After urgent calls for a public meeting with police to discuss concerns about crime, Leighton-Linslade Town Council is to hold a pre-meeting with the force.

The discussion will take place within the next couple of weeks, seeing councillors inform officers about key issues residents will raise.

Cllr Amanda Dodwell, said: “I have today had a very constructive telephone conversation with Chief Superintendent David Boyle - the officer in charge of community policing.

“I think the concerns of the town are being heard loud and clear at Police Headquarters.

“The proposal from police is to hold an open day in the town, including a question and answer session with senior officers responsible for community policing.

“It is hoped that this can be arranged very soon after the pre-meeting.

“I took the opportunity to raise the concerns that a number of residents have expressed about the 101 non-emergency number. New systems have been introduced that will hopefully improve the situation, but I would remind residents that they can report non-emergencies via the Beds Police website.

“I would again reiterate how important it is for residents to continue to report all crime and anti-social behaviour - if it isn’t reported it gives a false impression of crime levels in the town, and more importantly, those who are committing these offences are never held to account.”

Sergeant Liam Mitchell said: “Bedfordshire Police is planning to hold an informal event with the Council to allow residents to meet local officers and councillors and raise any issues or concerns they have about the area. The pre-meeting with councillors is to arrange a suitable time for the event.

“We are aware of concerns around anti-social behaviour in the area, and we’d like to meet residents to reassure them that we take their concerns seriously, and that we won’t tolerate behaviour that makes them feel unsafe and impacts on their lives.”

Questions are being asked about who was behind last week’s fire on a homeless man’s encampment after a witness came forward.

The LBO was contacted by a man exercising close to the scene at Parson’s Close Recreation Ground on Saturday, April 23, when a homeless camp under the bridge was set on fire.

The man said: “I happened to be jogging as the PC walked across the park, towards the bridge with a fire extinguisher in hand.

“The PC stated to me that as she drove towards the park entrance from the Post Office side, she saw a group of boys on bikes cycling at speed in the opposite direction.

“The question has to be asked, what has the CCTV in the park shown here?”

There was widespread disgust as news of the fire was shared online, with one man labelling those responsible as “scum”.

A meeting was held by Bedfordshire-based agencies last Monday to discuss the man’s needs. It is understood he has been kitted with new bedding and other essentials.

Bedfordshire Police declined to comment on claims that youths were involved in the incident.

A Beds Police spokesman said: “We were called at approximately 7.50pm on Saturday (21 April) to a report of a fire in Parsons Close Recreation Ground, Leighton Buzzard.

“An investigation is ongoing and officers are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident who has information which could help their investigation.

“Anyone with information about this incident is asked to visit Bedfordshire Police’s online reporting centre or call 101 quoting incident 425 of 21 April.”

A Leighton Buzzard family is creating a treasure trove of memories of a beloved wife and mother who died in a tragic road collision.

Laura Jones, 29, died on October 19 last year when her car collided with a heavy goods vehicle on the B655 near Pegsdon.

As her family braced themselves for the inquest into her death last week, husband Lee revealed the couple’s two daughters Katelyn, 7, and Alexis, 4, have filmed a short video in memory of their mum.

He said: “It’s now six months on and I’m trying with our three children to cope in any way that we can.

“The children and I came up with a song about mummy, we made a video and posted it to YouTube. My eldest daughter Katelyn checks daily to see how many views we have.

“It is doing really well but I would love to see her smile if it does even better.”

The video is available online at www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyWEjPNvarQ .

Lee still remembers fondly how he first met Laura – originally from Hemel Hempstead – who won him over with her smiling and caring nature.

He said: “We met at my sister’s 25th birthday, there was an instant spark between us but there was always something in the way. We spent over two years ducking around each other until we finally got together in 2008.

“Her love was unconditional... she loved me for who I was and that was enough.

“She kept us all organised and remembered everyone’s birthdays, she was like a walking diary! It took me years to remember my own kids’ birthdays.

“Suddenly, I’ve gone from being a working dad to being a stay-at-home dad.”

Lee says the support from family, friends and the community has helped steer himself, Katelyn, Alexis and Tyler, 11, through their grief.

He said that October 19, 2017, began like any other day until police arrived at the depot where he worked as courier that afternoon.

“One of the managers later said the way the police came into the depot, they knew something really bad had happened.

“A manager phoned me when I was driving and just said I needed to get to my mum’s house. My immediate thought was to call Laura because she knows everything but I couldn’t get hold of her.

“That’s when I knew... I rushed home on a wing and a prayer but deep down I knew something had happened to Laura.”

After receiving the news, Lee was forced to find a way to tell their children.

Lee said: “I’d lost my sister a year earlier to a rare blood disorder. She was particularly close to Tyler and we’d told the girls that their auntie had become a star.

“Here I was then in a position where I couldn’t really tell them anything else but ‘Your mummy is a star.’”

Since that time, the family has built a collection of photographs, memory jars and a catalogue of Laura’s things in order to keep her memory alive.

And making music together has also been a healing hobby for them.

Lee said: “I would recommend anyone in my situation to find something they are passionate about, that takes them away from the pain or helps channel your emotion into something creative.

“A question I get asked a lot is how do I cope. People say, ‘If I was in your situation, it would break me.’ My response is it has broken me but I carry on because I have no choice, I’ve got three children.

“Everybody is capable of being strong when they have to be. You’d be surprised what you can do when you have no other choice.”

With the new cricket season around the corner, Great Brickhill are all geared up for the new campaign.

