The number of incidents reported to police has increased by 13% in Leighton over the last year, one of which was an alleged violent attack on an eight-month-old baby.

During a meeting of the Leighton-Linslade partnership committee on Thursday, it was revealed that 1,853 crimes had been recorded in the town from October 2013 to September 2014.

That rate is a 13% increase on the same period in the previous 12 months, while there was also a 9% spike in the amount of domestic burglaries.

One of the most startling incidents included in the report is an alleged assault on an eight-month-old baby, who was said to be kicked in the head in Parson’s Close Recreation Ground between 5pm and 6pm on July 30.

A 17-year-old male has been arrested and bailed in connection with this incident.

Also included in the report is a list of CCTV incidents caught between June and September, one of which details the arrest of a man spotted leaving Tesco on Vimy Road with a gun at 6.15am on July 18.

The man was stopped on Willow Bank Walk and detained by officers.

Chief Insp Tania Coulson told the LBO: “While it is always disappointing to see an increase in recorded crime, it must be remembered 
that the majority of these incidents tend to be low level offences.

“For instance, in September 2014 we saw an increase of 28 ‘theft other’ offences – items such as mobile phones – when compared to September 2013.

“A lot of hard work has taken place in Leighton Linslade to address any patterns of crime such as the slight increase in domestic burglaries that we saw in the winter.”

The annual Remembrance Day parade for Leighton Buzzard will take place on Sunday, November 9 and will form up by the old Fire Station / Market Memorial at 10.20am.

There will also be a short service of Remembrance for the school children at the memorial in Church Square. More details from George Compton, Royal British Legion chairman, via Compton@live.co.uk.

Leighton’s Brooklands School is also holding a Remembrance event on Tuesday, with students and staff in period costume and Royal British Legion members invited to a tea party.

Councillors from all parties have roundly stated their opposition to Paul Newman Homes’ renewed attempts to develop land to the west of Linslade.

An exhibition of the proposals is being held at Soulbury Village Hall until 8pm today (November 7) and tomorrow (Saturday November 8) from 11am to 5pm.

Agents Curt&Co will be hosting the exhibition and told the LBO they were committed to being open and transparent.

But Leighton-Linslade town councillors stated they only became aware of the proposals on Wednesday – just days before the exhibition.

Cllr Peter Snelling, leader of the Lib Dems on the town council, said: “The renewed application comes as no surprise. Nor should it surprise the developer that the opposition will be as fierce as before.”

Cllr Mike Bishop, one of few Labour councillors, said: “They’re free to apply, but I can’t see anyone on the town council changing their mind.”

Conservative Cllr Amanda Dodwell added: “Any development on this site would put huge pressure on the town. Despite being in Bucks, in reality it would be an extension to Linslade and the new houses would use existing services there.”

Ken Barry, of South Bedfordshire Friends of the Earth said: “We’re absolutely appalled at the suggestion. I didn’t even know about it until today.”

Curt&Co have made the exhibition online at www.paulnewmansoulbury.com for those unable to attend.

You can also read our breaking story yesterday here.

What do you make of the proposals? Email your views to news@lbobserver.co.uk.

Countryside lovers in Luton and Dunstable are being given an opportunity to speak up for the rivers, lakes, ponds and wetlands they love.

A group of 16 environmental charities and organisations – including the National Trust, RSPB and WWF, are urging countryside lovers and communities to have their say by responding to a consultation on the future of England’s waters, published today by the Environment Agency.

The charities are asking people which stream, river, pond or landscape matters to you and are urging you to tell the Environment Agency about it via the Save Our Waters website. It may be a local special place where people enjoy relaxing, or a popular place to visit, such as the River Ouzel, Houghton Regis Chalk pits or Priory Country Park.

Many of Englands’s watery places have suffered the effects of extreme flooding, drought or pollution in recent years and only a quarter of our water bodies are in a healthy state. So the “Save Our Waters” campaign is inviting everyone to tell the Environment Agency how important your local stream, river, pond or lake is to you.

Chairman of the Blueprint for Water coalition of organisations, Janina Gray said: “This is a chance for everyone to send a clear message to the Environment Agency and the Government that Bedfordshire’s water is important to you and that you want it managed well in future, for everyone’s benefit.

“Even if people only have a couple of minutes to make their opinion count, it’s easily done via the Save Our Waters website, saveourwaters.org.uk which has a quick way to log your view.”

Police are hunting a conniving jewellery thief who preyed upon an 82-year-old woman in Luton.

