Category: Bedford

Operating theatre staff to strike over overtime pay cut

By Lee Peart

08 June 2026

Operating theatre staff at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have voted to strike over a cut in overtime payments.

c) Niek Verlaan/Pixabay

UNISON said the trust’s move to standard bank overtime rates from the previous agreement to pay staff time and a half beyond their 37.5 hours a week will leave workers around £120 out of pocket per shift.
Elaine Inacio, a senior theatre assistant at Bedford Hospital, said: ‘Staff aren’t asking for anything extra, just the pay we were on before.
‘It’s already stressful enough working in operating theatres, but morale has absolutely plummeted since this pay cut.
‘Nobody wants to go on strike, but we’ve been left with no choice.’
A spokesperson for Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: ‘We value our theatre teams enormously and fully recognise the skill, commitment and pressure involved in their roles. We are sorry that some colleagues feel distressed by the recent changes, and we are continuing to meet with staff and trade union representatives to listen to their concerns and to ensure they have all the correct information in relation to the changes.
‘Earlier this year, the trust standardised overtime and additional‑hours payments for theatre staff so that all colleagues are paid consistently and in line with national NHS Agenda for Change arrangements.
‘This followed a lengthy and formal consultation process, including individual discussions with affected staff and engagement with trade unions and ACAS. These changes were not made lightly. They were introduced to ensure fairness across our workforce, to bring legacy local arrangements in line with trust‑wide standards, and to support the long‑term sustainability of our services. We remain committed to working constructively with UNISON and our theatre teams, and we hope to avoid any industrial action. Our priority is always to maintain safe, high‑quality care for patients while supporting our staff as much as possible.’

(Alliance News) – Henry Boot PLC on Monday reported a sale by its land promotion and planning arm, Hallam Land, to FTSE 100-listed housebuilder Persimmon PLC. According to Henry Boot, the sale generated an ungeared internal rate of return just shy of 17% per year from acquisition, which will be reflected in 2026 earnings. Further financial details were not provided.Shares in the Sheffield, England-based construction and property development firm were down 0.3% to 164.50 pence on Monday morning in London. Persimmon shares were down 2.3% to 1,043.50p.The 105-acre site is in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, and has permission for 416 residential units, Henry Boot noted. Hallam had entered a planning promotion agreement for the land back in 2017. Its revised planning application was approved in November, following refusal of the initial application in 2023. The 415-unit application makes provision for up to 125 affordable units, and publicly accessible space, required under Section 106 of the UK Town & Country Planning Act.Chief Executive Tim Roberts commented: “This transaction is another strong example of Hallam Land’s ability to both consistently unlock value through the promotion of well located strategic land and subsequently realise that value for shareholders through sales to housebuilders.”By Holly Munks, Alliance News reporterComments and questions to newsroom@alliancenews.comCopyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

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Construction of Universal’s planned £5 billion theme park and entertainment resort in Bedfordshire is set to accelerate following a major government funding commitment aimed at delivering the transport and infrastructure improvements required to support the project.The Universal United Kingdom Resort, which will be built on the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks site, is expected to become the company’s first destination resort in Europe. Once operational, the attraction is projected to welcome approximately 8.5 million visitors annually, positioning it among the continent’s leading leisure destinations.To facilitate the development, ministers have pledged £1.3 billion towards transport links, local infrastructure and regional growth initiatives. The investment package includes £474 million earmarked for improvements to the A421 corridor and enhancements at Wixams railway station, while a further £838 million will support wider infrastructure and economic development projects across the area.Preparatory works are already progressing on site, with the first major infrastructure contracts now being awarded.Utility infrastructure specialist ESP has secured a significant role in the early phases of the project. The company will be responsible for delivering and operating key site services, including a major water treatment facility and a centralised all-electric energy centre. The energy infrastructure is being developed in partnership with environmental services company Veolia and forms part of Universal’s ambition to create a highly electrified and sustainable resort.Although a principal construction contractor has yet to be appointed, recruitment activity is already underway, with more than 100 project staff hired ahead of the main construction phase.Parent company Comcast NBCUniversal plans to invest more than £5 billion during the construction period, which is expected to span five years. An additional £1 billion has been allocated for further investment during the resort’s first decade of operation.Economic forecasts suggest the project could contribute close to £50 billion to the UK economy by 2055, generating opportunities across sectors including construction, infrastructure, civil engineering, utilities, hospitality and specialist attractions.During construction, the development is expected to support around 20,000 jobs, while approximately 8,000 permanent roles will be created once the resort opens, currently scheduled for 2031. Universal anticipates that the majority of these operational positions will be filled by residents from Bedfordshire and neighbouring counties.The project represents one of the largest leisure and tourism investments ever undertaken in the UK and is expected to act as a catalyst for long-term economic growth across the wider region.