The club fields four sides on a Saturday and two on a Sunday alongside a thriving junior and Badger Cricket set-up. The Saturday and Sunday 1st XIs play in the First Divisions of the Cherwell and Bedford Leagues respectively.

"We've had a busy and productive winter. Now it's time for the cricket to begin," said Andrew Mitchell, Director of Cricket.

The First XI is strengthened by the return of Garth Davson to his first UK club. Garth returns to GBCC from Hampstead CC and the Middlesex County Premier League.

Doug Aris, captain of the Saturday 1st XI, said: "It's great to be back in action. We have a strong side with a balance of youth and experience. Early season much depends on the weather and the pitches and the rain this spring has been exceptional. But we think this will suit our style of play.

"We're hugely looking forward... finger's crossed for the weather!"

This weekend sees the Saturday 1st XI taking on Challow and Childrey at Horsepond while the 2nd XI is away to Banbury 3s and 3rd XI home to Lidlington. The Sunday 1st XI finished runners up in Division 1 of the Bedford League last season and will be aiming to challenge for the top of the table again this year.

The Sunday 1st XI starts away to Ickwell and the 2nd XI home to Bedford 2s.

Residents in Leighton Buzzard are concerned that the new development at Chamberlain’s Barn Quarry may disturb an active badger sett.

The new Arnold White Estates housing development on Heath Road has permission for up to 950 properties, and phase one is currently under construction.

A woman, who does not wish to be named, believes they may be disturbing an active badger sett with the construction work.

She said: “There is an active sett on the land they plan to bulldoze on for the new drainage system. My friend saw a badger near the site so we decided to investigate and set up a trail camera at night.

“We have seen a badger go in and out of a hole on that site, we know it is active.

“When it snowed we saw paw prints near a hole, they can’t start work there if there is an active badger sett. We want them to listen and stop working on the site.”

Ecology Consultants, Ecology Solutions, for Arnold White Estates sent this statement to the LBO: “Arnold White Estates (AWE) and their contractors Fox are working to deliver the consented development at the former Chamberlains Barn Quarry, Leighton Buzzard.

“Ecology Solutions are retained as consultants to provide advice on all wildlife matters and have a longstanding association with the project.

“AWE and Ecology Solutions have long been aware of a population of badgers within the site, and are operating under licence from Natural England with activities subject to an approved method statement.

“The main objective is to retain badger setts where possible, and this is the case with the most important setts.

“New habitats will be delivered as part of the development, to provide new foraging areas and means of dispersal for badgers.

“It can sometimes be necessary to exclude badgers from their setts for their own welfare, so they are not unduly disturbed by development activity.

“This is a temporary measure and when work is finished they are allowed back to the sett.

“As a last resort, it can be necessary to permanently close the sett.

“This is done according to a strict procedure, and subject to approval from Natural England. Badgers are highly mobile and will readily excavate new setts.

“New setts have recently been identified where excavation is needed for the drainage system. When contractors became aware of them all work ceased and Ecology Solutions was contacted.

“Ecology Solutions has visited the site and undertaken an assessment; no damage to setts has occurred and monitoring will be undertaken to determine activity levels in the area.

“Further consultation will be undertaken with the contractors before an approach is agreed. All this is to be expected and is detailed under the existing Natural England licence. Where necessary, a modification to that licence will be obtained before further work is undertaken.”

A spokesman for Central Bedfordshire Council said: “A council ecologist visited the site today and confirmed that there is an active badger sett on site.

“There is no damage to the sett, and there is evidence of natural foraging by the badgers there. This is a new sett that the developers were not previously aware of.

“As a result, the developers are employing their own ecologists who will be on site to advise them. We will be liaising with this ecologist, who will create a method statement for how the developers will mimimalise the impact on the badgers.”

Royal Bank of Scotland has announced it will be closing 162 branches across England and Wales.

As a result, the bank has said 792 jobs will be lost, with staff offered voluntary redundancy.

An RBS spokesperson said: “We realise this is difficult news for our colleagues and we are doing everything we can to support those affected. We will ensure compulsory redundancies are kept to an absolute minimum.”

Why are branches closing?

Royal Bank of Scotland in England & Wales and NatWest retail banking business in Scotland were due to be launched as a separate ‘challenger bank’, under the name Williams & Glyn. However, this is no longer going ahead.

The RBS spokesperson said: “We are no longer launching Williams & Glyn as a challenger bank, and we now have two branch networks operating in close proximity to each other; NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland, in England & Wales.

“As a result we have had to review our overall branch footprint in England and Wales and we’ve made the difficult decision to close a number of Royal Bank of Scotland branches.

“Customers of Royal Bank of Scotland in England & Wales will be able to use NatWest branches instead for their everyday banking needs.”

Changes in banking

Royal Bank of Scotland said since 2014 branch transactions have been down by 30 per cent.

During the same period there has been a 53 per cent increase in the number of customers using mobile banking and mobile transactions have increased by 74 per cent.

What does this mean for customers?

We do not yet know which branches will be closing. However, the bank will be writing to customers of affected branches to highlight the alternative ways to bank in their area.

RBS has said that technology has been developed which means that customers of Royal Bank of Scotland can now use NatWest branches for their everyday banking, such as withdrawing cash, checking balances or paying in (and vice versa).

Additionally, personal and business customers will be able to access a range of services at either a Royal Bank of Scotland or NatWest branch, including payments, international services, account detail changes and mandates.

