Caddington Ward Councillors Richard Stay and Ruth Gammons will be holding a Help and Advice Surgery at Heathfield School Site, The Green, Caddington, on Saturday, 5 November 2011 from 10am-12noon.

Are there any issues that concern you? Come along and have your say. Together we can get things done!

For further information please contact:

Councillor Richard Stay - telephone: 01582 454697 e-mail richard.stay@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Councillor Ruth Gammons - telephone: 0300 300 8523 e-mail ruth.gammons@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

END

Dunstable Central Councillor Carole Hegley and Dunstable Icknield Councillors David McVicar and Nigel Young, together with Town Councillors, will be holding a Help and Advice Surgery at Priory House Heritage Centre, High Street South, Dunstable, LU6 3RZ, on Saturday, 5 November from 10am-12noon.

Are there any issues that concern you? Come along and have your say. Together we can get things done!

For further information please contact the Members’ Support Team on 0300 300 6090 or Councillor Carole Hegley on 0300 300 8529.

END

Leighton Buzzard North, Leighton Buzzard South and Linslade Councillors, together with Leighton Buzzard Town Councillors, will be holding a Help and Advice Surgery at Leighton Buzzard Library, in the Activities Room, on Saturday, 5 November 2011 from 10am-12noon.

Are there any issues that concern you? Come along and have your say. Together we can get things done!

For further information please contact the Members’ Support Team on 0300 300 6090 or Councillor David Bowater on 0300 300 8510.

END

As the clocks go back and evenings get darker we are urging road users to Be Bright, Be Seen in Central Bedfordshire this autumn.

The clock change means brighter mornings but darker evenings and the number of traffic collisions often rises during this time. It can be particularly dangerous for school pupils who are making independent journeys, often for the first time.

Central Bedfordshire Council in partnership with their Highways Contractor, Amey, are encouraging road users, especially children and motorcyclists, to be safe on the road this winter by ensuring they wear, brightly coloured or fluorescent clothing as it shows up well in daylight and at dusk; reflective gear if out after dark to make sure you can be seen in car headlights - fluorescent clothing doesn’t work after dark. And clip-on reflectors, arm bands and stickers on clothes or school bags to improve visibility.

Cllr Budge Wells, Deputy Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Services at Central Bedfordshire Council said: "With darker evenings now upon us, it is important that road users remember visibility will reduce. Wearing brightly coloured, fluorescent or reflective clothing and accessories enables road users to see each other more clearly, improving visibility and helping road users stay safe on our local roads.

"We are also encouraging parents and children to take part in the interactive road safety competitions and games by visiting talesoftheroad.direct.gov.uk ."

For more hints and tips on how you can stay safe on the roads this autumn visit the Department for Transport website at www.dft.gov.uk/think

END

Central Bedfordshire Council is working with the Department of Health to ask carers, care providers, community groups, voluntary sector organisations and local people who use care and support services to pinpoint the priorities for reform to the Social Care System.

Over the next 20 years, as people live longer, there will be more demand on care and support services. The issues up for discussion include -

• Quality
• Personalisation of care
• Shaping local care services
• Prevention
• Integrating Health and Social Care
• Role of Financial Services

The Central Bedfordshire Caring for our Future events are being held on:

9th November from 10.00 am to 1.30 pm at Watling House, Central Bedfordshire Council, Watling House, High Street North, Dunstable. LU6 1LF

11th November from 10.00 am to 1.30 pm at Millbrook Village Hall, Sandhill Close, Millbrook. MK45 2JD.

To book your place, please contact: Veronica Webster partnershipteam@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Paul Burstow MP, Minister for Care Services at the Department of Health, said, "I want to see high-quality care that gives people choice in how their needs and ambitions are met, and helps them to live independent, active and healthy live."

Cllr Carole Hegley, Portfolio Holder for Social Care, Health and Housing at Central Bedfordshire Council said, "We are committed to working with local people as experts in what are the priorities for Health and Social Care services in the future. These events are a great opportunity for local people to have their voice heard at a national level."

END

Central Bedfordshire Council is reminding householders in the north of the area to make use of their weekly food waste collection and not put food waste in the black bin. The innovative scheme was introduced in 2008 and has so far prevented over 13,000 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere and has generated enough fertiliser to allow farmers to produce enough wheat for nearly three million loaves of bread.

Residents have a food caddy which can take all sorts of food waste, including bread and pastries, fruit and veg, dairy products, meat, fish, eggs (including the shells) and even tea bags and coffee grounds. The message is "Feed your food caddy, not your bin!"

Food waste collected from residents by Central Bedfordshire Council is recycled at BiogenGreenfinch using a process called "anaerobic digestion". The process produces fertiliser from the waste and also a gas which is used by a steam driven generator to make electricity.

Cllr Budge Wells, Deputy Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Services, said,"Recycling of food waste really does make a big difference. Since we introduced food waste collections in the north of Central Bedfordshire we have recycled almost 15,000 tonnes of food waste. That’s the same weight as 38 jumbo jets!

"We are proud of the fact that with residents’ efforts, our recycling rate across Central Bedfordshire continues to improve and is currently over 51 per cent."

Items which should not be put in the caddy are large bones, any oils or liquids such as soup, and any kind of packaging. If preferred, the caddy can be lined with newspaper rather than using food waste bags.

End

Residents are being asked their views on future transport services in Central Bedfordshire as the second round of the Local Area Transport Plans - ‘My Journey’ launches, today, 24 October.

As part of the council’s campaign for delivering ‘My Journey’, residents will have the opportunity to meet with council representatives to discuss future transport services and improvements at the next round of Let’s Talk meetings and public consultation events being held over the next 14 weeks.

Residents will be able to take part in the online survey which will be used to identify local transport priorities in each area, or give us their views via Lets Talk Central.  

