New council tax bills will be sent to 113,550 homes in Central Beds following the results of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s council tax referendum.

The 15.84% increase in the police portion of the bill will be replaced by a rise of just 1.99%.

Residents will be re-billed on the basis of this lower rate which represents an annual charge of £159.67 for a band D property (as opposed to the charge of £181.35 arising from the 15.84 per cent increase).

As a contingency measure, both precept amounts were ratified by the council in February.

All council tax bills will now be reissued to reflect the referendum result and a reduction applied which will be back dated to April 1, 2015. The average reduction on a band D property will amount to £21.68 for the year.

Residents should continue to pay their council tax in the usual way until they receive the revised bill, which will be issued during week beginning June 8. The revised bill will confirm the reduced charge and revised monthly instalment payments.

For more information about the council tax referendum and its impact on council tax visit the council website www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/counciltax to read the council tax referendum frequently asked questions flyer.

Police are appealing for information after two off-road motorcycles were stolen from Stanbridge Road, Leighton Buzzard.

The bikes were taken between 5.30pm on May 18 and 6.30am the following day.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote JD/19342/2015.

Alternatively text information to 07786 200 011, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A planning application to expand a Leighton lower school will be debated by councillors on Wednesday, May 27.

Under the plans from Central Beds Council, Clipstone Brook will have the room to take on an extra 150 pupils to cope with the growing population in the area.

A report to the council’s development management committee makes no mention of the concerns of St George’s and Beaudesert lower schools who have previously claimed they already have the space to deal with more pupils.

St George’s headteacher Marea Rawlings has called the expansion – together with a similar expansion for Leedon Lower – as “destabilising”.

At Clipstone Brook the existing building will be expanded to provide new classrooms, cloakrooms, toilets and a library area. A new staffroom and drama room will also be provided with more play space outside and changes to access and parking at the school.

The report states that neighbouring properties have concerns about traffic, building on a flood plain.

Officers are recommending that councillors vote in favour of the expansion.

Beds police have issued a warning of the increased likelihood of raves this weekend.

They are warning all owners of land and rural businesses to check their property and ensure that all buildings and gates are locked over the weekend period. If it is not possible to secure land with a gate, it is suggested that entrances are blocked temporarily to prevent unwanted vehicle access.

Should you find any signs of suspicious activity or see vehicles arriving, please contact the Police by dialling 101.

The mum of a serially truant Leighton Buzzard schoolboy who missed almost a third of school sessions has been given a suspended jail sentence.

The woman was sentenced to four weeks in prison suspended for 12 months when she appeared at Luton Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard that the pupil attended only 101 of 146 sessions from September 2 2014 to December 19 2014.

And after hearing that it was the mother’s fourth prosecution for her children’s non-attendance, the magistrates imposed the severe sentence, saying that she had “deliberately instigated the child’s non-school attendance, made a significant lack of effort to ensure that her daughter attended school regularly and there had been previous prosecutions for the non-school attendance of other children in the family”.

Presenting its case to the court, Central Bedfordshire Council said that it had taken the prosecution as a last resort after the mother failed to ensure the child attended school.

It was claimed that she ignored offers of help from both the school and the council and also failed to turn up to a two previous court hearings.

Cllr Mark Versallion, Executive for Education, said: “This case shows how seriously the courts treat unauthorised absence and sends out a clear and strong message to any parent who fails to ensure that their child goes to school regularly.

“Prosecution is always a last resort for the council. We would always prefer to take positive action, working with schools and parents to ensure that children attend school regularly to ensure that they reach their potential.

“We will always sympathetically look at underlying reasons for non-attendance and consider if other agencies need to be involved so they can help.

“However, if parents then don’t make serious and sustained efforts to improve their child’s attendance we will do whatever we need to, including taking court action, to protect a child’s right to education.”

Under the 1996 Education Act parents who fail to ensure their child’s regular attendance at the school where they are registered face a fine of up to £2,500 and/or three months in prison.

The mother was also ordered to pay £250 in fines, costs and a victim surcharge for failing to register two other children at school

Police have confirmed that the bomb found at Wembley has been detonated in Bedfordshire.

