Bedford Borough Council

24/06/2026

The Embankment has had its annual summer makeover, our grounds team have been busy, and is coming to the end of planting nearly 20,000 red, white and blue bedding plants, just in time to create a colourful backdrop for the upcoming River Festival…and a subtle nod to the World Cup too… come on England!

Beyond the display, these beds are part of our ongoing Bugs and Bees project, using pollinator-friendly planting to support local wildlife. If you’d like to play a part, you can even sponsor a bedding display – there’s more information available on our website.

With the current extreme heat alert in place, both people and plants need a little extra care. If you’re gardening at home:

Water early in the morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.

Water the roots rather than the leaves.

Give plants a deeper soak less often.

Take breaks, stay hydrated and avoid the hottest part of the day.

As your garden grows, don’t forget your green-lidded garden waste bin - collections are running fortnightly as usual, this week they are starting a little earlier from 5.30am.

A reminder of what can go in your green-lidded bin, you can include:
Grass, plants and weeds
Flowers, prunings and hedge clippings
Leaves and bark

Please don’t include:
Soil, rubble or large branches
Food waste or pet waste
General rubbish or recycling
Invasive plants like Japanese Knotweed or Ragwort
Artificial plants....yes, we know!

If it’s not on the accepted list, it’s best to leave it out to avoid contamination.

If you have extra garden waste, you might also consider home composting or taking it to the Household Waste Recycling Centre on Barkers Lane, Bedford.

Whether it’s planting along the Embankment or in your own garden, these small actions all help keep Bedford Borough looking its best - even in the heat.

23/06/2026

East Midlands Railway has announced that disruption to train services is expected to continue for the remainder of this week, following last week’s tragic incident.

Rail replacement bus services are operating while the lines remain closed.

We will continue to share their information.

Following the incident on Friday 19 June, the railway between Bedford and Luton is expected to remain closed for the remainder of this week, therefore there will be no EMR services running south of Bedford and no Thameslink services running north of Luton.

Rail replacement bus services are operating between Luton Airport Parkway, Bedford, Wellingborough and Kettering, but while the lines remain closed, we ask that customers only travel on these routes if their journey is essential.

As the investigation and recovery operation progresses, we will provide an update on when services are expected to return to normal as soon as possible.

Thank you for your patience. Tap below for more information 👇

eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/travel-information/service-disruptions/emr-bedford-friday-19th-june

23/06/2026

A Red Heat Health Alert for extreme heat across Bedford Borough has been announced for Wednesday and Thursday this week, with very high temperatures expected.

An amber alert is currently in place, but moving to a red alert means the weather risk shifts from putting in place measures to protect vulnerable groups to emergency action to protect both vulnerable and healthy individuals who are now at risk of illness or death.

To help our collection crews, our bin collections will start earlier than usual, from 5.30am. This is to protect them from working in peak temperatures. Please put your bins out the night before where possible.

We understand that changes like earlier collections can be inconvenient, but these measures are in place to keep both residents and staff safe during extreme conditions, and we thank you for your patience.

If you need a break from the heat, you’re welcome to use our Welcoming Spaces.

Please take a moment to check in on neighbours, friends or family members who may be more vulnerable, including older residents, young children, and those with existing health conditions.

Anyone can become unwell when the weather is hot. People who are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell include:

*Older people aged 65-plus

*Children aged five and under

*People with underlying health conditions particularly heart problems, breathing problems, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, or mobility problems

*Pregnant women

*People on certain medications

*People with serious mental health problems

*People who are already ill and dehydrated (for example from diarrhoea and vomiting)

*People who experience alcohol or drug dependence

*People who are physically active and spend a lot of time outside such as runners, cyclists and walkers

*People who work in jobs that require manual labour or extensive time outside

*People experiencing homelessness, including rough sleepers and those who are unable to make adaptations to their living accommodation such as sofa surfers or living in hostels

*People who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves.

There are a few very simple things we can all to do stay safe when we experience high temperatures.

This includes looking out for people who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Get in touch with friends, family or neighbours that may need help keeping cool.

Staying cool indoors is important, taking action like closing curtains on rooms that face the sun but also remembering that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.

And if you’re out and about, try to keep out of the sun and avoid physical exertion in the hottest part of the day. It is often cooler in the early mornings and in the evenings but check local weather forecasts to see conditions in your area.

When out in the sun think about covering up with suitable clothing, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and applying SPF 30+ sunscreen with UVA protection.

There’s lots more information online to help you stay safe during hot weather. Visit the UKHSA and NHS websites including their pages on how to beat the heat and on heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Met Office also have information on their WeatherReady campaign which you may also find useful.

23/06/2026

Welcoming Spaces have opened in Bedford Borough for anyone who needs somewhere to stay out of the heat.

