Category: Bedford

The latest wave of NHS Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) investment will deliver four entirely new facilities in Gorton (Manchester), Luton, Boston (Lincolnshire) and Bideford (Devon).

The four new-build CDCs sit within a recent government cash injection of £237m to fund 36 schemes across England. 

The latest investment builds on earlier waves of CDC funding across England.

The 36-site programme includes a mix of new-build centres, expansions and upgrades, with the four locations confirmed as standalone developments.

Spanning major urban centres and rural healthcare settings, the four new CDCs highlight the programme’s dual focus on addressing both city demand pressures and long-standing access gaps in more remote communities.

Gorton CDC, Manchester

The Gorton CDC is being delivered through Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), with the scheme forming part of its wider CDC network expansion across Greater Manchester.

While MFT has confirmed funding approval and early delivery phases at Gorton Community Hub, a single lead main contractor for the full build has not been publicly confirmed in NHS announcements to date. 

Early enabling and design activity is understood to be underway as part of the phased rollout of the CDC.

The project sits within MFT’s broader CDC programme, which includes multiple sites across the city region delivered through a mix of estates partners and framework procurement routes.

Luton CDC, Bedfordshire

The Luton CDC, located on the University of Bedfordshire campus, is being delivered by Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The main construction works are being undertaken by Ashe Construction, which has been appointed to deliver the £10m refurbishment and fit-out of the former university space into a diagnostic facility.

The scheme is part of a wider redevelopment of campus buildings and includes significant M&E installation, imaging infrastructure and patient access alterations. 

Completion is expected in phases, with opening anticipated in early 2026–27.

Boston CDC, Lincolnshire

The Boston CDC is being delivered by the Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals NHS Group, with MTX Contracts involved in the build phase as part of the main delivery team.

The scheme is located on the former York Street football ground site in Boston, where enabling works and demolition have already begun ahead of construction.

The project is a large-scale new-build CDC incorporating MRI, CT, X-ray and ultrasound capacity, and is being delivered as part of a wider estates regeneration scheme in the town centre.

Bideford CDC, Devon 

The Bideford CDC in north Devon is being developed within the existing Bideford Community Hospital site, with delivery managed through local NHS estates and community health partners.

Unlike the other three schemes, it is not a fully standalone new build; instead, it is a redevelopment and expansion of an existing community hospital footprint, integrating diagnostic services into an upgraded community facility.

No single national contractor has been publicly confirmed for the full build, as delivery is being managed through local NHS capital and estates frameworks.

Programme context

Alongside the standalone developments, the funding includes expanded and enhanced existing CDC sites, collectively aimed at significantly increasing diagnostic throughput.

Across all locations, the CDC programme is focused on improving early diagnosis of cancer and long-term conditions, reducing pressure on acute hospital diagnostics, increasing access to same-day and community-based testing, and supporting more integrated care models closer to home.

Together, the Gorton, Luton, Boston and Bideford centres represent a targeted expansion of NHS diagnostic infrastructure into both urban growth areas and underserved rural communities.

• Companies:
• Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
• Ashe Construction

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UK Police Officers Save 100 Lives with Life-Saving GoodSAM App

Heroes in Blue Restart 100 Hearts

Police officers across multiple UK forces have performed the incredible feat of restarting more than 100 hearts. Thanks to the GoodSAM Responder App, officers receive instant alerts when someone nearby suffers a cardiac arrest – giving them precious minutes to deliver CPR before the ambulance arrives.

GoodSAM App: A Vital Link in Emergency Response

The GoodSAM Responder App is integrated with most UK ambulance services. When a 999 call reports a cardiac arrest, the app instantly notifies registered responders in the vicinity. This includes NHS professionals like doctors, nurses, paramedics, as well as police, fire crews, and trained first aiders ready to step in.

Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire Lead the Way

The Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire (BCH) police forces were the first in the UK to use GoodSAM in partnership with the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust. Over 500 police officers from these forces have answered cardiac alerts, often providing life-saving CPR before paramedics reach the scene.

“As police officers, we are dedicated to serving the public and protecting lives,” said Chief Superintendent Jon Hutchinson. “We are delighted to have helped so many people who suffered a cardiac arrest. The outcome could have been very different without the cardiac alert service and the quick actions of our volunteer colleagues.”

Saving Seconds, Saving Lives

Every minute without CPR after a cardiac arrest slashes survival chances by 10%. GoodSAM bridges the crucial gap between the 999 call and ambulance arrival.

The life-saving alert service, first rolled out in BCH, now also operates in the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) and the London Ambulance Service (LAS). This means off-duty officers in neighbouring regions like London, Northamptonshire, and Lincolnshire can respond to emergencies nearby.