Interim Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order aims to prevent young people’s involvement in crimeStevenage Magistrates’ CourtAuthor: Callum McIntyrePublished 18 hours agoA woman from Bedford has been served with an interim civil order, marking the first of its kind in Bedfordshire, aimed at safeguarding children from exploitation and preventing coercion into criminal activity.The 33-year-old was issued the Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order (STRO) at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court on 28th May, following intelligence suggesting her involvement in drug supply using young individuals for distribution. The order, secured by Bedfordshire Police’s Child Sexual Exploitation and Missing Investigation Team (CMIT) with support from Northamptonshire Police and Bedfordshire Police Legal Services, includes strict conditions. Under its stipulations, she is forbidden from allowing non-relative individuals under 21 to enter her property and must cease all contact with numerous persons, primarily children. Additionally, she is required to notify Bedfordshire Police at least 24 hours in advance if facilitating travel for anyone beyond immediate family. Furthermore, she must provide written notification within 24 hours of any address she owns, occupies, or controls, including business-related premises. Failure to comply with the order’s conditions could result in a criminal offence, carrying a maximum prison sentence of five years. Detective Inspector James Clatworthy said: “Child criminal exploitation will not be tolerated in Bedfordshire, and we will continue to take action against those involved. “This interim Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order is a vital tool in protecting children from being drawn into criminality. It also allows us to proactively target and restrict individuals who pose a risk to our communities. “For us to keep using powers like this effectively, we need the public’s help. Please report any concerns or suspicions, no matter how small.”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.

SAM Kelsall is determined to make the most of his fresh opportunity with Staffordshire – and hopefully scratch a 10-year itch in the process.Kelsall returned to the county fold over the winter after a period away from the Staffs set-up.The 33-year-old was appointed as captain ahead of the 2020 campaign – which was ultimately cancelled due to the covid pandemic – but stepped down without taking charge of a competitive game after failing to find common ground with management over certain issues.Kelsall spent time away from the National Counties Cricket Association circuit, but returned to play for Bedfordshire in the 2024 season.However, he’s now back home with Staffordshire and eager to play his part in another successful chapter for the county.“I thought my chance to play for Staffs again had gone,” said the Moddershall all-rounder.“But there were some good conversations over the winter and I wanted to get back involved.“It’s been great, training and playing with a good group of cricketers – it’s been a really good environment.“There’s no point in dwelling on what happened in the past – things happened for a reason.“If anything it’s made me hungrier to get back and hopefully contribute to winning games of cricket for Staffordshire.“I did enjoy my time with Bedfordshire and I haven’t got a bad word to say about them, they gave me the opportunity to play at this level again.“But ultimately I’m a Staffordshire lad and have played for the county since I was 10, so this is very much my home.”And Kelsall is part of a Staffs side who have started the season impressively.After three years of failing to progress from the group stages of the 50-over competition, Staffordshire have bucked the trend and advanced this year.

A South London couple who beat their baby to death have been jailed.Devaun Rose-Turner died at just eight months in December 2021, having been left with over 80 injuries in two months before he died(Image: Bedfordshire Police)A South London couple who beat their baby to death have been jailed. Devaun Rose-Turner died at just eight months in December 2021, having been left with over 80 injuries in two months before he died. The emergency services raced to the Bedfordshire home at about 7am on December 11 2021 after Devaun’s dad, Emmanuel Turner, called to say he wasn’t breathing.Devaun was pronounced dead later that morning. Parents Emmanuel Turner and Shandies Rose of Hurstbourne Road, Forest Hill, were arrested on suspicion of murder in 2022 but were released under investigation while detectives tried to build a picture of what happened.Detectives worked closely with medical and forensic experts to piece together the circumstances surrounding the death, with the extent and pattern of injuries indicating repeated episodes of physical abuse. Investigators also established that Devaun had been in the sole care of his parents throughout that period.In August that year, detectives learned the pair had fled it to Nigeria. They came back on May 10 last year and were arrested at the airport, charged, and held on remand.Turner, 34, and Rose, 29, both of Hurstbourne Road, London, were also both convicted of causing or allowing a child to suffer significant harmDuring the trial, the court heard how their son had suffered more than 80 separate injuries during the eight weeks leading up to his death.Emmanuel Turner, 34, was today sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday (June 3) with a minimum term of 22 years for the murder of his son. Shandies Rose, 29, was found not guilty of murder but convicted of manslaughter, and was jailed for 12 years.They were also both convicted of causing or allowing a child to suffer significant harm. They were sentenced to eight years and seven years, respectively, to run concurrently.Judge, the Honourable Mrs Justice Farbey KC, said: “Both of you knew about his pain. Both of you decided to keep it hidden so he received no medical help.”Detective Inspector Lee Martin, who led the investigation, said: “This was a complex and deeply challenging investigation into the sustained abuse and tragic death of a baby behind closed doors.“From the outset, our focus was on establishing exactly what happened to Devaun and securing justice for him, with our team working tirelessly to ensure he was given a voice.“Nothing can undo what happened to him, but today’s sentence reflects the persistence of our officers in ensuring that those who should have cared and protected for him have been held accountable for the abuse he suffered.“Our thoughts will always remain with Devaun – sleep well, little man.”Don’t miss out on the biggest local stories. Sign up to our MySouthLondon newsletter HERE for all the latest daily news and more