In order to support Royal Bank of Scotland customers with these services and their banking needs, members of staff will be dedicated to nearby NatWest branches to offer assistance.

Not all customers are comfortable or familiar with using online or mobile banking, so the bank has created a new specialist taskforce of TechXperts who will be dedicated to supporting customers with training and support with digital skills.

Two teenagers were stabbed in the latest outbreak of gang violence in Luton on Monday night.

Emergency services were called to the Onslow Road, Vincent Road and Finsbury Road area of Leagrave shortly after 9pm to reports of a disturbance and a large gathering of people.

According to Beds Police, the two teenagers were treated at hospital for stab wounds, one has now been released and the other remains in hospital with injuries which are not believed to be life threatening.

The outbreak of violence on Monday comes after a string of stabbings and shootings in Luton in recent months.

> In January two men were stabbed in front of horrified shoppers in The Mall.

> And in March, 18-year-old Azaan Kaleem died after being stabbed in Hartsfield Road. Four teenagers have been charged with his murder.

> On March 29, another man was critically injured in a stabbing incident in St Saviours Crescent.

> In April, two men were injured after being shot on Portland Road. A number of men have been arrested.

Regarding Monday’s stabbings, Detective Inspector Aaron Kiff said: “We’re taking this incident extremely seriously and enquiries into what happened are ongoing.

“We’re committed to tackling knife crime and apprehending those who think this kind of behaviour is acceptable – it’s not, and we won’t tolerate it in our county.

“I would urge anyone who has any information about activity in Onslow Road, Vincent Road and Finsbury Road areas to come forward with any information which could help our investigation.”

A spokesman for Bedfordshire Police said the force was not linking Monday’s incident to others at this time, but enquiries are ongoing.

Earlier on Monday evening, there were reports of a large group chasing a car on Marsh Road with machetes.

An eyewitness said: “Just witnessed a serious gang attack in Leagrave McDonalds roundabout right outside my car whilst driving home, about 10 people with knives and machetes attacked a man in a car at the roundabout.

“He managed to get away after smashing through three other cars in desperation! The size of the blades was staggering...”

Other people who witnessed the incident at Marsh Road commented on Facebook. One person said: “The car drove the wrong way down Marsh Road towards the roundabout trying to get away but crashed at the roundabout into a car.

“That’s when the attack happened as people arrived on scooters.”

A police spokesman added: “We have received a report of a car in Marsh Road just after 5.30pm on Monday, reportedly being followed by a motorcycle. One of the people involved may have been in possession of a weapon. An investigation is ongoing.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Beds Police on 101 quoting Operation Brooklyn, or independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, to 0800 555111.

THREE men arrested after the death of a man have been told they face no action.

Hampshire police are no longer treating the death of Abbas Ali, 65, as suspicious.

Officers previously said ambulance staff were called to the Gandhi restaurant, in Hollow Lane, Hayling Island, on November 4 at 1am.

The next day Hampshire police said they launched a murder investigation. A cordon had been put around the restaurant.

But now all three men, then aged 32, 34 and 37 – who were initially arrested on suspicion of murder – were told by police they face no action.

They had been released under investigation after the arrests in November.

It’s understood the case has now been passed to the coroner.

Police said Mr Ali was taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham but died shortly before 10am on November 4.

Officers had previously appealed to customers of the restaurant to come forward with any information.

Beds Police would like to speak to the man pictured in connection with a burglary in Pulford Road, Leighton Buzzard, on April 8.

If you have any information, use the reporting tool on the website https://goo.gl/TrhqTU or call 101.

Quote reference number JD 17590 2018.

The idea of charging residents in Central Bedfordshire for garden waste looks set to be abandoned, with the introduction of three-weekly black bin collections also ditched, at least in the short term.

The controversial ideas were rubbished by many residents when we first reported on them back in February, and a recent public consultation also saw the majority of respondents reject the possible changes which had been suggested by Central Beds Council.

And the council has announced today (Wednesday) it is recommending that its Executive committee knocks a possible £40 garden waste annual charge on the head when it meets on May 10, and also leaves general waste as a fortnightly service.

Because its current bin contracts are coming to an end in 2019, the council has been looking at possible options, saying it wants to change bin collections to increase recycling, provide a consistent service across the region, and deliver best value to taxpayers.

Following the public consultation, which received over 15,000 responses, the council says it has listened to residents and is suggesting the introduction of weekly food waste collections for everyone; where possible, a choice of wheelie bin or reusable bags for fortnightly garden waste collections; and potential kerbside glass collections for all.

It stated: “The council has discarded the idea of charging for garden waste, as this was the least favoured option for residents. After listening to residents’ concerns about three-weekly black bin collections, the council is not proposing to introduce those straight away but will look to the longer term when residents have been supported to recycle as much as possible, so reducing waste in their black bin.”

Speaking about the recommendations, Councillor Budge Wells, Deputy Executive Member for Community Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “The consultation feedback has helped us set out a clear strategy for the future.

“Nearly everyone (94%) said it’s important to help people recycle as much as possible. The majority of residents were supportive of food waste collections and separate glass collections. We will be introducing these as soon as we can when the new contract is in place towards the end of next year.

“We also consulted on two other options; charging for garden waste collection, and moving to three-weekly black bin collection. Charging for garden waste collection was the least popular option, so we are not introducing this. Instead we’ll be continuing to provide a free fortnightly collection as we do now.

“Residents’ feedback showed they wanted a choice of container for their garden waste though, so we will be offering the option of a wheelie bin or two reusable bags for garden waste across the whole area.