The location was believed to have been Kensworth, but authorities are refusing to name the precise location.

The 110lb device was discovered on Thursday by builders working near Wembley Stadium.

A Beds Spokesman had asked the public not to be alarmed if they heard an explosion.

Best-selling authors Jane Hawking and Sophie Hannah will headline the second Flamstead Book Festival in the historic setting of St Leonard’s Church in the centre of the village near Luton on June 5 and 6.

Jane, who was brought up in St Albans, was Stephen Hawking’s wife for 25 years and penned Travelling to Infinity, which was adapted for this year’s Oscar-winning film The Theory of Everything. In one of her few appearances this year she will talk about her moving account of love and loss with the celebrated scientist – who she first met in St Albans – as well as what it was like for her marriage to be played out on film by actors Felicity Jones and Eddie Redmayne.

The festival kicks off on the evening of Friday, June 5, with thriller-writer Sophie Hannah, whose novels have been adapted for ITV’s Case Sensitive drama. Her most recent work – The Monogram Murders – is the first Hercule Poirot novel since Agatha Christie’s death, having been specially approved by the renowned crime-writer’s estate. It is out in paperback on May 21 in time for the festival, also known as Books in the Belfry.

The line-up also features acclaimed children and young person’s author Alex Scarrow, best known for his Time Riders series.

There will be a sports books session featuring Michael Calvin, who ghost-wrote rugby star Gareth Thomas’ controversial biography, and Hertfordshire author Ian Ridley, best known for his acclaimed memoir of former England and Arsenal captain Tony Adams. Story-telling for toddlers, a children’s workshop and a masterclass in creative writing for adults will also feature.

Festival spokesman and Flamstead resident Vikki Orvice said: “We’re excited about the line-up and hope as many people as possible in the area will once again support Books in the Belfry. After the success of Tony Parsons and Barry Norman at events last year we think that attracting Jane Hawking and Sophie Hannah is another coup for the festival and the area. I’m sure Jane will have lots to say about growing up and going to school in our area as well as meeting Stephen. We’ve also made sure there is something for everyone in the programme and it promises to be lots of fun, whatever age you are.”

Proceeds will help support the Friends of St Leonards (FOSL) to raise funds to help restore and safeguard to medieval wall-paintings in the village church. For further information on the events and how to book tickets go to www.flamsteadbookfestival.com.

Ever held a Tarantula or been nose to nose with a Chameleon? Stroked a Royal Python or listened to a hissing Cockroach?

Mead Open Farm is offering visitors a chance to do it all at their Reptile Week event this May half term.

Children and parents are invited to go along and learn more about reptiles and in-sects and get close to these fascinating creatures with the Reptile Week special guest: reptile expert and enthusiast, Safari Stu.

With his years of experience in caring for and breeding unusual reptiles and insects, Stu will provide an educational and fun experience in which visitors will be able to learn about, see and even hold a variety of animals, including a chameleon, snakes, giant cockroaches, a tarantula and bright green stick insects!

Stu said: “I have loved reptiles and tropical insects since I was a small boy when my mum finally let me have a snake.

“They are just so different from normal pets, really interesting to look after and learn about.”

This is a rare opportunity to get up close to some wonderful exotic animals. Reptile Week will run from May 24 until May 24 and is all included in the admission price, alongside the regular play and animal activities that Mead Open Farm is famous for.

Based in Billington, near Leighton Buzzard, Mead Open Farm is open daily from 10am until 6.30pm. For more information and prices, see www.meadopen-farm.co.uk

All ages turned out for a weekend of football to remember Chris Richmond, who died from a heart attack exactly a year ago at the age of 38.

The much-missed football coach was a committed member of Leighton Town Youth and ran two teams.

His wife Tasha, friends and family helped organise the day to remember Chris and raise money for heart charities.

Youth teams from around the county took part in a tournament held at Astral Park,

In the morning, youth football was order of play with Flitwick Eagles winning the U11s section, and Chris’s own team winning the U15s.

The afternoon then gave way to a veterans’ competition. Many had travelled from far and wide so they could take part, including the Richmond family who travelled up from Bournemouth to compete.

