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.

Bedfordians invited to shape £50m A&E expansion at local hospital

Bedford Hospital is planning a £50m expansion to its urgent and emergency care facilities. Local people are being invited to share their views on the new designs at a public...

Jubilee Park training programme offers Bedfordians a pathway into employment

Adults looking to progress into training or work can join a free eight-week course at Jubilee Park, combining environmental conservation with mental health support and employability skills...

Regional shame as 85 drivers ignore roadwork closures this year

New data reveals drivers in our region are the worst in the UK for deliberately jumping roadwork queues. The reckless behaviour has prompted urgent safety pleas to protect highway workers...

Bedfordshire faces severe butterfly population crash despite sunny 2026 summer

Despite record sightings across Bedfordshire during summer 2026, experts warn extreme drought has set the stage for a severe butterfly population crash across the county...

Castle Newnham school launches conference to tackle pupil exam stress

Year 11 pupils at Castle Newnham All-Through School in Bedford have taken part in a dedicated conference designed to help them manage exam stress, build resilience and unlock their full potential...

Former Bedfordshire Police officer charged with rape and sexual assault

Former Bedfordshire Police detective Andy Southam, 53, is appearing at Stevenage Magistrates' Court today (Wednesday) facing multiple charges including rape and sexual assault...

What’s on Bedford: 23 September – 4 October

Your weekly what’s on guide for Bedford and the surrounding area from The Bedford Clanger. Never miss a thing in Bedford ever again. From theatre to film, live music to art exhibitions, The Bedford...

Ravensden family farm hit by 30% yield drop after extreme summer

A Ravensden wheat farmer whose family has worked the land for 50 years is combining generational knowledge with modern science after a dry summer slashed her harvest by 30%...

Eight from eight for Real Bedford as perfect start continues at Stourbridge

Real Bedford's perfect start to the Southern League Premier Central season continued on Tuesday night (22 September) as they battled back from a goal down to defeat Stourbridge...

Council will target irresponsible parking in streets near Putnoe rugby ground

Bedford Borough Council has promised to increase parking enforcement in the Wentworth Drive area this weekend after neighbours reported blocked roads and emergency access fears...