The woman was walking along the street with her push trolley in Cuffley Close at 9.40am on Sunday 19 October.

She was stopped and asked for directions by a thick-set woman of Eastern European appearance.

The 82-year-old was then made uncomfortable by the suspect touching her shoulder in a false show of gratitude.

After trying to sell the elderly lady a bracelet, the suspect slipped a gold ring on to the victims finger on top of her other rings.

The elderly lady insisted she didn’t want this, and as the Eastern European woman went to remove the ring, she tried to prize off the other rings on the elderly lady’s finger as well.

A brief struggle ensued, the 82-year-old called out for help and the Eastern European woman fled in a dark vehicle that had been present throughout.

The suspect is described as an Eastern European woman, aged 45 to 50, of a thick, plump build with straight black hair tied back. She has a foreign accent.

Investigating officer DC Catherine Layton said: “We are very concerned about this incident as there have been 16 similar offences between February 2013 and October 2014, predominantly in Luton but also in Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard.

“Offences have occurred in Deep Denes, Woodland Avenue, Cuffley Close and Montrose Avenue, Luton.

“We would warn people, particularly elderly people whom this person is targeting, to keep their distance from strangers who ask for directions and to call for assistance if they attempt to touch them or offer to sell jewellery to them.”

Anyone with information can contact DC Catherine Layton in confidence on 101, or text 07786 200011.

From TheWhite House by Ray Berry, Mayor of Leighton-Linslade

Despite October tending to be the month when we move into the doldrums – nights getting darker, clocks changing and a long way to Christmas – there’s been plenty going on around the mayor’s office, and lots of good money being raised for my charities.

Many of you will have spotted me and my secretary, Christine Barrow, busily selling tickets for my charity hamper raffle, either on the market or through our local retailers.

The hamper, a gift in itself from Waitrose, raised the princely sum of about £550 by the time it was drawn at my mayor’s charity ball and, against all the odds, it was won by a guest on the night. Congratulations to Dr Shafi and my thanks to him for allowing me to keep the basket – in the words of Arnie “I’ll be back!”.

The charity ball is covered separately, but I do have to take this opportunity to thank all my guests on the evening for their support, the staff at Astral Park for their sterling efforts, the members of Paradox for the excellent entertainment, and my mayoress and her helpers/suppliers for all the finishing touches that made the evening.

The comments from my guests, both on the night and since, prove that Astral Park can and does impress. As a town, we are fortunate to now own and operate a facility which can cater for a range of events, from small private functions up to a table-service dinner for 70-plus guests – with room for a group and dancing!

As I write, we are coming up to Hallowe’en, but I’m really looking forward to having all my grandchildren with me for the Lions and Old Cedarians’ Lodge Bonfire and Fireworks, at Brooklands School next Saturday night, November 8. But please do remember that fireworks ARE dangerous in the wrong hands, so let’s keep our youngsters both aware of the dangers and safe from them.

And my final ad spot: Rock of Ages and Calamity’s Fling are doing a gig for my charities at the Hockliffe Street Baptist Church on Thursday, November 13 at 7.30 pm – if you can take Buddy Holly AND a Ceilidh in one night, this is the show for you. And it’s FREE, although we will be having a bucket collection! Tickets are not required. All welcome.

A fascinating exhibition marking Cheddington’s contribution to the First World War is being held in the Methodist Church on Sunday (Nov 9).

More than 100 village men served in the conflict and it contains some remarkable stories – including that of young Edward Wright, who enlisted when he was only 13, claiming he was 17 years and 11 months.

Records show that the medical officer crossed this out and superimposed 18, which Edward duly signed was correct. The teenager passed out as a first class Lewis gunner and served in France. But he was sent back to the Bedfordshire depot when his mother forwarded his birth certificate to the War Office.

The exhibition has been curated by Cheddington History Society chairman and retired teacher John Smith, whose father served in the Royal Army Medical Corps.

It takes place from 2pm until 6pm, with the 1916 silent film The Battle of the Somme, being shown at 7.45pm.

On November 17, Mr Smith of Church Lane will give a talk to the Society entitled Tracing a Stretcher-Bearer in the Great War. It encapsulates his father’s experiences in the 101st Field Ambulance unit and starts at 8pm in the Methodist schoolroom..

> For more information contact John Smith on 01296 668582.

An articulated lorry and trailer blocked Vandyke Road, Leighton, when the driver ignored width restrictions put in place to stop HGVs travelling past Vandyke Upper School.

