More departures from a Leighton Buzzard shopping centre have left customers scratching their heads.

Poundstretcher and Coffee & More have been fixtures in Waterborne Walk, off the High Street, for years.

The latter attracted a loyal fanbase after setting up in 2011 on the former site of Latte Heaven.

Six months ago, Coffee & More owner Spencer Arden accused local Wetherspoon, The Swan Hotel, of muscling in, after it printed a poster negatively comparing the prices of independent coffee shops with its own bargain deals. The prices on the poster were found to be inaccurate.

Poundstretcher’s closure on November 1, comes as the company embark on a nationwide initiative towards larger stores in order to compete with the growing discount store market.

A spokesman for Poundstretcher was unable to comment before the LBO went to press.

Savills, agents for CPI – the owners of Waterborne Walk – have so far remained tight-lipped about the changes as shoppers speculate on social media about the sudden turnaround, some claiming rents had been hiked.

In recent times, Blockbuster, Shoe Zone and Co-op Travel have also left the centre.

Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Olly Martins will be at Morrisons supermarket in Leighton Buzzard on Wednesday (October 28), to issue burglary advice to residents and advise how to keep your property safe.

The commissioner will be at the supermarket from 3pm to 5pm, accompanied by colleagues from the local Neighbourhood Watch who will distribute security packs to help with burglary prevention.

The PCC said: “The new Bedfordshire Police operating model has focused more attention on Leighton Buzzard, allowing for a new enhanced community policing team to be based at the station, as well as a number of Special Constables.

“We want to reassure residents that even though the underused enquiry desk may close, Leighton Buzzard police station will remain open and there will continue to be a strong police presence in the area.”

After consulting with the public in summer 2014, burglary remains one of the top priorities for Bedfordshire Police.

Operation Albiorix was launched in October 2014, aiming to crack down on burglary hotspots as the nights began to draw in.

Working with local authorities and partners, Bedfordshire Police worked to prevent and reduce the seasonal upsurge across South Bedfordshire’s burglary hotspots.

Its primary aim was to improve intelligence and increase the detection and the disruption of offenders as well as stepping up support for victims and informing residents the best ways to protect their property.

The PCC’s visit is part of a wider string of supermarket visits across the county. For more information about these events, please contact pccevents@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk.

Wrestling fanatics will be in for a treat when an event comes to the Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre at the weekend.

Wrestleforce will be bringing some of the elite to the wrestling world to the town on Saturday October 31.

Audiences are advised to prepare themselves for an intense, interactive and immersive experience unlike anything else.

A spokesman for Wrestleforce said: “Another diverse world class professional wrestling show will be showcased which will include fine technical grapplers like Josh Faulkner and Lewis Howley, flamboyant high flying superstars like The Rainbow Warrior in pink: Peace, stunning ladies and powerhouses like The Bull Robin Lekime!

“In addition to that, on this Halloween night, things will also get a bit darker and more sinister.

With the gates to hell being opened, anything can happen. One thing that is certain, this will be an extremely enjoyable night out that the whole family will enjoy.”

Doors open for the showa at 6.30pm with the entertainment starting at 7pm.

Tickets for the show cost £12 for adults and £10 for concessions.

For further information or to book tickets in advance call the box office on 0300 300 8125 or alternatively visit www.leightonbuzzardlibrarytheatre.co.uk.

For more details about the organisation including future dates visit www.wrestleforce.com.

There’s a chance for young people – and their parents – to find out about a whole range of youth organisations they might like to join.

Ten uniformed groups for young people in Beds will be represented at The Mall shopping centre from 10am on Friday, October 30.

The 10 groups have got together to form Bedfordshire Youth United, working together to make young people more aware of opportunities available to them. Bedfordshire Youth United was launched a year ago by Lord Lieutenant of Beds Helen Nelli.

The 10 organisations that make up the group are the Air Training Corps, Army Cadets, which has branches in Leighton Buzzard, Stanbridge and Dunstable, Boys’ Brigade, with groups in Aylesbury and Bletchley, Fire and Rescue Cadets, whose nearest branch is in Luton but is looking to expand, Girlguiding, Girls’ Brigade, Police Cadets, with branches in Houghton Regis and Luton, Scouts, Sea Cadets, which hasbranches in Dunstable and Flitwick and Amptill, and St John Ambulance.

Spokesman Nigel Taylor said: “Getting all of the organisations together gives young people and their parents a great opportunity to see a wide variety of activities available on their doorstep.

“It’s also a great chance for teenagers and adult volunteers to access some training they could later use in a CV.”

See www.youthunited.org.uk/regions/youth-united-bedfordshire

Fancy a spook-tacular time this Halloween half term?

Then you’ll be missing a trick, and a real treat, if you don’t check out Gullivers Land in Milton Keynes.

With my children (aged 7 and 9) rather too young for the excellent scare park The Howl at Mead Open Farm down the road in Great Billington, we thought we’d try something which wouldn’t give them too many nightmares instead.

We’ve been to Gullivers a handful of times over the years, so on this visit we tried out all the old favourites such as the Log Flume, Drop Tower, The Python rollercoaster, as well several new additions such as Twist ‘n’ Joust and the excellent Jungle Falls.