Most of the players take part in the Vets Friday league at Vandyke, in which Chris played.

The day ended with Tasha, her family and friends letting go 38 red and black balloons in Chris’s memory.

Acclaimed classical guitarist Simon Davies performs at the Little Theatre in his home town of Dunstable at 7.30pm on May 30.

The programme includes music from the courts of Baroque Italy and flamenco-fuelled Spanish pieces.

Simon studied at the Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music before receiving his Honours Degree at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester.

Performing in The Arada Guitar Duo, their 2008 release for Landor Records, Mediterranean, received glowing reviews from publications such as International Record Review and Gramophone magazine. The duo has also performed on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM and in some of the countries finest chamber music venues. Performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company ‘band’, Simon has most recently appeared in the West End run of Romeo and Juliet and the critically acclaimed Venus & Adonis.

As a soloist, he has represented the UK in the European Young Musicians’ Concert, in 2011, performed at the London International Guitar Festival and has played for the King of Norway and Spanish Prime Minister. He is a featured classical artist on Cunard’s QM2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.

Simon examines internationally for Trinity grade and diploma exams and is an examiner for AQA A-level music performance.

Tickets are available by calling 07974 450316 or emailing SwDavies@aol.com. They cost £10, or £5 for children.

Leighton Buzzard 3rds sit pretty atop Four Counties Division 7 with their fifth win out of five on Saturday.

Their latest victims came in the form of New City 3rds.

Leighton batted first and there were major contributions from Matt Gurney (39), Mark Roberts 62 not out and Sam Roberts with 51 as they scored 206-5 from 44 overs

New City started well with an opening stand worth 40 runs but then fell apart somewhat as Gurney took 5-11 in 5 overs. Andy Roberts (2-23) Alex Axford (2-14) and Andrew Parker (1-23) took the wickets as the home side faded to 77 all out.

Leighton get 30 points for their efforts, and already lead Edlesborough by 50 points.

Elsewhere in the division, Wing with Wingrave 2nds (88) came up well short chasing down Edlesborough 2nds’ 160-9.

In Division 1, Eaton Bray lost ground on the leading group by losing to second placed Thurleigh.

Bray put in a solid batting display, namely from Josh Peacock (63) and Paul Harris (47) to help the visitors to 219-6.

But a strong performance from the home side (221-6) saw them home with three overs in hand.

In Division 2, Milton Bryan (147-9) held on at the end of their innings to take a draw with Cranfield University (210-8).

Eggington Foresters 2nds’ batting left their bowlers little to work with in Division 4 against New City 2nds. All out for 156, Eggs managed to take five wickets in reply, but New City (160-5) eased to the win.

Bryn Reynolds’ 72 for Milton Bryan 2nds (238-7) guided them to victory over Wilden (234-8), while Wing with Wingrave (139) came up agonisingly short chasing Olney 2nds’ 140-9.

In Division 5, Great Brickhill 3rds (168-5) lost to Edlesborough (169-6), while Eaton Bray 2nds (109-3) eased past North Crawley (107).

In Division 6, the 10 men of Stoke Hammond 2nds(153-7) beat Cublington 3rds (152).

Leighton Buzzard secured their second win of the season on Saturday as they snuck past Long Marston at Bell Close.

Having narrowly beaten Wolverton last week to secure their first Cherwell Division 1 win of the campaign, Leighton doubled their margin of victory to two wickets, but left it late in the day again as they successfully chased down Long Marston’s 201-9.

Town won the toss and invited the visitors to bat first.

Opener Shepherd (74) survived an early confident appeal for a leg before wicket decision and then went on to play a variety of attacking shots.

He scored 12 fours and a six and dominated his teams batting effort.

A number of batsmen made a start but were dismissed fairly cheaply.

These included Storey (24) Beesley (18) Lyons (17) and West (14). Long Marston totalled 201-9 from their 53 overs.

Leighton’s successful bowlers were Tom Light (3-49), Lee Selfe (2-56), Alan Priestley (2-37) and Dan Scott (1-36).

