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9 November 2026
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Latest news from across Bedford Borough, when and where you want it. The Bedford Independent is your best source of Bedford news on mobile, tablet and desktop.

The Bedford Independent was founded to provide the people of Bedford Borough with a modern news desk that would give them easy access to genuine and unbiased Bedford news. We are independent in ownership and opinion.

Our mission is to inform and inspire the people of Bedford. To do this we will work hard to bring them the news that matters to them from our town centre to the most rural of the Borough’s villages.

Our editorial team are NCTJ trained and abides by the IMPRESS Standards code of conduct and our own stringent, modern ethical editorial policy.

(l-r) Alivia Usher-Harris and Bedford Independent sports editor Tom Carr Image Bedford Blues Women Bedford Independent

Bedford Independent backs Bedford Blues Women with player sponsorship

The Bedford Independent is extending its support of Bedford Blues by sponsoring women's team player Alivia Usher-Harris for the 2026/27 season. Alivia is a hooker for the squad...
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The Saxon Centre, Kempston with the Sainsbury's Superstore in the background across the square Image Google Streetview capture July 2024 © 2026 Google

Letters: Continued concern and frustration about Sainsbury’s car park decision

We are writing to express our continued concern and frustration about Sainsbury’s decision to introduce parking restrictions and charges at its Kempston store...
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Bedford Darts Coach Shaun Jacques in front of a dartboard

Darts coach becomes one of six worldwide to pass new advanced professional coaching course

A local darts coach is celebrating this week after becoming one of the very first Professional Darts Players Association level two coaches worldwide. Shaun Jacques, who was part of 195 original...
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Bedford Borough Council political parties collage

‘You are all to blame’: Government inspectors’ stark message to all political groups at Bedford Borough Council

Opposition parties and the Conservative administration at Bedford Borough Council are divided following a highly critical government inspection report highlighting a combative political culture...
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Beerfly's Caroline Stronkhorst behind the bar at the shop on Bedford's St Cuthbert's Street

Great Bedfordian: Beerfly’s Caroline Stronkhorst

In keeping with the Clanger's beverage-based theme this month, we’ve asked Caroline Stronkhorst of Beerfly to be October’s Great Bedfordian. A blow-in from the Netherlands...
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(l-r) Anthony Hall and Darren Worton. Image: Bedfordshire Police custody image.

Bedford shoplifters jailed as police hunt for wanted high street offenders

Police are hunting for wanted shoplifters following a major crackdown on retail crime in Bedford that has seen repeat offenders jailed and thousands of pounds in cash and illegal...
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Councillors gather in council chambers for the extraordinary full council meeting to debate and vote on a motion to hold a referendum on the position of Mayor of Bedford Borough, 16 September 2026. Image: Bedford Independent screenshot of Bedford Borough Council webcast.

‘Combative’ Bedford Borough Council slammed for ignoring reports of bullying and misogyny

Unelected government commissioners are set to take over Bedford Borough Council to tackle a toxic workplace culture, with a damning report revealing unchecked bullying and low staff morale...
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Bedford Borough Hall Bedford Borough council signage and entrance

Damning inspection reveals bullying and leadership collapse at Bedford Borough Council

The government is sending in commissioners to oversee Bedford Borough Council for up to three years after an inspection revealed severe leadership failures, misogyny and financial...
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Two hockey players battle for the ball on the blue-clad surface of Chester Road

Bedford Girls’ School announce new partnership with Bedford Hockey Club

Hockey opportunities are already aplenty in the town, but they're about to become larger as Bedford Girls' School has announced a new partnership with Bedford Hockey Club for the new season...
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Kemi Badenoch, Leader of the Conservative Party addressing the audience at The Conservative Party on 4 October 2026. Image: repic/Shutterstock.

Monthly column: Conference season showed the Conservatives are the only party with a serious plan

Another party conference season is over, and the message was clear: if you want a country where hard work is rewarded, businesses can thrive, our borders are controlled, and people...
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