Irresponsible motorists parking on a zebra crossing in Heath and Reach risk endangering lives, according to the village’s top cop.

The crossing, on Bird’s Hill outside Co-op, is a relatively recent addition to the road after it was included in a £90,000 traffic calming package for the village agreed on last year.

Despite residents having to fight for the crossing for more than 20 years a number of motorists have defied the restrictions.

Sgt Andy Rivers has confirmed to LBO that drivers parking on the zig zags had caused ‘several’ near misses as the view of pedestrians is obscured.

He said: “It has become a really serious problem and I am getting pictures sent to me every day of people parking there.

“It impacts on the safety of the crossing so we have started to do patrols and have prosecuted drivers.”

Sgt Rivers added that the problem had become widespread,

He said: “I have personally visited six repeat offenders and have sent 200 letters to warn that this is an offence.

“Most think that they will just get a ticket but this is three points on your licence and a £100 fine.”

One hundred years after war was declared, a candlelit service was held to honour the 216 Leighton Linslade men and boys who sacrificed their lives during the First World War.

The event, organised by the Royal British Legion, was held on Monday at 10pm, with clergy, the mayor and councillors calling the roll of names on the memorials of Leighton-Linslade, while during the reading, poppy crosses were planted, each bearing the name of one of the fallen.

Rev Chrichton Limbert, of All Saints Church, said: “When we see the Tower of London memorial, we can be proud to know that a large number of Leighton Linslade men are represented by the poppies.”

Names of the Leighton Buzzard men can be found at www.roll-of-honour.com/Bedfordshire/Leighton
BuzzardRollofHonour.html

A summer open day is being staged at HULA’s Glebe Farm, Aspley Guise base on Sunday, August 10 (1-4pm).

They’ll be a dog parade, a chance to feed the farm animals, an American/classic car display, car boot sale and a children’s animal workshop, plus more.

Get further details via 01908 584000.

Leighton’s rail travellers are being warned of disruption to train services as the line into and out of London Euston closes for three weekends.

As part of Network Rail’s £81m improvement plan to replace track, signalling equipment and overhead power lines in the Watford area, the line will be closed between Hemel Hempstead and London Euston on August 9-10, 16-17, and 23, 24 (line closed from Milton Keynes) and 25.

The operator says the project will deliver a more reliable train service for passengers along the West Coast main line.

During the closures, London Midland will be running train services as far south as Hemel Hempstead and alternative road transport between Hemel Hempstead and Stanmore Underground station (calling at stations along the route) approximately every 30 minutes.

On Sunday, August 24, trains will run as far south as Milton Keynes Central. Road transport will operate between Milton Keynes Central and Stanmore Underground Station (calling at stations along the route) approximately every 30 minutes.

Also, on Monday, August 11 and 18, London Midland is warning commuters to check before they travel, as there will be a reduced train service in operation to and from London Euston for the majority of the day.

Terry Oliver, London Midland’s Head of West Coast services said: “On these two Mondays, due to the limited train service, passengers may wish to consider taking advantage of flexible working or annual leave.

“During the August closures, our passengers travelling between Leighton Buzzard and Euston should be prepared for longer journey times and changes on to road transport.

“London Midland will continue to update customer information and will have staff at stations along the closed route to provide assistance over the weekend.

“We’d like to thank our passengers in advance for their patience and co-operation.”

London Midland has arranged for its tickets to be valid on Chiltern Trains, East Midlands Trains and First Capital Connect, as well as selected London Overground and London Underground routes during the closures.

For more information on alternative travel arrangements, visit www.londonmidland.com/watford or pick up a leaflet from a station.

Remember to check www.nationalrail.co.uk to plan journeys and for any last minute changes.

Concerns have been raised over the lack of transparency in Central Beds’ Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan.

Concerns have been raised over the lack of transparency in Central Beds’ Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan.

