Houghton Regis: Diary entries for Churchfield Road

First published 18/2/2019

7 April 2022 Consultation: One-Way Proposals for Churchfield Road, Houghton Regis

Churchfield Road, HR. Photos: December 29/2018.

On 31 December 2018 I asked a council officer for an update on Churchfield Rd. This is now being looked into.

 On 24 Oct 2017 I wrote asking a council officer "What parking improvements will be made to Churchfield Rd and Delmont Rd?" - The response "I am currently off sick, just popped online to check on emails. Will forward your enquiry to relevant teams."

9 Mar 2015 - email from John Holman, CBC, "We are currently drawing up proposals for a number of parking schemes, including Churchfield Road.  These proposals will be submitted for planning approval before any work can be undertaken.  I would expect to have an indication from the planners if they are amenable to such a scheme by May.  If they are, full planning permission would be needed and subject to approval I would expect work to start no later than the Autumn this year. .
Depending on our pre application we will then apply for full planning permission and if granted contact you for advice on consulting with the local community.
In summary, we have identified Church Road as a priority, we have funds to carry out the work but it will be necessary to be granted planning permission in the first place.  I will update when we have a response from planning."


8/12/2014 email from G Baldwin, Traffic Engineer, Central Bedfordshire Highways "I’m responsible for publishing statutory notices, undertaking public consultation and other legal work required for certain traffic scheme, including on-street parking. We have nothing currently being published for Churchfield Road, although the creation of off-road spaces may not require such legal procedures.
I am aware that colleagues have undertaken some preliminary design/estimating work on parking provision in Churchfield Road on behalf of Central Beds Council’s Housing department. I would suggest that you seek further information from them.

4/7/2014 - Cllr Goodchild and Jones on walkabout with Jill Cross. Tree outside no. 25. Response: Order raised for branches overhanging footway and street light to be removed
Deep wheel rut in verge due to vehicle over-run. Response: Order raised and completed to make this area safe
Water leak from water meter outside no. 97 Response: Reported to AWA
Dropped kerb required at entrance to garage block. Response: Order to be raised and completed by end Aug.
Parking over dropped kerbs in area. Response: Issue has been forwarded to CBC officer for consideration for LATP funding.
Request for trees from green to be removed for parking. Response:
Investigate who owns this area of land and the trees – CBC housing or amenity?
Several blocked gullies. Response:Order already in place for all gullies on Churchfield Road to be cleaned the next time we have a gully machine in the area.


01/07/14 Cllr Goodchild Request to investigate disabled access to 99. RESPONSE 02/07/14 Request logged by Transportation Team, to be assessed.

22/07/14 - Details: Leading down the hill of Churchfield Road from Dell Road, there are several rain water drains, blocked to the top of the drain with excess dirt and rubbish preventing water to escape in the drain, thus causing it to flow to the bottom of the hill and causing flooding every time it rains RESPONSE 24/07/14 We will attened this gully the next time we have a gully motor in the area

12/11/13 - customer requests a disabled parking bay o/s no 6, paper work sent....passed from housing officer RESPONSE 13/11/13 Request logged by Transportation team, to be investigated.

07/10/13 Dell Road I filed a report 'Could I please ask that you have a look at the dropped kerbs at the end of Dell Road, Houghton Regis.  I have spoken to a fellow town councillor who lives in Dell Rd who has confirmed that the dropped kerb at Dell Rd is often blocked. Please advise whether or not bollards at this location would be possible, as the resident Lorraine White, at 93 Churchfield Rd, sometimes has difficulty getting around in her mobility chair on her route to Tithe Farm School.' RESPONSE: 09/10/13 Unfortunately this is a police matter , highways have no power to act.

