Dunstablians Rugby - Results & Fixtures

» Result - 1st XV - Dunstablians 20 Nuneaton Old Edwardians 12
» Result - Under 17's - Herts & Middx League Div 3 - Letchworth U17 20-16 Dunstablians U17
» Result - 3rd XV - Kempston (22) - (8) Dunstablians
» Result - Under 15's - Bedford Blues (30) - (5) Dunstablians
» Fixture - 29th September 2012 - 1st XV - Vipers vs Dunstablians
» Fixture - 30th September 2012 - Under 17's - Training vs Training
» Fixture - 29th September 2012 - 2nd XV - Dunstablians vs Peterborough 3rds
» Fixture - 29th September 2012 - 3rd XV - Old Northamptonians 4ths vs Dunstablians
» Fixture - 30th September 2012 - Under 16's - Dunstablians vs Welwyn
» Fixture - 30th September 2012 - Under 15's - training vs training
» Fixture - 30th September 2012 - Under 13's - Dunstablians vs Harpenden
» Fixture - 30th September 2012 - Under 12's - Training vs Training
» Fixture - 30th September 2012 - Under 11's - Training vs Training
» Fixture - 30th September 2012 - Under 10's - Training vs Training
» Fixture - 30th September 2012 - Under 9's - Training vs Training
» Fixture - 30th September 2012 - Under 8's - Training vs Training
» Fixture - 30th September 2012 - Under 7's - Training vs Training

Dunstablians Rugby Union, Bedford Road, Houghton Regis 

New Housing Estates for Houghton Regis

Matters directly affecting Houghton Regis are to be discussed next week.
"Houghton Regis North Framework Plan" and "Woodside Link" are on the agenda of the Executive Meeting of Central Bedfordshire Council.
Date: Tuesday, 2 October 2012  at 9.30 a.m.
Venue  : Council Chamber, Priory House, Monks Walk, Shefford
MEMBERS OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THIS MEETING 

Houghton Regis North Framework Plan - "To adopt the Framework Plan as technical guidance for Development Management purposes."
The documents for this can be viewed here: http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/modgov/ieIssueDetails.aspx?IId=27247&Opt=3
Especially read: http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/modgov/documents/s37987/08%20Houghton%20Regis%20North%20Framework%20Plan%20-%20Appendix%20B.pdf

It is interesting to note that the document now includes the words, "Where it can be demonstrated by means of a transport assessment for any planning application that critical infrastructure is not required for a particular quantum of development there will be the potential for early releases in different locations within the strategic allocation". In other words they are being recommended to allow some development before the strategic roads are built. By strategic, this means the Woodside Connection (provided that it is confirmed to be going ahead), and the A5-M1 Link Road. So this might well include any parcel of land that is already close to an existing main road, such as the Bedford Road near the turn to Thorn Road, or the existing Kestral Way into Lewsey Farm.

The whole development of the Houghton Regis North strategic allocation is expected to take place over a period of 20 years and possibly beyond.

Woodside Link - The report sets out progress in delivering a new road from Houghton Regis to the proposed new Junction 11a of the M1. It examines the costs and benefits of delivering such a scheme and seeks Executive’s approval to progress it.

Rethink your Travel Options

A new project to get people to think less about using their cars, and more about walking or using a cycle has been launched by Central Bedfordshire Councillors who met in Grove Theatre last week for a presentation.

Councillor Angela Barker, the chairman of the Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “If it isn’t that far, why not walk? It’s free, easy and you can see more of our lovely area.”

source: http://www.dunstabletoday.co.uk/news/local/walk-this-way-to-ease-traffic-1-4285121

Local Benefit Cheat Will Go To Prison

A Houghton Regis woman has been sentenced to six months in prison after being found guilty of falsely claiming benefits.

Christina Wincheser, 54, of Drury Lane pleaded guilty to knowingly failing to report to Central Bedfordshire Council a

nd the Department for Work and Pensions that she had started work in April 2003.

Starting work affected her entitlement to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit from the council, and she also received overpayments of £35,400.32 from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Mrs Winchester will also have to repay the £18,771.54 Housing Benefit and £4,506.60 Council Tax Benefit she received unlawfully, as well as full repayments to the Department for Work and Pensions.

Central Bedfordshire Council have a 24 hour a day confidential fraud hotline - 0300 3005557 for anyone who suspects someone might be claiming benefits fraudulently.

For information about paying Council Tax or to find out whether you are eligible for Council Tax or Housing Benefit  call Central Bedfordshire Council's Money and Benefits Helpline on 0300 3008306.