However the fun was cranked up to another level thanks to the Swizzels Trick and Treat Trail.

Never mind the rides, the children insisted that their first mission was to dash around to the various locations to find the challenges to earn them Double Lollies, Fizzers and other such sweet treats.

The Spider’s Lair, Gruesome Graveyard, Scare School, Witches Cauldren and Pumpkin Crafty Corner were a great addition to the usual entertainment.

Added to the mix were the live actors dressed as zombies, devils, witches and the like, who were roaming around the park, some operating rides and others even offering up an extra surprise or two on the rides themselves.

And Gullivers had really gone to town on decorating the whole site with Halloween props, with gravestones, pumpkin scarecrows, the undead, bats, and enough cobwebs to give Kim and Aggie nightmares for months!

If that sounds like your cup of witch’s brew, then visitors are encouraged to come along in their hauntingly horrific Halloween costumes, with prizes for the best and most original.

If you’ve got older children who are thinking the scares have been a little too tame for their liking then put their nerves of steel to the test, with the super-scary extra attraction The Fear Farm from 5pm daily until October 30. Something has gone very wrong in mad scientist Dr Spremic’s unauthorised genetics lab and now his vile victims are on the loose. With terror in the treetops and something loathsome lurking on the Lost Island, a horrific harvest awaits.

Don’t forget Fantastic Fireworks will be lighting up the night sky too on October 31.

For full details of all the Halloween fun and frights visit www.gulliversfun.co.uk.

Sixty former Captains of golf clubs in Bedfordshire met at Leighton’s Plantation Road course last week for their Autumn shoot-out but it was three local men who stole the show.

Leading the hit-parade was Post Office transport chief David Hawkins, who, just months before he takes over as President of the County Association, used his new set of Ping clubs to maximum effect by winning the event with a 41-point haul.

David, a 12-handicap golfer who completed a two-year stint as President of the Leighton club earlier this year, posted 17 points on his front nine before carding a further 24 points over the back nine to pip Martin Pettitt (John O’ Gaunt) on countback.

And hard on his heels was his Linslade-based Leighton Presidential successor John Preston, who took third place with 38 points.

They were amongst a contingent of 12 former Leighton club captains taking part in the Autumn meeting of the Bedfordshire Captains Golf Society at which Leighton’s Syd Pniewski stood down after completing his year as Captain.

The highlight of his successful year in office was leading the Bedfordshire team to victory in the Queen’s Jubilee Trophy, beating runners-up Kent and five other counties for a title Bedfordshire has won only once previously in the 48 years since the competition started.

Two former Captains of the Ladies Section at the Leighton club met in the final of the Lucking Cup – with Jackie Stimpson clawing back a three-hole deficit to take the match into ‘extra time’ to beat Lesley Brazier on the second sudden-death hole.

Kate Knight was the highest scorer in Leighton Ladies stableford competition. Her 35 points pipping Val Berry for the Silver Division top spot.

Lynne Newnham won the Bronze “A” division with 34 points ahead of Sylvia Dell with Barbara Healy winning Bronze “B” with 34 points, one clear of Sue Preston.

Leighton’s Mixed team has enjoyed back to back wins over Dunstable Downs and Mid Herts. Captain Steve Leng and Debbie Pollard-Barns, Ian Alexander and Alice Ward, Lance Lawes and Norma Stevens Hack, Mark and Kate Knight and Ada Stephenson and Angela Samuels won in the 5-3 victory over Dunstable, with John Bateman and Sandra Bellis and Pat Quinlan and Christine Bateman halving their games.

Leighton whitewashed Mid Herts 8-0, with wins by Steve Leng and Debbie Pollard-Barns, Lance Lawes and Sue Preston, John Preston and Ann Tilbury, Nigel and Jackie Phelps, Mark and Kate Knight, Richard Samuels and Alice Ward, Dennis Leitch and Margaret Osborne and Ada Stephenson and Angela Samuels.

The funeral took place on Friday of Leighton club stalwart Olive Wood, who died on October 3 aged 102.

Olive, whose father Jack was one of the founder members of the Leighton club, joined when it opened in 1925 and was Ladies Captain in 1946.

A nine-handicap golfer, Olive won the Bedfordshire County title in 1958 after losing in the final on three previous occasions.

Born and educated in Leighton Buzzard, Olive worked at the code-breaking Bletchley Park during the Second World War.

Protesters are planning a Freedom of Information probe to discover exactly what MK Development Partnership plans to do with the Buszy building.

More than 100 people marched to Milton Keynes Council last week in the continuing campaign to save services for young and disabled people at Station Square building..

The Buszy, which users say has been enormously successful, faces closure after a decision by Milton Keynes Development Partnership.

Marchers attended last week’s council meeting to discover whether the council - despite owning MKDP - has any accountability for its operations.

Council Leader Peter Marland sits on the MKDP board, along with fellow councillors Brian White (Labour), Edith Bald (Conservative leader) and Jenni Ferrans (Lib Dem).

The Buszy is run by community interest company Make a Difference, and wholly funded by its car park.