The four areas being consulted on are Ampthill and Flitwick (Including Clophill, Flitton and Greenfield, Maulden, Pulloxhill, Steppingley, Tingrith, and Westoning.) Heath and Reach, Toddington, Harlington, and Barton-le-Clay. (Including Chalgrave, Chalton, Eggington, Hockliffe, Stanbridge, Streatley Sundon, and Tilsworth.) Marston Vale (Including Aspley Guise, Aspley Heath, Battlesden, Brogborough, Cranfield, Eversholt, Hulcote and Salford, Husbourne Crawley, Lidlington, Marston Moretaine, Millbrook, Milton Bryant, Potsgrove, Ridgmont, and Woburn.) Shefford and Silsoe (Including Campton and Chicksands, Gravenhurst, Shillington, and Meppershall.)

The plan for transport improvements will be set out in a Local Area Transport Plan for each area, which will help to improve travel choice, such as maximising opportunities for travel by public transport, by bike and on foot, whilst also making better use of the existing road network for all users.

Cllr Ken Matthews, Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Economic Development, at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "This consultation is essential in helping us to identify local transport priorities. We need local people to let us know what public transport services, walking routes, cycling routes, and roads they currently use and what improvements they would like to see made throughout their area. I would encourage people to take part the consultation as we work towards shaping the future of transport services throughout Central Bedfordshire."

Residents have until 3 February 2012 to comment on the consultation and can feedback either via the online survey , making comments through Let's Talk Central or by picking up a hard copy at one of the public exhibitions over the next 14 weeks.

For more information about this consultation or to speak to a representative contact our Transport Strategy Team on 0300 300 6516.

The details of our Exhibitions are given below. More dates will be added. Check out My Journey online  for more details:

• Shefford, St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Road, Stotfold Lets Talk Together Meeting Tuesday 25th October – 7pm start
• Ampthill,Ampthill Library,Public Exhibition (Manned for 2 days),Monday 7th November to Saturday 12th November
• Clophill,Clophill Village Hall, Kiln Lane, Clophill Lets Talk Together Meeting Tuesday 15th November – 7pm start
• Shefford,Shefford Library,Public Exhibition (Manned for 2 days),Monday 21st November to Saturday 26th November
• Leighton Rural, Eaton Bray Village Hall, Church Lane, Eaton Bray Lets Talk Together Meeting Tuesday 6th December – 7pm start
• Flitwick, Flitwick Library, Public Exhibition (Manned for 2 days), Monday 12th December to Saturday 17th December
• Toddington, Toddington Library, Public Exhibition (Manned for 2 days), Tuesday 10th January to Saturday 14th January

The 4 areas covered by the Second Round of LATPs are:

Ampthill and Flitwick

Including Clophill, Flitton and Greenfield, Maulden, Pulloxhill, Steppingley, Tingrith, and Westoning.

Heath and Reach, Toddington, Harlington, and Barton-le-Clay

Including Chalgrave, Chalton, Eggington, Hockliffe, Stanbridge, Streatley Sundon, and Tilsworth.

Marston Vale

Including Aspley Guise, Aspley Heath, Battlesden, Brogborough, Cranfield, Eversholt, Hulcote and Salford, Husbourne Crawley, Lidlington, Marston Moretaine, Millbrook, Milton Bryant, Potsgrove, Ridgmont, and Woburn.

Shefford and Silsoe

Including Campton and Chicksands, Gravenhurst, Shillington, and Meppershall.

ENDS

Central Bedfordshire has joined online access guide providing a fantastic resource for anyone who wants to know more about access in the area.
 
The guide to Central Bedfordshire covers over 1000 venues across the area including - cinemas, hotels, parks, leisure centres, council offices, high street stores, restaurants, tourist attractions - the list goes on and on.
 
In operation since 2000 DisabledGo is an established and trusted service, providing disabled people with the information needed to make informed choices about accessing their community. Disabled Go currently features over 85,000 venues across the UK and Ireland and has over 250 public sector partners.
 
The guide, which launched yesterday (Monday 24th October),will enable people to find out whether venues have, adapted toilets or parking close by but also specific details such as whether there are tactile or Braille markings in lifts or on doors, the dimensions of toilets, the positioning of fixtures and fittings and whether you can request large print or Braille information.
 
Cllr Carole Hegley, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing at Central Bedfordshire Council said "This guide will not only make a big difference to our local disability and community groups it will provide benefits for business too, helping them reach more customers by publicising the access they offer"
 
Current figures estimate that there are 11 million disabled people in Britain who spend £80 billion each year, numbers that every business should take notice of. All businesses that take part also receive Disability Awareness Manuals, designed as a 20 minute introduction to disability and access.
 
All of the information provided on DisabledGo - Central Bedfordshire will also be available on the ‘Looking Local’ service on the red button on your TV, so if you don’t have access to a computer at home you can still get the information you need.
 
If you would like more information about DisabledGo please contact Tom Felton, Partnership Administrator (E: tom.felton@disabledgo.com T: 01438 842710).

END

Residents across Central Bedfordshire are being encouraged to get involved in shaping the future of local libraries, following the successful Big Library debate over the summer. The council received over 2000 responses from local residents and stakeholders, and is using all the feedback collected to inform the future direction of local services.

To mark the launch today (25 October)Councillor Ian Dalgarno and officers met with library users and children, who were taking part in the ‘Spooky Storytime’ half term activities at Sandy Library.

The Library review is all about helping to shape the future of the service, making sure it meets the needs of future generations and offers best value for money.

Central Bedfordshire Libraries are at the heart of local communities and provide a gateway to information, learning and resources for all ages and the council wants to ensure that the service is fit for the 21st century, making best use of modern technology and allowing easy access for all to benefit.

Cllr Ian Dalgarno, Deputy Executive Member for Leisure Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "We want to assure residents that the council is not intending to close libraries. The aim of the Future of Libraries consultation is to help improve the services which local libraries currently offer, making them modern and even more accessible to the local community.

"We want our libraries to still look and feel like libraries, and provide the services resident’s value. Each library could be very different to meet the needs of the local people. We also want them to be really great places for people of all ages to learn skills that will help them to get jobs. Your views on  what you want in your local library will help us to set our Library strategy for the next 15 years."