An independent inspector, who has been examining the plan, said that he could find no record of the reasons the final seven sites, including Dunton, Biggleswade and land south of Fairfield, were picked for new Gypsy and Traveller sites.

That plan was approved by Central Beds earlier this year, but must also be approved by a government-appointed
 inspector before it can be put in place.

A hearing to discuss the issue is set to be held on September 23, with a number of issues being raised by the inspector.

A report states: “I have seen no contemporaneous record of the reasons for the choice of those sites either before or after the executive meeting or full council.”

It adds: “The apparent lack of a published, reasoned justification for the choices made causes me particular concern. On what basis can I be satisfied that the most appropriate sites have been chosen and the exceptional circumstances test met?”

He adds that he believes there have been errors in the way the number of pitches needed has been calculated.

With regards to the Dunton site the inspector notes that the local school is already oversubscribed, and asks whether walking to school would be a ‘realistic, attractive or safe prospect’.

Flooding is highlighted as a potential issue for the Fairfield site.

Jason Longhurst, Director of Regeneration and Business at Central Beds Council, said: “The Inspector has prepared a list of questions for comment and clarification and any statements in response need to be prepared by Friday 22 August.

“While we are disappointed by the tone of these comments, we will be working to this deadline as requested. It is too early to say what our response will be but any statements will be made available on the council’s website once submitted.

“We are acutely aware of the significance of this Plan to our communities and hope that we will be able to take next steps in the near future.”

As advance work on the A5-M1 link Dunstable Northern Bypass progresses there will be road closures in the area over the weekend.

The works, which start on August 9, will be a continuation of the re-routing of two overhead high powered electricity cables by UK Power Networks in advance of the main construction work of the A5-M1 Link Dunstable Northern Bypass, which is currently programmed for spring 2015.

Highways Agency Project Manager, Karen Green, said: “It’s important that this work is done now, as it will help us stay on target for our planned start of the main construction work in spring 2015.

“We have worked with UKPN and local partners to ensure that the impact on road users is minimised, which is why the work will be carried out at weekends, when traffic levels are lower.”

During the work, Houghton Road in Dunstable will be closed from its junction with Luton Road down to Windy Willows Nursery on Sundon Road.

The road will be closed from Saturday 9 August, 00:01, and will reopen on Monday 11 August, 00:01.

There will be a second closure from Saturday 16 August at 00:01, re-opening Monday 18 August, 00:01.

Traffic will be diverted from Luton Road (B579) towards Toddington, turning right onto Fancott Bridleway (B530) to the A5120, then left, to continue through Toddington.

Diverted traffic will then continue to the mini roundabout in Houghton Regis, taking the first exit onto the High Street, continuing on East End to Chequers roundabout and taking the first exit onto Sundon Road to continue onto Houghton Road.

Traffic travelling from Sundon Road will be diverted on the reverse route.

Access for local residents will be maintained subject to possible delays, and through traffic will be prohibited. There will be further weekend local road closures later in the year, which will be announced at a later date.

Advance work on the much anticipated A5-M1 Link Dunstable Northern Bypass started on May 27 following approval of the scheme by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

The main construction work on the A5-M1 Link Dunstable Northern Bypass improvement scheme is due to start by spring 2015 subject to the completion of the statutory process.

>To keep up to date with site preparation work and closures on roads around the scheme, visit http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/road-projects/A5-M1-Link-Dunstable-Northern-Bypass.

Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation is inviting nature lovers to take part in the final weekend of the world’s largest butterfly survey.

A butterfly walk is taking place on Saturday August 9 at Sharpenhoe Clappers, a stunning National Trust Reserve which forms part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Butterfly-lovers can look for Peacocks, Small Tortoiseshells, Commas and other Big Butterfly Count species.

Butterfly Conservation’s President, Sir David Attenborough, said: “Butterflies fought back last year after a terrible 2012 but despite this, butterfly numbers were still below average. Three-quarters of the UK’s butterflies are in decline and one-third are in danger of extinction.