MKDP now wants to take the car park back, despite having been refused planning permission to create a multi-storey. It has ended the MaD lease, but says Buszy users can continue rent-free until 8 January.

However, with no leadership or funding, The Buszy will close next month, say MaD.

“Councillor Marland said the revenue from the Buszy Car Park would be used by MKDP. However, Charles Macdonald (CEO of MKDP) said that it would be the council that decided how the money was used,” said Neil Williams from People’s Assembly.

At Wednesday’s meeting, Kevin Vickers, Chair of the people’s assembly, asked councillors to instruct MKDP to meet a delegation of Buszy users.

To cheers from the public, he said: “We need investment in our young people and services, not funding cuts. The leader must ask MKDP to guarantee no changes to funding or service provision until a full impact assessment has been carried out.”

“If it was accepted for the car park revenue to fund the Buszy until now, what has changed?”

“A confidential document received by Milton Keynes People’s Assembly marks the Buszy site “high priority” for “development”. This is an important community asset. Councillor Marland’s statement the Buszy will be “available for community use for the medium term” are too vague to be meaningful. We hope a Freedom of Information bid will reveal more about MKDP’s vision for the building.”

Mr Williams said: “It’s no accident this happens when the Council is forced by Tory austerity policies to slash £70m from services by 2020.

“They have already cut £20m from the YMCA homeless hostel, Citizens Advice Bureau and Age UK. MKDP’s “commercial and entrepreneurial approach” must not override its core remit to manage public assets for the good of Milton Keynes.

“The Buszy provides vital services for young, poor and disadvantaged people surely that’s a public good?”

Leighton Buzzard Arts Society is holding an exhibition at Leighton Middle School this Friday and Saturday (October 30-31).

The event is free to enter (Church Square entrance) and is open from 10am to 5pm on Friday and 10am to 4pm on the Saturday.

Work by local artists will be shown, ranging from amateur up to an internationally-renowned professional artist’s work.

The society is coming up to its 70th anniversary and have held art exhibitions in Leighton Buzzard at least once a year since 1946.

This year they were struggling to put on an exhibition after a problem sourcing affordable display screens, before Leighton- Linslade Town Council and the Leighton Arts Forum came to the rescue.

The council lent some screens for free, while the forum gave a grant for some more screens and hangers.

Leighton Buzzard Arts Society is open to anyone over 16 with an interest in art.

They meet once a month on a Thursday for demonstration evenings by well-known artists and also hold regular Saturday workshops.

New members are very welcome, whatever their ability. Members range from complete beginners to professional artists.

> Pictured is a copy of last year’s most popular painting – Mango and Blue Paper by John Wilkinson.

As 50s rocker Tommy Steele swung into Milton Keynes Theatre yesterday to star in The Glenn Miller Story, we got two very different perspectives on the show from elderly hackette Bev Creagh and young newshound Stewart Carr

CREAGH SAYS ... The legend that is Tommy Steele had the first-night audience in the palm of his hand on Tuesday.

In spite of the fact he’ll be 80 next year - almost double the age of Glenn Miller when he died - the voice is still strong and his ability to command a stage instinctive.

So what if the moves are slightly stiff and arthritic and the American accent is sketchy at best - you can forgive these minor transgressions for the infectious enthusiasm the one-time skiffle star brings to the show.

Sarah Soetaert is smart and sassy as Miller’s wife Helen Burger - not least for the way she gazes adoringly at Steele, who is obviously old enough to be her grandfather. She’s got a beautiful voice, immaculate timing and cuts a trim figure on the dance floor.

Mike Lloyd’s cameo of impresario Cy Shribman is magnificent while Jon Bonner is a jovial Colonel Chambers.

Even though there’s no happy ending, Glenn Miller’s music and the incredibly talented sextet who comprise the all-singing all-dancing chorus make for an evening of non-stop entertainment.

There’s even a sing-along at the end which had the whole house clapping and shouting for more. No wonder it’s already a sell-out.

CARR SAYS ... This is a show for Tommy fans absolutely.

I say that because, well, that’s who the majority of the audience will have come to see.

This might be a Glenn Miller musical in name, but the real star is the leading man playing him, 50’s rock ‘n’ roll legend Tommy Steele.

Of course, the guise wears off very quickly and was never convincing to start with. His American accent lasts five seconds before Tommy’s natural Britishness takes over.

And there’s also a small leap of the imagination in overlooking the fact that Tommy, at nearly 80, is twice the age of Glenn Miller at his peak.

But that’s by the by. The singing and dancing excel, with a marvellous troupe of swing dancers backing Tommy at every turn and he still puts in a great vocal performance. Dressed in bold primary colours, they’re more Bucks Fizz than swing, but still fun to watch.

The big band orchestra is also a delight, set against a glamorous backdrop of shimmering curtains.

Sarah Soetaert is brilliant as Glenn Miller’s wife Helen, with a rich, jazzy singing voice.

But the scenes of her with the much older Tommy Steele talking about their time at school together, getting married and a big smooch right before intermission, are a tad cringeworthy.

