Houghton Regis News Desk

New Disability Hub  Coming to Downside, for all in South Central Bedfordshire. Expected to be fully operational and welcoming families by early October 2013. www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/learning/schools/support-for-families/children-with-disabilities/Children-with-disabilities.aspx £10 HIGH STREET VOUCHER TO HEAR YOUR VIEWS! Aged 18-25 years old? A £10 high street voucher is on offer just to hear your experiences of finding work and to listen to your ideas about what could make a difference. It’s on Tuesday 2nd July at 2pm-3:30pm At the Young People’s Centre,  Grove Corner (pictured),  76A High Street North, Dunstable, LU6 1NF.  Travel expenses will be paid, There's a free lunch AND a £10 high street shopping voucher to thank you for your time. Please let us know if you have any access needs. If you can make it and would like to discuss further, please contact Agnes Fletcher on 07748 333565 or agnes.fletcher@talktalk.net Funding Opportunities Latest opportuni

Fancy volunteering to work outdoors on the Tuesday 16th July, or Thursday 25th July, in the Houghton Regis Chalk Pit? Meet on Farriers Way about 10AM until 3PM, helping to remove ragwort. Please let the organiser know of your intention to be involved: Becky: 01525 874317 or 07595090776 or email rebecca.pitman@wildlifebcn.org Similar opportunities are available at Blows Down, Galley and Warden Hills, and Totternhoe Quarry. Tools and safety equipment are provided, though steel-toe-capped boots and a strong pair of gardening gloves or similar are strongly recommended.  Tea, coffee and biscuits are usually provided but please bring your own lunch and cold drinks.

Recent  Hillcrest School ,  Houghton Regis, was broken into between the 21st and 24th June. An offender has climbed a perimeter fencing; one shed was forced open, the other was left unlocked. A number of childrens bikes and play equipment were taken. Crime Reference J D / 2 2 1 9 1 / 2013. In Rosedale , Houghton Regis, overnight on Monday 24th June, offender(s) forced entry on UPVC window of a property  in Rosedale; Electrical items were taken. Crime Reference JD / 22413 / 2013. In Fensome Drive, Houghton Regis, overnight on  Saturday 22nd June, a  van's  lock was forced and a  tool box and a jack were taken.  Two male suspects were detained and arrested in connection with the offence, and property recovered. C rime Reference  J D / 2 2 0 2 8 / 2013. Figures At the meeting of Houghton Regis Town Council on Monday 24th June, a police report was given.  In the past month 6 house burglary offences were recorded.  On the 15th a burglar was apprehended by the householder in

A whistle blowing Independent councillor from Potton yesterday (24/6/2013) used Twitter to report the findings of his research into the sums of money paid to top staff at Central Bedfordshire Council. http://www.twitter.com/adamzerny   In salary and pensions, Zerny tweeted that Chief Executive Richard Carr collected £221,036 in 2012/13; Edwina Grant collected £186,000; while Julie Ogley picked up £170,000.

A report from Central Bedfordshire Council shows that the Leader of the Council, James Jamieson, was paid more than £43,450 for 2012/13, which is just shy of £4700 less than the sum of all the allowances paid out to all of the four Councillors for Houghton Regis. Houghton Regis CBC councillors allowances totalled £48,157.  In all, the Council paid out some £13,000 more to all councillors in allowances than they did last year. In accordance with the Local Authorities (Members' Allowances) Regulations 2001,  the Council operates a Scheme for the payment of allowances and expenses for Members of the Council for attending meetings and other official  duties on behalf of Central Bedfordshire Council. Note 1. Subsistence payments are re-imbursement for actual expenditure in respect of approved duties outside of the Council's area and cover the costs of accommodation and meals within the upper limits. Note 2. Exec. Member for Children's Services Note 3. Executive Memb

New data comparison shows that the Central Bedfordshire population has a lower premature mortality rate compared to most other parts of the country and is third best in the country for low death rates from liver disease. The Longer Lives website, showing significant variation in early death rates, has been published to drive public awareness and local action to tackle public health problems. The website, from Public Health England,  http://www.longerlives.phe.org.uk  allows people to easily access local information on deaths before the age of 75 years. The site compares death rates of major killers, like heart disease, stroke and cancer and shows how it varies across the area and the country. Each local authority is compared to the national average and for the first time these data are also compared to other local authorities of similar socio-economic status based on the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) 2010. Central Bedfordshire has been placed in the least deprived 10% of local