Bemused members of Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway’s ‘permanent way team’ were busy cutting back the summer’s growth on their Wild Flower Meadow at Vandyke Curve when the lorry tried to get through the two-metre road narrowing posts outside the school.

Neil Cairns, from the railway, said of the October 27 incident: “It was travelling out of the town and completely ignored the huge signs warning of the road narrowing, put there years ago to stop large goods vehicles using the road, due to its very narrow end in the town.

“The tractor unit tried to get passed the big steel RSJs but became wedged with one RSJ stuck between its diesel fuel tank and its front nearside wheel.

“That was about 10am. It was there until 3pm with police and J&K Recovery doing their best to remove the large obstruction.

“By 3.15pm the road was open again, but the HGV was towed away in shame.”

A Central Beds Council spokesman said: “Thankfully this is a very rare occurrence which shows that the message, that this is not the route into Leighton Buzzard for HGVs, has been getting through since the preventative measures were put in place.

“There is a large school adjacent and very narrow streets ahead so the restriction is there for a reason, but the council would still urge drivers of large goods vehicles to be aware of the signs put in place so this does not happen again.”

A graduate from Edlesborough has won £8,000 in the University of Hertfordshire’s annual business start-up competition, ‘flare’. The winners of the competition were revealed at an awards dinner held in the Forum Hertfordshire.

Olivia Berry, a 21-year-old photography graduate, beat off competition from more than 100 entrants to win the coveted title of Best Business for her company, Olivia Berry Photography – a bespoke photographic service, specialising in equine and events; capturing special occasions, rural sporting days, pet and equestrian portraits.

On winning, Olivia said: “Since a young age I have always dreamt of running my own business, and now combining my love for animals and passion for photography I am able to do this. Winning flare has made this all possible. I am looking forward to an exciting future and the success of Olivia Berry Photography.”

After submitting a video entry and a business plan in the first two rounds, Olivia went head to head with eight other finalists to impress the judges in a live Dragons’ Den style pitch.

International recognition has been given to Leighton’s creation of bee friendly habitats.

The town features as part of an international book and photographic exhibition called Nature’s Keepers supported by Friends of the Earth International that highights nature champions across 13 countries including Georgia, Norway, Croatia, Cyprus, Spain and Germany.

The book was launched in Belgium on Thursday.

Victoria Harvey of South Beds Friends of the Earth, who spoke at the launch, said: “Leighton-Linslade Town Council with the support of our MP, Andrew Selous, local residents , local shops, South Beds Friends of the Earth, the Greensand Trust and Anglia in Bloom are demonstrating that being serious about saving our bees and wildlife is not a matter of just planting one wildflower meadow but creating a whole network of habitats across the town.

“We have lost 50 percent of our wildlife globally, according to a recent report by WWF.

“Nature’s Keepers celebrates those people at the local level in countries such as Germany, Norway , Georgia and Spain who have made a real difference to saving our natural heritage for our children and grandchildren.”

The fourth instalment of the Transformers franchise is the film equivalent of being repeatedly hit over the head with a hammer.

With a running time of two-and-three-quarter hours, TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION (12: Paramount) is the longest and most wearisome sequel yet.

This bloated, high-tech, high-decibel robot fantasy reboot sees Mark Wahlberg take over as the lead.

He plays struggling engineer Cade Yeager, who becomes embroiled in a power struggle between a shady CIA operative (Kelsey Grammer) and a tech billionaire (Stanley Tucci) when he comes across Autobot leader Optimus Prime.

Following the destruction of Chicago in Transformers: Dark Of The Moon, the Autobots are in hiding from the US government after being deemed a threat to humanity.

The action sequences are impressive and for the Christmas toy market, there’s the explosive introduction of the Dinobots. But this empty spectacle is all there is in an assault on the senses that dazes and confuses as heavy metal fatigue piles up.

At least Wahlberg is a more convincing action hero than Shia LaBeouf.

> Crime caper 22 JUMP STREET (15: Sony) sees Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill return for duty.

The big surprise in this sequel is that the partnership has lost none of its charm since 21 Jump Street.

Jenko and Schmidt are sent undercover to college by their hot-headed police captain (Ice Cube) to identify a drug dealer with links to a kingpin (Peter Stormare).

But when one joins the American football team and the other falls in with a crowd of Bohemian artists, loyalty to their new cliques puts a strain on their friendship.