“This is bad news for butterflies and it is bad news for the UK’s birds, bees, bats and other wildlife. This is because butterflies are a key indicator species of the health of our environment – if they are struggling, then many other species are struggling also.

“Every single person taking part in the Big Butterfly Count this summer can produce a statistic that is of real value as their records help build a picture of how butterflies are faring and how we can best conserve them.”

The event will begin from 10.30am at the National Trust car park on Sharpenhoe Road, between Streatley and Sharpenhoe.

David Chandler from the Butterfly Conservation said: “This is the perfect opportunity to take part in some final counts.

“It’s a beautiful place to see butterflies, with breath-taking views and we’ve already spotted plenty of the Big Butterfly Count species here, like the Marbled White.”

No need to book, you can just turn up on the day

“I’ll also be on the lookout for the Chalk Hill Blue butterfly, which has a breeding colony on the chalk downland of the reserve.”

Unlike the two blue butterflies on this year’s Big Butterfly Count ID chart - the Common Blue and Holly Blue - the Chalk Hill Blue is larger in size and the males are paler, with almost silvery coloured upper wings.

If you’d like to attend the Sharpenhoe Clappers event, please just turn up on the day or for more information, email David Chandler: branch-liason@bedsnorthants-butterflies.org.uk

A rise in nuisance motorcyclists on the streets of Leighton has prompted the town council to fund additional police patrols, LBO can confirm.

Over the summer months Leighton-Linslade Town Council has been flooded with calls from residents reporting the actions of individuals seen leaving the road on their motorbikes, mopeds and quad bikes.

The anti-social behavioural problem is said to be at its worse around Meadow Way and Astral Park, with the town council stepping in to use Operation Dodford funding to up police presence in the area.

It is hoped increased patrols will deter would be offenders.

Town councillor Amanda Dodwell said: “The council and police are taking this problem very seriously– not only is it a nuisance but the behaviour of these individuals is potentially very dangerous.

“It is important that residents who see nuisance motorbikes take a full description, including the license plate number, and pass this onto the police using the non-emergency number 101.”

Sgt Andy Rivers echoed Cllr Dodwell’s call, urging residents to report nuisance bikers.

He told LBO: “We are reliant on the community to tackle this and if it is known who the driver is and where the vehicle is kept I can give an official warning (under s59 of the Road Traffic Act).

“If there is evidence (of nuisance driving) I can seize the vehicle.

“At the moment Astral Park is a hotspot but we are working on that with public support.

“Those ringing through to us on 01582 473411 can remain anonymous.”

Comic-book adventure sequel CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER (12: Walt Disney) plays like an old-school political thriller.

Chris Evans returns as Steve Rogers (aka star-spangled super-soldier Captain America) and grows into his role with supreme confidence.

When Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) is left for dead, another threat to world security emerges. Rogers, who has been in cryogenic storage for 70 years, joins forces with fellow Avenger Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and newcomer to the franchise Anthony Mackie, who plays airborne wingman Falcon.

Following a battle with a mysterious cyborg assassin, Captain America and Black Widow become fugitives and try to bring down a sinister conspiracy.

The resulting action covers the full gamut of spectacular destruction, from highway car chases to heli-carrier sky battles. Yet it’s the characters’ interplay and the deviously well-constructed story that add weight to the film.

> A man on the brink of retirement discovers his pension has been stolen by his company’s crooked new owner in screwball caper THE LOVE PUNCH (12: Entertainment One).

Pierce Brosnan and Emma Thompson are like a pair of giddy schoolkids as the film tracks the divorced couple’s bumbling efforts to steal a diamond necklace from the fat cat who has squandered the fund.

Their mission takes them to the French Riviera, where they scale cliff-faces, get into car chases and fall in love with each other all over again.

It’s utterly silly and the plot’s a bit clumsy, yet that is also the movie’s charm.

Sheer exuberance more than makes up for its faults and Timothy Spall and Celia Imrie provide sterling support.