A Red Alert for extreme heat across the Borough has been announced for Wednesday and Thursday this week, with very high temperatures expected.

Welcoming Spaces are community venues where residents can seek shelter from the sun, stay cool, and enjoy some company. They are inclusive and non-judgemental places, where anyone can come to seek relief from the heat.

They are free to attend, although there may be small charges things like refreshments. Each venue provides a different offer which may include things like refreshments and snacks, toys and games, phone charging, baby changing facilities, books and free Wi-Fi.

If you have opened a welcoming space and would like it included on the Bedford Borough Welcoming Spaces Network please contact [email protected].

As part of the Welcoming Spaces offer, our libraries are also providing inclusive and welcoming community spaces with free Wi-Fi and a range of activities.

23/06/2026

It's not just the England team (or their World Cup opponents!) who need to stay hydrated this summer.

With a Red Heat Health Alert having been announced, it's more important than ever to drink plenty of fluids.

And remember too to limit your alcohol intake when you are enjoying the games - alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes your kidneys to expel more water than you consume.

FIFA might have cancelled their hydration breaks. Make sure you keep up with yours.

Come on England!

23/06/2026

With temperatures set to soar further this week, and a red weather alert in place for extreme heat in Bedford Borough tomorrow and Thursday, we want to remind you of a small but important change to help keep our crews safe while they continue to collect your recycling, food, garden and household waste.

Please make sure your bins are out by 5.30am on your usual collection day this week. Our teams will be starting earlier so they can work in the coolest part of the day and reduce the risks associated with extreme heat.

A simple change like this makes a big difference in protecting the health and wellbeing of the people working hard to keep our borough clean.

We would also like to say a big thank you to our waste and recycling crews, who continue to deliver essential services in challenging conditions. Their dedication does not go unnoticed.

23/06/2026

We’re wishing the England men’s team the very best of luck tonight - come on England!

If you’re hosting a match-night get-together, a big win doesn’t have to come with extra waste.

Here are a few top-bins tips to keep things on target:

Recycle your plastic or glass bottles and jars, cans, and clean, dry cardboard in your orange-lidded bin. Keep a box or bag nearby so guests can find it easily - then tip it in after full-time.

Scrape plates and recycle your food waste. Pizza crusts, crisps, veg peelings and tea bags can all go in your food waste bin and will be turned into renewable energy and fertiliser.

Ordering in? Before the final whistle, check what can be recycled. Give foil trays and plastic tubs a quick rinse. Pizza boxes are a game of two halves - clean lid in the orange-lidded bin, greasy base in your black bin

Whether it’s a last-minute takeaway or a full-time feast, a few simple choices can make a big difference.

Let’s get behind the team and keep Bedford Borough on the winning side when it comes to recycling.

🦁🦁🦁

23/06/2026

With a red weather alert in place for extreme heat this Wednesday and Thursday, we know many people will be looking for ways to cool off.

We are lucky to have beautiful rivers and lakes, and we understand the appeal as temperatures rise. But sadly, each year, people lose their lives in open water - often because the risks aren’t as visible as they seem.

Even on the hottest days, the water can be dangerously cold. Cold water shock can affect anyone within seconds, even strong swimmers. Hidden currents, sudden drops, weeds and underwater debris can quickly turn a relaxing dip into an emergency. Polluted water can also make you ill.

We’re not here to stop people enjoying the outdoors - we want everyone to stay safe while they do. If you know someone who may be tempted to swim in open water, please share this advice:

Never jump into unknown water.

Avoid swimming alone, stay safe and make sure someone knows where you are.

Avoid swimming if you've been drinking alcohol.

Keep a close eye on children and young people near water.

Bring water, sunscreen and take breaks in the shade.

If you see someone in trouble in the water:

Call 999 and ask for the Fire Service

Tell the person to float on their back

Throw something in to help them float - keep yourself safe, do not enter the water yourself

Lifebelts and other water safety equipment are along our rivers - these are there to help save lives without putting others at risk. If you see one missing or damaged, please report it to us so we can replace it quickly.

Head to the Linktree on our bio to find links to report lifebelt issues and guidance from Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service for using the equipment.

We know messages like this can feel repetitive, but these reminders are shared because small decisions can have serious consequences - and because we want everyone to get through this hot spell safely.

Advice for anyone who may not enjoy the heat can be found on the Linktree on our bio - please take a moment to check in on neighbours, friends or family members who may be more vulnerable, including older residents, young children, and those with existing health conditions during the high temperatures.

23/06/2026

Unfortunately, the bin collection team suffered a vehicle breakdown yesterday and were unable to collect some food waste bins towards the end of their route in Bolnhurst, Keysoe, and Little Staughton - they will return for these today.

There was also a very small number of green bins uncollected in Colmworth and Wilden, the crew did their best but were beaten by the heat - again, they will return today.