Source: http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/news/september-2012/september-2012-news-and-press-releases.aspx

SOS BUS LUTON

Did you know that an SOS Bus operates in Luton? SOS Luton Bus helps to make Luton even safer by offering a 24 hour 365 day mobile health, medical and community engagement vehicle.

Driver, Rob Shimmin, pictured,  is one of the SOS team’s volunteers. Rob is also a town councillor for Parkside, Houghton Regis.

Rob told News Desk, “We’re based in the SOS bus outside St. George’s Square, Luton on a Friday and Saturday between 9:00pm and 4:00am . The team provides emergency first aid and medical care, avoiding the need to  send people to hospital, and hugely cutting down the number of  999 calls to the ambulance service.”

The presence of the SOS team helps to reduce anti-social and criminal behavior caused by alcohol/drug misuse, and is a source of comfort to anyone out on the streets and possibly in trouble of some kind.

Rob, “Our presence has definitely cut down on the violent crime and fights caused by alcohol or drug misuse. We’re a comfort to the people who are vulnerable and may have lost money through theft, for example. People can be disorientated, suffering from mental health, relationship violence, abuse, intimidation, harassment, homelessness. We get them all. I feel we’re giving something back to the community.”

“We work closely with pubs, clubs, restaurants and fast food outlets responding to their customers who may need help. "

SOS Bus services are available for hire during the day. Last weekend the SOS mini-bus attended the Houghton Regis Classic Car Show, to provide first aid cover, and they also attended the Houghton Regis Carnival event this year. Across Luton and South Bedfordshire the bus is available for Community Action Days, to help people from all walks of life by taking part in presenting mobile exhibitions, promoting greener environments, whatever is required.

“The bus acts as a focal point for community projects or initatives”, said Rob.

If you are interested in hiring the Bus or its support vehicle please call:
Carly Stokes at The Safer Luton Partnership
E-Mail
Telephone between 09:00-17:00 - 01582 480770

The SOS Bus is a partnership project between Bedfordshire Police, SoLUTiOns CDRP, East of England Ambulance, Luton Borough Council, Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Department and The Safer Luton Partnership which is aimed at improving the safety of Luton at night and assisting in community outreach during the day.

Housebound Library Service

So, you're housebound, or you know someone who is, and they can't get to the library? Illness, frailty, or disability need not stop you enjoying the local library service.

If you are on this service, you can take out an unlimited amount of items on loan for up to 4 weeks. There are no charges for items such as CD's DVD's, spoken word, or requests.

if you are unable to come to the library yourself, or do not know someone who can come for you, then the library will arange a volunteer to do so, for you. Following a brief consultation, an arrangement can be made on a regular basis.

To find out more call the library on 0300 300 8058 to speak to a member of Houghton Regis Library staff.

Bedfordshire Readers Day

Following on from the success of last year, Bedford Borough Libraries and Central Bedfordshire Libraries would like to invite you to their 3rd Bedfordshire Readers' Day.

The full and varied programme will include Judy Astley, a key note speaker, a writer of fiction and non-fiction, author of almost 20 books. Ali Knight, Rory Clements, Martin Davies, Christina Hopkinson, and Erin Kelyy will also be making an appearance. They are all authors with a tale to tell, and the event is being sponspored by publishers Hodder & Stoughton.

There will be a chance to meet the authors, buy signed copies of their books, and meet other book groups acorss the county.

DATE AND TIME: 13th October 2012, 101am to 4pm

Booking for the event closes on 29th September. The price is £8.00, including refreshments and buffet lunch. Cheques to "Central Bedfordshire Council" to Maggi Alexander, Dunstable Library, Operations Unit, Vernon Place, Dunstable, Beds, LU5 4HA

VENUE: Flitwick Village Hall, Dunstable Road, Flitwick, MK45 1HP

Free Training in Self Development

Would you like a better voice in society?

Bedfordshire Race and Equalities Council have organised a series of sessions open to women, older people, young people, people with disabilities, and people from Black and Ethnic Minority communities.

Lively sessions will help you to develop your self confidence, have greater choices, opportunities and skills ind ealing with others.

The sessions are being held in the Houghton Regis Library. If interested contact Tel 01234 350459 or email bedfordrec@btconnect.com

Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan

Central Bedfordshire Council are at an early stage in producing a document that seeks views on what the Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan should contain. The proposed contents for the Gypsy and Traveller Plan can be viewed on Council’s website from today.


View the consultation document

To make comments by email or in writing, you can download a comments form from the Central Bedfordshire Council website.