> Trying to turn a doorstep-sized novel into a film was several steps too far for fledgling director Akiva Goldsman with WINTER’S TALE (12: Warner).

A romantic fantasy is injected with heavy doses of realism as Colin Farrell plays a petty thief who falls in love with an ailing heiress (Downton Abbey’s Jessica Brown Findlay) he intended to rob in 1916. Untouched by the ageing process, he’s still walking the streets of New York 100 years later.

The supernatural repercussions are part of a much larger story of good and evil in which the lovers are beset by a hammy Russell Crowe as a demon with a broad ‘Oirish’ accent bent on spoiling their happiness.

Gaps in logic and emotional reasoning become gulf-sized towards the grand finale, which involves Jennifer Connelly. The scope of Goldman’s vision is to be admired, but despite the epic sweep, the story ends up feeling comparatively small.

> Solid sci-fi horror THE LAST DAYS ON MARS (15: Universal) sees a group of scientists at the end of a research mission preparing to leave the red planet when one of their number goes missing.

A rescue party led by the captain (Elias Koteas) and a senior engineer (Liev Schreiber) head out to search for their colleague, only to discover more than they bargained for.

The influences of Alien and The Thing are obvious and the cast are OK in stereotypical roles, but the spooks and shocks are telegraphed too far in advance.

CCTV images have been released by British Transport Police officers investigating a bike theft at Leighton Buzzard station.

The theft took place at around 2.15pm on Tuesday, July 8.

PC Christopher Woolley said: “A mauve Apollo bike worth £210 was stolen from the cycle racks at the side of the station.

“The thieves also took a lock and a helmet.

“I am confident the men in the stills we are issuing have information about this incident, and I would ask anyone who recognises them to contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference MSUB/B3 of 08/08/2014.

Carey Lodge in Wing, run by local charity and care home provider, The Fremantle Trust, will be hosting a summer fete this Saturday, August 9, to raise money for the home’s activity programme which helps to fund outings for residents.

Staff and residents at Carey Lodge are inviting the community to come together for a day of fun in the sun, while supporting a worthy cause.

The event will include a range of activities for all the family including penalty shootout, hook-a-duck, treasure island, tin can alley, coconut shy and face painting.

Sue Faulkner, leisure and lifestyle manager at Carey Lodge, said: “We are excited to host a party that aims to bring residents and the wider community together.

“Events like this demonstrate how important and enriching interaction is, not just for residents but also for the local community. We look forward to welcoming everyone on Saturday.”

A duo is taking to the road tomorrow in memory of a brother who was killed in a roadside accident.

Henry Wellbelove is cycling the 225km Coast2Coast in memory of his brother Archie, alongside friend Jamie Rawstorne, to raise funds for the Bedfordshire based Road Victims Trust.

Archie, a former pupil of Bedford School was killed on December 7 2012. The duo will complete the Whitehaven to Sunderland route on 10th and 11th August 2014.

The Road Victims Trust, a support service has been immensely helpful in providing solace to Henry and his family in the aftermath of the accident.

To date Henry and Jamie have raised over £14,000 for the Trust. If you would like to donate please visit Henry and Jamie’s justgiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/Henry-Jamie-C2C/

This unique service is provided throughout Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire totally free of charge.

If you have been affected by road death or serious injury and would like support please contact the Road Victims Trust on 01234 843345.

To find out more about the work of the Road Victims Trust and how you can help please visit the website on www.rvtrust.org.uk

The CLA is warning its members to keep their dogs within sight and kept in a secure location this summer to cut the chances of being a victim of thieves.

A total of 217 dogs were reported stolen in the CLA’s eastern region during 2013, including 19 from Bedfordshire and this figure is expected to rise because the animals can often be sold quickly – and not easily traced.

CLA Eastern Regional Director Nicola Currie said: “The temptation on a hot day is to let your dog go unattended into your garden, or out on your land, to find some cool shade. It’s also easy to let it run free and go out of sight while you are on walks.

