Local Elections are taking place on 4 May

Local and Mayoral elections are taking place in Bedford Borough on 4 May. For the first time, electors voting in person at polling stations will need to show photographic ID to vote at this May’s local elections

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card.

Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

For more information on Voter ID go to: www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/voter-id

For information on who is running in local elections and to find where your nearest polling station is go to: www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/your-election-information

For other information about local elections in May go to: www.bedford.gov.uk/your-council/elections-and-voting/local-elections-4-may-2023

Free Coronation Crafts for Children at Bedford Borough Libraries

From Saturday 29 April to Sunday 7 May, families are invited to visit Bedford Borough Libraries for free fun Coronation-themed craft activities. Bedford Central, Bromham, Kempston, Putnoe, and Wootton libraries all have activities planned.

Crafts include creating royal bookmarks, window decorations, and scratch art. There will also be additional crafts, such as creating bunting and colouring, in all the libraries from Tuesday 2 to Friday 5 May during staffed hours.

All children are welcome, even if they are not yet library members, and all activities are free. Parents and carers must remain with children under 14. It’s free for people of any age to join Bedford Borough Libraries. A parent or guardian will need to complete a form for children to join a library during staffed hours. It is also possible to join online at any time and then collect a library card during staffed hours.

Library members can choose from a huge range of physical books and magazines for all ages. Members can also access thousands of digital books, audiobooks and magazines, at no charge.

Discover a full list of activities and opening hours for Bedford Borough Libraries by visiting www.bedford.gov.uk/libraries. Find the full list of events in the ‘Children and teens’ section.

Find further activities and events taking place across Bedford Borough at; www.bedford.gov.uk/your-council/about-council/coronation-king-charles-iii.

Bedford Borough Council Appeals to Motorists in Clampdown of Roadside Littering

Bedford Borough Council is calling on motorists to help in a clampdown on road users who throw litter from their vehicles. The Council has been collecting large volumes of roadside litter each day during targeted litter picks in February and March. Council crews have to regularly carry out this dangerous task alongside major routes such as the A421 and A6.

The Council treats all environmental crime seriously and warns that it will continue to take action against anyone caught littering. Over 1650 Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued to people by the council’s Environmental Crime Team in the last twelve months. Fines for littering can range from £100 for a Fixed Penalty Notice and up to £2,500 if prosecuted.

NHS Stoma Prescription Service

A new NHS Stoma Prescription Service is launching across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes on 1 June. The service is designed to ensure you receive expert care when ordering your stoma products.

If you have a stoma and you are registered with a GP practice in the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes area, you will be able to use the new service. Please come along to one of these information sessions to learn more and ask questions:

16 May 3:00pm – 4:30pm Bedford Blues Rugby Club, Bedford

17 May 10.00am – 11.30am Hat Factory Arts Centre, Bute Street, Luton

17 May 3.00pm – 4.30pm The Rufus Centre, Flitwick, Central Beds

18 May 2.00pm – 3.30pm The Ridgeway Centre, Wolverton, MK

Tea and coffee will be available. A stoma nurse from a local NHS hospital will be there. For more details and to register, click here. Registering will help us know how many people are coming, but if you can’t register, don’t worry – just turn up!