The paper thin plot probably took less time to write than to perform, but it’s the Tommy Steele show that’s on offer and a chance to see one of Britain earliest rock ‘n’ roll legends that shouldn’t be missed.

The Glenn Miller Story plays at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday. See here for tickets.

Russ Wilcox (York City), Tim Sherwood (Aston Villa) and Guy Luzon (Charlton Athletic) are the latest managers to bite the bullet in the cut-throat business of English league football management, but there have been 30 per cent fewer manager departures this season than at the same stage last year.

In October 2015 alone you can add Uwe Rosler (Leeds Utd), Mark Cooper (Swindon Town), Brendan Rodgers (Liverpool) and Terry Butcher (Newport County) to the list, and earlier in the month Dick Advocaat resigned his Sunderland post after a poor start to the 2015/16 campaign.

To date, there have been 14 managerial casualties across the top four leagues and Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and Newcastle’s Steve McClaren are topping bookmakers’ lists as favourites to be next up for the chop.

By this time last year however, we had already seen 20 departures. Time will tell whether the managerial merry go round is slowing down, or if the sack race will gather pace later this season.

A young smoker who dropped her cigarette butt on the floor just feet away from a litter bin has been ordered to pay nearly £1,000 by Milton Keynes magistrates.

Tiffany Cobb, who is 25, was convicted in her absence of littering and ordered to pay a fine of £220 under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. She was also ordered to pay MK Councils’ legal and investigation costs of £575.70, a £22 victim surcharge and the Criminal Courts Charge of £150.

The court heard that on 20 July Ms Cobb, who lives in London, was smoking a cigarette near City Square at CMK.

She threw it on the floor, ignoring all the nearby litter bins.

She was stopped and issued a £75 Fixed Penalty Notice for the offence, but failed to pay - despite the council sending out a reminder letter.

Environmental Crime Team Leader for the council, Pete Roberts, said: “MK City Centre Management and Partner Agencies are working hard to tackle the issue of smoking related litter in Central Milton Keynes.

“Companies have paid to put their own butt bins up on public land as they are concerned about the effect this is having on their business.

“Dropping cigarette ends on the floor is a habit for a lot of smokers, but they are probably unaware of the issues that it is causing or of the fact that it is a criminal offence.”

With the weather getting colder, we can expect to see winter illnesses coming to the fore,such as diarrhoea and vomiting, which is often caused by norovirus.

Such infections are highly contagious so contact with other people should be minimised to avoid rapid spread.

So, Luton and Dunstable University Hospital (L&D) is asking anyone planning to visit its hospitals to stay away if they or their family members have had diarrhoea, vomiting or ‘flu-like’ symptoms in the last four days.

This will help keep the ‘winter vomiting bug’ or norovirus away from vulnerable patients and staff who could pass it on. Symptoms of norovirus include diarrhoea and vomiting and, just like flu, the virus can seriously affect vulnerable patients.

Chief Nurse at the L&D, Pat Reid, said: “People want to see friends and relatives in hospital as often as they can. However, by visiting while they’re ill with a stomach bug, they can easily bring the virus into hospital. This can be particularly serious for people who are already ill or who have a long-term condition.”

Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread rapidly anywhere that people are gathered, such as schools or offices, especially during colder months.

Good hand hygiene can help to limit the spread of the infection and there are some simple steps that the public can take to help stop a norovirus spreading:

> Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water, particularly after using the toilet, and before preparing food. If you’re in the L&D, pay attention to hand hygiene notices such as using hand sanitizer upon entering and leaving a ward. Washing your hands with soap and water in between is better at preventing the spread of norovirus than sanitizer alone.

> Disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated with norovirus. It is best to use a bleach-based household cleaner.

> Flush away any infected faeces or vomit in the toilet. You should also keep the surrounding toilet area clean and hygienic.

> Wash any clothing, or linens, which could have become contaminated with a norovirus.

Pat Reid added: “We usually see higher levels of norovirus in autumn and winter, and it’s really important to make sure that we protect vulnerable patients and hospital staff.

>For more information and advice about winter illnesses, visit www.nhs.uk/staywell

Visit the hospital website www.ldh.nhs.uk for more information about hospital services.

Police are warning the public not to approach a man from a secure mental health unit who disappeared on a day trip to a Buddhist monastery.

Malcolm Millman, 58, was being detained at Chadwick Lodge, a medium secure facility in Eaglestone.

He disappeared at 2pm on Saturday during a day out to St Margaret’s Amaravati Buddhist monastery near Hemel Hempstead.

Mr Millman was spotted two days later at Manchester Airport around 12.30pm on Monday but police do not think he has access to a passport.

Officers have warned members of the public not to approach him and call 999.

He is described as white of large build, bald with thinning brown hair on the sides, and brown eyes.

Mr Millman was last seen wearing a brown jacket, purple jumper, grey tracksuit bottoms and blue and white trainers.

He was also carrying a walking stick.

Mr Millman is also known by the names Richard Simon Barber, Michael Geoffrey Newman, and Raymond Pilkington.

Superintendent Olly Wright said: “Thames Valley Police is working closely with other police forces and organisations to locate Malcolm Millman as soon as possible.”