“Unfortunately, this offers thieves a golden opportunity to take your animal.

“Many dogs are targeted by thieves because they can make money selling them on, often for breeding or for fighting. By leaving a valuable and much-loved animal in your garden in sight of a road or a public right of way gives thieves a chance to monitor your movements and security arrangements with a view to possibly stealing it to order.”

DogLost.co.uk, which helps reunite owners with lost animals, has noted a dramatic increase in the thefts of gundogs nationally since the laws surrounding metal theft were tightened in December 2012.

Half of all stolen dogs in 2013 were gundogs according to the website, which reports that 160 labradors, 97 cocker spaniels, and 80 springer spaniels were registered as missing in the first quarter of 2014.

“Gundog owners should always be aware of where their animal is while they are on a shoot and make sure it is never out of the sight of guns, beaters or pickers-up,” said Mrs Currie.

The CLA is recommending that dog owners cut the risk of theft by ensuring their animal is microchipped and wears a collar and ID tag, which should offer your full contact details.

If your dog is stolen, you are recommended to report it to the Police immediately, asking for a crime reference number, and contact your local dog warden. You should also check local animal rescue centres and consider using a website such as DogLost.co.uk and social media to circulate details of your dog as widely as possible

New research from TSB reveals that only a tenth (11%) of people think having life protection is a top priority when buying a new home.

Whilst purchasing home insurance is a top priority with 81% of people ranking this as one of their top 3 priorities, furnishing the house (78%) and redecorating (76%) are deemed more important than worrying about having life protection in place (33%).

Twice as many people think having protection in place is a top priority when buying a new home (11%) rather than ensuring you have extra TV channels installed (5%), but it is worrying to see that nearly twice as many again would rate furnishing the home as a top priority (20%).

The house buying process prompted just three in ten (29%) consumers to buy life protection: with more men (32%) than women (26%) opting to purchase protection.

According to the research, just over half (53%) of respondents worry about what would happen to their loved ones if they were hit with a critical illness, yet despite this only two fifths (39%) have protection in place. Of those who do not currently have life protection cover, a third (32%) think taking out a policy is too expensive, almost a third (31%) do not think they need life protection yet, however a seventh (15%) do not think life protection is important at all.

TSB’s research shows that the younger you are the more likely you are to care about your loved ones with almost three quarters (71%) of 18-24 year olds saying they would be worried about what would happen to their loved ones if they became critically ill. Having life protection in place peaks when Brits hit the 35-44 age bracket with just under half (47%) having the protection in place.

With three fifths of respondents (61%) saying they do not have protection in place, The TSB claims there is potentially a ticking time bomb if mortgage holders were to die or become critically ill.

Once spending the day being pampered was for those with too much time on their hands. But increasingly its the perfect way for those with too little time to relax and unwind for a while.

Whittlebury Hall in Northamptonshire made me an offer it was hard to refuse recently with their top to toe spa day.

With a recently acquired overrun garden, manicures have been a thing of the past. And with a daughter about to finish her final English Masters essay it seemed the perfect time for a little mother daughter bonding.

From the moment you enter the day spa, the atmosphere is designed to make you relax. Mood lighting in the foyer helps makes the transition from glaring sun to another world, and after a quick tour of the facilities its time to head off to the heat and ice experiences.

Elegant bathing rooms, based on the ancient Roman bath houses, give you the chance to try a variety of different temperatures and humidities.

The intensive warmth of the caldarium for example, is designed to penetrate the body, stimulating the circulation and releasing the body’s natural energies.

From there you can progress to the steam baths, sauna, and finally taking a chance in the ice cave. It’s not for the faint hearted but rubbing yourself with a handful of rock ice before taking a cold shower certainly makes you feel invigorated!

There’s plenty of places to relax between rooms, or try the large hydrotherapy pool in the centre of the baths, where strong water jets hit the parts a normal massage can’t reach.