Town now had 47 overs to reply and made a dismal start losing Francis (2) Thompson (17) Light (0) Culley (0) and Roberts (2). Home skipper Phil Whatmore could only look on as the score tumbled to 44-5 from 14 overs.

However a spirited revival began with Scott (22) in a partnership worth 56 runs with his captain and Town were soon up to 100-6 by the half way stage. Jack Kempster (17) then kept the momentum going in another half century partnership in just 7 overs .

The scoreboard showed 151-7 with 14 overs to go when Selfe walked out and the possibility of a home victory loomed into sight.

He soon made his presence felt with 3 fours as the home fans got noisier. Whatmore clubbed 2 huge sixes and the victory push was on .

Progress stalled with just 2 runs coming from 4 overs late in the innings but Selfe then took nine runs off three deliveries from Toovey and Town were home to a victory which two hours earlier seemed highly unlikely.

Selfe ended on 23no and Whatmore hit 10 fours and two sixes in his match winning effort of 74 not out.

For the visitors Toovey (2-72) Beesley (2-32) Butler (1-47 and Bee (1-30) were the wicket takers.

Leighton get 25 points and move into fourth spot in the top league.

Great Brickhill stay third in the table after a comfortable four wicket victory at Banbury 2nds.

The home side batted first, but despite losing opener Andrew Sabin (4) early on, steadied their ship with knocks from Thomas Bartlett( 31), William Hawtin (51) and Edward Phillips (57).

But with the introduction of Iqbal John and Ahad Khan for Brickhill, things started to go their way.

John’s 4-60 and Khan’s 3-32 helped rattle through the lower order, with no other batsman reaching double figures before losing their wicket.

Banbury, who had reached 143-2, left the middle with just 171 runs to their name.

Brickhill made a good start too, though lost Lawrence Armstrong (13) through a run out at 36-1.

But the partnership between opener Mark Nelson (50) and skipper Graeme Carter (56) put the visitors well in control.

But similarly to Banbury’s innings, things threatened to come undone when change bowler Stuart Barr came on. Taking 3-22, Barr dismissed Nelson, Carter and Doug Aris (3) in quick succession, leaving Brickhill 141-4.

But Brickhill had plenty of wickets in hand, and were determined not to throw away the result, comfortably making it home with four wickets in tact.

In Division, Leighton Buzzard 2nds made the short journey to Bletchley looking for their first win of the season and were victorious by a margin of 122 runs.

The home side won the toss and Leighton batted first. They lost some early wickets but experienced Rob Scott (41) was a steadying influence in holding the innings together. Scott and Alfie Ruston (62) put together a half century partnership when needed and the latter then added a further 64 run partnership with James Raine (46 not out).

This took Town on to an excellent effort of 237-9 from 53 overs. Brown was the pick of the home side bowlers with 4-53.

Yogesh Mistry then shattered the home side batting line up taking 5 wickets in 20 deliveries for just six runs.

Gareth Benger (3-32) and Ant Bell (1-21) also took wickets. There was a brief flurry from Brown (29) at the end of the home side’s innings bit they were dismissed for 115 runs.

Mistry’s fine bowling effort of 5-18 from 8 overs did the real damage for the visitors who bag 25 points for their efforts whilst the home side take 5.

Great Brickhill 2nds’ top batting performance helped them to a winning draw against Kingston Bagpuize, but they’ll feel it was a victory they let slip.

Batting first, Brickhill 2nds declared two overs early on 2672-7, giving them 49 overs to bowl at the visitors.

But despite scoring slowly, Kingston were stubborn and weren’t giving up their wickets easily.

Even though they scored just 157, the kept two vital wickets at the end to hold on for a draw.

The Royal British Legion in Thrift Road, Heath & Reach presents an enduringly popular rock ‘n’ roll band this weekend.

The Kingcats play the venue on Saturday - and while their sound takes listeners back to the Sun Studio era, the Kingcats are not just a 50s cover band.

Steve Mash from the Heath & Reach Royal British Legion said: “Their delivery of Elvis, Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent classics to name but a few, as well as tracks from some of the lesser known artists of the time, will have you thinking you are in Memphis ‘55.

