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10 September 2026
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East West Rail (EWR)

On 19 August 2026, tourism minister, Stephanie Peacock attend a roundtable with local authorities, MPs and stakeholders to discuss the opportunities arising from Universal's planned theme park and resort in Bedford. Image: DCMS

Bedford hosts cross-party summit to discuss Universal UK resort growth

Ministers, MPs, and leaders from eight councils gathered at The Swan Hotel in Bedford to coordinate plans, jobs, and infrastructure upgrades for the landmark Universal UK theme park proposal...
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East West Rail (EWR) jacket

Complaint against Bedford mayor’s East West Rail declarations dismissed

Bedford Borough's monitoring officer has dismissed a formal complaint against Mayor Tom Wootton regarding his East West Rail declarations, concluding no failure occurred...
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Tempsford village sign near Church of St Peter with the village cemetery in the background

Developer submits plans for 802-acre garden community near Tempsford

Plans for a new 4,400-home garden community on an 802-acre site at Little Barford have been submitted to Bedford Borough Council, marking the first phase of a proposed government-backed...
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Members of the Bedford Youth Cabinet speaking to an EWR Co. spokesperson in front of a display board about the prokect. Image: EWR Co.

Young Bedfordians focus on East West Rail’s shorter travel times, environmental issues and ticket costs

East West Rail plans to link Oxford and Cambridge through Bedford, promising faster journeys, but the multi-billion-pound scheme faces criticism over environmental impacts and home demolitions...
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A member of staff speaks with an attendee of the Bedford EWR over a table full of plans and maps at the non statutory consultation event at King’s House on Ampthill Road on Friday, 23 May. Image: EWR Co.

East West Rail consultation attendance falls 39% from previous round

Just 281 people attended East West Rail’s Bedford consultation event as overall attendance fell from 5,206 to 3,189 compared with the previous consultation. The Bedford event was...
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Universal and EWR montage Image Universal Destinations and Experiences and EWR

Northampton MP presses ministers for East West Rail link to Universal

Northampton South MP Mike Reader has launched a campaign for direct rail services to the planned Universal resort, arguing the town should not miss out on the opportunities the project will bring...
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Construction taking plane on the new EWR line Image EWR Co

Bedford Ian writes…

29 May 2026: Track record, Ealing eagerness, and Congestion Clark. Bedford Ian has been looking at recent goings on across Bedford Borough and tells us what he thinks of it all…
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Artist's impression of the west entrance to Bedford Station.

Councillors unite against home demolitions in East West Rail plans

Bedford Borough councillors have unanimously approved a stronger response to East West Rail plans, raising concerns over home demolitions, construction disruption and impacts on communities...
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East West Rail (EWR) jacket

Mayor responds after councillors question East West Rail interest

Mayor Tom Wootton has explained his declared East West Rail pecuniary interest after councillors questioned his involvement in the project during a Bedford Borough Council debate...
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Mayor Tom Wootton outside the former Debenhams building. Image: Bedford Borough Council

Third cabinet resignation sparks questions over mayor’s East West Rail interest

A third Bedford Borough cabinet resignation has intensified pressure on Mayor Tom Wootton, with Sarah Gallagher’s resignation letter raising concerns over East West Rail...
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