He added; “If any member of the public sees Millman do not approach him, instead call 999. If you are reading this and have any information whatsoever about Millman’s whereabouts then please call police via 101.

Anybody reluctant to speak directly to police can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

No personal details are taken and information is not traced or recorded.

A 31-year-old man has been jailed for four years for inciting a child under the age of 13 into sexual activity.

Paul Woodcock, aged 31, pleaded guilty to two counts of the charge at Aylesbury Crown Court.

The victim was a female child and the incidents took place before 23 January this year.

Woodcock, who was arrested in January, has also been issued with a seven year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) in Milton Keynes

Investigating officer Det Con Tejinder Sidhu from the Child Abuse Investigation Team in Bletchley said: “I would like to thank the victim for their courage and bravery in going through the court process. It is thanks to them that Woodcock has been brought to justice and sentenced today.

“Thames Valley Police will always take reports of crimes of this nature seriously, we will investigate thoroughly and we will do everything we can to ensure sex offenders like Woodcock are brought to justice.”

Once again there is no change at the head of the Premier Division supported by Sportsform league table following wins for the top four clubs on Saturday.

For league leaders Renhold United that meant an extension of their unbeaten ways up to nine games and the retention of their 100% home record with a 4-2 win over a Sharnbrook side who have now failed to win any of their last eight league outings.

Wesley Lewis scored twice alongside single strikes from Jordan Kumar and Ollie Housden against replies via Harry Atherton plus Shaun Barnett from the penalty spot.

AFC Oakley M&DH remain just a point behind in second spot and now winners of their last six league outings after netting a 9-3 home win over bottom of the table Eastcotts AFC who have now lost their last eight league outings. Matt Barnes led the way with four goals and was joined on the scoresheet by Jack Hoogstraten, Mark Smith, Robert Heaney, George Cox and Alex Liburd against single replies from Xennon Paul, Dmarni Wilson and Danny O’Donnell for the visitors.

Still in third are AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College who made it five wins on the bounce with a 5-0 home win over second from bottom of the table Elstow Abbey who are now on a six game losing run.

Courtney Boughton led the way with a hat-trick including one from the penalty spot and he was joined on the scoresheet by Ashley Windridge and Michael Sexton to bring up the nap hand.

Whilst fourth place Flitwick Town are still 100% at home this season and now unbeaten in their last eight starts following their 2-0 win over Ickwell & Old Warden, Will Scutt and Nick Atkins netting the goals to do the damage and end the visitors seasons 100% away record.

Elsewhere, Wilstead claimed the biggest win of the day via their 7-0 home victory over Caldecote. Colin Marshall scored a hat-trick, Kevin Butler with a brace being joined on the scoresheet by an own goal and a strike from Michael Jones.

Whilst Marston Shelton Rovers were 3-0 home winners over Sandy. James Burraway with a brace and Carl Borromeo netting the goals to do the damage.

The seventh home win of the afternoon belonged to Shefford Town & Campton who returned to winning ways with a 3-2 victory over Pavenham, Jonnie Stratford netting twice and Jerome Mullings once against a brace in reply from James Owen.

Cranfield United collected the only away point of the afternoon by sharing the spoils from a 4-4 draw at Ampthill Town Reserves. Phil Matthews, Chris Fenny, Connor Saunders and Ryan Perry were on the Town scoresheet against United replies via a brace from Jordan Appleton plus an own goal and a strike from Phil Kempsell.

Division One supported by Wests Citroen Bedford

The top game of the day was to go the way of league leaders Stevington who made it six wins on the bounce to remain 100% at home this season by running out 5-3 winners over AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Reserves. Ben Walsh with a brace was joined on the scoresheet by Reece Williams, Jordan Wright and Martin Danobrega against Town replies from Keegan Roberts, Chris Wright and Jessie Sidhu.

The outcome not only saw the visitors lose their 100% away record but also second spot in the league standings after Sundon Park Rangers jumped above them by winning 2-1 at Potton Town to retain their own unbeaten ways. Chris Mapp and Matthew Conway were the Rangers goalscorers against a lone Town reply via James Pyman whose side have now lost their last four league outings to drop to ninth place in the league standings.

Still unbeaten at home this season and now holding down fifth place in the league standings are Queens Park Crescents following their 2-1 victory over Henlow who now find themselves sitting in second from bottom position following this their fourth consecutive league defeat, Danny Rascol and Shazad Satter the Crescent goalscorers against one in reply via Oliver Cattley.

Meantime, Riseley Sports enjoyed their first home win of the season by beating bottom of the table AFC Oakley M&DH Reserves 5-0. James Cooke with a brace was joined on the scoresheet by Jack Healy, Samuel Harrison and Jake Hislop to bring up the nap hand and leave the visitors now seven games into their season still looking for their victory.

Whilst Meltis Albion returned to winning ways with a 4-3 home win over Westoning. Sam Child shooting the visitors ahead after just four minutes which was quickly cancelled out by a Carl Townsend header two minutes later to take the teams in at half-time all square at 1-1. Within three minutes of the restart Ashley Drummond had headed the Albion into a 2-1 lead but just like in the opening half things were all square again within two minutes via a visitors strike from Oilver Mansfield.