Wiltshire: Upper Minety, Malmesbury

(Image credit: Knight Frank)This charming period Cotswold build offers long views over the surrounding countryside. The property comprises approx. 38 acres, with 2 paddocks and land laid to permanent pasture. 5 beds, 4 baths, kitchen/breakfast room, 3 receps, outbuildings, stables, garden, parking. £1.75 million; Knight Frank.Devon: Higher Collaton, Blackawton

(Image credit: Marchand Petit)An elegant Georgian property with just under 10 acres of pasture. 6 beds, 4 baths, kitchen/breakfast room, 2 receps, 2-bed barn, 1-bed cottage, garden, parking. £1.5 million; Marchand Petit.Bedfordshire: North End, Bletsoe

(Image credit: Fitzjohn Estates)Grade II thatched farmhouse with a wealth of period features. 5 beds, 4 baths, kitchen/breakfast room, 5 receps, garden, outbuildings, parking. £1 million; Fitzjohn Estates.

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Latest Videos FromLincolnshire: The Old Farmhouse, Fulbeck

(Image credit: Mount & Minster)A glorious Grade II property set in mature gardens and situated in the heart of one of Lincolnshire’s most attractive villages. 5 beds, 2 baths, kitchen, 3 receps, outbuildings, garden, parking. OIEO £750,000; Mount & Minster.Hertfordshire: New Hall Farmhouse, Wareside

(Image credit: Hamptons)A pretty period farmhouse with 15th-century origins and later extensions. The property is set in approx. 2.4 acres of mature south-facing gardens and enjoys far-reaching views across the neighbouring countryside. 6 beds, 6 baths, kitchen/breakfast room, 4 receps, summer house, detached 1-bed annexe, outbuilding, garden, parking. £2 million; Hamptons.

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With plans having been talked about for a few years now, we’ve still got to wait roughly five years until Universal’s big UK theme park is set to open.But things are certainly ticking over, with the government pledging £1.3 billion yesterday (3 June).Plus, the site in Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire, has officially been named as updates come in on Comcast NBCUniversal’s major project.It’s looking to be one of the largest ever investments in the UK tourism sector with thousands to be employed and the company investing over £5 billion during the expected five years of construction. It will then invest an additional £1 billion in capital investment over the first 10 years of operation.And the name of theme park worth billions that millions of us are set to flock to? Universal United Kingdom Resort.The government has pledged over £1 billion in funding. (PA)I mean, given the other examples of Universal theme parks around the world, we could probably have guessed it was going to be something along these lines.Said to open in 2031, it’s set to feature a ‘world-class theme park and resort’ and is being developed by the company’s Universal Destinations & Experiences segment.Universal reckons the UK site will generate nearly £50 billion of economic benefit for the economy by 2055 with its ‘immersive storytelling, thrilling attractions and hospitality’.And the government’s mega investment will unlock regional transport and infrastructure benefits that will maximise the benefits of the development and enable wider growth across the region.Yesterday marked a significant milestone in Universal advancing this landmark project with enabling works now in progress and construction soon to begin on the site.Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves visited the site yesterday where she said the ‘landmark investment’ would ‘unlock nearly £50 billion of economic growth’ and create thousands of jobs.It’s set to open in 2031. (Universal)She added: “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.”We have the right economic plan — working with global investors and local leaders so we can deliver jobs, opportunity and long‑term prosperity for Britain.”The closest Thameslink stop to the resort is currently Wixams but there is also a planned East West Rail station at Stewartby that’s expected open in the early 2030s.And the Department for Transport is also going ahead with plans to upgrade the strategic road network.Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences, said:”Today marks a significant milestone on our journey to bring Universal United Kingdom Resort, featuring immersive storytelling, thrilling attractions and unparalleled creativity and innovation to the UK. This new theme park and resort will create so many new opportunities for the people of Bedford and beyond and allow us to share our distinct experiences with guests from around the world.”

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.