Shortstown Parish Council

Shortstown Parish Council Local Authority

Please be aware that bin collections may start earlier this weekDue to the predicted high temperatures and the amber hea...
22/06/2026

Please be aware that bin collections may start earlier this week
Due to the predicted high temperatures and the amber heat health alert in place for our area, some of our bin collection crews may be starting rounds from 5.30am this week to give them more time to collect while it's a little cooler.
We usually ask you to have your bins out by 6am on the day of collection, but please make sure your bins are out by 5.30am this week so they are ready for collection.
We appreciate that not everyone uses social media, so please pass this message on to any friends, neighbours or relatives who may need to know.
Thank you for your support and understanding.

Historic Shorts Building secured for the community as Parish Council completes purchaseShortstown Parish Council is prou...
12/06/2026

Historic Shorts Building secured for the community as Parish Council completes purchase

Shortstown Parish Council is proud to announce that it has completed the purchase of the Shorts Building, the historic landmark at the heart of the village, securing its future in community ownership for generations to come.

The building, previously owned by Bellway, now belongs to the people of Shortstown through the Parish Council.

Built in 1917 as the headquarters of the Short Brothers airship works, the Shorts Building is the very reason Shortstown exists. It is the building that gave the village its name. From its offices, Short Brothers oversaw the construction of the giant airship sheds at Cardington and the Garden City style housing built for their workers, which became the village we know today. It later served as the headquarters of the Royal Airship Works during the era of the R100 and R101, and then RAF Cardington, before being restored in 2011.

For more than a century the Shorts Building has stood as the gateway to Shortstown and a proud symbol of the village's unique place in British aviation history. The purchase means that this heritage is no longer in private hands but is owned and protected by the community it has always served.

Cllr Tom Middleton, Chair of Shortstown Parish Council, said:

"This is a landmark day for Shortstown in every sense. The Shorts Building is not just bricks and mortar; it is the birthplace of our village and the keeper of its story. From the day the Short Brothers opened its doors in 1917 to the great airship era of the R100 and R101, this building has watched Shortstown grow up around it.

"Securing it for the community has been a long journey, and I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to get us here. The building now belongs to the people of Shortstown, and the Parish Council will be its proud custodian."

The Parish Council will share further details in the coming weeks about its plans for the building and how residents can get involved in shaping its future.

Residents have repeatedly raised concerns with the Parish Council about dangerous parking at junctions in Shortstown. As...
31/05/2026

Residents have repeatedly raised concerns with the Parish Council about dangerous parking at junctions in Shortstown.

As a result, the Parish Council has now written to all relevant authorities requesting action.

Our full letter, signed by the Chair, can be read below.

If you haven't completed the survey yet you still have a couple of days to complete it and be entered into the draw to w...
28/05/2026

If you haven't completed the survey yet you still have a couple of days to complete it and be entered into the draw to win one of three great prizes. The survey will still be live after the 30th of May but if you complete it after this date you will not be entered into the draw.

⚠️ Damage to boundary wall ⚠️The parish council is aware of significant damage caused to a section of the brick boundary...
18/05/2026

⚠️ Damage to boundary wall ⚠️

The parish council is aware of significant damage caused to a section of the brick boundary wall, as shown in the attached photo.

At this stage, we are trying to establish how the damage occurred. If any residents witnessed anything or have any information which may assist, please contact the parish council in confidence.

The parish council is also looking to obtain quotations for repair works. If there are any local contractors or bricklayers who may be able to assist, please contact the Clerk directly at [email protected]

Thank you for your help and support.

The Annual Bulky Waste Collection is returning soon.This is a great opportunity for residents to dispose of larger house...
17/05/2026

The Annual Bulky Waste Collection is returning soon.

This is a great opportunity for residents to dispose of larger household items that cannot usually be collected through normal waste services. Please see the poster below for full details of dates, times and locations.

We encourage residents to make use of the service where needed and to help keep our communities clean and tidy.

Please remember to follow any instructions on accepted items and arrive within the advertised times.

🚨One week left to complete the Shortstown Neighbourhood Plan Survey 🚨⏰ Reminder – there’s still time to complete the Sho...
17/05/2026

🚨One week left to complete the Shortstown Neighbourhood Plan Survey 🚨

⏰ Reminder – there’s still time to complete the Shortstown Neighbourhood Plan resident survey

Thank you to everyone who has already taken part. If you have not yet completed the survey, we would really encourage you to do so before the closing date of 30 May 2026.

The survey is an important opportunity for residents to share their views on the future of Shortstown, including what should be protected, what improvements are needed, and how the village should develop in the years ahead.

You can complete the survey online here:
https://forms.office.com/e/endz1xE1VZ

Everyone who completes the survey before the deadline will automatically be entered into the free prize draw, with the chance to win:
• Overnight stay at D’Parys, Bedford
• Meal for two at The Hangar Cafe
• £20 gift card for The Barn, Cardington

Every response helps build a stronger picture of what matters most to the community, so please take a few minutes to have your say.

📢 Help shape the future of Shortstown 📢Residents should now have received a flyer through their door inviting them to co...
12/05/2026

📢 Help shape the future of Shortstown 📢

Residents should now have received a flyer through their door inviting them to complete the first resident survey for the Shortstown Neighbourhood Plan.

This is your chance to have a say on what matters most to our community, what should be protected, and what improvements you would like to see in the future.

Simply scan the QR code on the flyer, or follow this link https://forms.office.com/e/endz1xE1VZ to complete the survey online.

Everyone who completes the survey by 30 May 2026 will automatically be entered into a free prize draw, with the chance to win one of three great prizes:
• Overnight stay at D’Parys, Bedford
• Meal for two at The Hangar Cafe
• £20 gift card for The Barn, Cardington

The parish council would really encourage as many residents as possible to take part. Your feedback will help shape the future development of the neighbourhood plan and ensure it reflects the views of the community.

Thank you for your support.

Community Governance Review – Have Your Say!Bedford Borough Council is carrying out a Community Governance Review for Sh...
30/03/2026

Community Governance Review – Have Your Say!

Bedford Borough Council is carrying out a Community Governance Review for Shortstown, following our request to consider increasing the number of Parish Councillors. The Council currently has 12 Councillors, and as the Parish has grown significantly since its creation in 2019 and with further development planned, the Parish Council wants to ensure its size continues to reflect the needs of the community. The consultation is open until 30 April 2026 at 5pm, and residents are encouraged to share their views on the future size of the Parish Council by completing the below survey.

Have your say here:
https://online1.snapsurveys.com/Interview/50f9c4e0-d511-4dd1-984b-93125b3ae19a

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