This outing is even funnier than the first and explosive stunts aside, the terrific chemistry between Tatum and Hill really sets the screen alight.

> Yet another sequel, animated adventure HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (PG: Twentieth Century Fox) picks up a few years after the first adventure.

Viking Hiccup and his dragon pal Toothless explore lands far from their home village and meet an array of friends, foes and family members, both dragon and humnan.

After successfully persuading his people to live in peace with dragons, teenager Hiccup now faces a new threat from a warlord who is capturing the flying lizards to build an army.

It’s all aerial battles and coming-at-you swoops mixed with some quieter character-led moments. The addition of Hiccup’s long-lost mother Valka (voiced by Cate Blanchett) is welcome.

Less kiddie-friendly than the original as it’s sadder and darker, yet compelling in the way it explores the relationship between man and beast.

> Combining colourful inventiveness, engaging characters, eye-popping spectacle and fun-scary set pieces, fantasy adventure THE HOUSE OF MAGIC (U: Studio Canal) is utterly charming.

A stray cat wanders into a magician’s mansion and finds it is full of strange gadgets. The illusionist allows him to stay, to the annoyance of his other pets, but the cat proves an invaluable addition to the group when their owner’s scheming nephew plots to take the house for himself.

In the near future, things are going to get a bit grim for us humans on planet Earth.

We face an apocalypse of starvation thanks to the combined threats of crop blight and massive dust storms, which are robbing us of renewable agriculture and a viable future.

Our last chance is to reach to the stars – to find a new planet that can support life and then somehow get us there. It’s a big ask. But step forward widower Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), NASA test pilot and engineer turned farmer, who is trying to make a living with his small family in Interstellar.

Cooper lives with his father-in-law Donald (John Lithgow), son Tom (Timothée Chalamet) and young daughter Murphy (Mackenzie Foy), who he calls ‘Murph’. There is also the possibility that their farmhouse is haunted by a ‘ghost’, which seems to be trying to communicate with them somehow through gravitational pull.

Don’t worry too much about the plot though. Director Christopher Nolan and his brother Jonathan, who co-writes, go large on the sci-fi mind-bending metaphysics. Sure there’s Gravity-like space peril and a pulse -pounding race against time, but Interstellar goes above (literally) and beyond in all directions.

Nolan boldly goes where film-makers like Ridley Scott, Stanley Kubrick and James Cameron have gone before, bringing his own genius to the final frontier. He’s aided by a ‘stellar’ cast, which includes not just great work by McConaughey but also Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway and Michael Caine.

The human elements are core to the story, but the real ‘stars’ of the show are the stars themselves. Well, stars, planets, space vistas and black hole event horizons. The visuals conjured up here are some of the most impressive ever to hit the big screen – and should be seen at the largest (IMAX if possible) cinema you can find.

And it wouldn’t be right not to mention my favourite character – TARS (voiced by Bill Irwin), a marine robot packing lots of handy functions.

A last minute Danny Watson rescued a point for a threadbare Leighton Town side against Barton Rovers on Saturday.

Rovers led for most of the game, after Ben Sawyer fired them into a 26th minute lead, before Watson netted his 14th goal of the season in stoppage time to move Town up to 18th in Division 1 Central.

Town have enjoyed a decent run of form of late, with just one defeat in their last five league games.

And it remains tight in the middle of the table, with just six points separating Leighton in 18th and a place in the top 10.

With six regular first teamers missing for the visit of Barton, Craig Bicknell’s threadbare side was thrown another blow when Claude Senla hobbled off after just 13 minutes, replaced with Ash Farmer.

And the substitute was in the thick of the action straight away when he was picked out by Watson in the area, but his sliding effort went the wrong side of the upright.

Former Town player Bilal Hassan looked keen to get on the score sheet against his old club, but took the ball too far wide to get a decent shot away.

Mahmut Caglar also came close for the visitors with a 20th minute strike just wide, but it wasn’t long before they took the lead.

Leighton gave the ball away in midfield, and with the defence caught static, Sawyer was able to fire through Dan Green’s hands, putting Barton into the lead.

It looked like Leighton had equalised on the half hour mark when Farmer’s cross found Watson, who put home, but the referee blew his whistle, pulling play back after the assistant adjudged the ball to have gone out of play.

Bicknell’s injury woes continued when Paul Lyon had to leave the field after just 36 minutes, forcing the manager into a second unforced change of the half, replacing him with Aaron Morgan.