However, Ashley Drummond was to be the day’s match winner netting again in the 63th and 72nd minute to complete his hat-trick and take the Albion 4-2 clear before substitute Lewis Cooksley netted the afternoon’s final goal just two minutes from time to make it 4-3 at the final whistle.

The day’s final game saw Houghton Athletic and Shefford Town & Campton Reserves play out a 0-0 draw. The point was enough to lift Houghton out of the relegation zone at the expense of Henlow.

Division Two

Lea Sports PSG are now up into second spot in the league table and within two points of league leaders Cranfield United Reserves following their 7-0 home win over Kempston Athletic. Joe Hennem with a brace was joined on the scoresheet by strikes from Ryan Darby, Sean Dixon, Richie Randall, Jordan Yearwood plus an own goal.

Whilst Wootton Village lifted themselves out of the drop zone in claiming their first win of the season in a 5-0 success at Elstow Abbey Reserves. Sahil Hamza with a hat-trick joined on the scoresheet by Sam King and Aaron Williams to bring up the nap hand and leave the Abbey still looking for their own first win of the season.

Division Three

Sundon Park Rovers retained their unbeaten away ways to remain in second spot in the league standings with a 2-0 victory at Shefford Town & Campton A who were thus losing their own seasons 100% home record.

Carl Williams and Shane Roberts scored the vital goals.

Whilst AFC Dunton retained their seasons unbeaten home ways to climb above Dinamo Flitwick into third spot with a 6-0 win over them at Horseshoes Close. Dean Hill with a hat-trick, Tony Norman with a brace plus an own goal marking the home scoresheet.

Division Four

Polonia Bedford are now the new leaders of the division four league table after they made it five wins on the bounce to retain their 100% away record by winning 3-0 at bottom of the table Lidlington United Sports, Marian Sobczyk netting twice and Przemyslaw Stramski once to do the damage.

Whilst Staughton missed the chance to take over second spot when being defeated 4-2 at Bedford Albion who were duly collecting their first home points. Dan Jeffries with a hat-trick plus a single strike from Shaun Challi only being replied to by Lucas Banton and Scott Boswell for the visitors.

Bedfordshire FA Junior Cup Round Two.

Perhaps we should remind you of what our last weeks preview said regarding today ties. In summary it read: “Henlow Reserves will start second favorites to win the all division four clash at Groveside. Round one giant killers Caldecote A and AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College A won’t be repeating the trick again this round thus suggesting their replacements might be Clifton and Caldecote Reserves. With the other three all Bedfordshire County Football League ties likely to go the way of the higher division side.”

Well at Groveside, Henlow Reserves had just a Robbie Angell goal to show for their 1-10 home defeat by Stevington Reserves whose goals came via five for Cameron Cain plus single strikes from Jamie Endersby, Aaron Fletcher, Sam Nightingale, Saxon Taylor and Kai Smith.

Caldecote A were toppled 5-2 at home by Wixams, Gaz White with a brace joined on the scoresheet by Jonny Cockram, Matt Harris and Iain Hall to bring up the nap hand against home replies from Rafe Goodman and Paul Rannow.

Whilst Wilstead Reserves were 7-1 victors at AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College A. Callum Evans with a hat-trick, Luke Pursey with a brace joined on the scoresheet by Pas Altieri and Sam Ward against a lone Town reply via Rahui Lol. 100% so far.

Over at Whiston Crescent giant killing number one saw Clifton run out 2-1 winners over Marston Shelton Rovers Reserves thanks to goals from Charlie Watson and Jonny Cole against a lone reply from Peter Kerr, and at Harvey Close, Caldecote Reserves were 4-0 home winners over Bedford United, Tom Dupey netting twice alongside single strikes from Simon Ashton and Adam Legate to claim giant killing number two and still leave the preview 100% .

Elsewhere, Kempston Hammers Sports were 4-0 home winners over Renhold United Reserves via a Shaun Winconek hat-trick and a single goal from Minde Siburkis.

Whilst both Flitwick Town A at home to Cople & Bedford SA and Westoning Reserves at home to Clapham Sports failed to raise sides to meet their higher division opponents. So there you have it 100% for the preview.

Away from the all Bedfordshire County Football League ties it was a mixed day for our teams. On the bright side, Atletico Europa with goals from Mo Banda, Serge Kadji and Tadej Jaukovic were 3-1 home winners over North Bucks League side Southcott Village RA Reserves and Cranfield United Reserves with strikes from Luke Gray and Ben Thompson to win 2-0 saw off Luton District & South Beds League Brache Sparta 2015 Reserves at Crawley Road. Whilst on the road there was another two victories over Luton District & South Beds League sides. Flitwick Town Reserves won 6-1 at FC Kokan where Scott Gadsden and Dean Gadsden both netted braces to go alongside single strikes from James Joyce and Ben Stones and a lone penalty strike in the 13th minute from Rafel Cygan was enough to see White Eagles win 1-0 at Luton Leagrave.