“In terms of three-weekly black bin collections, we know that residents had some concerns about how they would manage. We’ve listened to this, and we won’t be introducing three-weekly collections immediately. We will work with residents to help them recycle as much as possible, and the new services should help with this.

“This will of course reduce the amount of waste going into residents’ black bins. That means we can move to three-weekly collections more easily, which will reduce the cost of the service and therefore make the most of tax payers’ money.”

The council’s current recycling rate is 46%. This is under the national target of 50% by 2020. Further targets of 55% by 2025, 60% by 2030 and 65% by 2035 are likely to be introduced.

> For food waste collection, residents would be supplied with a lockable external food waste caddy and a smaller version to use in the kitchen, so that food waste won’t be put in domestic waste (black) bins. The council will supply bags to line the kitchen caddy for hygiene and to make it easier to transfer the contents into the larger external food waste caddy for kerbside collection, which will be collected every week.

> The government has said it will introduce a deposit return scheme in England for single-use drinks containers (whether plastic, glass or metal), subject to consultation later this year. A deposit return scheme means consumers pay an up-front deposit when they buy a drink, which is redeemed on return of the empty container. The council says this could impact on the amount of glass that residents would need to have collected from the kerbside and it will need to understand the effect of this new scheme ahead of decisions on the frequency of glass collection that is required, if there is still a future need.

Shefford Town & Campton celebrated clinching the Bedfordshire League title with another emphatic home win on Saturday.

The club secured the Premier Division supported by Sportsform title in midweek and pulled further clear with a 4-2 success over Queens Park Crescents.

Jim Burnside and Lewis Taylor both netted braces against Crescent replies via Shahinur Rahman and Hassen Yousaf.

AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College took a big step towards collecting the seaso’s silver medals with a 5-0 home win over Sharnbrook, Gio Moscartolo netting a hat-trick and Courtney Boughton a brace .

The only club that can now prevent Town claiming that second spot are Crawley Green Reserves whose hopes of doing so suffered a setback after they were held to a 2-2 home draw by fifth place Ickwell & Old Warden. Callum Yates and Henry Mungwira were on the home scoresheet against Ickwell replies via Lee Saunders and Connor Green.

Now up into third are AFC Oakley M&DH who extended their unbeaten ways to five games with a 1-0 home victory over Stevington thanks to a goal from Alex Liburd to give them the three points. They climb above Caldecote who were beaten 1-0 at Cranfield United where Antonio Ricciardi netted the goal to extend United’s winning home run up to four games.

Having lost their last three away games Wootton Blue Cross returned to winning ways on the road by winning 5-1 at Flitwick Town. Rob O’Dell with a brace was joined on the Blue Cross scoresheet by single strikes from Jamie Sawyer, Kane Griffith and Scott Harvey against a lone Town reply from Phil Matthews.

Wilstead extended their unbeaten run to five games with a 3-2 home success over Marston Shelton Rovers. Ryan Davenport, Kevin Butler and Nathan Aulsberry all found the back of the net against Rovers replies via Nick Skolsky and Aaron Franks.

Division One supported by O’Neills

Totternoe Reserves were crowned the Division One supported by O’Neills champions after they netted a 3-2 home win over second place Riseley Sports who will now duly collect the seasons silver medals.

Antony O’Grady with a brace plus a single strike from Jonny Clarke netted for the home side against Sports replies via Josh Poole and James Cooke. This defeat ended the visitors’ 18 game unbeaten run.

Perhaps the man of the day title goes to Ollie Hughes who netted all five goals to take Cople & Bedford SA to a 5-3 home win over Lea Sports PSG, thus extending their unbeaten home ways up to six games, the PSG replies coming via Callum Jones, Joe Hennem and Sean Dixon.

Also scoring five goals was Charlie Corcoran in the AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Reserves 13-0 home rout of The 61 FC Luton Reserves. Joining him on the Town scoresheet were braces from Naron Cheema, Gavin Cheema and Gio Moscartolo, who earlier in the day had netted a hat-trick for the Town’s first team, plus single goals for Arkadiusz Boruch and Keegan Roberts. Taking their unbeaten home ways up to six games were Cranfield United Reserves with a 2-0 victory over Meltis Albion thanks to goals from Ben Martin and Paul Ayles.

Division Two

In claiming a 7-1 home victory over Caldecote Reserves to extend their unbeaten sequence to 14 games, Bedford Albion have been crowned the 2017-18 season Division Two champions. Paul Babbington, Tom O’Neill and Toby Hunt all netted twice alongside a single strike from Michael France against a lone reply via Chris Powell.

Second place Henlow Reserves saw their championship hopes disappear and their four game winning run ended in losing 2-1 at Houghton Athletic. Jordan Thomas and Garvin Watson were on the Athletic scoresheet against a lone reply via Chris Powell.

Third place Wilstead Reserves claimed a 6-2 home win over Luton Leagrave AFC to move within two points of Henlow Reserves. Luke Pursey and Liam Fenton both netted braces alongside an own goal and a strike from Lino Altieri for the home side against AFC replies via Nicolae Covilaec and Richard Mead.

However the comeback of the day belonged to Elstow Abbey. After taking the lead via Shaqiel Quiailey at Atletico Europa by the hour mark they were trailing 2-1 following home goals from Mo Banda and Osman Jalilu plus down to 10 men after Charisma Agyemang was red carded -before goals from Dean Leydon and Matt Poulton took them to a 3-2 victory thus extending their unbeaten away ways up to four games.

