Grab a Jab this Half Term

There are COVID-19 vaccination walk-in sessions for over 12s all next week at Bedford Heights on Manton Lane, with extended hours for half term.

From Monday- Friday next week, all over 12s can walk-in from 10am to 5.30pm to get their COVID-19 jab.

All 12-15 year olds must be accompanied by a parent or carer to get their vaccination.

Vaccines provide protection to children and they also help to reduce transmission of COVID-19 in the wider population. As part of travel restrictions in a number of countries, young people will also need to show proof of vaccinations before they can go abroad.

Local health bosses have stressed the importance of getting the 1^st and 2^nd COVID-19 jabs as soon as possible.

A young person has to wait 91 days after their 1^st vaccination, so please don’t delay and get their vaccination journey underway.

You can find out more on the BLMK CCG website.

You can also see the latest COVID-19 snapshot on our website.

Household Support Grant Reminder

Through the Household Support Grant, Bedford Borough Council is offering a grant to Bedford Borough residents who get 100% Council Tax Support, to help those facing the biggest impact of the growing cost pressures for food, energy and other necessities.

The Government Household Support Grant is in place to support vulnerable households to meet daily needs. The Council will be offering the grant to those households that receive 100% Council Tax Support, via a £50 grant payment, to prioritise those needing support the most.

In addition to those who get 100% Council Tax Support, people who do not pay Council Tax (for example if they live in a shared house) but who would be eligible for 100% Council Tax Support otherwise, are also entitled to this grant.

As we don’t hold bank details for people who receive Council Tax Support, we do need people to get in touch with us. If you haven’t got in touch already, please do. Applications close on 28 February.

There is a simple form on our website to help make it as easy as possible to access this money.

Restoration and improvement works start on Bedford High Street

Works have begun on restoring and improving properties on Bedford’s High Street as part of the Borough Council’s High Street Heritage Action Zone, supported by Historic England.

Scaffolding is up and conservation work has begun on the façade, columns and historical features of 19-21 High Street (the Blue Monk building).

Works are also expected to start in February on 58 A, B and C High Street, the buildings on the northern side of Silver Street Square. These improvements will include the installation of new shopfronts to improve the look of the premises, alongside the creation of two additional smaller retail units in this property on the newly refurbished Silver Street Square. This is expected to restore the ground floor to its former glory and create new start-up space for Bedford’s fantastic independents.

The third property scheduled to start soon is 107 High Street, the former Goldings building. Improvements will include a new traditional shop front, alongside conservation repairs that will re-install lost architectural features on the outside of the property.