A teenager from Leighton Buzzard who drove recklessly and collided with two vehicles has been charged.

Police pursued a car in the Marsh Road area of Luton yesterday (May 26) after it failed to stop for officers at around 10.30am.

The runaway car was already involved in a collision with two vehicles, which had resulted in minor injuries.

Marsh Road was closed for nearly two hours until 12.20pm while recovery took place.

An eyewitness said: “My wife and I were waiting for a bus at the stop between Icknield Road and Norton Road when a car came down Marsh Road, going towards Leagrave, at a fantastic speed.

“Close behind it was a police car, and further back was an unmarked police van with its siren going.”

Two teenage boys were arrested on suspicion of aggravated driving offences.

One was released with no further action while the other – a 16-year old from Leighton Buzzard – was charged with driving a motor vehicle dangerously, without insurance or licence, and failing to stop for police.

Police would like to speak to the man pictured as part of their investigation into a burglary which happened in Danes Way, Leighton Buzzard.

The crime took place on April 30 at about 2pm.

A Pandora charm bracelet, a Pandora necklace, and a large quantity of cash was stolen.

Throwing a cigarette butt from her car window has cost a woman more than £900.

Kathleen Connors, of Stanbridge Road, Great Billington was spotted discarding the cigarette end from her car window in High Street North, Dunstable, by one of Central Bedfordshire Council’s Environmental Protection Officers in September 2014.

However, when she was contacted by the council, Miss Connor denied committing the offence as she said that many different people drive her car.

After failing to keep an appointment to visit the council’s offices to verify her appearance, Miss Connor was given an £80 fixed penalty notice for littering – reduced to £50 if paid within eight days.

Despite two reminder letters and several telephone calls, she failed to pay, leading to the council beginning prosecution proceedings.

Miss Connor also failed to attend her hearing at Luton Magistrates’ Court on May 19, despite having been notified about it in advance.

In her absence she was fined £400 as well as being ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £40 and the full prosecution costs of £460.24.

Councillor Richard Wenham, Executive Member for Corporate Resources at Central Beds Council, said: “Some people may consider it drastic taking someone to court for dropping a cigarette butt.

“However, Miss Connor was given ample opportunities to explain herself and to pay a fixed penalty charge notice – all of which she ignored.

“Central Bedfordshire is a beautiful place to live and work, but it won’t stay that way if people drop litter, which is why we will take action against anyone caught doing so.”

If you spot anyone littering or fly-tipping, please call 0300 300 8302 or email customers@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

> What do you think of the punishment? Email news@lbobserver.co.uk

A 19-year-old from Leighton Buzzard was arrested on suspicion of joyriding and intending to supply drugs.

At around quarter past midnight on Saturday, May 23, police on patrol in Bramingham Road, Luton, signalled a Vauxhall Corsa to stop but it is alleged it failed to do so.

The vehicle was followed until it stopped in Dunstable Road where the occupant ran from it.

A number of officers attended the area, including a dog and handler from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire (BCH) Dog Unit.

Police Dog Nero was deployed and was soon searching around the local area. He soon led his handler, PC Clive Warncken, to a garden where a man was found. He was arrested on suspicion of the aggravated taking of a motorvehicle and supplying a controlled drug.

PC Warncken from the BCH Dog Unit said: “Our dogs are chosen specifically for their excellent sense of smell, agility and temperament. These attributes make them ideally suited to assist their handlers and other officers at numerous types of incidents.”

Police are appealing to partygoers from Luton and Leighton Buzzard who may have witnessed a nightclub stabbing.

The attack happened at Liquid Envy, in Leicester, in the early hours of this morning.

It is believed that coaches of people from Luton and Leighton Buzzard attended the event called Urban Night.

Police are investigating a report of a stabbing at the nightclub on the outside terrace. The incident took place at 2.10am.

One man sustained puncture wounds to his chest and is in a critical condition at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

The second victim sustained a wound to his bottom and is in a stable condition.

Two men, aged 18 and 24, have been arrested on suspicion of GBH and remain in police custody.

If you witnessed the incident, please contact DS Gareth Goddard from Leicestershire Police on 101. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Your personal details won’t be taken, information isn’t traced or recorded and you will not be required to go to court.

You’ve seen budding bakers battle it out on TV, but are you up for the challenge right here in Leighton?

The whole family is invited to take part in the Great Leighton Bake-off competition at the Big Lunch food festival on June 7 in the High Street.