20 Sep 2013 - I attended the home of a disabled person in Churchfield Road today to investigate the problem she has negotiating kerbs with her mobility scooter. (Esacalated this with Cllr S Goodchid who filed a Highways report)
RESPONSE from Highways: You will be aware that the Government has made clear its most urgent priority is to tackle the UK's record budget deficit to restore confidence in the economy and to support the recovery. This is forcing Local Government to look very closely at their current levels of public spending. Whilst we do not wish to dismiss this request out of hand, we need to be even more prudent with our expenditure to conserve our resources to enable us to continue to repair the more dangerous parts of our highway network. As a result, we cannot action this request at this time and the customer report has been closed down.

18/06/13 Update from S.M re Churchfield road works:  Works that were carried out on Church field road were completed as part of our thin surfacing programme carried out by sub contractors. Work completed was nWe have made temporary pothole repairs, and will monitor road until patching can be arranged. the highways budget.

22/03/13 - the drain outside no 85 Churchfield isnt draining so the paths are flooded. Comment added 22/03/13 This will be added to our list of blocked gullies, for when the gully motor is next in Houghton Regis

26/02/13 - GRASS & VERGES - VERGE MAINTENANCE/DAMAGE Received call from local resident who wanted to report that the grass verges are virtual mud pits, she advised that residents park and during wet weather  the area gets churned up. She has asked whether there is anything that can be done to repair the damage that has been done. Comment added 27/02/13 Central Bedfordshire Council are aware of indiscriminate verge parking and the issues around damage to the footways and grass verges associated with it. I am pleased to be able to tell you that thereis currently a review being undertaken of Central Bedfordshire Council's parking policy which embraces all of these types of issues. Once we have received this we will be looking into all these problems.

20/12/12 - 186197A CHURCHFIELD ROAD HOUGHTON REGIS WORKS ON HIGHWAY - WORKMANSHIP Excessive amount of chippings still on road following resurfacing that was carried out 2 months ago. Drains have just been raised to match, but damage is being caused to property and vehicles due to the excess chippings. Please incestigate 07/01/13 Passed to strructural maintenance team to reply to enquiry

15/11/12 - DRAINAGE - BLOCKED GULLY Opposite 132 Churchfield Road, Houghton Regis - Drain completely blocked with tar from the recent resurfacing road works.

05/11/12 - 182012A .from 50 Churchfield Road, Houghton Regis- please  investigate the path that runs near this property as the path rises up high than drops, and in the evening when it is dark, it is becoming dangerous to walk on as this area is not lit very well, and he is having to walk on gardens that run along this to stop from falling over. Comment added 08/11/12 site has been inspected, there are no safety defects, on the footway, although footway is in poor condition, have passed to structural maintenance team to consider for programme.

16/10/2012 - 180516A Shimmin, Cllr. M CHURCHFIELD ROAD HOUGHTON REGIS WORKS ON HIGHWAY - WORKMANSHIP Cllr was on site during thin surfacing works and questioned contractors regarding material going down on road surface, when asked a contractor advised in winter 'you wouldnt want drive down the hill it will be like an ice rink' Councillor now requesting that some anti skid also be put down to prevent accidents and feels the wrong material is being used for road surface if the contractors believe the surface will be unsafe in winter.

16/10/12 . Comment added 

17/10/2012 "The antiskid will be unnecessary on this type of surface. It will take two weeks minimum to embed properly. After this period we are happy to take a look. Thank you". 

---

Click Here for More Houghton Regis Notes

---

One-Way Proposals for Churchfield Road, Houghton Regis

Central Bedfordshire Council wrote in 2022 to residents at Churchfield Road suggesting that the road be made one-way only. 

Parking and negotiating the road had been made more difficult through the years since the road was built due to the growth of car ownership. 

The Council had been asked to consider making the road one-way, and wrote to residents in an "informal manner to gauge feeling before progressing further".

The proposals were described as: 

Churchfield Road — entry at its southern junction with Tithe Farm Road, travelling southwest past All Saints Road, north-west past Dellmont Road, Hillside and Thorn View Road, north-west past Dell Road and finally exiting at its northernmost junction with Tithe Farm Road (opposite No. 72) – vehicles permitted to travel in that direction only.