Also enjoying life on the road were Marston Shelton Rovers Reserves who won 3-1 at Sundon Park Rovers. Garry Russon, Lorenzo Jordan and an own goal marking the Marston scoresheet against a lone Rovers reply via Rayvaun Bridgett.

Whilst AFC Oakley M&DH Reserves were granted the three points when Westoning failed to raise a side to travel and meet them at Church Lane.

Division Three

Champions Kempston Athletic took their winning ways up to nine games and unbeaten ways up to 19 games by ending their season with a 4-1 home victory over Flitwick Town A. Josh St Clair Pierre with a brace was joined on the Athletic scoresheet by Craig Damon and Richie Andrews against a lone Town reply via Luke Snapes.

Second place is still to be played for but second place Harlington took a major step towards them by claiming a 2-1 home success over third place Clifton to take their unbeaten home ways up to seven games and end the visitors’ five game unbeaten run. Roan Wedderburn and Pearce Tracey were on the home scoresheet against a lone reply from Charlie Watson.

The biggest winners of the day were Lidlington United Sports who ran out 7-1 home victors over AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College A. Tom Staples with a hat-trick led the way, Edward Janes joining in with a brace and single strikes coming via Brendon Cunningham and Dale Crocker against a lone Town reply from John Hislop.

Whilst the lone away win of the day went to Bedford Albion Reserves the 1-0 winners at Stevington Reserves thanks to a goal from Brandon Hung.

Elsewhere Shefford Town & Campton A went nap with a 5-1 home victory over Dinamo Flitwick. Ben Sheeham with a brace joined on the home scoresheet by single strikes from Alex Mitchell, Mark Nunn and Stephen Howe against a lone reply from Josh Pearson for the visitors.

Whilst Caldecote A were gifted the three points when White Eagles failed to raise a side to visit them at Harvey Close

A man from Leighton Buzzard overcame a number of unexpected obstacles to complete the London Marathon in memory of his sister.

Andy Griggs, of Church Street, completed the 26.2-mile challenge on April 22, in honour of his Anna Conquest, who would have been 52 the next day.

Anna passed away in January this year after fighting cancer for three years. She was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given two months to live in 2014 and during an operation to remove the tumour she died twice, before ending up in an induced coma.

He said: “My sister was the bravest, most inspirational person you would ever meet.

“I wanted to run the marathon for her, it would have been her birthday and St George’s Day and the plan was for her and the family to be cheering me on in London, it was a really emotional day.”

Andy encountered a few problems in the run up to the marathon and on the day but he was proud to complete the challenge.

He said: “I had a few major hiccups before the race, the day before I lost my chip and then my camera died at the start and I never put my number on my personal bag.

“I started last in the London Marathon and it wasn’t long before I got very emotional, it was one of the most amazing days I have every experienced.

“A lot of supporters were down there and at home they were following me on the App.

“The chants of Come On Griggsy, Do It For Anna were getting me through, and then on 20 miles I pulled my back.

“With six miles to go and many tears the chants of people helped me get to the finish line. I hobbled over in six hours and 20 minutes, but I got there.

“I’m so proud I did it and people have told me I did my sister proud, I knew she was with me that last six miles, the most emotional experience I have ever had.”

Andy has raised over £4,500 for Cancer Care and Haematology Fund, his sister’s chosen charity, and was invited to Stoke Mandeville Hospital to see how the money he has raised will help people.

He wants to reach £5,000 for the fund, to make a donation visit: https://make-a-donation.org/fundraisers/andy-griggs.

Four men have been jailed for a total of almost 35 years after for conspiracy to supply around £400,000 worth of cocaine in Bedfordshire.

The four men - Jamie Wadsworth, 33, of Haden Close, Bedford, James Hough, 41, of High Street, Lavendon, Sanjidner Sidhu, 36, from Chantry Road, Birmingham, and Aneel Taher, 34, from Dudley Road, Birmingham – had been involved in planning to bring 3kg of cocaine to the county, with the intention of cutting it into smaller wraps to be sold on to users.

However, police intercepted a car on the M1 and recovered the drugs before they reached Bedfordshire. Subsequent searches resulted in the recovery of mobile phones, around £36,000 in cash and a gold bar worth around £30,000 which was hidden in a container of black eyed peas.

On August 7, Wadsworth and Hough had met at Hough’s home in Lavendon to discuss arrangements for a deal. Wadsworth then travelled to Birmingham on 10 August to meet Sidhu, the supplier, and put a plan into place to collect and transport the drugs back to Bedfordshire.

The following day, Hough drove to Birmingham to meet Taher and collected the cocaine. Around an hour later, he was stopped by police on the M1, travelling south. He was arrested and a holdall, which contained 3kg of cocaine split into three 1kg blocks, was seized.

On examination, the first kilo block contained 95 per cent pure cocaine, and the second and third blocks were of 91 per cent purity.

While he was in police custody, Wadsworth was seen waiting outside Hough’s address for him to return with the drugs.

On 19 October, police executed search warrants at addresses in Birmingham and Bedfordshire, and all four men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Searches at Sidhu’s property revealed a number of mobile phones, approximately £36,000 in cash and a gold bar worth around £30,000 which was hidden in a container of black eyed peas.

Sidhu was convicted following an eight day trial of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment. He also pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited weapon, for which he received a 12 month sentence to run concurrently.

Wadsworth pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and at a hearing at Luton Crown Court on April 27, he received nine years and seven months in prison.