Green kept Leighton in the match five minutes before the break, denying the visitors a second with a fine stop, before Chris Crook bravely blocked a follow-up effort to keep the score 1-0 at the break.

Barton almost did the hard work for Leighton early in the second half, when Morgan’s cross picked out Michael Lyon, only for Barton head to reach it first and head it goalwards, only for it to go just wide.

Leighton upped the pressure as they sought out an equaliser, forcing Barton keeper Kyle Forster into a succession of saves to keep the home side at bay.

Phil Draycott’s frustrations got the better of him when he received a yellow card in the 66th minute for kicking the ball away.

Only moments later Dave Murphy headed the ball against the cross bar and then headed it straight into Forster’s hands as Leighton grew ever-more desperate for the equaliser.

A poor clearance by Murphy saw Sawyer come close to scoring again but his shot hit the side netting.

Draycott hit a super strike in the 82nd minute but it fell wide.

With five minutes remaining, the game swung from one end to the other. Sawyer hit the post and then received a yellow card for a bad tackle on Murphy.

Watson saw a shot skim the top of the crossbar in the dying moments, but he would be afforded one more chance, deep into stoppage time.

Alex Condon was shown his second yellow when he brought down Alvin Rajaram in the area, and Watson made no mistakes in smashing home the equaliser to ensure a share of the points would remain at Bell Close.

Town are in action again on Tuesday night as they host Biggleswade United in the Bedfordshire FA Senior Challenge Cup on Tuesday.

Vandyke Upper School sixth form student Hayley Cosby celebrated an exceptional achievement when she received a letter of congratulations from the examination board informing her that her AS Level Finance result sat in the summer was in the top 1% in the country.

Always eager to recruit top students Hayley had already received an invitation from one university offering her a place on their degree course with generous bursary!

Alongside her top Finance result, Hayley also achieved highly in History and Health & Social Care.

An estimated 4,000 people turned out to enjoy LeightonBuzzard annual fireworks display on Saturday – despite the wet weather.

The event, organised by Leighton Buzzard Lions Club, was held at Brooklands School.

Entertainment was provided by VIVACE who performed many genres of music.

There was also plenty of hot food and drink outlets to warm the crowd up, plus rides and glow sticks, lightsabers andcrazy hair!

Leighton mayor Cllr Ray Berry lit the bonfire before the fireworks who set off.

A Lions Club spokesman said: “We would like, through the LBO, to thank all the helpers and the public who attended the fireworks spectacular on Saturday.

“Luckily we were blessed by improving weather which helped us record an attendance figure approaching 4000.

“We haven’t finished all the counting yet, but are confident of achieving a profit of around £2,000 for our charitable account.

“As a result of this success, we aim to add even more attractions for next year. A great big thank you to Leighton Buzzard, See you next year!”

See more photos in the November 11 issue of the LBO.

The long and the short and the tall, the young, the not so young and the old stood shoulder-to-shoulder in Leighton’s Church Square on Sunday to remember all those who had made the ultimate sacrifice in armed conflict since the start of the First World War.

The town’s annual Royal British Legion Remembrance Parade started from Market Square with a march through the town centre led by The Salvation Army Band to assemble before the war memorial under he watchful eye of Parade Marshal George Compton.

The parade included serving and former members of the armed forces, the emergency services and uniformed youth organisations.

Town councillor Mark Freeman read the exhortation and vicar Grant Fellows led prayers for the fallen.

Wreath layers included 99-year-old veteran Walter Randall and South West Beds MP Andrew Selous.

Mr Compton, who also serves as chairman of the RBL Leighton Branch, said: “It was my first time as parade marshal and I’m pleased to say it went according to plan.

“The parade was very well attended and just seems to get bigger every year, it was a superb turnout by all involved.”

Mr Compton broke with tradition and ended the parade by publicly thanking everyone on the square for being there and supporting the brave men and women of the Army, Navy, Royal Air Force and Royal Marines.

He was rewarded with a huge round of applause that sent the square’s resident pigeons clattering away into the sky.

Mr Compton said: “A lot of people came up to me after and said they had never known that happen before and once again I thank everyone for their support.”

Thieves stole an unusual Harley Davidson motorbike containing a Leighton man’s medals, beret and Royal British Legion waistcoat just hours before he was due to take part in the town’s Remembrance Sunday Service parade.

Derrick Dobbie, 59, of Harrow Road, believes the limited edition bike, made specially for the British Army,was stolen in the early hours of Sunday morning.