From what residents have told us already it is clear that libraries are valued by both regular users and non-users, and  the most important part of the service is around the lending of books, CDs, DVDs and spoken word material with friendly, helpful and informative staff. People stated there was a real opportunity for libraries to become community hubs and maximise the use of space in libraries, but feedback has also highlighted the concerns about the loss of the mobile library service, and what opportunities there may be for greater outreach work in rural areas.

Cllr Dalgarno, added: "Like many services across the country, the library service in Central Bedfordshire faces significant challenges. We need to find ways to save money and continue to deliver – and improve – a service that meets local needs and the needs of future generations."

From all the information, analysis and opinions collated so far, the council has developed a set of ambitions for the library service, which reflects the things local people and councillors think are important, and the way the council would like to improve in the future.

To deliver a "vibrant, high quality, relevant and sustainable library service for the people of Central Bedfordshire for the 21st century" by involving local people in making decisions about their library, being accessible when, where, and how people want to access their services, and helping children, young people, and adults to improve skills and learn.

People can respond to the Future of Libraries consultation by completing the online survey via the Council’s website or by collecting hard copies at local libraries throughout Central Bedfordshire. The consultation closes on 18 January 2012.

All responses will inform the 15 year Library strategy that will be presented to the council in Spring 2012 where a final decision will be agreed.

END

To mark National Adoption Week, Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedford Borough Council have organised a number of events where people who are considering adoption can get impartial advice and assistance.

"Every child deserves a family" is the theme for National Adoption Week, which aims to encourage people to come forward and adopt a child.

The events are being held on –

• Thursday 27 October from 10am to 3pm at Kempston Library, Halsey Road, Kempston, MK42 8AU
• Wednesday 2 November from 4pm to 7pm at The Harpur Suite, Harpur Street, Bedford, MK40 1LE.

This is a valuable opportunity for anyone who is interested in adoption to come along and talk to a social worker and to find out about the children who need new families.

Cllr Mark Versallion, Executive Member for Children’s Services, said, "National Adoption Week helps to remind us all what a huge difference adoption can make to a child’s life. Adoption can be hard work, but the rewards are incalculable. This is a chance to transform a child’s life forever."

The Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: "Many different types of people are eligible to adopt. It’s important that those considering adoption know that there is support out there for them. People can get answers to each and every question they may have on the subject to help them realise what they could offer to a child who needs a stable loving home."

For more information about adoption in Central Bedfordshire or in Bedford, please call 0300 300 8181.

END

Thirteen housing tenants in Houghton Regis are celebrating the first anniversary of moving into their own homes.

For these tenants, who have learning disabilities, the move has marked not just a change of address, but also a change of lifestyle. Before moving into their new one bedroom flats, some of those tenants had been living in Downing view, Dunstable - sharing kitchen, bathroom and lounge facilities in an aging building. Other tenants have moved from residential accommodation to their new homes. These brand new self contained flats have given the tenants a greater independence and a space they can really call their own for the first time in their life.

The flats at Frogmore Road are owned by Aldwyck Housing who also provide housing services to the residents. 

Central Bedfordshire Council provides a range of support services for adults who have a range of varying needs such as autism, mental health and physical disabilities. The purpose of these Services is to enable the tenants to live as independently as possible in their own homes, providing or arranging support that can assist people with things such as personal care, cleaning and cooking, paying bills and managing money, reporting faults and managing their medication.

Cllr Carole Hegley, Central Bedfordshire Council’s Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing, said, “These marvellous new flats have really transformed the lives of the residents. It is clear that the residents really enjoy living at Frogmore Road and relish the independence which it provides for them.”

Carol Hall, Executive Director, Housing and Customer Services at Aldwyck Housing Group, said, “We provide an Intensive Housing Management Support service to help tenants with the transition from a residential building with limited personal responsibilities to signing up to their new single occupancy home and all that it entails.

“This is a significant step forward for our tenants and Aldwyck are proud to provide ongoing support, so our tenants can live as full and independent lives as possible. Our dedicated support has resulted in tenants increased awareness of health and safety issues, money management and the importance of being a good neighbour”.

END

Residents and businesses are being given the opportunity to talk about local issues and get involved in their community as part of the ‘Pride in Biggleswade’ event on Wednesday 26 October from 9am to 5pm.

During the day local representatives from Central Bedfordshire Council, Aragon Housing. Bedfordshire Fire and the Police will all be available to discuss any issues about local community safety matters.

Council staff will be in Market Square and the Asda car park to give advice on issues such as licensing, waste disposal and community safety. Officers will be checking on licensing issues and touring the area to see where improvements can be made to the local environment.

Cllr Budge Wells, Deputy Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "The Pride in Biggleswade day is a great opportunity for people to discuss any local issues with representatives from a wide range of organisations. It is also a chance for people to take steps to improve their own local environment.”

For more information about this event please contact John Seamarks at Central Bedfordshire Council on 0300 300 5490.

END

Householders who built an extension to their property without the necessary planning permission have been fined over £5,000 following a successful prosecution by Central Bedfordshire Council.

The Council prosecuted for non compliance with an Enforcement Notice regarding an unauthorised extension to a bungalow in Emu Close, Heath and Reach. Luton Magistrates Court fined the defendants a total of £5,730 for the offence under the Town and Country Planning Act.

The Council had originally refused planning permission for large extensions to the bungalow. Permission was then granted for a smaller extension, but when it was built it was found to be much larger than had been approved. The Council then served the Enforcement Notice, which was not complied with.

Cllr Ken Matthews, Central Bedfordshire Council’s Deputy Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Strategic Planning and Economic Development, said, “I am very pleased that the Court has handed down such a heavy fine in this case. This demonstrates that we will not hesitate to take strong action against anyone who persistently refuses to comply with planning regulations.”

END

On Monday 17 October, the future options for housing older people in Toddington was shared with local residents for their views and comments to be gathered over the next few weeks.

Crescent Court in Toddington is one of the first Sheltered Housing Schemes to be reviewed by Central Bedfordshire Council which is looking at all of its housing accommodation for older people. The review aims to ensure that it meets needs, expectations and modern standards.

