Category: Bedford

Comcast Corp. (CMCSA) shares edged higher in overnight trading ahead of Thursday, after falling to a yearly low in the previous session.The telecommunications giant is reportedly investing more than 5 billion pounds or $6.71 billion to develop Universal’s first theme park in Europe.Comcast NBCUniversal will invest the amount in developing the entertainment resort complex during the five years of construction. The company is also expected to invest an additional 1 billion pounds over the first 10 years of operation.The Universal United Kingdom ResortComcast’s entertainment resort complex is expected to be named ‘Universal United Kingdom Resort’ and will be developed in the U.K.’s Bedfordshire region. In addition to the company’s investment, the U.K. government will invest 1.3 billion pounds in regional and local community infrastructure.The new theme park is expected to create 28,000 jobs between construction and operation, while Universal estimates the project will generate nearly 50 billion pounds in economic benefit for the U.K. by 2055.“This historic partnership is a special moment for our company as we bring our first Universal theme park and resort to Europe. We have a long and proud history in the United Kingdom through Sky and NBCUniversal and look forward to creating a spectacular destination that supports the UK creative industries and brings joy to millions for generations to come,” Brian Roberts, Chairman and CEO of Comcast, said.Comcast Increases Buyback LimitMeanwhile, Comcast also increased the total consideration cap for its cash tender offers from $3.75 billion to $4.14 billion. The company said that it had accepted $4.1 billion in aggregate principal amount of notes for purchase, excluding those delivered through guaranteed delivery procedures, with settlement due on Friday.What’s Retail Saying?Comcast jumped onto the retail radar, ranking among the top trending tickers on Stocktwits at the time of writing. Retail sentiment improved from ‘bullish’ to ‘extremely bullish’ over the past 24 hours amid ‘high’ message volumes.One user noted that investors are concerned about Comcast’s ⁠debt tender offer, adding that it “signals aggressive, capital-intensive spending on a stretched balance sheet at a time when earnings are expected to soften. While reducing debt is generally positive, the market is reacting to the timing and the massive cash outflow required to fund it.”https://stocktwits.com/kicker911/message/655342747However, another user said, “…i’m not sure there’s been a better BUY all year.”https://stocktwits.com/GSTX7/message/655300311CMCSA stock has declined 15% so far this year.