Vehicles will be permitted to enter at the junction with Tithe Farm Road (opposite No. 64) but only for a distance of approximately 17 metres at which point they will be diverted north around the large- circular island between Churchfield Road and Tithe Farm Road.

Dellmont Road – this will remain two-way.

'No Waiting at Any Time' Restrictions - a whole series of parking restrictions were proposed.

Have Your Say

The Council invited responses by 7 April 2022.

Any proposal, if implemented, would impact trade and other vehicles that use the road, as well as residents that live there.

BACKGROUND

A resident said, “[The Council] signed this off on 17 March according to the notice,  but the letters didn't get to residents until yesterday [24 March] - with the deadline for comments on 07 April, and even then not everyone affected has got a letter.  I haven't, and the turning circle is opposite me!  Now everyone will park outside my house instead, cos I don't have lines, or a drop kerb.”

In 2019, Steve Searle commented on Facebook, “Car owners were a minority when the estates were designed and built, but society has changed within an environment with fixed boundaries.

You can't just tell people to "Have less cars" because all the dynamics work against that notion, mainly because employment and shopping are no longer within walking distance like they used to be.

Until then we have to make the best of it, how about installing "grasscrete" type paving until a better solution is found.”

In 2016, Peter Baker commented on Facebook, “I live on Churchfield Road and live at the top of the grass bank. Parking gets worse every year. Road needs to be wider with more parking available to people [who] live there and it needs to be turned into a 1-way street and a 20mph zone. The emergency services have trouble getting up Churchfield and bin trucks struggle every week. Something needs to be done ASAP.”

Also, in 2016, Gill Zubricki wrote, “I agree about the parking in Churchfield Road. We have no chance of parking when we get home from work. The grass is ruined by the cars that have to park on the banks so why don't the Council just cut into the bottom of the bank to give parking both sides of the street.”

Maxine Mangan in 2016 wrote, “It's not surprising that parking is a nightmare. Nowadays each house has 2 maybe 3 cars and many people also bring work vehicles home. A few years ago the council wanted to make Churchfield Road one way but residents objected.”

In 2012 town councillor R. Shimmin was on-site during thin surfacing works on Churchfield Road and questioned contractors regarding material going down on the road surface. The contractor advised that  in winter 'you wouldn't want to drive down the hill,  it will be like an ice rink'. Cllr Shimmin then requested that some anti-skid also be put down to prevent accidents and advised a colleague that he felt the wrong material was being used for the road surface if the contractors believed the surface would be unsafe in winter. 16/10/12 . A comment was subsequently added to Highway Reports 17/10/2012 "The antiskid will be unnecessary on this type of surface. It will take two weeks minimum to embed properly. After this period we are happy to take a look. Thank you".

Query on Publication of this Consultation

This is an "informal consultation" - at the time of writing there is nothing on CBC website, but if there ever is it would be published, linked to their consultation page. 

---

Click Here for More Houghton Regis Notes

---

Houghton Regis Triple Stabbing - Victims named, Three men charged — Vigil on Saturday

• The two men who died in a triple stabbing in Houghton Regis on Sunday (13 November) have been named.
• Friday evening latest: Three men have now been charged with offences.

The investigation was launched on Sunday 13 November after police were called to Tithe Farm Road following reports of a hit and run. Two men were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The victims were formally identified this week as 39-year-old Adam Fanelli and 27-year-old Patrick Howard, both of Houghton Regis.

In a tribute, Adam’s family said, “Words could never explain the impact this tragedy has had, and will forever hold, over our family and this community. Our thoughts and prayers of strength are with the other families involved.

“Adam was undoubtedly a loving and devoted dad to his three wonderful children. For someone small in stature he had an extremely larger-than-life character and a heart bigger than a house. He was a person that emulated ‘once met never forgotten’ in every way possible. He’s going to be missed eternally, leaving a void that could never be filled.