As part of the consultation process Central Bedfordshire Council has organised a number of displays in the village to illustrate the different options on which local residents and occupants of Crescent Court are being asked to give their views.

These options are:

• Option one - Major refurbishment of the existing building on a phased basis.
• Option two - Development of an Extra Care Scheme on the existing Crescent Court site, including provision for people with dementia. This option could be developed by the Council or a Housing Association.
• Option three - Development of an Extra Care Scheme on a new site* in Toddington, including provision for people with dementia. This option could be developed by the Council or a Housing Association.

A public meeting will be held at Toddington Village Hall on Wednesday 2 November at 7pm, all residents are welcome to attend and to discuss the options with representatives from the Council.

A leaflet about the consultation document which has been delivered to all homes in Toddington, Chalton and Chalgrave outlines all three proposed options in detail, which has been put together following information gathered from meetings and surveys held earlier in the year.

Councillor Carole Hegley, Executive Member for Housing explained the importance of listening to the views of local people.

"The Council has made no decision on the future of Crescent Court", she said. "In order to enable us to do this we need to hear and consider the views of the occupants of Crescent Court, their family and friends and members of the local community on how we can provide the type of housing that best meets their current and future needs."

A display of the plans will be in Toddington Library from Tuesday 18 October to Tuesday 1 November.

The following displays in Toddington will be attended by representatives of the Housing Department who will be there to answer questions and listen to views and suggestions.

• Methodist Hall – Saturday 22 October – 10.30am – 12.30pm
• Toddington Library – Thursday 27 October 2.00pm – 4.00pm
• Wilkinson Hall – Saturday 29 October – 10.30am – 12.30pm
• Toddington Village Hall – Wednesday 2 November – 5.15pm – 7.00pm

Copies of the consultation document and feedback forms are also available from Toddington Library, the Parish Council Office at the Village Hall, the Council website and the displays. The forms can be returned to the FREEPOST address on the documents or dropped at one of the special ‘post boxes’ located at Toddington Library, Parish Council Offices or Crescent Court.

Alternatively call Sue Marsh the Housing Services Manager on 0300 300 5662 to receive a consultation document and feedback form by post.

END

As the evenings draw in and winter fast approaches Central Bedfordshire Council, in partnership with their Highways contractor Amey, have been busy preparing for the winter weather - getting salt stocks filled up and gritters at the ready.

To mark the start of their annual winter driving campaign both partners are hosting a launch event this Saturday, 22 October at Asda in Dunstable, offering free car safety checks, a children’s gritter competition, and winter weather road safety advice.

Following last year's severe weather the council has replenished its salt stock to over 5000 tonnes, procured a fleet of 18 new gritters and carried out road improvements on local roads .

To get Central Bedfordshire's roads ready for winter, Amey have completed 22 surfacing schemes, 15 footway schemes, 8 patching schemes and one carriageway recycling scheme.  24 patching and surface dressing schemes have also been carried out, as well as 33 smaller schemes across the county.

Cllr Budge Wells, Deputy Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Services at Central Bedfordshire Council said: “It’s crucial that we spend the summer months prioritising repair work to our roads, such as fixing potholes, to ensure our roads remain in a good condition during the winter.  It’s more difficult to repair our roads in cold, wet or snowy conditions, and during this time we need road users to be extra careful when out on the roads. " 

Earlier this year, the council also received a Government grant of over £700,000 to assist with pothole repairs. The grant was the council’s share of the additional funding supplied by the Department for Transport, in addition to the Council’s own allocated funding of £5.75m.

Cllr Wells, added; “With over 5000 tonnes of salt in stock and a fleet of 18 new gritters, we want local residents and motorists to be assured that we are getting ready for winter. As part of our commitment to ensure all drivers are aware of the relevant safety advice, we are launching our winter driving campaign to help prepare road users when travelling on our local roads this winter, so they know how to keep themselves and their vehicles safe.

"On Saturday, children will have the opportunity to enter our gritting competition, to name our new fleet of gritters, and adults will be offered free car safety checks to assess if their vehicles are ready for winter."

For more advice on driving safely during the winter, please go to
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/ChristmasHolidays/DG_173375

To report a pothole please contact the Highways Helpdesk on 0300 300 8049.

END

There is no excuse for being bored this half term as the Leighton Buzzard Theatre has a wide range of activities for everyone.

The fun events include - 

Film - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 12A
Tuesday 25th and Friday 28th  October 2pm
Wednesday 26th and Saturday 29th October  7.30pm
Note the family friendly start times.

Film - Horrid Henry U
Wednesday 26th October 10.30am and 2pm

Film - Project Nim 12A
Thursday 27th and Friday 28th October 7.30pm
A landmark experiment aimed to show that an ape could learn to communicate with language if raised like a human child. 

Theatre - Elmer the Elephant  Thursday 27th 2pm
Based on the best selling children’s book by author David Mckee.  Professional theatre company Blunderbus present this fun filled version of Elmer as the stage bursts to life with jungle characters, catchy songs and beautiful hand-crafted puppets.

Be the first to hear about the new season and what is coming up in 2012 by emailing the box office lbtboxoffice@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk with Email Brochure as the title.

Cllr Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Services, said, “I am sure that there is enough here to keep both adults and children amused and I hope that families will take the opportunity to come along and see these wonderful films and shows.”

END

Local entrepreneurs are being advised that Central Bedfordshire’s High Growth Programme has only a few places left. Ten companies with aspirations to grow are being invited to take part in Central Bedfordshire’s High Growth programme – “The Pilot 10”.

This 12 month programme will be launched at an induction event at Priory House, Chicksands on 24th October. The programme includes access to the recently launched Business Timebank scheme, a Business Growth voucher and a grant towards a business development programme.

Cllr Ken Matthews, Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Economic Development for Central Bedfordshire Council, said, “Over the past few months we have held three very successful Business Growth Clinics around Central Bedfordshire. I am sure that this programme will be equally successful and I would encourage anyone who is interested to contact us immediately as places are going fast.”  