“It was parked behind two cars and another bike,” he said. “So they must have gone to a lot of trouble to get it out.

“I felt complete shock, horror and disbelief when I saw it was gone.

“I’d packed the panniers the night before with my medals, beret and waistcoat. They’re not worth much to anyone else but they’re of great sentimental value to me.”

Derrick, who works for B/E Aerospace in Grovebury Road, spent 28 years with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the Territorial Army and proudly holds the TA medal for long service as well as the Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal.

He bought the bike – an MT350, registration P410HBC – three years ago before stripping it down and rebuilding it.

He said: “It’s matt green and very rugged. Only 2,500 were made so it’s fairly rare. It attracts attention because it’s an ex military bike and it’s well known at British Legion functions.”

After discovering the theft, Derrick changed into jacket and tie and went to the parade. “It was the least I could do,” he explained. “I didn’t want to let people down, especially as it was all about remembering the fallen.”

Later on Sunday he had a message that someone had seen a similar bike at the White Lion retail park in Dunstable: “So maybe it’s still in the area.”

Derrick’s daughter Sarah said: “We hope having the story in the LBO will increase our chances of getting his medals, beret and waistcoat back before they’re dumped somewhere.”

> If you have any information call Beds Police on 101.

> STOP PRESS: As the LBO went to press, police said the bike had been recovered but not the panniers and their contents.

Current Bedfordshire League leaders Renhold United placed their name into the hat for the Beds Senior Trophy third round draw with a 5-2 home victory over Flitwick Town on Saturday.

James Cooper, Dean Warren, Jordan Kumar, Jonny Richens and Aran Hazelwood netted the goals to bring up the nap hand against Town replies via Daniel Stafford and Richie Bevan.

Also into the hat for the third round draw are both AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College plus AFC Oakley M&DH. Town with goals from Tyrone Kelly and Aaran Chaplin against a reply from Ashley Drummond netting a 2-1 home win over Eastcotts AFC. Whilst M&DH were 4-1 home victors over Sandy. Robbie Alder with a brace plus Oli Plested and Mark Smith grabbing the goals against a lone reply from Jahrome Mullings.

However it was the end of the road for three other clubs. At McMullen Park, Pavenham trailed to an opening goal from Bedford FC before levelling the game up via Patrick Geovanai on the half-hour mark only to see the hosts regain the lead in the 63rd minute. With just 10 minutes to play the normally ultra reliable James Owen was to send a penalty against the crossbar and then see the hosts net a third for a 3-1 victory in the 89th minute.

For Ickwell & Old Warden it was a 4-2 home defeat at the hands of 61FC Luton. Ahead via Andrew Vallom in the 21st minute they were pegged back five minutes later when Mashadol Kabir struck for the visitors before Cortney Bachelor shot them back in front in the 32nd minute, their lead lasting just 60 seconds before Bradley Currington squared matters up at 2-2. With most of the 50 plus crowd sheltered from the now heavy rain under the famous oak tree, Currington was to give the visitors the lead for the first time 10 minutes into the second period before it was game up for the hosts when Kyron Jackson netted a fourth two minutes from time.

Also going out were Sharnbrook beaten 4-1 at Potton United. The hosts with goals from Brett Wyman in the 3rd minute and Jamie Berryman in the 20th minute 2-0 ahead until a strike from Shaun Barnett on the hour mark raised Sharnbrook hopes. Alas it was not to be as Courtney Boughton netted in the 73rd and 78th minute to take United to victory and into the third round.

Premier Division supported by Sportsform

For bottom of the table Lidlington United Sports it was a first win of the season when two goals from David Wild against a lone reply from Greg Turnball took them to a 2-1 home win over Wilstead who have now failed to win any of their last five away outings.

Whilst just a few miles down the road referee Paul Forrester was forced to call a halt to the Marston Shelton Rovers v Wootton Blue Cross game at half-time with the sides deadlocked at 1-1 due to a waterlogged pitch.

Division One supported by Wests Citroen Bedford

With league leaders Henlow sitting the afternoon out second place Elstow Abbey failed to take advantage to move to within four points of them when they lost their 100% away ways when beaten 4-2 at Great Barford who were recording their fourth win on the bounce to move up into fifth. Reuben Hukin with a brace plus David Mulvhill and Nick Payne were on the home scoresheet against replies from Danny Fox and Danny Pilgrim.