Both Hough and Taher were sentenced on May 1 (Tuesday) at Luton Crown Court. Hough pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs at a hearing in April and was sentenced to five years in prison. Taher pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs at a hearing in October and was sentenced to six years in prison.

Detective Inspector Justin Dipper, from the force’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, who led the investigation, said: “This was a well-planned operation to take out a large delivery of drugs which had been destined for the streets of Bedfordshire – bringing all the associated related criminality and misery into our communities. The sentences passed by the court show quite clearly that crime doesn’t pay.

“We will continue to take action against those who are involved in the supply of drugs to our county, and I hope this result demonstrates to others entrenched in this activity that we will catch up with them and bring them to justice.”

Voters across England will be heading to their local polling station to cast their ballot in the local elections until 10pm.

More than 4,000 seats are being contested in around 150 councils. Mayoral elections are also taking place in a handful of areas.

Most councils will be counting votes overnight on Thursday, with results expected to trickle in all through Friday.

But first the voting. While it’s a largely straightforward process – turn up at your local polling station, select your candidate and post your ballot into the box – you might have a few questions that need clearing up first…

Can I bring my boyfriend/girlfriend/partner/the person I woke up with this morning?

If they are eligible to vote at your polling station, they can come in. But you have to go into the polling booth alone to fill out your ballot paper. Otherwise they’ll need to wait outside.

What about my screaming children?

The Electoral Commission encourages parents to bring their children along to help them feel involved in the democratic process early. But they can’t vote (unless they’re over 18) and they can’t sign your ballot paper for you.

My dog?

Your dog can go into the polling station if that building and the voting officers allow it. But if it is a building where dogs are not usually allowed to enter, they will have to be left outside. Actually, taking your canine to vote has become something of a tradition…

What about my cat? Hamster? Horse?

There is no specific guidance about other animals. Best to check with the voting officers.

Do I have to go to my allocated polling station?

Yes you do.

Can I eat in the polling station?

With no rules on this, there is no reason why you can’t.

What about if I turn up drunk?

You can still vote. No one can turn you away just because it appears like you have been drinking. But if you’re disruptive then you may be asked to leave the station.

I can’t find my polling card or ID!

Don’t worry, you don’t need your polling card to vote. You may need your ID, however. This year voters in Bromley, Gosport, Swindon, Watford and Woking will need their identification to vote. The council areas are taking part in the voter ID pilot scheme to see if it can stamp out alleged electoral fraud through voter impersonation. The scheme will be evaluated before a decision is made whether to roll it out nationally. If you’re voting anywhere else, don’t worry, you won’t need your ID for the local elections.

Do I have to fill out my ballot paper with a cross?

A cross next to your selected candidate on the ballot paper is preferable and easiest for counters to read, but other marks are allowed.

What about a star?

While we wouldn’t encourage you to fill out your ballot paper in any way that may jeopardise your vote, selecting your candidate with a star in the corresponding box should be OK. A ballot paper cannot be rejected if the intention to give a vote for one candidate clearly appears on the ballot paper. The rules read: “A ballot paper […] shall not […] be deemed to be void if an intention that the vote shall be for one or other of the candidates clearly appears.”

What about a penis?

A drawing of a penis has, indeed, been interpreted as a vote in favour of a candidate. At the 2015 election in fact.

Can I use my lucky pen?

Sure. Polling stations traditionally provide pencils but there is nothing to stop you using your own stationery.

What if I don’t know who to vote for?

Well whatever you do, don’t start chatting about it. Political discussion is banned in polling stations. And don’t tick or cross more than one option because your vote won’t be counted.

What about if I fill out my ballot paper incorrectly?

You may be issued with a fresh ballot paper. But if you have already posted the incorrect paper in the ballot box, a replacement paper cannot be issued. No autographs, please If counters can make out your name on the ballot paper, even if it is a signature, your vote will not be counted because you have breached the rules of the secret ballot.

Can I take a photo?

The law around this is complex but the Electoral Commission has warned polling station staff against allowing voters to take selfies because it may risk the secrecy of the vote.

Can I post on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram about my vote?

Yes – but don’t post about anyone else’s vote. And it’s best not to do it from inside the polling station, even if it is about your own vote. Anyone who inadvertently reveals how someone else votes could face a £5,000 fine or six months in prison. If you’re taking photos, the Electoral Commission advises it would be better to take a photo outside the polling station to use on social media.

Can I do any last minute campaigning?

No. Polling station staff will ask you to stop if you decide to campaign inside or outside the polling station. And any campaign leaflets will be removed.

What if I really like my Tories T-shirt?

Take it off. Clothing designed to overtly influence voters is not usually allowed at polling stations.

It’s 9:59pm and I’m still queuing outside the polling station! What should I do?

Don’t worry, all voters inside their polling station at 10pm or queuing outside “for the purpose of voting may apply for ballot paper(s),” according to the Electoral Commission.

What happens if I can’t make it?

If you are unable to go to the polling station for one particular election you can choose someone to go for you. It’s called voting by proxy. The deadline has passed if you just want to nominate someone because you’re on holiday – but in certain circumstances, where there is an emergency, you can apply for an emergency proxy up to 5pm on the day of the poll. And if you applied to vote by post, you can return the ballot to the polling station on voting day.

Hang on… I forgot to register to vote!

Then you can’t vote in the local elections unfortunately.

A near half million pound boost has been given to Central Beds Council for fixing potholes in the district.

The money is particularly timely given a Freedom of Information Act request to CBC which has shown that the amount of money spent by the council in recent years has taken a dive.