If you think that you have what it takes to be part of the High Growth Programme, contact Central Bedfordshire Council’s business team on business@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk  or 0300 300 5297 before 24 October.

END

Residents in Leighton Buzzard and Linslade who want to see action taken to improve their area can highlight local issues and be part of the solution at a Let's Talk Together meeting on 1 November.
 
The meeting for Leighton Buzzard and Linslade area, including the surrounding villages, is being held at Leighton Buzzard Day Centre, Duncombe Drive, between 7pm and 9pm and will be chaired by Central Bedfordshire councillor David Hopkin (Linslade ward). As well as updates on the town centre masterplan process and what is happening on the land east of Leighton Linslade, there will be opportunities to discuss issues such as traffic, transport and car parking. During the first hour residents are invited to drop in and visit information stands provided by various local services followed at 8pm by debate and discussion on local issues of concern.
 
Importantly the Let's Talk Together meetings are a great opportunity to meet with service providers, local councillors and Bedfordshire Police. Attendees can discuss local policing priorities, get crime prevention advice, arrange a free home fire safety check, join a local Neighbourhood Watch, Street Watch or Speed Watch or get funding advice for local projects. The organisers are keen to work with communities to tackle local issues together and look forward to people getting involved at the meeting. 
 
Muriel Scott, NHS Bedfordshire Director of Public Health, says, "Let's Talk Together is a great opportunity for Leighton Buzzard residents to find out more about their public services and to discuss any issues, questions or concerns they may have.
 
"Areas, such as public transport, town centre development and local healthcare provision are sure to be important areas for discussion, but staff will be on hand to talk about any topic of interest to local people."
 
Let's Talk Together meetings are organised by the Central Bedfordshire Together partnership which includes Central Bedfordshire Council, Bedfordshire Police, NHS Bedfordshire, the Fire and Rescue Service, Town and Parish Councils and other organisations who play an active role in the community. Meetings usually last around two hours, but you can attend for as much or as little as you like.
 
Let's Talk Together meetings are taking place in each local policing area in Central Bedfordshire. You can find full details on Central Together.
 
Other autumn meeting dates are as follows:

• Ampthill and Flitwick - Tuesday 15 November 2011 at Clophill Village Hall, Kiln Lane, Clophill, MK45 4DA
• Dunstable/Houghton Regis and Rural - Tuesday 29 November 2011 at Heathfield School, The Green, Caddington, LU1 4HF 
• Leighton Rural - Tuesday 6 December 2011 at Eaton Bray Village Hall, Church Lane, Eaton Bray, LU6 2DJ

Please note some venues may be subject to change. Confirmed details will be publicised locally in advance of each meeting.

ENDS

Staff and pupils at Parkfields Middle School celebrated as they launched their new Food Technology Room and Special Needs Suite.

Steven Bird, who project managed the operation cut the ribbon to officially launch the new building which had taken ten years to build from vision to completion.

This new facility will house theory and practical rooms for food and materials classes so pupils can learn and develop all their culinary skills.

The project was first planned solely as a new Food Block to enable the School from September 2011 to meet the previous Government's requirement that all pupils nationally be taught as part of their secondary aged education practical cooking and nutritional skills, and so acquire 'lifeskills' for their adult futures.

A Government grant of £300K was made to Central Bedfordshire Council to build the modern accommodation Parkfields Middle School lacked in order to timetable classes in a suitably equipped and stimulating environment.

The new building consists of an entrance lobby with storage, a plant room and toilet facilities for the less able. The lobby leads to an open area for practical classes with an adjoining room for theory lessons. Additionally, the build incorporates a room specifically for special needs administration – a department that previously had no dedicated area.

Cllr Angela Barker, Deputy Executive Member for Children’s Services at Central Bedfordshire Council attended the event and said "This facility is a great achievement for the school in giving our pupils all the skills and knowledge to learn to cook and work safely in the kitchen – a major life skill which will be invaluable to their future health and wellbeing".

Central Bedfordshire Council and the School itself have supported the project at each stage of its development with both financial and staffing resources. The overall cost is expected to be in the region of £400K. Along with Cllr Barker, Cllr Nigel Costin local ward member attended the event with Director of Children's Services for Central Bedfordshire Council, Edwina Grant.

ENDS

Three projects in Central Bedfordshire have won through to national finals of the Local Authority Building Control Excellence Awards which will be held in London on 1 November.

The development of Chilver Hall at Cranfield University has been shortlisted for two awards, Best Partnership and Best Educational Building. The project is a partnership between Central Bedfordshire Council Building Control, Stanton Williams Architects, Cranfield University and Kier Group.

The BEST Nursery and Community Building at Samual Whitbread School in Shefford has reached the final in the Best Commercial Project Less than £1 million category. The project was led by the Bedfordshire East Schools Trust, the Hanson Leddington Partnership and LowC Communities Ltd.

The modernisation of a bungalow in Wrestlingworth for Hard to Heat Homes has been shortlisted in the Best Domestic Conversion or Extension category. The project is by Aragon Housing Association, Eco Design Consultants and SDC Construction Group.

Central Bedfordshire Council's Building Control team supported each of the projects at every stage from design to construction.

Cllr Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Services, said, "I would like to offer my best wishes and congratulations to everyone involved with these projects. To get to the national finals of these prestigious awards is a major achievement.

"The success of these projects demonstrates that the Central Bedfordshire Building Control team works alongside other construction professionals to create a better environment for people living and working in our area."

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Central Bedfordshire Council is seeking feedback from interested parties on alternative arrangements for delivering special schooling in the south of the area as part of a consultation that started this week

The proposal is currently being consulted on informally, and involves merging Glenwood and Hillcrest special schools to create an area special school with the aim of securing good quality special educational provision for current and future families. The consultation runs up to 12 noon on Friday 18 November.

The proposed merger would be achieved by expanding Glenwood, rated by Ofsted as 'outstanding', and closing Hillcrest to form one school across the existing two sites under a new name.