The biggest away winners of the day were fourth place Sundon Park Rangers who ran out 9-0 victors at Bedford SA. Matthew Conway netting six times alongside single strikes from Nicky Buttigeig, Aiden Dawson and Sam Kehinde. But the biggest winners of the day were Potton Town who netted a 10-0 home win over bottom of the table Brache Sparta in a game reduced to 80 minutes after Brache only arrived at Mill Lane 30 minutes passed kick off time. Jordan Henry netting five times alongside single strikes from Tom Grinstead, Chris Moore, James Pyman, Paul Mijalski and Jack Hutchinson.

For AFC Oakley M&DH Reserves it was the loss of their 100% home ways when beaten 4-1 by Shefford Town & Campton Reserves. Sean Duignan netting twice alongside a penalty from Tim Andrews and a strike from Joe Lewis for the victors against a lone home reply via Ray Patrickson. Whilst Meltis Albion returned to winning ways for the first time in four outings with a 2-1 home win over second from bottom of the table AFC Harlington who are still seeking their opening win of the season. Kieran Walsh plus a Sylvester Mulengia doing the damage against a lone reply from Joe Rogers.

Elsewhere over at Gold Street, Riseley Sports netted a 3-0 home win over Marabese Ceramics to end the visitors three game unbeaten run. James Cook netting twice and Josh Poole once.

Bedfordshire FA Intermediate Cup 2nd Round

Cranfield United missed the chance of a journey in round three to Hillgrounds to face AFC Kempston Rovers U21 when they were beaten in a penalty shoot-out 4-1 at Barton Rovers U21 Development B after 90 minutes play had seen the sides deadlocked at 2-2. Jordan Appleton and Liam Whitmee-Craig netting the United goals.

Division Two

Westoning still remain a point clear following their 4-0 home win over Wootton Village. Shaun Cooksley, Lewis Cooksley, Bryn Reynolds and Ben Dashwood netting the goals to do the damage. Whilst second place FC Houghton took their winning ways up to seven games with a 7-0 home win over the yet to win this season and bottom of the table Wilstead Reserves. Lawrence Taylor, Mark Doran and Sam Martin all netting twice alongside a single strike from Charlie Nicholson.

Now up into third are Clapham Sports who ran out 4-1 winners at Moggerhanger United. Grant Williams netting twice alongside Luke Stone and Liam Bolton against a lone United reply from Lee Adams.

In fourth place are Elstow Abbey Reserves who lost their 100% home record when held to a 1-1 draw by Meltis Albion Reserves. Josh St Clair Pierre shooting the Albion ahead before Jhey Tompkins levelled matters to give the Abbey a share of the spoils.

For fifth place Stevington it was win number four on the bounce with a 6-1 home win over Renhold United Reserves. Kieran Souter and Ben Walsh both netting twice alongside single strikes from James Bourke and Jordan Wright against a lone United reply from Jordan Johnson.

Meantime winning for the first time in five league starts were Kempston Hammers Sports with a 5-1 home win over second from bottom of the table Marston Shelton Rovers Reserves who are still looking for their first away point of the season. Matt Dingley with a hat-trick plus a penalty from Sunnie Sandhu and a strike from Dan Havil bringing up the nap hand against a lone Rovers reply from Carl Borromeo.

Elsewhere Kempston Athletic remain unbeaten on the road this season and now taking up eighth spot in the table after winning 3-1 at Bedford United who were having their four game unbeaten home run ended. Dee Sayid netting twice and Dave Wild once for the visitors against a lone United reply from Aaran Perrett.

Division Three

With table toppers Flitwick Town Reserves sitting the afternoon out we now have new league leaders in the shape of Clifton who took full advantage with a 4-2 home victory over Westoning U20. Andy Harvey, Jack Brown, Matt Turner plus an own goal marking the home scoresheet against replies from Callum Clayton and Dom Benmoussa.

Also climbing above the Town into second spot are Ickwell & Old Warden Reserves who won 3-1 at Caldecote U20, a defeat that slipped the hosts to the bottom of the league table on goal difference below the non-playing Sandy Reserves. Tom Skinner, Ben Paratt and Matthew Bruney on the visitors scoresheet against a lone reply via Paul Rannow.

For fourth place Dinamo Flitwick it was a 6-2 away win at FC Serbia to end the home sides three game unbeaten home run. Dale Goldie with a hat-trick being supported by single goals from Jamie Burton, Scott Hannam and Dom Loadman against home replies via Bozo Saso and Marko Djordjic. Whilst fifth place Cranfield United Reserves retained their seasons unbeaten ways by winning 2-1 at White Eagles to end the hosts three game winning run. Daniel McLaren plus a 90th minute winner from Adam Constable bringing United the three points against a home reply from Krzysztof Lange.