Copies of the document and comment forms will also be available by contacting the LDF team on 0300 300 8307 or by email to

Paper copies can also be viewed locally at:
Houghton Regis Town Council Offices (Tithe Farm Road / Peel Street)
Houghton Regis (Bedford Square, Council Customer Services Centre)

When commenting on individual sections or policies, the only matters that can be taken into account by the Council are planning related. For example, issues relating to amenity, visual impact, highways, biodiversity and other planning matters. Comments about the intended users cannot be taken into account. Furthermore, the Council has a duty not to accept comments which contain statements which may reasonably be considered to be of a racist nature.

Following this consultation, the Council will consider the comments received and then
produce a document which you will have a further opportunity to make comments on in May 2013.  An Independent Planning Inspector will then assess the plan and the sites in a public examination.  Please refer to the Gypsy and Traveller webpage
(http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/planning/strategic-planning/gypsy-and-traveller-plan.aspx) for updates on progress and where you can view any decisions made.

The consultation will close at 5pm Monday 29th October 2012

Surgery: New Building Works Started

Hoardings have appeared outside the Doctors Surgery in Peel Street. Planning permission for a single storey front extension was granted last December for a new pharmacy. A new lobby entrance to the surgery will be created, and in that lobby area will be a serving hatch to the new pharmacy. View plans 

This week on Facebook

OTHER STORIES FROM OUR FACEBOOK PAGE THIS WEEK ENDING 14/9/2012
This summer damage was caused to Tithe Farm Pavilion, at the recreation ground. Thieves broke down a wall, causing damage to a gas pipe, and removed equipment that had been stored there. The Town Council faced repair bills of £906.

The September edition of the "Town Crier" from Houghton Regis Town Council is now available online (pdf needs Adobe) -
http://www.houghtonregis.org.uk/downloads/TownCrierSep2012.pdf

News Central - now available online (pdf needs Adobe) http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/Images/NewsCentral_Autumn2012_WebSpreads_tcm6-34354.pdf
Dunstable's "New Vision" appears to include taking over Houghton Regis! News Central -

"7&8 - New family homes and new business" will hopefully be bringing new shoppers and new jobs to Houghton Regis, if you please!

BENEFIT CHEAT CAUGHT: A local woman has been found guilty of fraudulently claiming Housing Benefits and now faces repayment and costs of over £4,000 - Houghton Regis benefit cheat prosecuted http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/news/september-2012/september-2012-news-and-press-releases.aspx

Great entries for the 51st Summer Show Houghton Regis Horticultural Society on Saturday! http://t.co/3e5BWl1q

YOUR THOUGHTS PLEASE: Dog bins – are there enough dog bins in Houghton Regis? Are they located in the right places? Are they emptied frequently enough? http://is.gd/xN94K6

Andrew Selous, MP for South West Bedfordshire, and a group of cross-party MPs handed in a petition this week with over 115,000 signatories to Number 10 Downing Street. The petition has been organised by the online safety campaigning group Safetynet and calls for the Government to mandate that Internet Service Providers introduce a default Opt-In filter system for adult content on the Internet. Read full story ... http://www.andrewselous.org.uk/andrew-selous-takes-huge-online-child-protection-petition-to-the-prime-minister

SUNDAY BLOGS: Police Commissioner Elections and Voting Rights. Highway improvements linked to Morrisons. Houghton Regis Lower School Age Range Extension - "A public meeting will take place at 6pm at the school on Friday 14 September " http://ritaegan.blogspot.co.uk/

SUNDAY BLOGS: Linda Jack has thrown her hat into the Police and Crime Commissioner position, seeking support for her candidature for the role. Growing Vegetables in a gutter. Call for Changes in the Laws Governing Animals for Sale on Internet sites. Looking at Parking in Dolphin Drive. http://alandwinter.blogspot.co.uk/

Petrol Station: Objections Mount Up

It was "standing room only" at Monday night's Planning and Licensing Committee of the Houghton Regis Town Council, as members of the public turned out in strength to voice their disapproval of a planning application for a Petrol Filling Station on the site of the former Netto store, currently being run as a Morrison's store in Cemetery Road.

Comments from the public are added to comments from the town council to forward to the Central Bedfordshire Council who make the final decision. The earliest decision on Planning Application CB/12/02909/FULL will be taken on 16 / 09 / 2012.

Apart from the Town Council, other consultees include: Highways Team, Rights of Way Officer - Central South, Disability Discrimination Officer, Public Protection South, Bedfordshire Police.

Public comments are encouraged; Click this link and then look for "Submit A Public Online Comment".

Download this useful "Factsheet: Grounds for Objecting to Planning Applications" - pdf file - Requires Adobe pdf reader.

Great Entries for the Summer Show !

The 51st Summer Show of the Houghton Regis Horticultural Society, Memorial Hall 8 September 2012.