By sharing facilities and bringing together staff expertise, the area special school would cater for a wider range of needs as well as offering families improved provision closer to home.

The merged school would offer greater potential to hold on to and develop quality teaching and support staff, who also supply some support for children with special educational needs in mainstream schools.

The consultation sets out the benefits of this model in more detail.

The proposal is an amendment to a Council Executive decision in the summer to merge the two schools, along with Weatherfield school, following both informal and formal consultation. However, following a subsequent decision by the Secretary of State to grant Academy status for Weatherfield, the Council has revoked the Statutory Notices for merging the three schools and is starting a new consultation process to agree future arrangements.

Feedback from the previous consultation, including that of the schools themselves, supported the merger of Glenwood and Hillcrest Schools if the larger merger with Weatherfield wasn't possible.

Executive member for Children’s Services, Cllr Mark Versallion says, "Above all our aim is to meet the needs of children and young people, particularly those with complex needs. The outcomes for these children are always likely to be better if they can go to school close to home and their families can remain involved.

"Having successfully established the Ivel Valley Area Special School in east Central Bedfordshire we are keen to safeguard and strengthen special educational provision in the south of our area.

"I very much hope that everyone with an interest in the future of our special schools – parents, staff and other professionals and the local community – will take this opportunity to feed back their views."

Those wanting to find out more about the proposals can do so at public meetings in November:

1st November 2.00 pm at Hillcrest School, Parkside Drive, Houghton Regis, LU5 5PX.

2nd November 7.00 pm at Glenwood School, Beech Road, Dunstable, LU6 3LY.

People can find out more and take part in the consultation through the Council's website.

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Residents and businesses in Central Bedfordshire have until 28 October to have their say on future skills support in the area. Central Bedfordshire Council is consulting on the draft All Age Skills Strategy for Central Bedfordshire which sets out the future priorities for skills support and training to help existing employees develop in the work place, and also prepare people for employment and educational courses to meet our future employment needs.

The draft strategy can be viewed via the council's website.

Throughout the consultation residents and businesses will be able to comment on our three emerging priorities which focus on how we are going to work together to enhance partnership working and improve availability of local labour market intelligence. How we plan to develop the current and future workforce to increase workforce recognised qualifications, and how we intend to raise individuals' aspirations and achievements, by promoting the skills support and opportunities available to everyone within our communities.

Cllr Ken Matthews, Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Economic Development for Central Bedfordshire Council, commented at the launch of the consultation: "Skills are vital to our future and at the heart of a successfully growing local economy. We recognise that the area needs to be exceeding national averages, and has to be performing as well as, if not better, than the best performing areas - so we are encouraging everyone to take part in this consultation which runs until 28 October 2011."

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In the early hours of Tuesday morning well over 200 commuters spoke to representatives from Central Bedfordshire Council's Get on Track team, and Leighton Buzzard's Off the Rails group, as part of National Liftshare Week 2011.

As part of the national awareness week which aims to encourage more people to car share, representatives were on hand to talk about the benefits of car sharing and get people signed up to the new Central Bedfordshire Council liftsharing service launched earlier this month.

The event, held at Leighton Buzzard Train station, provided commuters with the opportunity to talk to representatives about the new Liftshare initiative and as part of the instant sign-up, people were given their own personalised journey plan and automatically entered into a free prize draw to win a FREE family first-class rail ticket to London.

Cllr Ken Matthews, Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Economic Development at Central Bedfordshire Council, commented: "It was great that our National Liftshare week's activities were well received, and with petrol prices hitting an all time high, it is even better to have launched this free scheme which will not only help residents to cut fuel costs, but reduce emissions and cut congestion. For those who were unable to attend the event you can still register for free by visiting Central Bedfordshire and Luton Liftshare to see how you can improve journey costs too."

The new car-sharing scheme for Central Bedfordshire and Luton was launched on 1 September, to help local residents save money, cut local congestion and reduce carbon emissions across the area. The Liftshare website links to the UK’s largest liftshare database, to provide a free service which matches drivers with passengers to help users cut their travel costs.

Once matched, members can choose to car-share as little or often as they like with whom they like, whatever the journey – be it getting to work, taking the children to school, or travelling to or from university. As well as matching potential car-sharers together, the website also shows motorists how much money and carbon emissions (CO2) they will save if they take part.

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Inspiring Music, the new service run by Central Bedfordshire Council, has started on a high note with more than 150 new students a week enrolling for music tuition in schools.

In addition the four Music Centres serving Dunstable, Leighton Linslade, Ampthill and Biggleswade have started their Saturday morning courses, with brand new timetables and activities catering for all ages and instruments, including early years and beginners. A new musical class, Mish Mash, at Leighton Linslade Music Centre is aimed at musicians with special needs.

The service has also launched a new 'Sing On, Sing Out' programme in lower schools. Here our team of specialist vocal coaches is delivering high quality tuition to whole year groups starting in the autumn term.

Inspiring Music is also working in partnership with Bedfordshire Music Trust and Bedford Borough Council to support youth music courses over the Christmas holidays which will culminate in a series of performances in the area. Any students interested in participating can apply for the courses up to 11 October. Details can be found on the Inspiring Music website.

Cllr Mark Versallion, Executive Member for Children's Services at Central Bedfordshire Council says, "I'm delighted that Inspiring Music has got off to such a great start. We've had great feedback and support from pupils, parents and schools which is a testament to the hard work and enthusiasm of all those who have helped us develop the new service over recent months.

"I'm particularly delighted that we've had so many beginners register with the service. It means we are starting to develop and inspire a whole new generation of musicians and I look forward to seeing the service going from strength to strength."

For more information about Inspiring Music activities, visit the service's website, www.inspiringmusic.co.uk.

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Graham Allen MP, who has just completed an independent review of Early Intervention for the Government, has called for fresh thinking for the funding of future initiatives to enhance the lives of the most vulnerable families in our society.

Speaking this week (5th October) at a conference hosted by Central Bedfordshire Council, Graham Allen acknowledged that there is no realistic hope that the public sector will have adequate funding to deliver the full potential of an early intervention approach. In this context, he argued, a more entrepreneurial approach is required.