Back in 2010/11, CBC spent £8.33m on resurfacing and fixing potholed roads, but that figure had nearly halved, to £4.64m, in 2017/18.

And the amount of compensation paid by the council to drivers who have suffered vehicle damage /injury as a result of potholes or uneven surfaces has also fallen significantly.

In 2011-12 a total of £322,198 was paid out, but that fell to just £30,526 in 2016-17.

Andrew Selous, MP for South West Beds, has welcomed the Goverment’s latest £495,565 allocation to Central Beds specifically for road repairs.

He said this was on top of the £75 million of funding already given to councils from the Pothole Action Fund this year, as well as the additional £46 illion boost for highways authorities announced just before Christmas.

He said: “The state of our roads remains a great source of frustration for drivers, especially after the unusually prolonged spell of freezing weather – it’s one of the biggest issues that’s raised with me on the doorsteps.

“This new funding is welcome news for families and businesses in Central Bedfordshire who rely on our roads to get around.

“I’m glad that the Government is investing to improve the standard of our local roads – delivering on our commitment to build an economy fit for the future.”

A Central Beds Council spokesman said it had programme its Jetpatcher to be used across the district during May.

She said: “We use a Jetpatcher machine to conveniently fill potholes ‘on the go’. This is the main way we repair potholes following the winter season, although we do also use more conventional methods throughout the year.

“During 2017 the Jetpatcher repaired more than 20,000 potholes and we get more than 2,500 reports of potholes every month from online reporting by residents.

“This winter is widely believed to be one of the coldest that England has suffered for a number of years. The ‘freeze then thaw’ weather cycle damages road surfaces and invariably leads to more potholes.

“So we were really pleased to hear just under an extra half million pounds will be allocated to us specifically for potholes.”

Meanwhile, a resident has submitted another Freedom of Information Act request to CBC wishing to know the number of times the pothole on the canal bridge in Leighton Buzzard has been filled since since the bridge’s refurbishment in 2010, and the cost of these repairs.

Last week, the LBO reported that the bridge had been patched up once again, but the filling material had failed within 24 hours.

CBC said its engineers were working on a long-term solution which would involve increasing the depth of the road surface and waterproofing it.

Monogamy means sharing your life with one person, but what if you shared your kitchen with 5.6 million?

For that is the premise of this new drama entitled Monogamy coming to Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre next week with an all star cast.

EastEnders’ Charlie Brooks, Patrick Ryecart from Poldark and Janie Dee from Follies star in the show from Tuesday to Saturday May 15 to 19.

Caroline Mortimer, the nation’s favourite TV cook, has it all - a sparkling career, a big house in Highgate, a (golf) loving husband, smart kids and the best kitchen money can buy.

But beneath the immaculate furnishings, studio lighting and away from the glare of the ever-present cameras - Caroline must face the looming collision of living a private life in the public eye. What happens when the cameras turn off and the truth comes out?

Monogamy is from the award-winning Original Theatre Company who brought audiences Torben Betts’ smash-hit comedy Invincible.

Olivier and Evening Standard award-winner Janie Dee will star as Caroline. Critically acclaimed for her roles on stage and screen, Janie Dee has worked closely with many leading playwrights including Alan Ayckbourn, Michael Frayn and Harold Pinter and is currently starring in the National Theatre’s production of Follies.

Tickets for the show cost from £14 excluding booking fees. For more details about the show or to book tickets in advance call 0844 871 7607 or www.atgtickets.com/venues/aylesbury-waterside-theatre.

Leighton Buzzard’s popular Garden Centre has been rescued by a local businessman who is also planning further investment to “improve the experience of customers” and ensure the Hockliffe Road facility remains a focal point for the local community.

Just a month after operators, the Home & Garden Group, called in administrators, Milton Keynes businessman Ken Chen agreed terms with site owners Martin and Stuart Hammond for the remaining 13-year lease and took over the management of the centre with immediate effect.

“We are delighted at being given the chance of making Leighton Buzzard Garden Centre the location of choice for horticulturists and gardening enthusiasts and to have retained the experienced in-house staff for the challenge ahead,” said Mr Chen.

Mr Chen launched the Newbridge Premium Pots business in 2009.

It is now one of the largest suppliers of glazed terracotta pots in all colours, shapes and sizes to garden centres and other retail outlets in England and Wales.

Mr Chen, a 38-year-old father of two young daughters and who will be spearheading the Leighton Buzzard venture with wife SeSe, added: “There is a natural synergy between our existing pot-supply business we have successfully developed and garden centres, which we have supplied for many years.

“We believe the Leighton Garden Centre can be developed into a premier facility, which, during our stewardship, will focus on quality and value.

“We are in this for the long term and will be drawing up plans to improve the facilities whilst maintaining all the services provided by a traditional garden centre.”

Based at Bradwell Abbey in Milton Keynes, Chinese-speaking Mr Chen, who was brought up in Ireland, has other business interests, including a dealership in prestige motor vehicles.

Site owners Martin and Stuart Hammond acquired the near-derelict three-acre site in 1994, developing a successful garden centre before deciding to retire two years ago.

The garden centre facility on the Hockliffe Road site was leased to the Home and Garden Group, which also ran Willington Garden Centre near Bedford.

But after trading there for almost two years, the company, based at Upper Caldecote, near Biggleswade went into administration at the end of March.

Administrators Mazars LLP have since been seeking purchasers of the Leighton operation as a “going concern.”