Through April and May, Central Bedfordshire highways inspectors picked up more than 100 instances of defective road reinstatements by utility companies within their area. Every month inspectors working for Amey, Central Bedfordshire Council’s highways contractor, find examples where utility companies have dug up the road to undertake works but failed to reinstate it properly. Poor reinstatements can lead to road faults developing prematurely, including potholes. According to a report published by the Local Government Association recently, poor road resurfacing work by utility companies costs taxpayers more than £200m a year, as local authorities are forced to repair street surfaces that have been re-laid by utility companies after roadworks. The Government allows highways authorities to carry out inspections at a random 30 per cent of utility works, at the utility companies’ expense. Reports from the public of problems with utility trenches are also followed up with an inspection

A presentation of HRN1, the primary development site to the east and north of Houghton Regis, was recently given to CBC councillors. Among the updates, councillors learnt of expected plans for the overhead power lines.  The 132KV overhead lines alongside the M1 are being diverted underground around M1 J11A at Chalton Cross. The 132KV line running parallel,  and nearest to, Sandringham Drive, and then across the old bus link North East towards the M1 is to be diverted underground.  The 400KV overhead line (pictured here) - that runs in part alongside the edge of Houghton Park Rd, and also parallel to Sandringham Drive, will remain. The existing 33kV overhead line running parallel to, and midway between Houghton Park Estate (Parkside) and the M1, are to be diverted underground, along part of the line of the new road that will connect Portz Avenue to M1 Earlier: HRN1 Outline Planning Permission Granted.  Details of Planning Application - CB/12/03613/OUT

Funding Opportunity Are you involved with a not-for-profit group in need of funding? Local groups and organisations with great ideas to make their communities an even better place to live are now invited to apply for funding to turn their ideas into reality. People’s Health Trust has just launched Active Communities in Hertfordshire, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Bedford – a funding programme for local people wanting to create fairer places to grow, live, work and age. Using money raised by HealthCourage through The Health Lottery, People’s Health Trust is looking to invest in projects that support people living in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods of Hertfordshire, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Bedford. Active Communities is a funding programme for not-for-profit groups with an income of less than £350,000 a year, seeking investment of between £5,000 and £25,000 a year, for projects lasting up to two years. The projects should take place within a small area for a sm

Roadrunners Cricket * Roadrunners play home matches at Orchard Close, Houghton Regis ( Map ) June 16 - vs London Saints June 23 - vs The Vic July 14 - vs St Johns Fisher July 21 - vs New Bradwell August 4 - vs Old Warden August 25 - vs The Doctors September 15 - vs Team 4

RECYCLE AT HOME IN HOUGHTON REGIS Click to enlarge HOUGHTON REGIS RECYCLING CENTRES KINGSLAND SPORTS CENTRE PARKSIDE DRIVE, HOUGHTON REGIS, LU5 5PY Mixed Metal Food & Drink Cans Shoes Mixed Paper (incl Newspapers, Junkmail, Magazines) Glass Bottles/Jars (Mixed) All Textiles HARVEST HOME PUBLIC HOUSE HILLBOROUGH CRESCENT, HOUGHTON REGIS, LU5 5NS Glass Bottles/Jars (Mixed) All Textiles RECREATION GROUND TITHE FARM ROAD, HOUGHTON REGIS, LU5 5JF Glass Bottles/Jars (Mixed) CO-OP, HIGH STREET, HOUGHTON REGIS, DUNSTABLE, LU5 5QT Steel Food & Drink Cans Glass Bottles/Jars (Mixed) All Textiles Mixed Paper (incl Newspapers, Junkmail, Magazines) Shoes Aerosols Drinks cartons TESCO, HOUGHTON REGIS EXP, 22 BEDFORD SQUARE, HOUGHTON REGIS DUNSTABL, DUNSTABLE, LU5 5ES Domestic Batteries DUNSTABLE HOUSEHOLD WASTE RECYCLING CENTRE FRENCH'S AVENUE, DUNSTABLE, DUNSTABLE, LU6 1BH Aluminium Cans Books Bricks, Rubble, Concrete Bulky Garden Waste Car Batt

From Toni Tomlin:   Hi, A friend from Houghton Regis tragically passed away last year, so in a bid to raise money for the Papworth Hospital Charity Accommodation for Families Fund and the British Heart Foundation  a group of 6 lads and 2 ladies (from Houghton Regis/Dunstable) set off on Tuesday from Whipsnade Church, the resting place of our friend, and are walking to Dover. They will be there Friday and will then row the channel Saturday.  Click here to donate online. Click here to donate online.

The zebra crossing at Bedford Road was moved recently. The previous pelican crossing was much closer to the junction, and had a pedestrian refuge.