He said, "We have to be realistic. The current economic climate means that the public sector will not be able to provide additional funding to support the additional and up-front investment that we need for early intervention. So, we need to develop strategies that attract funding from alternative sources. I believe that the private sector will be deeply attracted to a proposition that offers them the strong return on investment that early intervention could deliver.

"We know that the costs of managing the consequences of dysfunctional families are massive and that these can be radically reduced if we work early and positively to halt the tragic patterns deprivation, from one generation to another.

"I’m working with the Government, local authorities and private investors on the creation of an Early Intervention Foundation which will allow us to gather information to present compelling evidence based business cases that even the most hard-nosed business people will be convinced by."

Examples of successful public private early intervention enterprises in the States were outlined by Graham Allen to an audience of more than 100 professionals from health, education and children’s social care.

Cllr Mark Versallion, Executive Member for Children’s Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, was Chairman at the conference and said after the event, "We were delighted to host the author of the Government’s latest report on early intervention in Central Bedfordshire and received plenty of food for thought.

"There is already a strong consensus in Bedfordshire, across political parties and across professions, that prevention is always better than cure. And at the conference morning it was obvious that many share a collective belief that joined up and creative thinking is needed to enable our society to put the theory into practice."

Graham Allen, is Labour MP for Nottingham North and led the pioneering Early Intervention programme in Nottingham City.

The Conference was chaired by Cllr Mark Versallion. The other speakers were; Alex Khaldi, Director of iMPOWER Consulting , Cllr Mrs Tricia Turner MBE, Executive Member for Partnerships at Central Bedfordshire Council and Edwina Grant, Director of Children's Services at Central Bedfordshire Council.

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Executive has endorsed plans for a new Development Strategy to bring a more joined up approach to planning decisions and greater certainty for businesses and public bodies wishing to invest locally across Central Bedfordshire.

The council is committed to manage growth effectively and promote economic development and for that it needs to have one coordinated plan which supports the right infrastructure, whilst protecting our valued countryside and open space.

Government’s withdrawal of the regional spatial strategies and implementation of the Localism Bill is expected in the next few months. Central Bedfordshire’s Development Strategy will therefore reflect the need to work closely with authorities across boundaries, as well as engaging closely with Town Councils to feed into Neighbourhood Plans locally.

The new strategy will help to identify the strategic approach for the area, looking at the location for new development, the scale of new employment, housing and retail provision, and the extent of new infrastructure to support these. All the research and work undertaken over the past four years for two Core Strategies will help inform this new Development Strategy.

The plan will also set the context for the future of Gypsy and Traveller accommodation throughout the area and how we intend to work with local parishes, residents and other stakeholders to agree Gypsy and Traveller provision.

Cllr Ken Matthews, Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Economic Development for Central Bedfordshire Council, said; "Effective planning is critical to local people who look to their local councils to strike the right balance on this issue. Our job is to enable development that will safeguard the future prosperity of our communities, whilst also protecting the qualities of our area that residents hold dear.

"It is therefore essential to have an agreed strategy that will help provide certainty for businesses and public bodies wishing to invest locally to bring new homes, jobs, facilities and infrastructure."

At Executive meeting yesterday (4 October), committee also agreed the timetable for the Development Strategy and Gypsy and Traveller plan for the whole of Central Bedfordshire, replacing both the Core Strategy for Luton and southern Central Bedfordshire, and the Core Strategy and other planning policy documents for the northern part of Central Bedfordshire.

The Development Strategy is due to be adopted by February 2014, with the Gypsy and Traveller plan expected to be in place by June 2014.

Due to former district council arrangements there have been two different approaches in terms of planning policy between the northern and southern parts of Central Bedfordshire.

Until the new strategy is in place, Executive has endorsed the Luton and southern Central Bedfordshire Core Strategy in order to help guide decisions on planning applications. The Core Strategy and other adopted LDF documents for the northern part of Central Bedfordshire will also remain in place until the new Development Strategy is adopted.

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Well over 60 local residents and young people came along to ‘Pride in Sandy’ last Thursday (29 September) to talk about local issues and get involved in their community.

Local representatives from Sandy Town Council and Central Bedfordshire Council, Bedfordshire Fire, and Police service were on hand to discuss issues including new community safety initiatives which have been launched locally.

The Waste Minimisation Officers chatted to over 50 local people about the kerbside scheme and discussed reducing, reusing and recycling waste. People also brought along pre-loved clothing to be donated to charity and given a new lease of life.

Following the event the Police received a positive sign up to local safety schemes including, ‘Bobby Scheme Van’ launched to improve home security, and ‘Your numbers up’ which is aimed to improve the security of number plates on vehicles. The Fire service have since received six requests for fire safety checks at residential premises and on the day carried out similar checks with local businesses.

Cllr Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "The Pride in Sandy day was a real success and I am really pleased to hear that so many people came along to discuss local issues with representatives from the Community Safety Partnership and Waste Minimisation team. 'Pride in' is great way of engaging directly with the community and I would like thank all partners who took part in this event."

Aragon Housing representatives raised awareness of their role within the community throughout the day, and covered issues relating to anti- social behaviour, choice based letting schemes, and supporting people to live in the community.

The dog warden from Central Bedfordshire was on hand to discuss issues regarding stray and nuisance dogs, and the Air Ambulance organisation were also present to raise the profile of the charity.

To find out more about the local safety schemes running or to find out about future events, please contact John Seamarks at Central Bedfordshire Council on 0300 300 5490.

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With the school runs back in full swing, Central Bedfordshire Council, in partnership with their Highway Consultants Amey are urging drivers to check that everybody in the car is wearing the correct seat belt or child restraint.

According to research from the Department for Transport people are less likely to use seatbelts on short or familiar journeys. This means that they are at serious risk of injury in the event of a collision and are breaking the law. Penalties include an on-the-spot fine of £60 and if prosecuted, the maximum fine is £500.