Commenting on the latest development, Martin Hammond said: “We are delighted that Mr Chen has taken over the business and that it will remain such an important facility for the Leighton community.

“We have been very impressed by his knowledge, his enthusiasm and his commitment, both to existing staff and for the short and long term development of the business.”

Nine other businesses occupying rented facilities on the multi-use retail site include an acquatics centre, beauticians, dog groomers, a pet shop, car wash, crafts centre, hot tub and ;pool suppliers and installers, a conservatory company and a children’s nursery, jointly employing more than 40 people.

A man from Leighton Buzzard has pleaded guilty to a number of offences, including burglary and drug possession.

Jordan Ballard, 25, of Ashwell Street, was arrested on Wednesday (May 2) and charged with burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, two counts of attempted burglary, possession of Class A drugs, criminal damage and driving offences.

On Friday he pleaded guilty to all of the charges, other than the criminal damage offence. He has been bailed pending a future court appearance on May 25.

Assaults in Bedford Prison have doubled in five years, with prison reform campaigners declaring the situation a ‘national emergency’.

The rise in attacks on staff and prisoners, revealed in figures from the Ministry of Justice, shows thescale of the task prison officers are facing.

Of the 230 assaults recorded in 2017, 85 were on prison staff. And 22 assaults were defined as serious, a category which includes sexual assaults and those where victims required hospital in- patient treatment.

In 2012, 98 assaults were recorded, meaning a five-year increase of 135%.

The numbers also reveal that 231 cases of self-harm were recorded in Bedford last year, an increase of 43% on 2012.

Across prisons in England and Wales, nearly 30,000 assaults were recorded last year, more than double the number in 2012. Self-harm also increased by 92% over the same five-year period, with nearly 45,000 cases in 2017.

Frances Crook, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “This shameful rise inviolence and self-injury is the direct result of policy decisions to allow the number of people behind bars to grow unchecked while starving prisons of resources.

“This is a national emergency, and the government must respond boldly and urgently. Positive steps to reduce the prison population would save lives, protect staff, and prevent more people being swept into deeper currents of crime and despair.”

Justice Secretary David Gauke said: “The levels of violence, suicide and self-harm in our prisons are far too high and we are taking urgent action to address these problems.

“Assaults on our hardworking staff will never be tolerated. We are ensuring prison officers have the tools they need to do the job, rolling out body worn cameras, police-style handcuffs and restraints, and trialling PAVA incapacitant spray.

“Our recruitment drive is vital to ensuring prisons are safe, secure and decent so they can successfully rehabilitate offenders, and 90% of our additional 3,111 prison officers are due to be on landings by the summer.

Two self-inflicted deaths were recorded in Bedford in 2017, a definition which includes suicides and accidental deaths through self-harm.

Data:<https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/safety-in- custody-quarterly- update-to- december-

2017>

A taxi driver from Luton has been convicted of rape after DNA evidence linked him to two unsolved cases from 2007.

Shipu Ahmed, 35, was found guilty at Luton Crown Court today of raping a 15-year-old girl and a 22-year old woman within the space of two weeks in late 2007 after he had picked them up in his black taxi cab.

During the trial the jury heard how between 11pm and 11.30pm on November 30, 2007, Ahmed offered a lift to the 15-year-old girl walking along a street in Eaton Bray.

Ahmed, of Avondale Road, Luton, then took the youngster to a secluded picnic area in Totternhoe Knolls where he raped her before taking her back to Eaton Bray.

The incident was reported to police and the following day a forensic examination of the scene was carried out, resulting in the recovery of a condom which contained some DNA.

Ahmed’s next attack was on a 22-year-old woman. The victim and a friend got into Ahmed’s car at a taxi rank after a night out in Dunstable at around 4am on 15 December 2007. After dropping her friend off, Ahmed sped away with the victim in his taxi and drove the woman to an area of Luton, where he raped her in the back of the car.

She reported it to the police the same morning and had a medical examination, where samples of DNA were taken.

At the time of the attacks, several lines of enquiry were carried out to trace the offender, but officers were unable to identify him.

Then, in September 2017, Ahmed was arrested for an assault and his DNA was collected as part of the investigation. It proved a match on the DNA database from evidence collected during both rape investigations, linking him to the offences.

Officers carried out further lines of enquiry following this discovery and in October 2017, Ahmed was arrested and charged with two counts of rape.

DI Pushpa Guild said: “We’re really pleased that Shipu Ahmed has been found guilty of the heinous crimes he committed more than 10 years ago.

“These attacks have had a huge impact on both the victims and their families since 2007 and its remarkable they finally have justice. This investigation and the advancements in DNA profiling and forensic science show that we now have the means to review cases and bring offenders to justice; no matter how many years ago the offence took place.

“We would like to commend the bravery and courage of the two young women who had to endure the ordeal of giving evidence and reliving their ordeal so many years later.

“We encourage anyone who has been the victim of rape or sexual abuse, no matter when it took place, to come forward and report their experiences, get support and more importantly know they are not alone.”

Ahmed has been remanded in custody pending sentencing on 25 May 2018.

Victims of rape and sexual assault can receive support and guidance from Bedfordshire Police and partner agencies including the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), as well as support through the criminal investigation process.

Victims can report their experience to police by using the online reporting tool or calling 101.

You can also contact Bedfordshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), the Emerald Centre, which offers a safe, non-judgmental, caring and sensitive service or the Hope Programme, which provides support, counselling and coaching for sexual victims in Bedfordshire.