However, there was a downside. Sandy Reserves having just a goal from Antony Roberts to show for their 6-1 home defeat by Aylesbury & District League FC Spandits Reserves. Whilst both Mid Beds Tigers and Meltis Albion Reserves went out on penalties to Luton District & South Beds League sides. The Tigers at FC Polonia Luton 5-4 after 90 minutes play had seen the teams all square at 3-3. Liam Brophy, Luke Rudd and Luke Clark on the Tigers scoresheet and the Albion 4-2 at Luton Aces after 90 minutes play had seen the sides all square at 3-3. Steven Stafford, Sylvester Mulenga and Raj Surinder the Albion goalscorers.

A 74-year-old martial arts instructor with an MBE assaulted his girlfriend during a row over his alleged infidelity.

Former This is Your Life guest John van Weenen pleaded guilty to common assault after injuring his on/off partner at his home in Olney three weeks ago.

Prosecution alleged that Mr van Weenen ripped out Katherine Oliver’s hair extensions and pushed her marriage finger back as he tried to prise a mobile phone out of her hand.

The heated row was sparked by an “abusive” call made by Ms Oliver to a woman she believed was having an affair with Mr van Weenen, the court heard.

His defence team said that Mr van Weenen, who ran as a UKIP parliamentary candidate in South West Beds in May, was a “charitable man” who “did not intend to inflict injury or harm.”

Speaking exclusively to our sister paper, the Milton Keynes Citizen, Mr van Weenen - who has taught martial arts for 50 years - vowed to continue teaching.

He said: “I was very upset when she made an accusation against me.

“Jealousy can be a terrible thing.

“When she heard the court’s judgement she had a thunderous look on her face and the left the court.

“I was happy the Magistrates’ understood the situation and the case was concluded with a conditional discharge.

“Despite everything I wish her well.”

Mr van Weenen was given a conditional discharge by MK Magistrates in court yesterday and ordered to pay costs totalling £425.

Saqhib Ali is set to be named as the new deputy police and crime commissioner, we can reveal.

Mr Ali, who stood for Labour in North East Bedfordshire in May, has been recommended to the post by PCC Olly Martins.

The appointment is set to be rubber stamped by the county police and crime panel on November 5.

Mr Ali will become the first deputy since the departure of Tafheen Sharif, who resigned in August 2014 after allegations that she had used her position to interfere in the Atif Ali trial.

Ms Sharif, who earned £36,000pa for her four day a week role, was later cleared of any wrongdoing by the IPCC.

A draft agreement between Mr Martins’ office and Mr Ali will see the new deputy work three days a week for £30,281pa.

Pro-rata his equates to £50,469pa.

In a report to the police and crime panel Mr Martins states that the “salary and employer on-costs can be accommodated within the existing budgetary

provisions.”

He adds that Mr Ali, who is vice chairman of Wixams Parish Council, has “experience of community safety and a sound understanding of complex

political environments.”

The report reads: “Mr Ali is an experienced board-level senior executive, currently employed as head of customer solutions at Lloyds Banking Group, supported by 18 years experience working for global blue chips in finance, captive finance and commercial management roles.

“(He) was a parliamentary candidate in May 2015 for Labour North East Bedfordshire and waged an active campaign, notwithstanding this is a safe majority Conservative seat.”

Resurfacing work on Leighton Buzzard’s multi-storey car park should hopefully be complete before the Christmas shopping season hots up.

Improvements began several weeks ago and have another month to run before being complete.

A Central Bedfordshire Council spokesman said: “Work started on the car park on the 5th October, working on repairs to the safety barriers and drainage system.

“We will replace some of the existing restraint system to bring it up to current design standards.

Additional barriers will also be installed in areas that have the highest risk of vehicle collision.

“Replacement and cleaning of drainage channels and damaged pipes is under way.

“Towards the end of October, work will start on removing the existing surfacing on the aisles and localised defect areas and install a new waterproofing membrane on each floor. Work is progressing well, and is expected to be complete by the end of November.”

One disgruntled shopper, however, told the LBO: “One wonders who makes such decisions as to start work on the car park on the run up to Christmas. Surely this is not going to help with Christmas trade. The local traders must be up in arms.”

“Surely the summer would have been the time to do this if indeed it was necessary?”

Police would like to speak to the man in the image in connection with the theft of groceries from the Co-op in Waterdell, Leighton Buzzard, on Wednesday, August 26.

Call 101 with information quoting the crime reference number JD/33328/2015.

Alternatively, you can give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Premier Division supported by Sportsform action this weekend sees leaders Renhold United defending their perfect home record against Wilstead - who hit the road looking to extend their unbeaten run to four games.

Second place AFC Oakley M&DH, who remain 100% away and winners of their last six, it’s a trip to the Warren to play lowly Elstow Abbey who will be looking to end a run of six consecutive league defeats.

Over at Hillgrounds third place AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College, on a five game winning run, welcome seventh place Ickwell & Old Warden.

Whilst fourth place Flitwick Town look to take their unbeaten run to nine games when they journey to Bedford Road Recreation Ground to play 11th place Sandy.