After a healthy but filling lunch, it was time to check out a huge pool next to the restaurant.

Designed again with a Roman theme, it puts many sports centre pools to shame and with plenty of space, so no having to swim up and down in rows.

From there it’s on to the massages, first a body massage, and then a relaxing facial, with advice on the best treatments for your skin.

From there it’s a small wait and a chance for a cup of tea and another relax, before the final treats of the day.

First its a manicure, with a wide choice of colours and designs, and then onto the pedicure, again with a variety of treatments before the final polish.

All in all a delightful way to spend some quality time on yourself.

Lynn and her daughter were guests of Whittlebury Hall for their Top-to-Toe spa visit. £99pp including lunch.

For more details go to www.whittleburyhall.co.uk

Write Away. Leighton Buzzard Writers’ LBO Column. This week by Mike Moran...

There is very little to remind a visitor of the existence of RAF Cheddington today, but during the “Cold War” of the 1940s and 1950s a story with international implications unfolded here.

In the late1940s the US Government feared Communism might overrun Western Europe and, with the support of the UK, organised a network of “stay behind” groups offering armed resistance and known as Operation Gladio.

What, you may ask, does Cheddington have to do with all this?

In 1942, RAF Cheddington commenced operations, being used originally as a training base.

The US Eighth Air Force arrived but the stay was short-lived, as the American units moved to Norfolk.

The Americans returned the following year, carrying out secret missions at night over occupied Europe for the Special Operations Executive.

The Operation Gladio network needed a supply base; 
so in 1956 Cheddington became the main source of weapons for the network, run jointly by the CIA and MI6, where captured sub-machine guns, rockets, grenades and mines of Soviet origin were stored.

It was the largest secret arsenal in the whole of Western Europe.

If a coup or a political uprising in a country was deemed necessary, Cheddington would supply the means and the weapons would not be traced back to the CIA or MI6. Cheddington even had its own CIA radio call-sign “X-Ray Zero Niner”.

The Great Train Robbery of 1963 brought media attention to the area and the BBC publicised the existence of the arms dump, which closed the following year. Or did it?

There is mention that it was still in use in the mid-1970s, and for years after, but that is speculative.

This was an episode from the past where, in a small village close to Linslade, the “Cold War” was uncomfortably close, had we known it.

But all that is all history and we’re safe now, aren’t we?

The South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (SEPT) is holding a Council of Governors meeting in Luton next week.

Members of the public can attend the meeting on Tuesday August 12 from 5.30pm at Stockwood Discovery Centre, Stockwood Park, London Road, Luton.

The meeting is an opportunity for members of the Trust and the public to hear about the latest developments in the provision of mental health and community services from across Bedfordshire, Essex, Luton and Suffolk.

SEPT provides integrated care including mental health, learning disability, social care and community services.

As an NHS Foundation Trust, SEPT is run locally, not by Government, and works closely with the local community to develop services in a way that best suits the needs of local people.

Anyone living in Essex, Bedfordshire, Luton or Suffolk over the age of 12 can become a member of SEPT. Members elect Governors to represent their localities. You can become a member by calling the membership office free on 0800 023 2059 or by logging on to www.sept.nhs.uk

Volunteering by Sue Palmer from the Volunteer Centre at Bossard House, West Street, Leighton Buzzard...

We may only be two weeks into the summer holidays but the chances are that some young teens are already glued to their games consoles, TVs and computer screens.

However, every year an increasing number of young people are demanding more from their summer break. As children develop into teenagers and young adults, they begin to realise that it’s not only adults who can make a contribution to, or have a voice in the local community and beyond. Many under 18s now use their summer holidays to begin exercising this power, by getting involved and making changes through volunteering.

In return, the incentives are numerous; they become more skilled, confident and employable whilst doing things they really care about.

Whether it’s giving an hour to a local charity or campaigning for global change, a teenager has as much impact as anyone else, but can gain so much more personally.