The first Universal theme park in Europe will open in Bedfordshire by 2031, creating nearly 28,000 jobs and delivering an estimated £50bn boost to the UK economyLogo of Universal United Kingdom ResortAuthor: Sam Hall, PAPublished 9 hours agoLast updated 6 hours agoThe name and logo of the UK’s Universal theme park have been unveiled, as investments of £7.3 billion into the project were announced by the American company and the Government.The theme park will be named Universal United Kingdom Resort, with enabling works on the Bedfordshire site currently in progress and construction soon to begin.Universal expects the site, the company’s first theme park and resort in Europe, to generate nearly £50 billion of economic benefit for the UK economy by 2055.The theme park is expected to attract millions of visitors each year including more than a million additional overseas visitors, with the resort set to become the UK’s most popular tourist attraction.Comcast NBCUniversal has committed to invest more than £5 billion in the entertainment resort complex during the expected five years of construction, as well as an additional £1 billion in capital investment over its first 10 years of operation.The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said it was “one of the largest-ever investments in the UK tourism sector” and would bring nearly 20,000 jobs during construction and a further 8,000 jobs when the resort opens in 2031.Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves speaking to workers during a visit to the site of the Universal theme park in BedfordThe Government will support the project with an investment of £1.3 billion on regional and local community infrastructure to “ensure the park can operate successfully, with improved transport links for local residents and visitors from across the UK and abroad”, DCMS said.Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves visited the site on Wednesday morning and met some of the first workers employed on the project after being greeted by Mark Woodbury, chairman and chief executive of Universal Destinations & Experiences.Speaking to Mr Woodbury and Universal workers on her first visit to the site, Ms Reeves, who donned a hi-vis jacket and hard hat, said: “Thank you for choosing the UK.“I know that you could have chosen locations in other parts of Europe.“We’re really thrilled you’re going to be here and we’re determined to work with you to make it the massive success that I know it’s going to be.”Mr Woodbury said the resort would bring “immersive storytelling, thrilling attractions and unparalleled creativity and innovation to the UK”.He told Ms Reeves the company was “ready to break ground and make this the most spectacular theme park in all of Europe, if not the world.”Molly Murphy, president of Universal Creative, said the company was “thrilled” to have the Chancellor visit to mark the beginning of enabling works on the site.Asked why Bedfordshire was selected, Ms Murphy told reporters: “We chose Bedfordshire because it is an exciting place.“There’s an amazing amount of creative talent in the UK that we can tap into and this place is a perfect location to build the greatest theme park in all of Europe, so we’re very excited about doing that.”Following the site visit, the Chancellor and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy hosted Brian Roberts, chairman of Comcast Corporation, and Mr Woodbury at 11 Downing Street to unveil the resort’s name and logo.Mr Roberts said the company looked forward to “creating a spectacular destination that supports the UK creative industries and brings joy to millions for generations to come”.The Chancellor said: “This landmark investment in the heart of the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor will unlock nearly £50 billion of economic growth and create tens of thousands of jobs across Bedfordshire in construction, hospitality, creative and technology sectors.“Our own investment in transport and infrastructure means that local people will benefit – improving connectivity, backing our creative industries, and bringing millions of visitors to the UK from across the world.”As part of the £1.3 billion investment, the Government will provide a grant of £400 million through the Exceptional Regional Growth Fund and DCMS will provide a grant of £438 million to invest in new community infrastructure to “maximise the benefits of the development and support growth across the region”.These grants will be paid only once Universal has completed the community infrastructure (in the case of the DCMS grant) and officially opened the theme park and resort.The Department for Transport will also upgrade the strategic road and rail network, on the A421 and at Wixams train station at an expected cost of £474 million.DCMS said Universal choosing Bedford for its first European park is “a testament to the strength of the UK’s visitor offering and creative industries”.It added that Universal had “committed to world-class training opportunities for the next generation of its workforce, including through a range of apprenticeships and internships”.Culture Secretary Ms Nandy said: “This unparalleled investment is a huge vote of confidence in the UK and puts rocket boosters under our entertainment industry.“When it comes to creating world-class experiences, the UK is second to none. We’re proud to be backing British industry, investing in local talent and partnering with powerhouses like Universal to create jobs, growth and opportunities across the UK.”More than 100 people in the UK have already been employed to work on the project, with Universal receiving expressions of employment interest from some 33,000 individuals.Around 80% of employees at the theme park and resort are expected to come from Bedfordshire and the surrounding regions.Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio 70s on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio70s.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.

Personal data on nearly 33,000 patients was stolen and shared online, in June 2024, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has revealed.
The trust said it was “possible” that data on patients who had laboratory or diagnostic results between 2011 and 2020 from the hospitals it operates, Bedford Hospital and Luton & Dunstable Hospital.
The breach affected an organisation that provides essential services to the trust, as part of a broader incident affecting other healthcare bodies, the trust said.
Image credit: Pexels
Diagnostic results
As the data was fragmented across multiple databases, it took nearly two years for specialist analysis to clarify what information was present and what organisations it related to.
Data on the 32,927 affected could include name, date of birth, NHS number, postcode, and test results, the trust said.
“During the attack, criminals unlawfully accessed internal systems and extracted a set of files, which were later published on online forums known for sharing stolen data,” the trust said in a lengthy statement on Tuesday.
“In October 2025, the supplier informed us that some data relevant to our organisation was included in the material they had recovered and analysed. We have since undertaken our own review of that material.”
The trust said it believes the risk of the data being misused is low, as it is fragmented and historic.
Historic data
It said the supplier has obtained a court injunction to help prevent third parties from sharing the information.
It noted that publication alone did not mean the data had been used in a harmful way, adding that it was not aware of evidence that the information had been accessed or used inappropriately.
But it acknowledged there was a “limited risk” of personal data being used in unsolicited contacts by potential scammers.
The trust said it liaised with the NHS England information governance team and notified the Information Commissioner’s Office.

The spokesperson said an organisation that “provided essential services to us and other healthcare bodies” experienced the attack in June 2024.It formed part of a wider incident affecting other organisations that supported the healthcare sector, they said.The trust said criminals extracted files which were later published on online forums known for sharing stolen data.It said: “The files taken were not organised as a single database and were highly unstructured, incomplete and fragmented.”As a result, it has taken more than a year of detailed analysis by specialist teams at the supplier to reconstruct and understand what information was present and which organisations it related to.”In October 2025, the spokesperson said the supplier told the NHS that data relevant to the trust had been included, recovered and analysed.In total, data linked to 32,927 individuals was shared.They said they decided to share the information after completing a review. The trust said it had liaised with the NHS England information governance team and notified the Information Commissioner’s Office.It added: “While the data remains present in those places, publication alone does not mean that it has been used in a harmful way. At this time, we are not aware of any evidence that the information has been accessed or used inappropriately.”The supplier had obtained a court injunction in an attempt to stop third parties sharing the data, the spokesperson added.The trust runs the acute hospitals of Bedford, and Luton and Dunstable.

