Bedford Borough Council is inviting people living around Bedford Railway Station and in the wider community to a public engagement session on the latest East West Rail (EWR) proposals.
The Council has already held sessions with affected tenants, landlords and businesses. This will be the first of several events aimed at residents in the Poets area and neighbouring streets, with more to follow.
Space at the meeting is limited, so anyone planning to attend is asked to register in advance.
The session is designed to give residents a clearer picture of the updated plans, explain the Council’s position and gather feedback that will help shape its formal response to EWR.
At the event, council officers will:
- Set out the Council’s understanding of the updated EWR proposals
- Explain how the Council is responding on behalf of Bedford Borough
- Listen to residents’ views, concerns and questions
- Outline how community feedback will be reflected in the Council’s response.
The engagement session will take place on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, from 6pm to 7.30pm at Borough Hall.
Spaces are limited, so residents are asked to register in advance on Eventbrite.
Ashburnham Road demolitions
East West Rail is a multi-billion-pound rail link between Oxford and Cambridge, with Bedford at its centre. It is being delivered by East West Rail Company (EWR Co), a government-owned company.
Bedford Borough Council has already raised serious concerns about elements of the scheme, particularly EWR’s announcement late last year that it plans to demolish an additional 53 homes and businesses on Ashburnham Road, including a GP surgery and the Dom Polski venue.
Read: Councillors vote to create “strongest possible case” against EWR demolitions
Cllr Nicky Gribble (Independent, Renhold and Ravensden), portfolio holder for environment, said: “Whether you are directly affected or simply want to understand how East West Rail may impact our community, we encourage you to attend.
“Hearing a wide range of perspectives will also help ensure that the Council’s response is informed, balanced and represents what our residents think.”