“But what sets the band apart is that when they strike up their self-penned numbers you will not be able to tell the difference.”

The evening also features DJ Andy ‘The Tartan Ted’. Entrance is payable on the door. Doors open at 7.30pm and non-members are very welcome. For more details contact Steve on 01525 237923.

Leighton Buzzard Townswomen’s Guild has attacked Central Beds Council over its “commercial” decision not to put a tapestry back on display in the library.

The artwork represents different parts of the town and was made by members of the Guild nearly 40 years ago.

It was presented to the library in 1981, where it hung on the stair wall until 2013 when the building was redecorated and the tapestry was damaged. Leighton Linslade council paid to have the damage repaired and it has now been reframed and offered to the library to rehang on the wall – an offer Central Beds Council rejected.

Ann Cheesman, Guild chairman, said: “We were told the library would not take it back as the space is required for commercial use.

“They want to advertise on the wall. Does this mean that even a library wall has become a money-making public amenity. The wall still remains blank and has been for two years.

“The tapestry is a representation of our town, from the canal and market, to the railway and church. The library is supposed to be a place for the community, the tapestry should be hung there for everyone to see.”

Jill Dickinson, the council’s head of libraries, said: “Leighton Buzzard Library is unique in Central Bedfordshire as it also incorporates a theatre, which is highly valued within the community.

“However, it is not a statutory service and therefore has to be run as efficiently and cost effectively as possible to ensure it has a secure and sustainable future.

“As part of an ongoing £850,000 refurbishment programme to help modernise the library service, the wall where the tapestry had hung will be used to promote the theatre.

“We have been transparent in our dialogue with the Townswomen’s Guild that this promotion is crucial to the theatre’s future success as a hub for culture and entertainment.”

Burglary victims are being urged to come forward after a number of items of suspected stolen property were discovered at a property in Leighton Buzzard.

Officers recovered several items including Raymond Weil, Thomas Sabo and TAG watches, a collection of one penny coins and a wallet.

The items were found on Thursday, May 14, following a spate of break-ins in the area.

Anyone who recognises the items should contact Det Con Tim Worden at Luton CID on 01582 394434.

See more of the property on the LBO’s Facebook page.

Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary in The Green, Edlesborough.

Between approximately 10am on Monday, May 18 and 6.15pm on Thursday, May 21, intruders forced entry to a garage and stole a Trek 9.6 Superfly mountain bike, a Boardman mountain bike team hardtail and a Yamaha Raptor 700 quadbike,

If anyone has any information regarding the incident or saw anything suspicious contact Det Con Emma Francis from Aylesbury Police Station through the non emergency 101 enquiry centre.

If you don’t want to speak directly to police you can contact the independent charity Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The University of Bedfordshire has climbed 17 places in the Guardian University Guide 2016 – one of the top ten risers in the country.

The climb in the latest university league table builds significantly on the improvement in Bedfordshire’s ranking in the Complete University Guide, published last month, which saw the University rise seven places.

Vice chancellor Bill Rammell said it showed the University of Bedfordshire continues to make positive progress .

He said: “The latest league table rankings are an affirmation that the University of Bedfordshire continues to move forward, and that our commitment to putting students first and providing a truly transformational student experience is increasingly being recognised.

“Our student-staff ratio has improved significantly over the last five years, while during the same period we have invested significantly in high-quality, student-focused facilities – investments that are continuing. And we have dedicated, hard-working teaching staff who deliver courses that are driven by world-leading research. All of this contributes to the University of Bedfordshire being the number one university for improving the student experience.”

The Guardian University Guide shows Beds Uni has risen 17 places, from 115 to 98, and is one of the top 10 risers in the country. The rise is equal or greater than that of other universities in the region and of Bedfordshire’s main competitors, ensuring the University’s ranking above others such as Aberystwyth, York St John, Canterbury Christ Church, Bucks New, London South Bank, London Metropolitan, East London, Westminster, Bolton, Sunderland, Leeds Beckett and Southampton Solent.