Nik Shelton, of the Wildlife Trust Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, writes about the importance of our grasslands. We’re heading into the peak months for meadows and grasslands, and there are some special places to visit near Cambridge to make the most of them. But what is a grassland and why are they so important?Trumpington Meadows nature reserve. Picture: Sarah LambertAt its simplest a grassland is, unsurprisingly, a habitat which is dominated by grass – but this definition hides a complex and fascinating diversity which is shaped by giant extinct animals, subterranean geology and human history. Internationally they can range from the Pampas grasslands of the Patagonian Steppe in South America to the mountainside chalk grasslands of the Swiss Alps. In our region we group them into types defined by the acidity of the soil – this leads to different species of specialist plants which in turn attract different butterflies and other insects.“We tend to categorise our grasslands into three types of habitats in our part of the world,” explains Wildlife BCN director of conservation, Matt Jackson.Sian Williams, left, and Rebecca Green carry out a rapid grassland survey at Houghton Meadows. Picture: Holly Wilkinson / Wildlife Trust BCN“They are calcareous grasslands, those which have an alkaline type soil; acid grasslands, those with an acidic soil; and then what we call neutral grasslands – or the posh scientific term is mesotrophic grasslands.“They are dependent on geology as to where they occur. So in our patch, in the southern part of Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire we have chalk coming to the surface at reserves like Fleam Dyke and Pegsdon Hills. It is the same band of chalk which extends from the Chilterns. And then further north from that, we’ve got clay on top of limestone so you get much more free-draining calcareous grasslands as a result.A chalkhill blue at Fleam Dyke. Picture: Nik Shelton / Wildlife Trust BCN“Acid grasslands tend to be associated with rock formations like sandstone and we have those in the Greensand Ridge in Bedfordshire, for instance. A good example is the RSPB’s heathland reserve at The Lodge near Sandy. And we have acid grassland in the hills in southwest Northamptonshire.“Our neutral grasslands tend to be associated with the river valleys, and one of our rarer habitats are the floodplain meadows – places like our Houghton Meadows reserve near St Ives.”Houghton Meadows. Picture: Jenny Mackay / Wildlife Trust BCNMany of us were taught in school that ancient Britain was covered in one huge wild wood – so where did these grasslands come from? Well, the latest scientific thinking, based on studying fossil records, is that trees never truly covered our island. Large mammals like the extinct aurochs (an ancestor of today’s cows), giant elks and even early elephants would have kept areas free of trees, and other species adapted and evolved to live in the open spaces.An auroch – a now extinct speciesToday we use particular breeds of cows and sheep to continue their work, but we also cut and remove the grass at reserves like Trumpington Meadows to keep nutrient levels down so that wildflowers are not swamped by nettles and brambles.Trumpington Meadows is celebrating 10 years this month with a special event on June 21 where you can learn all about meadow species and their conservation as well as taking part in lots of fun family activities.Flowers at Trumpington Meadows. Picture: Wildlife Trust BCN“Over the past century species rich meadows have declined by 97 per cent – a huge loss,” says Matt. “Lots have been lost due to the decline of traditional farming techniques, but also development. And also if you don’t manage them, they will tend to convert to scrub and then into woodland – a process called succession. “Another issue for floodplain meadows in the modern world is river water quality – due to poor sewage control and farming practices our rivers now have a far higher phosphate content than they would have done naturally. So when they flood now, that phosphate comes out of the river and if we don’t do something about it those habitats move very quickly away from being flower rich meadows.”Fleam Dyke. Picture: Holly Wilkinson / Wildlife Trust BCNAnd it’s not just above the ground that matters – we now know that the roots in a healthy grassland habitat can reach down over four metres and store significant amounts of carbon.With a long and fascinating history, and benefits for people, wildlife and the climate we are working hard to protect grassland habitats in our region. Our Wilder Future Fund is focussing on meadows and grasslands over the coming months – head to wildlifebcn.org/wilderfuturefund to find out more and support our work.

