more about the huge variety of wildlife to be found across the county and how we can all work to support nature conservation locally. 
Volunteers from The Higgins will be running a plant stall with a beautiful array of indoor and outdoor plants for sale. All proceeds from the plant stall help support and develop the gardens around The Higgins Bedford. 
All events are funded through ACE (Arts Council England) as part of The Higgins Bedford’s project. 
There are many more Green Week events happening around the Borough, including events at John Bunyan Museum, Bedfordshire Libraries and Panacea Museum. Explore the full listings of events at www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk or www.greatbiggreenweek.com 
 
Event Listing
The Higgins Bedford – Saturday 13 June 11am-4pm
Whittling Taster Session – 11am-12.30, 1-2.30pm and 3-4pm
Booking Essential Suitable for adults and supervised children aged 10-plus.
Higgins Plant Stall 11am-4pm
Suitable for all.
Country Days Nature Table 11am-4pm
Suitable for all.
Zesti Foundation Seed Planting 11am-4pm
Suitable for all.
BNHS (Bedford Natural History Society) Nature Table 11am-4pm
Suitable for all.
Nature’s Playground 2-4pm
Drop-in. Suitable for children aged three to eight.
Smartphone Discovery Walk 2-3.30pm
Booking Essential. Suitable for adults and supervised children aged 10-plus.
Canopy & Craft Taster Session 3- 4.30pm
Booking Essential. Suitable for adults. 
 
www.thehigginsbedford.org.uk for more information
 
Events at John Bunyan Museum
Saturday 13 June 10am-2pm
Seed Swap
Book Swap
Children’s Craft Activities
www.bunyanmeeting.co.uk for more information
 
Events at Panacea Museum
Saturday 6 June 
Charity Plant Stall 11am-4.30pm
Sustainability Information Table 11am -4.30pm
 
Saturday 13 June
Craft Stash Swap 11.30am- 3.30pm 
Charity Plant Stall 11am- 4.30pm
 
Events at Bedfordshire Libraries
From 6-14 June take part in nature-themed treasure hunts at all libraries. 
Enjoy nature themed Rhymetime sessions throughout the week.

Northamptonshire Steelbacks Women return to T20 action tomorrow as they face Bedfordshire & Huntingdonshire Women at Desborough Town CC.

In the previous round, the Steelbacks cruised to a nine-wicket victory over Herefordshire Women at the cinch County Ground as Amelia Kemp struck an unbeaten half century.

Tier 3 Bedfordshire & Huntingdonshire will go into the game as underdogs but the competition has already shown that any result is possible. They beat Lincolnshire Women by four runs in a thriller at Dunstable Town CC.

Bedfordshire & Huntingdonshire posted 130/7 from their 20 overs and they held their nerve in the field to secure their spot in the next round.

For the Steelbacks Gemma Marriott is back on captain duties, while Emma Gibbs will take the gloves from Chloe Hill. Seamer Liz Russell returns to the fold after missing the Steelbacks One Day Cup defeat to Sussex last week.

Play starts at 2pm at Desborough Town CC on Sunday and entry is free to all spectators. A limited livestream will also be available on the Steelbacks TV YouTube channel.

Steelbacks squad to face Bedfordshire & Huntingdonshire:

Gemma Marriott (c), Beth Ascott, Ava Clive, May Drinkell, Emma Gibbs (wk), Chloe Hill, Amelia Kemp, Anisha Patel, Elina Patel, Ella Philips, Liz Russell, Lenny Sims

Olly Murs has completed the penultimate day of his “brutal” endurance challenge to raise money for charity.The singer-songwriter and TV personality is running, cycling and rowing 249 miles (400km) between Manchester and London to raise money for children’s charity Unicef.On Thursday, which was Murs’ 42nd birthday, he travelled from Nether Heyford, Northamptonshire, to St Albans, Hertfordshire.The presenter, from Witham in Essex, said: “It’s been brutal today. My quad is so sore… I can’t believe this is how I’m celebrating my 42nd birthday – something I’ll never forget!”

Cranfield said it had briefed the University and Colleges Union (UCU) on the merger.A spokesperson for UCU said: “Staff and students from both institutions will rightly be concerned about future provision, and the universities now need to provide guarantees that no jobs or courses will be cut.”The BBC also spoke to Frances Miles, regional organiser with union UNISON, shortly after the merger was announced.She said staff were “worried” about what it would mean for them.”Generally, there are risks in any merger that staffing will be cut to save money, and we need reassurance that this isn’t a smokescreen for more cuts and that the jobs are secure,” she added.However, Holford said that staff and unions did not need to be alarmed.”We don’t anticipate job losses – the merger is not predicated on job losses, so people should feel secure in that,” she said.Holford pointed out that the university had previously made a series of staffing cuts.She added: “Cranfield has already been through an exercise where we focused on our core strengths. We cut some courses, and we did have to have some job losses along with that.”We’re hoping to recruit more people, and actually, the five-year plan is for growth in the number of people, not for shrinkage.”

The move follows the merger of the universities of Kent and Greenwich in 2025.As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield will benefit from the interdisciplinary breadth and scale of King’s. King’s, in turn, will be strengthened by Cranfield’s world-renowned expertise in technology, engineering and management, alongside its deep and long-standing partnerships with industry and government. Prof Dame Karen Holford, chief executive and vice-chancellor at Cranfield University, said the merger would “create a global university” delivering excellence with “purpose, drive and scale”.She added that they would continue their mission to tackle real-world issues with “Cranfield University’s outstanding applied research… and long-standing industry links to King’s”.Lord Patrick Vallance, science minister, said the merger “creates an extraordinarily powerful university”.”It holds huge potential for the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor” and gives “King’s a place at the heart of one of our most important regions for science and technology”, he said.

A man has told councillors to a spend a day in a wheelchair so they can understand what it is like for his disabled mother to navigate potholes.Frazer Merritt, 44, said he was left “shocked” when he returned to Cambridge after five years to reportedly see the same potholes that were present before he had left.His 82-year-old mother, Chris Merritt, meanwhile, added that the state of the roads and pavements made it difficult for her to get around and her complaints go unanswered.Cambridgeshire County Council said that safe travel was a “key priority” and it was spending more than £78m on “delivering highways maintenance”.