Sitting in sixth place are Atletico Europa who retained their seasons 100% away record by winning 5-3 at Mid Beds Tigers who are yet to win on home soil this season. Moydean Banda with a hat-trick supported by goals from Cameron Browne and Kane Alexander against Tigers replies from Steve Monks, Daniel Whitten and Rob Gaylor.

Now in seventh spot are Lea Sports PSG who won 3-1 at Shefford Town & Campton A to end the hosts unbeaten home ways for the season. Sean Dixon, Jordan Yearwood and Ryan Durrant netting the goals and one in reply from Adam Chambers.

Leighton Ladies 1sts couldn’t continue their winning streak on Saturday, as they lost 2-0 at home to Shefford & Sandy 2nds.

After celebrating a 4-0 win over Harpenden last weekend, they were met with miserable conditions at Vandyke, making visibility tough for both sides.

There were great runs up front by Hayley Easton, Kirsty Scrivner and Gabbie Avola. Leighton Buzzard battled hard with a number of goal mouth scrambles but sadly no goals.

Keeper Lisa Smith kept Leighton in the game as Shefford & Sandy pushed forward, diving to stop balls on the line and in the air, keeping the scores level at the break.

Into the second half, there was some lovely passing between Laura Keable at the back and Hollie Taylor in the middle, but they couldn’t find the backboard - and even when they did, the referee ruled it out.

Buzzards had a number of chances through short corners but were twice caught out by the visitors, and fell to a 2-0 defeat.

Leighton Mens 1sts’ slump in form continued as they went down 3-2 to Westhampstead 4ths.

Dominating the game early on Leighton were hard done by to concede first Westhampstead taking the lead through a penalty corner.

Leighton however continued to hold the ball well and work Westhampstead around creating chances Tommy Lakins rattling the post with a great effort.

Leighton’s pressure paid off Lakins shot sent goal bound with Ben Smith deflecting home.

Leighton were however put straight back behind the visitors Westhampstead retaking the lead almost instantly.

The second half started with Leighton faulting their lines losing their domination of possession and were made to chase Westhampstead, then Leighton found themselves 3-1 down after an effective Westhampstead counter attack.

Undeterred, Leighton set back to trying to gain a hold of the game, man of the match Dan Lambert playing strongly down the right hand side. Leighton won a penalty corner with 10mins to go and David Fry’s drag flick found the bottom corner 2-3 Leighton chasing Westhampstead down.

The game was evenly balanced to the finish Leighton keeper Jacob Bradding putting body on the line saving a powerful effort at goal with his head, his supreme stop keeping Leighton’s chances of three points alive.

But the final whistle would come too soon for the home side, as they slipped to their third defeat of the season.

Leighton Mens 2nds fielded a much changed side against Aylesbury 3rds, and quickly fell three goals down.

After a stern half time team talk, Leighton were much improved in the second period, pulling one back through Dave Jackson.

Leighton conceded twice more before Jackson got his second, and David Wavish scored a third consolation in the 5-3 defeat.

There was better news for the Fledglings though, who beat Maidenhead Mystics 3-1, with all the goals coming in the second half. The home side took the lead, before Peter Gale equalised for Leighton. Jacob Murtagh fired the visitors into the lead before David Canty sealed the win.

Leighton Ladies 2nds suffered a 3-1 defeat to Vauxhall Chiltern - Clare Farrow with Leighton’s only goal.

Central Bedfordshire council is inviting residents to share their views on pharmacy services in the county.

The results will be used by NHS England to decide whether to approve applications for new pharmacies or commission new pharmacy services in the county.

The current Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment for the area suggests that the provision within the county remains sufficient and in line with national averages. It also indicates that residents live within a mile of one of the county’s 42 pharmacies.

To have your say, visit http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/consultations

Councillor Carole Hegley said: “The local pharmacy plays a major role within the community, one which goes beyond selling and dispensing medicine. Pharmacies provide help with stopping smoking, sexual health services, support for drug users, flu vaccinations, and medical advice.

“A trip to the chemist can eliminate the need to visit a GP and is a quick, practical solution to many common ailments.

“Anyone who currently uses local pharmaceutical services is strongly encouraged to express their views, which we can then take into account when shaping provision across the county.”