The pair were sentenced to a combined total of 25 years behind barsHaydar Miah, 28, was sentenced to 17 years behind bars(Image: Bedfordshire Police)A couple were smuggling up to 50kg of cocaine a month into the UK. Haydar Miah, 28, of Aerodome Road, North London, was arrested in May 2025 after being suspected of drug dealing in Luton.When arrested, police found over 2kg of cocaine, cannabis, ecstasy, Xanax and ketamine, and £33,000 in cash. When experts examined his mobiles then found evidence of the conspiracy to bring in around 50kg of cocaine monthly to Britain.The drugs went from Brazil into Portugal, and then into the UK. Mengali Freitas, 32, was also arrested. Freitas had introduced Miah to a contact to discuss bringing drugs into the UK. Although stepping back from the leading role, she continued to act as a translator between Miah and overseas contacts using the WhatsApp names ‘WalterWhite’ and ‘Ghost’.Freitas was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison(Image: Bedfordshire Police)On Thursday (March 28) at Southwark Crown Court, Miah was hit with 17 years behind bars after pleading guilty to multiple offences, including possession with intent to supply cocaine, and being concerned in the fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on the importation of a Class A drug (cocaine).Freitas was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine.Investigating Officer Neville Drummond, from Operation Costello, said: “The length of these sentences reflects the severity of Miah’s actions and the extent of his involvement in serious and organised crime, including plans to bring significant quantities of drugs into the UK.A slab of the recovered cocaine(Image: Bedfordshire Police)“Freitas’ role in the network was clear. While she described herself as a translator, she was instrumental in facilitating communication between Miah and his overseas contacts. This demonstrates the lengths we will go to in targeting all those involved in organised crime.“Drugs are at the heart of much of the violence and exploitation we see in the county. By bringing offenders like Miah and Freitas to justice, we are making Bedfordshire safer and protecting people from harm.“We urge anyone with information about drug dealing to report it to us so we can continue to build intelligence and put offenders behind bars.”Stay in the loop with the latest North London news. Sign up to our MyNorthLondon newsletter HERE for daily updates and more.

Scarlett, 16, and Daisy, 14, both from Everton, have been missing since Friday, with police saying the pair are believed to be together and appealing to the public for help in finding them18:02, 31 May 2026Updated 18:03, 31 May 2026Two teenage girls from Everton are missing(Image: Bedfordshire Police)Two teenage girls from Everton who have been missing since Friday are believed to be together, police have said.Officers looking for Scarlett, 16, and Daisy, 14, have appealed to the public for help. The pair – who police said have links to Digbeth, Coventry, London, Liverpool, Manchester Leamington, Nuneton and Bristol – were last seen shortly after 1am on Friday, Liverpool Echo reports.Bedfordshire Police said: “Can you help us find Scarlett, 16 and Daisy, 14 from Everton? The pair were last seen shortly after 1am on Friday (29 May) and are believed to be together with links to the Digbeth area of Birmingham, Coventry, London, Liverpool, Manchester, Leamington Spa, Nuneton, Bristol, Shropshire, Exeter and Plymouth.”Scarlett is described as white, 5ft 5in tall, with dyed black hair(Image: Bedfordshire Police)Police released descriptions of the two teenage girls. Scarlett is described as white, 5ft 5in tall, with dyed black hair. She was last seen wearing grey joggers and a grey jumper. Daisy is described as white, 5ft 6in tall, with light brown shoulder-length hair. She was last seen wearing pink pyjamas.Daisy is described as white, 5ft 6in tall, with light brown shoulder-length hair(Image: Bedfordshire Police)Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to contact the force using its online reporting service or the webchat function. People can also call 101, quoting reference MPC/905/26 for Scarlett and MPC/904/26 for Daisy.