There are five different categories to enter: children’s cup cakes (age 5-9 and 10-16), a men-only category (cake of your choice), decorated cupcakes for adults, plus classic Victoria sponge.

To get involved juscomplete the entry form and return to the White House, in Hockliffe Street, Leighton Buzzard LU7 1HD

Forms can be completed online at www.leightonlinadle-tc.gov.uk or pick one up from the library, Ollie Vees or A Touch of Class hair salon. Deadline is June 1.

The competition will be judged by celebrity chef Sean Wilson at the Bake-off tent, run by the local Women’s Institute at 2pm and winners announced at 3pm. Deliver your Great Bake to the tent opposite the Market Cross by 1pm.

Not only will you enjoy the Bake-off fun but there are over 50 different food and trade stalls on site, including food from around the world – American, Thai, Caribbean, Italian and lots to choose from if you have a sweet tooth! Various trade stalls include Indian pickles and chutneys, wooden kitchen ware, pampered chef, Artisan chocolates and Fair Trade will be bringing along the smoothie bike to have a go!

Live music will be available all day and the double decker bus bar for your beverages. The English Tea tent will be serving up traditional Afternoon tea and will be joined by a guest speaker, Tea expert and consultant Malcolm Ferris-Leys. Giant bubbles, circus skills, arts and crafts, stilt walkers and the foodies double act are all to watch out for in the high street! Plus lots of free fun activities for everyone to enjoy.

For more information contact Jo Martindale, Partnership officer at Leighton Linslade Town council on jomartindale@leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk or 01525 631911

Former Hatter JJ O’Donnell could have seen his career saved by the help of Premier League footballer Danny Graham, writes Mike Simmonds.

The 23-year-old recently revealed on Twitter that it was doubtful he would ever play again due to suffer from Sesamoiditis, a condition which causes inflammation in the bones under his toes.

With parent club Gateshead refusing to pay for his treatment, expected to cost around £7,000, fans from both Luton and the Tynesiders clubbed together and set on an online donation page.

Graham, who was born in Gateshead and currently plays for Sunderland, then sent over £2,690 to help fund the operation, writing ‘Hope the operation is a success,’ on the page.

After hearing about the donation and reaching his required amount to pay for the treatment, O’Donnell, who played 51 times for Luton, scoring three goals, tweeted: “Incredible we’ve done it.

“3 weeks ago I was totally lost and hopeless when I got told that Gateshead FC were unable to pay for any more treatment.

“I’m truly astonished with the response since they, with you as football fans, supporters and fellow players giving me amazing support and generosity in giving me to play again.

“I’ll forever be in great debt and appreciation to every single penny that’s been donated to help me!!

“If I could thank you all face to face then I would delightfully do so. I got calls of family last night saying about a £2690 donation from the Sunderland striker Danny Graham.

“I’m not singling Danny out as without everybody I wouldn’t have ever reached my target, but a donation like that has left me speechless.

“I’ve never met Danny but for him to put an astronomical amount like that towards a fund of a lad who he doesn’t know speaks volumes of what a true gentleman he is.

“Hopefully I’m able to meet Danny and thank him personally for an incredible thing to do.”

The new Central Beds Council chairman says the deaths of two fellow councillors influenced his choice of charities for his time in the role.

Experienced Leighton Buzzard Councillor David Bowater officially took over from Cllr Caroline Maudlin, who has held the position for the past two years, at last week’s full council meeting, with Cllr Fiona Chapman elected as vice chairman.

He will act as an ambassador for the council, representing the authority on civic visits, at ceremonial events, as well as raising funds and awareness for his chosen charities, Multiple Sclerosis in Bedfordshire and Diabetes UK.

Speaking after his appointment, Councillor Bowater said: “I promise to do my best to live up to the wonderful example set by former chairman, Cllr Maudlin.

“I’d like to thank my peers for voting me into this position and I’d also like to thank my dear dad who inspired me on my current path by teaching me that just as much pleasure can be derived from giving as from receiving.

“I’ve followed that principal ever since through service to the community in Round Table and Rotary. In each of these organisations we give generously of that most precious commodity ‘time’.

“I will be following that principle throughout the year ahead: devoting my time to meeting many residents, local organisations and businesses and also to raising money for two causes that are very dear to my heart.

“The deaths of two of my fellow councillors, Tony Green and Alan Shadbolt, have inspired my choice of Diabetes UK as one of my two charities.”