For 14- to 25-year-olds, recognition might come in the form of the ‘vInspired’ scheme which records and rewards volunteering, hour by hour. vInspired is a charity dedicated to enabling young people to develop their skills and employability through volunteering and their nationally recognised awards can light up a CV.

Volunteering hours accrued also count towards UCAS applications and, for the more entrepreneurial young people, new and innovative community projects can get a financial kickstart through their funding programmes.

Particularly for 16 and 17-year-olds, the National Citizen Service programme provides opportunity to improve CVs, develop skills and go on residential trips, all whilst making friends and having fun.

To find out about these, and other incentives to volunteer, visit www.vInspired.com, and once you’ve set your mind on pro-action, give the volunteer centre a call (01525 850559 (to see what types of volunteering you could do.

We have around 400 opportunities in all types of roles, waiting to help get you on your way to your first vInspired award.

Romance seems to be reserved for a single lonely day of the year: 14th February, leaving many couples struggling to keep their relationship exciting. To relight the fire in our hearts, strategically 6 months after Valentine’s Day, is Rekindle Romance Week! Everyone knows that juggling a relationship between work, finances and family life is hard but Rekindle Romance Week is all about recognising that they don’t have to be a Hollywood whirlwind to be romantic. Whether it’s taking a luxury holiday together or simply making the other a cuppa in the morning – who said romance was dead!?

Nevertheless, it’s not just for couples in a slump, it’s for those who may have let their love lives fall by the wayside. Many singles admit they often choose their careers over relationships and in doing so abandoning their love lives, begging the question: Is love really worth it?

Research shows that 75% of couples admit to eventually losing the spark all together after finding ‘the one’, and 16% confessing to losing it within the first few months! Don’t go blaming anyone just yet - this is (in most cases) perfectly normal. After all, Serotonin (the ‘love’ chemical) generally only lasts around two years, hence the term ‘Honeymoon Period’.

But we cannot blame our biology for why romance dwindles… A brave 57% of couples have admitted that they took each other for granted, while 64% claimed daily life just simply got in the way.

So what can we do to rekindle romance? This week aims to inspire those desperate to inject some fiery passion, while giving advice for singles whose DOA love lives might be in need of an urgent resuscitation! In the words of The Beatles, all you need is love…

For those already in relationships; how about taking a weekend away in a couple’s only resort? Cooking a home cooked meal for two can often speak louder than words. They say after all that the best way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. Switch off those work emails and put some time into other aspects of life!

For all the hopeful singles out there, have you tried online dating? It’s not for the divorced and desperate anymore, hundreds of young professionals are signing up to dating websites and apps such as Tinder every single day. In fact, a study claims that seven in 10 couples will meet online by 2040.

Organiser Alice Hayes explains why this week is so important, “There’s no reason why the spark has to fizzle out in relationships - we all need to be told that we are special to someone. I’m not saying that I want chocolates and flowers everyday but a little nudge to know I’m loved is always nice, and that’s what Rekindle Romance Week is all about!”

Rekindle Romance Week runs from the 11th to 17th of August 2014, for more information please visit www.rekindleromanceweek.co.uk

For extra facts and fun tips follow us on twitter @RomanceRekindle #RekindleRomance

The recent warm, sunny weather and the start of the school holidays means it’s been a busy time at Whipsnade Zoo.

Crowds have been flocking to the wild animal park and a set of brand new Meet The Animals experiences have been launched, allowing visitors to get closer than ever to the zoo’s residents.

Among recent new arrivals are seven Caribbean flamingo chicks. All of the adult flamingos in the group take turns caring for the chicks, whose trademark pink feathers won’t start to grow for six months. A Grevy’s zebra foal was born on July 17 and not long after joined its mum for a first run in the paddock. Whipsnade has successfully bred 27 Grevy’s zebra foals as part of a European Endangered Species Programme.

Meanwhile, the zoo’s barasingha – also known as swamp deer – took a dip in the lake to cool down during the heatwave.