Look Out for Restart a Heart Day

This heroic milestone of 100 resuscitations comes just ahead of Restart a Heart Day on 16 October – a day dedicated to raising awareness about cardiac arrests and the importance of knowing CPR.

To find out how the GoodSAM app works or to learn CPR, visit the GoodSAM website or contact your local emergency services.

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A large solar farm could be built next to a country lane that was part of the 2025 Tour of Britain cycle race.

The developer said the project near Maulden, Bedfordshire could generate enough power for more than 13,000 homes.

Some of the people who live nearby said the solar farm would spoil the scenery and the site should be left as agricultural land.

The developer said the location was chosen for its distance from large numbers of houses and natural screening.

Limbersey Lane was part of the third stage of the 2025 men’s Tour of Britain between Milton Keynes and Ampthill.

The Greenstead Solar farm is planned for land near Haynes West End, alongside Limbersey Lane to the north of Maulden.

According to developer Brockwell Energy’s website, the development could cover about 75 hectares (185 acres) and generate up to 40 MW of electricity.

The company said this would be enough to power more than 13,000 homes.

A spokesperson said: “The proposed site for Greenstead Solar was selected due to the offer of a viable grid connection, its location away from a large number of residents, and the availability of natural screening due to mature vegetation.”

However, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said some local residents had raised concerns about the scale of the scheme and its potential impact on the surrounding countryside, including farmland, landscape and nearby woodland.

One resident said the proposals risked changing the character of the area, which they described as valued for its rural setting.

Posting on social media, another resident argued solar panels should be placed on retail and industrial buildings and car parks, rather than on farmland.

The construction phase is expected to last around 32 weeks, with minimal activity once the site becomes operational.

A planning application is expected to be submitted to Central Bedfordshire Council in the summer.

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Albatross Lending Group has completed a £336,227 second charge bridging facility secured against a five-bedroom detached house in Bedfordshire. 

The loan sat behind an existing Santander first charge and was used to clear a £71,228 high-street bank second charge, with £208,772 released to support the borrowers’ expansion into the private special educational needs (SEN) sector.

The property has five double bedrooms, four reception rooms, an outdoor heated pool and a garage. 

The borrowers have owned the house since 2005 and have experience running nurseries and primary schools across the UK. 

The funds are being used for a new business venture, with interest retained for the full 12-month term and no monthly payments required during the loan period.

Albatross Lending Group worked with the borrowers and their introducer to put together a facility based on the strength of the case. 

Interest was retained to reduce pressure during the business transition, and there were multiple exit options.

David Cardoso, lending associate at Albatross, said: “This was a case where the borrower’s established track record and clear operational plan gave us real confidence. 

“Our focus was on structuring around the complexity of the second charge position to deliver capital efficiently and on terms that worked for them.”

A high-risk offender is still wanted by police months after being recalled to prison. Jordan Thomas, 25, remains wanted by Essex Police four months after an appeal was first issued.

Jordan, from Chelmsford, is wanted for a number of offences. He is also known as SJ and Yung and is described as 5ft 9ins tall. He is of medium build and has short brown hair.

Thomas is wanted for offences including serious assault, harassment and robbery. Crimestoppers has listed him as a high-risk and prolific offender.

He has a previous history of drugs, self-harm, weapons, violent behaviour, and breaches of bail conditions. Essex Police says he has links to Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Essex.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call Essex Police on 101. Alternatively, they can contact police online.

Posted: 17th April 2026
 

Bedford Blues are pleased to again be hosting local representative rugby next month as Bedfordshire Farmers face Bedfordshire County on Friday 29th May (Kick Off 7pm).

Adult tickets are just £6 when purchased online with Kids for a Quid! Tickets are already on sale, click here to secure your spot and support community rugby in our region.

The two sides will battle it out on the hallowed turf for the second successive year, following a 50-21 victory for Bedfordshire Farmers in 2025.  

Reformed in 2023, the Farmers side remain unbeaten from their previous four fixtures, lastly taking the field in December when they defeated a Three Counties Farmers side.

Looking to inflict a first defeat will be a representative County side again put together by Blues’ Head of Women’s Rugby, Tim Clarke. Composed of players from local teams spread across the county to hopefully match a similar quality to the Farmers, expect another intriguing battle at GR.

To enhance your matchday experience, hospitality will be available in The Burrow at the Blues with a street-food feast from Chicken George offering the perfect way to start your weekend. Book online here for just £29pp.

Bedford Blues would like to thank the following sponsors for helping to make the game possible:

Match Sponsors – NFU Mutual Bedfordshire Division

Match Ball Sponsors – Custom Concrete

Man of the Match Sponsors – Agrii

Goldington Road loves a Battle of Bedfordshire! Secure your tickets now.