Having grown up in the West Midlands, Cllr Bowater moved to Bedfordshire 14 years ago.

Cllr Bowater has been a ward councillor for Leighton Buzzard South since 2009, serving eight years in Leighton-Linslade Town Council and the former South Beds District Council, before becoming a Central Bedfordshire Councillor in 2009.

During the full council meeting Cllr Maudlin was thanked for raising around £53,000 during her time as chairman for her chosen charities, Breakthrough Breast Cancer and the Alzheimer’s Society.

> New chairman Councillor David Bowater is pictured adorning the vice chairman Councillor Fiona Chapman with the official vice chairman’s chain.

An EasyJet flight to Tel Aviv has returned to Luton Airport after members of the crew reported feeling unwell.

The 7.05am flight took off from Luton late at 7.30am today (Fri) with 178 passengers but arrived back at the same airport just a few hours later.

Four crew members were being given medical attention “as a precautionary measure”, an airline spokesman said.

Paramedics were called to reports of patients suffering “breathing difficulties” but a spokeswoman said they were fine on arrival.

The budget airline said the flight would be delayed overnight “due to availability of spare aircraft.”

Passengers are being offered accommodation and food and the replacement flight will leave Luton at 1pm on Saturday.

Three ambulance crews, an ambulance officer, two rapid response vehicles and Hazardous Area Response Team all attended the scene.

Creative children from a village school have declared their love for their local area in an art competition.

Taylor Wimpey South Midlands teamed up with High Ash C of E Primary School in Great Brickhill to launch the competition. Pupils taking part were encouraged to design posters expressing their admiration for the area, with the winning entries having the honour of being displayed in the Willow Lake Sales Centre.

A creative entry by Year 2 pupil Phoebe Wilford was chosen as the overall winning work of art, while the second and third placed winners were Emily Turner and Juno Canning, both also in Year 2, respectively.

Phoebe was presented with a £60 toy voucher, with Emily and Juno each winning a £20 voucher.

Steve Rolt at Taylor Wimpey South Midlands, said: “We already know that this part of Buckinghamshire is a fantastic place to live, but the pupils from High Ash C of E Primary School have really opened our eyes to even more things which make it such a great place.”

He’s written a string of chart hits and has A-list connections – and now Chip Taylor is coming to Bedford’s Ent Shed on Saturday.

Born James Wesley Voight and raised in Yonkers, New York, Chip is responsible for writing rock standard Wild Thing, has had his songs sung by Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin and is the brother of Academy Award-winning actor Jon Voight and uncle to Angelina Jolie.

Chip Taylor’s first chart hit as a songwriter was He Sits At My Table, recorded by Willie Nelson.

Country artists that have recorded Taylor songs include Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, George Strait, Anne Murray, Bobby Bare and Emmylou Harris.

Taylor’s songwriting was a constant chart presence in the 1960s with hits like Can’t Let Go by The Hollies, Make Me Belong To You by Barbara Lewis, I Can Make It With Youby both The Pozo-Seco Singers and Jackie DeShannon, Welcome Home by Walter Jackson, Step Out Of Your Mind by The American Breed,

Artists that have recorded Chip Taylor songs include Frank Sinatra, Fats Domino, Dean Martin, Janis Joplin, Ike & Tina Turner, Linda Ronstadt, The Pretenders and Bonnie Raitt.

He’ll be joined by guitarist John Platania, who is best known for his work with Van Morrison, beginning on Moondance, and most recently on 2009’s Astral Weeks Live at the Hollywood Bowl. In 1973 Platania toured with Morrison as a member of his band.

Tickets for the gig at the Ent Shed, in Castle Road Bedford, cost £12 in advance and £14 at the door. See www.wegot
tickets.com/event/315615.

Doors open at 7.45pm.

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 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 Felicity Jones and Eddie Redmayne.

The festival opens 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.

Proceeds will help support the Friends of St Leonards to raise funds to help restore and safeguard to medieval wall-paintings in the village church. For further information on the events, go to www.flamstead
bookfestival.com.

A stunning celebration of the music and life of one of the greatest singers of modern times is performed at the Grove Theatre, Dunstable on Friday, June 12.

Whitney – Queen of the Night features rising West End star Rebecca Freckleton delivering a powerhouse and breathtaking performance as Whitney Houston.