Meantime at Pavenham Playing Fields 12th place Pavenham will be looking for their first win in five outings when Marston Shelton Rovers visit.

Whilst sixth place Ampthill Town Reserves seek to extend their 100% away record up to four games and their unbeaten run anywhere up to six when they make the short journey to Weston Park to meet bottom side Eastcotts AFC.

Other action comes at Lodge Road, where Sharnbrook seek to end a run of eight games without a victory when they host Shefford Town & Campton who want to end a run of three consecutive away defeats.

Whilst at Harvey Close hosts Caldecote, having started the season with four straight home defeats, look to repair the damage when Cranfield United visit in search of their first win in four league outings.

The spotlight of action for Division One supported by Wests Citroen teams this weekend falls upon the ties in the second round of this season’s Bedfordshire FA Intermediate Cup where our sides are involved in 10 of the fixtures.

Just one is an all Bedfordshire County Football League encounter when Riseley Sports travel to Groveside to face Henlow seeking revenge for their 3-0 defeat on the opening day of the league season.

In three of the other ties our sides face Under 21 opposition and all will enjoy home advanatage. At Hillgrounds on the 3G surface AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Reserves will host Stotfold U21. Whilst the visitors to face Houghton Athletic at Moore Crescent will be Dunstable Town U21 and at Mill Lane, Potton Town will be hosting AFC Kempston Rovers U21.

Another trio of sides will go into battle against South Midlands League opposition. Stockwood Park Athletic Track sees Sundon Park Rangers host Totternhoe Reserves. Whilst the other two will be hitting the road. Meltis Albion heading for a Forde Park outing against Langford Reserves and AFC Oakley M&DH Reserves enroute for a Beverely Road outing against The 61FC Luton Reserves.

Meantime, the final trio will be taking on Luton District & South Beds League sides and all heading into Luton for away ties.

At Venue 360, Christians in Sport will welcome Shefford Town & Campton Reserves. Whilst at The Sixth Form College complex St Josephs entertain Westoning and in Lewsey Park, YP Community play hosts to Queens Park Crescents.

All of this cup action leaves us with just one Division One supported by Wests Citroen fixture, that game coming at Chambers Lane where the still 100% at home Ickleford welcome unbeaten leaders Stevington.

In Division Two leaders Cranfield United take their perfect record to Wootton Recreation Ground to meet Wootton Village who are still looking for their first home win of the season.

Whilst third place Cople & Bedford SA head for a Hockey Centre outing against the hosting eighth place Bedford United who are yet to win on home soil this season.

Perhaps the game of the day in this section will come at Pirton Recreation Ground where second place hosts Lea Sports PSG welcome fifth place Clapham Sports who will hit the road looking for their fourth league win on the bounce.

Elsewhere over at Cutler Hammer hosts Kempston Hammers Sports will be looking for just their second home win of the season when playing an Atletico Europa side who are still unbeaten on the road.

At their Football Centre base Flitwick Town Reserves will be in search of home win number three on the bounce against bottom side Elstow Abbey Reserves.

The final action should have come at Marston Recreation Ground where Marston Shelton Rovers Reserves would have looked to maintain their unbeaten home record against the Kempston Athletic. However due to the annual village firework display being held on the ground unless an alternative venue can be found this game will now be re-scheduled for later in the season. Please visit www.bedfordshirefootballleague.co.uk for an update.

In Division Three the still 100% leaders Wixams host third place AFC Dunton who have been beaten just the once this season.

Whilst second place Sundon Park Rovers look for their third home win on the bounce in Leagrave Park against the visiting bottom of the table Sandy Reserves who have now been defeated in all of their last four league outings.

For fourth place Dinamo Flitwick it’s the quest to retain their 100% home record on the 3G surface at Redborne School against seventh place Renhold United Reserves who will be looking for their first away win. Whilst at Jubilee Playing Fields the visitors to face the hosting fifth place Wilstead Reserves are ninth place Clifton.

Other action comes at Harvey Close where tenth place Caldecote Reserves search out their first home league win against the visiting eighth place Shefford Town & Campton A and in Mowsbury Park, White Eagles who currently sit sixth in the table play hosts to second from bottom of the table Meltis Albion Reserves (kick off 2pm).

In Division Four it’s home action in Allen Park for league leaders Polonia Bedford who will be looking for league win number six on the bounce against tsecond from bottom Henlow Reserves who are still in search of their first point.

Whilst second place Mid Beds Tigers will be expected to maintain their 100% league record when at the Sandy Academy they welcome fifth place Caldecote A.

Over at Stevington Playing Fields the still 100% at home and fourth place Stevington Reserves will also be expecting to collect all three points when bottom of the table Lidlington United Sports come calling.

Whilst at Greenfield Road sixth place hosts Westoning Reserves now losers of their last two league outings receive a visit from seventh place Bedford Albion.

Other league action comes at the Football Centre, the venue at which eighth place Flitwick Town A will look for their first home point against ninth place AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College A who will hit the road looking to repair the damage of three consecutive league defeats.

Whilst for Staughton it’s action in round two of this seasons Hunts FA Junior Cup when they journey up the A1 to face Peterborough ICA Sports Reserves.