Cllr Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "We have created safety advice to remind drivers to check that people in their car are wearing the right seatbelts for their size. Not only do we want to get drivers to check their baby and children's car seats are fitted properly, but are reminding people that adult seat belts are not designed for children. Children's bones are still developing and proportioned differently from adults, so drivers need to ensure that they are using the right child car seat as the weight and height of the child will determine which child seat is best."

There are four different groups of child seats, these are:

• 'Group 0' and 'Group 0+' - rear-facing baby seats suitable for babies up to 13 kilograms
• 'Group I' - forward or rear-facing baby seats for children between 9 and 18 kilograms
• 'Group II' - forward-facing child car seats (booster seats) for children from 15 to 25 kilograms
• 'Group III' - booster cushions for children above 22 kilograms.

Some child seats do cover more than one group. A seat label is attached to every child seat to let drivers know which groups the child seat is suitable for.

When buying a new baby or child seat, or booster cushion, drivers should make sure that the label shows a capital E in a circle, these are European approved and the only sort that can be used in the UK. If possible, drivers should try the seat in their car before purchasing and ask for advice on how to fit the seat correctly.

Cllr Spurr added: "Drivers who are buying a second-hand seat should be extremely cautious. Seats should be checked by drivers to ensure that it is an up-to-date model, has the correct fittings and instructions, and has not been involved in a collision."

For more information on how to fit a child car seat please go to http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Yourchildshealthandsafety/Roadandtravelsafety/DG_195279

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Residents in Central Bedfordshire have been urged to make sure they don’t lose their right to vote, as electoral registration forms must be completed and returned before 15 October.

If there are no changes needed on your form you can confirm your details in minutes online registerbyinternet.com/centralbeds, by text on 80212 or by phone call 0800 197 6191, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Those who haven’t received or have lost the form can get another registration form from the Electoral Services Team on 0300 300 8008.

Councillor Maurice Jones Deputy Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “If you’re not on the electoral register you can’t vote. We estimate there are still 23% of households who have not returned their forms. If a household fails to complete and return the form then people living there won’t be on the updated register.

It’s not too late, today I’m urging all those eligible to register in Central Bedfordshire who haven’t yet done so to complete and return the form on time.”

The registration form gives people the option of being on the “full” or the “edited” register. The edited version is the one that can be used for commercial activities such as direct marketing.

We will publish the revised electoral register on or shortly before 1 December and it will be available to view at the Council Offices. If for some reason you have been missed off the register, or your details will change after 15 October 2011, (for example you will be moving) you should contact us immediately.

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Residents in Shefford, Stotfold and Arlesey who want to see action taken to improve their area can highlight local issues and be part of the solution at a Let’s Talk Together meeting on 25 October.

The meeting for Shefford, Stotfold and Arlesey area, including the surrounding villages, is being held at St Mary’s Church Hall, Church Road, Stotfold, between 7 and 9pm and will be chaired by Councillor Richard Wenham (Arlesey ward). Items for discussion at this meeting include problem solving the approach to parking in the area, other local issues can also be raised at the market stalls such as site allocations and future development.

The Let's Talk Together meetings are a great opportunity to meet with service providers, local Councillors and Bedfordshire Police, agree the Local policing priorities, get crime prevention advice, arrange a free home fire safety checks, join a local Neighbourhood Watch, Street Watch or Speed Watch to help improve your community, as well as getting advice about funding for a young persons group's activities.

Central Bedfordshire Council has been consulting residents on which services they want the council to focus spending on and where they feel savings could be made. Feedback from the budget consultation is now being collated and the results of this will be reported to councillors at the executive meeting on 15 November.

Sarah Hughes, Community Engagement Manager at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "The Let's Talk Together meetings are an opportunity to work together with residents and groups to tackle local issues and support communities to do more for themselves. Since the last meeting for example we have worked with local residents to find community-led solutions to speeding by getting three local Street Watch groups in Shefford, Clifton and Stotfold up and running, plus Bedfordshire Police are planning to introduce a Speed Watch in Arlesey. We need lots of people to attend and take part in the conversation about issues that matter locally and to inform and influence how services are delivered."

The Let's Talk Together meeting, organised by the Central Bedfordshire Together partnership which includes Central Bedfordshire Council, Bedfordshire Police, NHS Bedfordshire, the Fire and Rescue Service, Town and Parish Councils and other organisations, plays an active role in the community. Meetings usually last around two hours, but you can attend for as much or as little as you like.

Let's Talk Together meetings will be held for each Local Policing area in Central Bedfordshire on the dates listed below.

Other autumn meeting dates:

• Leighton Buzzard & Linslade – Tuesday 1 November 2011 in Leighton Buzzard Day Centre, Duncombe Drive, Leighton Buzzard LU7 1SD
• Ampthill & Flitwick - Tuesday 15 November 2011 at Clophill Village Hall, Kiln Lane, Clophill, MK45 4DA
• Dunstable/Houghton Regis & Rural - Tuesday 29 November 2011 at Heathfield School, The Green, Caddington, LU1 4HF
• Leighton Rural - Tuesday 6 December 2011 at Eaton Bray Village Hall, Church Lane, Eaton Bray, LU6 2DJ

Please note the venues are provisional and may be subject to change. Details will be publicised locally confirming location.

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Residents have until Friday, 14 October to have their say on the council services they value most and where they feel savings could be made by completing a Central Bedfordshire Council budget survey.

The consultation is the first stage of the Council’s budget and council tax setting process for 2012/2013. 

We have already had over 600 responses, so with one week left to respond, make sure you have your say by completing the survey online at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/consultations. 

The survey is also available in the latest edition of News Central, the magazine published by Central Bedfordshire Council, or at the council offices in Chicksands and Dunstable.

Public feedback will be collated and reported to Executive, so that Councillors can make full use of this when drawing up the budget proposals. Executive will announce the draft budget proposals on Tuesday, 6 December and residents will be consulted on these specific options in December and January.

So, residents, please return your completed survey to us by Friday, 14 October and 'Make your money count'!

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