MrRammell added:“Bedfordshire is a forward-looking university with a clear mission to widen access to higher education, nurturing students to become creative self-starters and global citizens with the drive and ambition to make a real difference. While our students leave with good honours, we offer much more than just a degree.”

Leighton Buzzard Lions Club helped a three year old boy with cerebral palsy get a special tricycle that will help strengthen his legs.

Freddie Gray, of Gemini Close, was over the moon when he received his new tricycle from the club.

The special tricycle is bigger and sturdier than a standard one and his family can push him along.

The club is a charitable organisation that helps local, national and international charities.

Freddie’s mum, Katie Gray, wrote a letter to the club, explaining Freddie’s condition and the need for the trike that would cost £1051.

Peter Richardson, welfare committee officer at the club, said: “I met Katie and was impressed by her efforts to help Freddie with his needs.

“I could see the problems they were facing, one of the main ones, the shortage of money.

“Both grandparents said they would pay £100 towards the tricycle and we paid the remaining balance of £851.

“As a club we wanted to help Freddie, he is a great boy.”

The club used the money from the charity fund, they raise money for the fund throughout the year through different events.

Katie said: “We are really grateful for the donation from Leighton Lions, the trike will help him because it will help him separate his legs.

“Freddie loves it and loves going on it, we really appreciate all the help we have received.”

Central Bedfordshire Council is teaming up with its partners to host a Housing Matters information event for its tenants and leaseholders in Leighton Buzzard.

All residents are welcome to attend the free event, which will take place at Bossard Hall from 10am-1pm, on Saturday, June 6.

Previously known as Tenants’ Conference, Housing Matters is part of a programme by the council to take information and advice to the people.

Housing service providers, training and employment agencies and council staff will be on hand at the event to offer advice and answer any questions residents might have relating to the services they offer.

The event will cover a range of housing-related issues such as benefits, rent, mutual exchanges, downsizing, repairs, home improvements and sheltered housing.

Julie Ogley, Director of Social Care, Health and Housing at the council, said: “I am pleased that we are again bringing this event to Leighton Buzzard. Past events in Houghton Regis, Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard have proved to be very popular, with visitors telling us that they found them very informative.

“Housing is a major issue nationally and for us it is important that our residents are aware of all the support and options available to them, and Housing Matters events enable us to do this.

“So if you are free on 6 June, come along and explore the information stalls and mingle with other tenants – you never know what you might find.”

For further information or to discuss access or transport issues, please call the Tenant Participation Team on 0300 300 8302, or visit the council’s website or send an email to tenantinvolvement@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Saturday evening saw a very young team of Crusaders swimmers travel to Amersham, to compete in a novice gala.

The idea of the gala was to give inexperienced swimmers the chance to compete, and to become accustomed to a gala atmosphere.

The evening’s events began with a series of relays, in which the vast majority of Crusaders swimmers obtained PBs. In particular, every swimmer in the boys and girls 11 and Under relay teams achieved PBs in their respective events. The team then progressed into individual events, again achieving a series of PBs.

The team fought for their position against other teams, and did so successfully. In a quick succession of first, second and third places, the team racked up enough points to put them into a strong second place, by the end of the evening.

The swimmers worked incredibly hard, and were excellent representatives of their club.

Team manager, Simon Wright, couldn’t have been more pleased: “It was an amazing performance by the team, coming 2nd behind Hillingdon. It was especially great to see how well the younger swimmers have developed over the last few months.

“A special mention goes to Ella Evans, who obtained an 18 second PB in her 50 metre Freestyle event, and contributed to a storming win in the mixed canon relay.”

The team gained 16 Individual PBs and 28 Relay PBs. 3 PBs went to: Billy Knibb, Catherine Banham, Ella Evans, Ethan Gell, Louis Hemming, Rebecca Knibb, and Skye Bunyard.

Two PBs went to: Anthony Hooper, Ashton Neo, Caitlyn Janes, Isabel Jackson, Jack Hill, Oliver O’Connell, Stanley Hackett, Tomos Clarke and Zoe Chang.

One PB went to: Abigail Bright, Ethan Janes, Olivia Newman-Baronius and Sean Cousins.

For more information on the club, visit www.linsladecrusaders.com