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28 August 2026
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River Great Ouse

A drought-induced blue-green algae formation (stock photo). Image Juergen Wackenhut ShutterstockImage: Juergen Wackenhut/Shutterstock.

Bedford mayor says council is holding water regulators “to account” over River Great Ouse pollution

Mayor Tom Wootton has blamed external agencies for blue-green algae on the River Great Ouse following recent hot weather, while staying silent on calls for tougher enforcement against water companies...
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Burst water main on Bedford high street has pumped water all over the road and even lifted the tarmac. Cars are driving through carefully. Image: Jo Casey

Monthly column: Heatwave and broken pipes

The heat is on, literally, for water companies to start to fix all the broken pipes where thousands of litres of water are pouring out over hot tarmac across the UK...
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The former Debenhams store on the corner of Bedford High Street and Silver Street. Image: Kirkby Diamond

Bedford Ian writes…

Mayes 'school' Yard, River rivalry, and Lieutenant pride. 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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A copy of RJ Beynon's Murder as a Working Hypothesis book being dropped along the River Great Ouse. Image RJ Beynon

Local author launches Bedford-based cosy crime novel with riverside giveaway

A Bedford author has taken inspiration from their floating home at Priory Marina for their new cosy crime murder mystery series. And to celebrate its launch, they are dropping off free copies...
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The canoe display area Bedford River Festival 2026. The canoe slides are to the left, with the water of the river still and calm. The suspension bridge can be seen in the background. Willow trees hang over the river on the right.

Bedford Ian writes…

Watered down, Simply great, Just say "no", and Careful what you wish for. 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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Fans watching Givemeyourteeth, BBC introducing stage playing guitar Bedford River Festival 2026

Gallery: Bedford River Festival 2026

What a fantastic weekend celebrating everything brilliant about Bedford at this year's Bedford River Festival. From local charities to local bands, we were entertained and inspired across...
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England football flag at half mast outside Beards Estate Agents after the men's team's exit July 2026. Image: Bedford Independent.

Bedford Ian writes…

17 July 2026: Hove actually, Flagging spirits, and Street springs. 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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Water quality testing on River Great Ouse. Image BedsGovet

Monthly column: Bedford’s Priory Sewage Plant upgrade ruled out until 2030

We at BedsGOVET are fighting hard to keep the River Great Ouse monitored so that we can inform all river users of contamination issues, especially the extremely high levels of E. coli...
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Bjon Hove, Bedford Borough Council's lead events and infrastructure officer, in Russell Park ahead of the 2026 Bedford River Festival. Behind him the big wheel is being erected and workers are putting up stalls and other attractions. Image: Bedford Independent.

WATCH: The River Festival is “a Bedford event,” says the Bedfordian who pulls it all together

The Bedford River Festival returns this weekend (18 and 19 July). While council staff manage the infrastructure, local independent businesses and community groups are running the main events...
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Bedford Lock improvement works. Image: Environment Agency.

Bedford Lock upgrade aims to improve safety and reliability for boaters

Major improvement works at Bedford Lock have been completed, including new lock gates and repairs designed to improve safety and reliability for boaters on the River Great Ouse...
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