Community News
Everything happening across Shortstown, Cardington, Cople & Cotton End.
More than 400 local businesses packed King’s House for the launch of BedX — the Bedfordshire Opportunity Exchange. Cllr Leigh Coombs reports on what it means for businesses across our ward — Shortstown, Cardington, Cople and Cotton End — and the wider Bedford Borough.
By Leigh
Let me describe and idea for you. I’ll start with a question or two. In what kind of community do we want to live? Is it a community where we live in isolation, disconnected from our neighbours, commuting in and out of the neighbourhood for work, leisure and meaningful relationships? I believe most of us
By Community Network
From 31 May 2026, Stagecoach will make significant changes to bus routes serving Shortstown, Cotton End, Cardington and Cople — including the removal of Newton Street and Potter Meadows stops from Service 3, but with new school-time services secured for Bedford Academy students.
By Leigh
A planning application to change the use of Howards House in Cardington into a specialist education school is still live, but faces serious obstacles following responses from council officers. The scheme, which proposes converting the historic Grade II* listed building into an independent special educational needs (SEND) school, has now drawn formal objections from highways
By Leigh
Residents across Shortstown are being encouraged to take part in an important local survey that will help shape the future of the village. Households will have recently received, or will soon receive, a small green leaflet inviting them to share their views as part of the early stages of creating a Shortstown Neighbourhood Plan. The
By Leigh
Every 4 weeks us dads will meet up, with the kids, in a different cafe or pub or similar. This time we’ll be meeting at 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘁𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 – 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺, 𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱, 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘆 𝗦𝗚𝟭𝟵 𝟮𝗔𝗬for a little day trip out with the kids.This event will run from the earlier time of 10:00 am on Saturday,
By Leigh
Road condition and potholes continue to be a concern across the borough. Residents can report issues directly to the council using the online reporting system, which helps prioritise repairs: https://www.bedford.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/roads-and-pavements/report-a-problem I hope this is helpful. If residents have concerns on any of the above, I would encourage them to raise them early so they can
By Leigh
Food waste collections are now being rolled out across the borough. We have a new collection day on Monday; unfortunately, there have been reports of missed or unclear notifications. Residents can check their collection arrangements using the council’s online tool: https://www.bedford.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling/collections
By Leigh
There continues to be uncertainty around some local bus services, with indications that routes across the borough may be reviewed or reduced. This could particularly affect residents who rely on buses for access to Bedford and nearby areas. Leigh and Tom have met with Stagecoach to agree better services for Shortstown in particular children traveling
By Leigh