Major maintenance works required on Poynters Road Central Bedfordshire Council  PR 1547    17/06/2013   Major maintenance works required on Poynters Road Poynters Road in Dunstable needs major reconstructive maintenance work to prevent areas of the road sinking. The work will require a full road closure, which will run for 11 weeks from 8 July. Residents and businesses in the area have been informed. Diversion routes will run along the A505 Luton Road, Church Street, Boscombe Road and Porz Avenue. Cllr Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities, Services, explained: “The underlying structure of the road is failing which is causing the road to sink in places. Resurfacing is not enough to fix the problem - top layers of the road need to be stripped back and reconstructed.” “We completely appreciate that these works will cause disruption and we are sorry for any inconvenience caused. We will do everything we can to minimise the disruption but because this is such a ma

EDITORIAL : Recommendations are one thing, but implementation of them is another issue. Do you think the resources for this are in place? Have Your Say. Comment below. A report which sets out a series recommendations for how Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (BCCG), should work together to provide health and social care services for adults and older people in Central Bedfordshire was given the seal of approval by councillors earlier this week. The joint report (Central Bedfordshire Health and Social Care Review) outlines key areas of work for both organisations, with a focus on early intervention, prevention, improving choice and quality and supporting people to live independently at home for as long as possible. The recommendations include: * Ensuring that services are designed around the customer, so they have choice and access to high quality services. * Developing a step up, step down facility for the North of Central Bedfordshi

Changes to Luton Airport services. Starting 30 June 2013 there will be some changes to services that operate to Luton Airport. Service 61 (Villages and Dunstable to Luton)  There will be timetable changes to Service 61 as well as changes to the route. Service 61 will no longer serve Luton Airport. Service 61 will now terminate at Wigmore Lane, ASDA. This service will also partly replace Service 321 along Lalleford Road. Passengers will be able to connect to Luton Airport using Service A. Service 757 : Service 757 is withdrawn from Luton Airport and will now start at Luton Rail Station. Peak trips will be extended to Luton Estates including Stopsley and Marsh Farm areas. The Service will run up to every half hour, and through the night. Passengers will be able to connect to Luton Airport using Service A. New, excellent value ticket types will be available.  Service A: A brand new frequent service that will run between Luton Rail Station and Luton Airport, allowing easy access to L

Free Driver Training for 16 to 24-Year-Olds Free driver training is being offered to 16 to 24-year-olds in Central Bedfordshire and Luton to help young drivers stay safer on the roads and reduce the number being killed or seriously injured. A full day session including five different workshops is being held at the Millbrook Proving Ground on 7 July, with 96 places available for youngsters who live in Central Bedfordshire or Luton.  The MORE 16 and MORE Drive courses are run by Bedfordshire Police and the Three Shires Driving School, organised by highways contractor Amey and funded by Central Bedfordshire Council and Luton Borough Council.  Since this young driver training programme was launched in 2010 more than 500 youngsters have participated. Cllr Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Sustainable Communities and Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "Collision statistics tell a bleak story. In Central Bedfordshire and Luton between 2009 and 2011 almost 30 per cent of

Supporters of a campaign to save Houghton Regis Leisure Centre, and bring the town's swimming pool back into use, heard some good news last night. At a meeting of the Houghton Regis Leisure Centre Action Group (HRLCAG) last night, the meeting heard that Central Bedfordshire Council were prepared to put in £150,000 for capital works * on the  Houghton Regis  pool, provided that tenders for new contracts to run sports centres in Central Bedfordshire, from 1st April 2014, included acceptable proposals for the running of the Houghton Regis Swimming Pool. The empty swimming pool, now In 2011 the whole sports centre and pool was threatened with closure, but the community mobilised and the Action Group was formed. Public meetings were called in July and August 2011 demonstrating widespread public concern. The Council relented, and decided to close just the pool from September 2011, and to keep the dry side open. A new contractor took over running of the dry side from April 201

ARE YOU A WIZZARD AT QUIZZES? The Town Mayor's Quiz Evening takes place on Friday 23rd August at the Dunstablians Rugby Club in Bedford Road, Houghton Regis. Teams of up to six players are invited to take part. The entry donation is £10 per person which includes a choice of supper. Funds raised will go towards the Town Mayor's charities which are Keech Hospice Care, Hospice at Home Volunteers, Dunstable and Houghton Regis Youth Counselling Service, and Houghton Regis Helpers. For entry forms or further information, contact Sarah Gelsthorp at the Houghton Regis Town Council. TOWN COUNCIL GRANTS Last week the Houghton Regis Town Council Community Service Committee awarded funds to : Parkside 50 Plus Club towards social outings and events. Recycled Teenagers (an over 60's club) towards a social outing. 4YPUK for a young person's bike renovation project. ASB Team for a Young persons at risk intervention programme. Houghton Regis Heritage Society for communicatio