For information about the Society contact Mrs C Benstead, 8 Leafields, Houghton Regis, LU5 5LX

Our Facebook Statistics to 6/9/2012

Our Facebook Page statistics show that many more people actually see the posts than "Like" the page. We had 857 Likes on 6/9/2012. The split of readership is about one third male, two thirds female, while some 60% of our readership is aged between 25 and 44. T

View Posts: The size of the purple bubbles on the bottom line is representative of the number of posts made per day.

People Talking About This: The number of unique people who created a story; a story is a page like, a wall post by a visitor, a story share, a question answered, mentions the Page, checks in, or recommends the Page.

Weekly Total Reach: Around the 17/18th August over 3,000 unique people had seen any content associated with the Page in the previous seven days. The weekly total reached has dropped over the summer period.

Health Campaigns for September

01/09/2012 - 01/10/2012 Blue September
Blue September is a nationwide awareness and fundraising initiative about all the cancers that affect men – not just prostate and testicular cancer, but also bowel, lung, liver and other cancers. The campaign aims to raise funds for more work by the Men’s Health Forum charity to raise men's awareness of cancer and help them to reduce the risk of developing and dying from cancer by making better lifestyle choices and seeking help sooner rather than later.
01/09/2012 - 30/09/2012 CMT Awareness Month (Charcot-Marie-Tooth)
An international collaboration of organisations ALL supporting people affected by Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, the UK's most common inherited neurological condition, affecting 1 in 2500 of the population. But who has heard of it?
02/09/2012 - 08/09/2012 Migraine Awareness Week
Raising awareness of migraine and offering advice to the one in eight people affected.
09/09/2012 - 09/09/2012 Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders National/International Awareness Day
10/09/2012 - 10/09/2012 World Suicide Prevention Day
Events to raise awareness worldwide.
10/09/2012 - 16/09/2012 Know Your Numbers! (National Blood Pressure Testing Awareness Week)
10/09/2012 - 16/09/2012 Lymphatic Cancer Awareness Week
15/09/2012 - 15/09/2012 World Lymphoma Day
15/09/2012 - 23/09/2012 National Eczema Week
17/09/2012 - 23/09/2012 Sexual Health Week
17/09/2012 - 23/09/2012 Meningitis Awareness Week
17/09/2012 - 23/09/2012 National Eye Health Week
Eye care charities, organisations and health professionals from across the UK are joining together to promote the importance of eye health and the need for regular sight tests for all.
17/09/2012 - 17/09/2012 Assisted Dying and End of Life Decisions
In January this year the Commission on Assisted Dying made a number of recommendations as to how current English law should be changed to allow those who had been diagnosed with less than a year to live to seek an assisted suicide. Such a recommendation has been welcomed by many and widely criticised by others. Some say the recommendations don’t go far enough, others see them as the start of a slippery slope towards clinician assisted suicide on a larger scale. The issue of assisted dying, and all end of life decisions, remains a highly controversial area and one that still requires full debate. This conference is designed to bring together a variety of opinions and professional perspectives on this topical issue. It is hoped, with the provision of different views and areas of expertise, there will be some furthering of the debate.
21/09/2012 - 21/09/2012 World Alzheimer’s Day
Every year on 21 September Alzheimer associations across the globe unite to recognise World Alzheimer's Day. Raising awareness events across the world.
23/09/2012 - 29/09/2012 Rural Health Week
The aim of the week is to raise the profile of rural health issues locally, regionally and nationally. The Institute organises its own events and targets the national press to raise awareness of rural health issues. We try and encourage other agencies and organisations to join in with their own events in their localities.
24/09/2012 - 30/09/2012 World Reflexology Awareness Week
An International promotion of good health and wellbeing using Reflexology
25/09/2012 - 25/09/2012 International Ataxia Awareness Day
Raising awareness events across the UK.
26/09/2012 - 26/09/2012 World Contraception Day
World Contraception Day (WCD) is a worldwide campaign with a vision for a world where every pregnancy is wanted. Its mission is to improve awareness of contraception to enable young people to make informed decisions on sexual and reproductive health. Under the motto ‘Live Your Life. Know your rights. Learn about contraception’, WCD 2011 focuses on the need to encourage young people to exercise their right to search for accurate, unbiased information about contraception to prevent an unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection (STI).
28/09/2012 - 28/09/2012 World Rabies Day
Raising awareness events across the UK.
28/09/2012 - 28/09/2012 World's Biggest Coffee Morning
Across the country, and in several other parts of the world, thousands of people hold or attend coffee mornings to raise money for people affected by cancer.
29/09/2012 - 29/09/2012 World Heart Day
World Heart Day was created to inform people around the globe that heart disease and stroke are the world's leading cause of death.

The Scheme for Dunstable

Dunstable has a plan to improve it's town centre.