Taking audiences on a magical rollercoaster ride through three decades of classic hits including I Wanna Dance With Somebody, One Moment In Time, I’m Every Woman, My Love is Your Love, So Emotional Baby, Run to You, Saving All My Love, I will Always Love You, and many more, this show beautifully remembers the most highly awarded female artiste in the world ever.

Whitney’s life was not without controversy as she battled with her own personal demons.

In 2012, it was announced that Whitney had died.

Now, for one night only, Rebecca Freckleton is set to deliver a beautiful and powerful tribute to Whitney Houston.

Whitney’s one true legacy was her music, which touched many of us at some time in our lives. It is a chance for an audience to share her life and get ready for the greatest love of all in Queen of the Night.

Tickets are £21 and £19 with discounts available for Friends of the Grove Theatre and concessions.

To book tickets, call 01582 60 20 80 or visit www.grovetheatre.co.uk.

The first artist in residence at Woburn Abbey will be opening a new exhibition next month.

Landscape painter Richard Hoare’s collection entitled Seasonal Reflections can be seen at The Bedford Tea Room at the North Court of Woburn Abbey from Thursday, June 4.

It can be seen during the opening hours of between 11am and 5pm.

Richard said: “I am principally a landscape painter. I go out in search of light.

“These prints are from paintings I made directly from the subject as it is the experience of being there within a place that gives rise to the best possibility of catching the essence of place.”

He also talked about some of his past pieces.

Richard added: “The Grail has many forms and in this instance it is the light translated into paint. This requires an intuitive subtlety partnered with the robust force to seize the moment.”

His drawings are the first to be available for purchase directly from an artist working in the grounds of Woburn Abbey.

This exhibition is held in the elegant and comfortable surroundings of the new Bedford Tea Room where you can enjoy a Duchess Anna Maria Traditional Afternoon Tea.

The exhibition can be seen at the venue until Monday, November 1.

For further information about the artist visit www.richardhoareprints.co.uk.

Alternatively visit www.woburnabbey.co.uk.

A healthcare group that announced a whooping £43.2 million end of year deficit has revealed it expects to spiral a further £20 million into the red during the forthcoming financial year.

NHS England has now issued the Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, which is responsible for buying healthcare for the people of Beds, with ‘directions’ to improve.

A statement issued by the national body stated: “It is essential that the people of Bedfordshire have confidence in the performance of the BCCG and that it will continue to commission safe, sustainable health services now and in the future.”

The full extent of the financial woes were exposed at a meeting of the commissioning group’s governing body last week.

A spokesman for the Beds Clinical Commissioning Group said: “The CCG first reported that it was likely to record a large deficit in November 2014 and in the succeeding months it became clear that this deficit was far larger and more complex than originally believed.

“In particular, it emerged that not all of this deficit could be attributed to 2014/15 but should have been reported in the previous financial year.

“As a result BCCG has restated its accounts for 2013/14.”

The clinical commissioning group, which is forecasting a continued deficit for the next two years, is now recording a deficit of £12.7 million for 2013/14 and a deficit of £30.5 million for 2014/15 – a total of £43.2 million.

A Leighton Buzzard author published his first book last month after years of adapting the idea into a story.

Peter Sawyer, 29, of Winston Close, has been scribbling in note books since he was a child and these school book scribbles held the inspiration for his first story.

Swords and Stars is a fantasy story that follows the life of a black orphan accused of a crime he did not commit.

Peter said: “I was flicking through some of the books I used to write in as a child and found the notes for a story, that is where it started.

“After a lot of hard work and a lot of time, the first book is out there, I could not be happier.”

He hopes to release the second book in the two part saga in December.

He added: “It is a dream come true, and I know that sounds cliché, but it really is.

“I want to push on from here now and maybe write a series with three or four books in.”

Eaton Bray are sitting pretty in fourth place in Four Counties Division 1 with a crushing 54 run victory over Milton Keynes.

Winning the toss and electing to bat played perfectly into Bray’s hands, as they set a huge 235-4 from their knock. There were good starts throughout the order, but Darren Kerins’ swashbuckling 67 not out was the highlight as he came out swinging at the end.

In reply, Gary Ellerton was in devastating form as he tore through the middle order on his way to figures of 5-40. It meant MK left Rye Gardens licking their wounds, 181 all out, leaving Eaton Bray fourth in the table with 103 points, just three back of Thurleigh.

In Division 2, Eggington Foresters sit atop the table after five games with a comprehensive 73 run win over Old Bradwell. Naveed Ahmed’s 55 put the visitors in charge as they scored 210-7. In reply, Old Bradwell were skittled for 137.