The items were discovered inside a vehicle recovered on Washwood Heath Road, Birmingham earlier this monthAuthor: Oliver MorganPublished 2 hours agoLast updated 2 hours agoPolice in Birmingham are appealing for help in identifying the owners of a collection of jewellery and watches believed to be stolen.The items were discovered inside a vehicle recovered on Washwood Heath Road, Birmingham earlier this month. Authorities suspect the vehicle’s connection to several burglaries in Birmingham, Bedfordshire, and Herefordshire. Detective Sergeant James Birtles from the Serious Organised Crime Team emphasised the sentimental value of such possessions. “We understand the sentimental value of these items and want to reunite them with their owners,” DS Birtles said. “If you have recently been the victim of a burglary and recognise the jewellery in the images, then please contact us with verifying information that the items are yours.” People who recognise the items can call 101 or use Live Chat, quoting reference number 2552 of 27th May. Preventing BurglaryDuring the summer months, burglaries tend to increase as criminals go after easily accessible valuables. Police suggest locking away jewellery, gold, and designer goods in either an insurance-approved safe or a Secured By Design safe. Properly positioning the safe is vital; avoid typical locations such as bedrooms and instead bolt it to a wall or floor. For more safety tips, click here. Police also warn against storing cash or gold in bedrooms, especially shoeboxes or wardrobes, as these are prime targets for burglars. Home insurance policies often require proper security measures like keeping doors locked and keys hidden. Anyone observing suspicious behaviour or wanting to report a crime should call 101, and emergencies should always be reported using 999. For more details on crime prevention, visit the West Midlands Police website under Keep burglars out of your property. First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.

A section of protected woodland has been badly damaged in a fire that firefighters said was probably started deliberately.Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the 33-acre (13-hectare) Barton Hills National Nature Reserve, in Barton-le-Clay, at about 21:00 BST on Friday.Firefighters tackled a fire involving trees and brush measuring about 30m by 30m (100ft by 100ft) before extinguishing it by about 03:30 and returning to dampen hotspots.Reserve warden Dean Elcome said he believed the blaze had been caused by a disposable BBQ being thrown into the undergrowth.Barton Hills, located in the north Chilterns, is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and protected by law.”The fire destroyed a small part of Barton Hills,” said Elcome.”A swathe of the woodland has either been damaged or destroyed… but it could have been much worse.”He added: “Please, please, please don’t think it’s OK to visit with the intention of having a fire or BBQ on site – you’re not welcome.”It’s illegal, thoughtless, extremely dangerous, and if found you will be prosecuted – I just think people don’t care and have a complete lack of respect.”According to the Woodland Trust, the habitat contains an “important population” of leaved lime trees and is home to the scarce Herb-Paris and stoats, weasels and hares.The fire service said at the fire’s height, four fire engines, a water carrier and about 30 firefighters were at the scene.”It is believed the fire was most likely started deliberately,” it said.Whizz Middleton, of Mrs Middleton’s Oil, based nearby, helped direct crews to the location of the fire and said they “worked tirelessly for almost 12 hours”.”The people involved were brilliant, reassuring, dedicated and kind and absolutely determined to battle the impenetrable undergrowth to dampen the fire,” she said.”I think the most infuriating thing about the drama that unfolded last night is that it was entirely predictable.”Bedfordshire Police was contacted for comment.Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.Related internet links

A Leicester drug kingpin’s network crumbled after a police operation.
Leicestershire Police identified Sarju Khushal, 31, as one of the ringleaders of the organised crime group.
Khushal, formerly of Hazeldene Road, Leicester, would buy cocaine and heroin in wholesale amounts, then split that stock up and supply both other drug dealers and users.
Searches of the address saw officers recover a large quantity of class A and B drugs, drug paraphernalia, numerous devices and cash.
He lived at the home with his partner Saffron Franklin, 30, who assisted him in operating his business.
The investigation found that other men were involved in the operation at various levels – Kenneth Galloway, Mohammod Jahed and Kian Senior were also involved in the supply of controlled drugs.
Galloway, 31, formerly of Myrtle Road, Leicester, was involved in dealing cocaine and heroin, selling those drugs both at street level and to other dealers.
Jahed, 30, formerly of Coleman Close, Leicester, was a dealer who supplied drugs purchased from Khushal, returning substantial sums of money to him in return.
Senior, 31, formerly of Thorpe Field Drive, Leicester, was similarly a dealer who supplied significant quantities of drug from Khushal.
Khushal, was jailed in March last year for 11 years, and was sentenced on the basis he had supplied 19kg of the illegal drugs.
A trial at Leicester Crown Court saw the others involved sentenced recently.
Franklin pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs – heroin and cocaine – and possession of criminal property.
She was sentenced to two years in prison, however the sentence was suspended for two and a half years.
Galloway pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin, and was sentenced to 11 years and six months in prison.
Jahed pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, and was sentenced to eight years and three months in prison.
Senior pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, and was sentenced to six years and three months in prison.
Read the full story here.