Eggs are 11 points clear of Aspley Guise (249-4)in second after they could only draw with Milton Bryan (203-7) after a great knock of 90 from James Barrington.

Ivinghoe & Pitstone were well beaten in Division 3 to remain dangerously hovering about the drop zone. Open University put on 146 for their first wicket on their way to 263-4. In response, Ivinghoe were all out for 133.

Eggington Foresters 2nds (121) sit bottom of Division 4 after losing to Whitchurch (125-8), while Milton Bryan 2nds (39) sit one place above them after losing heavily to Wing with Wingrave (199-3) after Sam Rose’s 100 not out.

In Division 5, Great Brickhill 3rds (299-9) beat MK City 2nds (77) to stay top of the league, Eaton Bray 2nds lost to Edlesborough while Stewkley Vicarage (171-6) played out a draw with Winslow (171).

In Division 6, Cublington (160) lost to Old Bradwell (242-8).

Leighton 3rds (154-9) top Division 7 after beating Edlesborough 2nds (135), while at the opposite end, Wing with Wingrave 2nds (224-8) drew with Wolverton 3rds (253-6) and are in the drop zone. Ivinghoe & Pitstone 2nds (47) lost to Aspley Guise 2nds (48-4).

Bedfordshire Police has welcomed a report which acknowledges the progress made by the force in the way it deals with domestic abuse.

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) visited the force in October following concerns raised from a previous visit. Inspectors found ‘Bedfordshire Police is focusing on improving its response to victims of domestic abuse and is rightly treating this as a high priority’.

The report also said: “Bedfordshire Police has invested time and additional resources to improve its response to victims of domestic abuse following the publication of HMIC’s original report. The chief constable made it clear that tackling domestic abuse is a priority.”

“The force has also invested in additional staff in the force control room and the newly formed domestic abuse investigation support unit (DAISU).”

Deputy Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: “The force is committed to protecting people and fighting crime together which means our focus is firmly on protecting those in most need.

“We are pleased that HMIC has acknowledged the progress we have made with our approach to domestic abuse, particularly in the overall response to victims and their families.”

A team of cyclists will be heading to London on Saturday to take part in Nightrider.

The seven-strong group are all from Leighton Buzzard and decided to take part in the 100km challenge to raise money for the Heroes Children Fund. The charity is focused on supporting the children of fallen heroes in society. It aims to provide children with gifts, days out, activities and holidays.

Kevin Blackshaw, 34, one of the riders, said: “A lad we know set up a charity a few years ago to help children who have lost their parents through the armed services.

“He is the son of one of the ladies that works at the local pub, The Clay Pipe, and we wanted to do something to raise money for the charity. We’ve already raised £2,000.

“We are all looking forward to it, and we have been going on bike rides at the weekends to try and prepare for it.”

The cyclists will travel across London while the city sleeps, taking in over 50 of the famous landmarks, including the Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and the London Eye.

To support this charity and the groups challenge, visit: www.justgiving.com/Kevin-Blackshaw

Great Brickhill cut it close but managed to get their noses over the line to beat neighbours Wolverton by a solitary wicket on Saturday to take over at the top of Division 1.

John Iqbal was once again the star of the show with the ball in hand for Great Brickhill, taking a brilliant 5-25, as Wolverton were limited to 144 all out.

There were signs of life in the Wolverton line-up though, and for a while they looked in good shape, with Babar Raja hitting 46 and Kieran Lampard 29 before Iqbal’s haul stopped them in their tracks. George Humphries also took 3-46.

But Brickhill’s reply stuttered. Captain Graeme Carter was the top scorer on 30, while opener Mark Nelson hit 27 as wickets continued to fall as the runs slowly totted up.

Idrees Butt (5-40) and Jude Ramanadanpulle (3-33) rattled through the Brickhill order, but in the end, the visitors had enough to edge over the line on 145-9.

Elsewhere, Tiddington and Thame drew, allowing Great Brickhill to leap-frog the pair into top spot.

Patrick Prasad hit 124 for Great Brickhill 2nds as they stayed on top of the Division 4 table, beating Kimble in quick time.

Despite a strong looking 230-6 set by the visitors, Prasad’s superb knock saw Brickhill dominate with the bat, reaching 231-5 in 38 overs.

Brickhill 2nds sit top of the table, still undefeated after four games, but level with Tiddington 2nds.