“The family would like to thank everyone for their messages of support and beautiful tributes to both Adam and Pat.”

Also paying tribute, Patrick’s family said, “Patrick was the most lovable, cheeky chap you could meet. He would have done anything for anybody and had the biggest heart of gold. He was the heart and soul of the community, with not a person who didn’t love him.

“Patrick will be missed immensely and has left such a hole in too many hearts. If love could have saved Patrick, he would have lived forever.

"Adam’s family will forever be in our hearts and prayers.”

Charged With Murder

Police continue their investigation into the deaths. Nicholas Papworth, 31, of Houghton Regis and Curtis Long, 32 of Luton, have been charged with two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, three counts of conspiracy to murder and three counts of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm.

Third man charged Update Friday 18 Nov, evening: Bedfordshire Police say "Mark Griffiths, 40, of Luton, was charged with two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, three counts of conspiracy to murder and three counts of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm. He has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance on Monday (21 November)."

T/Detective Superintendent Carl Foster, from the Bedfordshire Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said, “Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of both Adam and Patrick, we also wish the third victim a full and speedy recovery.

“I wish to renew my thanks to everyone who has come forward with information so far. Our enquires into the events leading up to this fatal stabbing are ongoing, and we are still keen to hear from anyone that can support our investigation.

“This is an extremely violent incident that has taken place in a community that has been greatly affected. We are committed to ensuring anyone involved in this brutal attack is brought to justice.”

Vigil

From 6pm on Saturday 19 November, a vigil will take place in Tithe Farm Rd near Meadow Lane, organised by the town's churches. 

The Town Mayor, Cllr Yvonne Farrell will read Psalm 23 about 18.00. Local MP, Andrew Selous, is also expected to attend. Central Bedfordshire Council has approved a road closure of Tithe Farm Road between Delmont Rd and Churchfield Rd, allowing cars at least to pass up Churchfield Rd.

Cllr Yvonne Farrell, Town Mayor of Houghton Regis, "On behalf of the Town Council, we are deeply saddened by the recent tragic event which has happened in the town. Our deepest sympathies go out to the victims and their families affected by this horrific tragedy. 

May those who have lost their lives rest in peace, and those who have been injured make a full recovery."

Town Clerk, “We would really appreciate it if residents could plan not to need access, especially from 5.30pm to 7pm. The road will be closed to help to ensure personal safety and to allow the community to come together to grieve. Assistance from local residents would be greatly appreciated.”

Therapy

Rachel Honeyford, a therapist, is available to offer one free adult counselling session to anyone adversely affected by the sad occurrences in Tithe Farm Rd., Houghton Regis. She said, “In addition, if anyone needs ongoing counselling, I will try to help find affordable counselling.  In the first instance, please can they text me on 07361 756662. My credentials can be checked online.”

Rachel continued, “Alternatively people should feel free to drop into Jewels, Bedford Square, Houghton Regis between 9am to 1.30pm, Monday-Friday if they would like a supportive, friendly chat.”

Most Saddest Moment

Local businessman, Kishor Patel issued a statement today (Friday), “My sincere condolences and prayers 🙏🏽🙏🏽go to the families and friends who lost their loved ones. I am very saddened to learn of such tragic event in Houghton Reigs which lost two lives and one seriously injured on Sunday 13th Nov 2022. After reading the news, I have known both the victims and their families. Also have known at least one of the offender and his family.

“What’s even sad is that the victims and offenders have family and young children. 

“Myself Anita Anita Patel, my brother Pat Pradeep Patel, have enjoyed serving and being part of the Houghton Regis community for the past 37 years. We have experienced and seen a lot of great things and some sad times too, this is the saddest moment.

People, friends, families have differences from time to time, we agree, disagree, argue, may fight and make up or not but just carry on with our lives.

I see no reasons why the differences ended up in losing two lives and leaving a big vacuum in the lives of friends and families of Pat and Adam.

Past five days this traffic event has been on my mind every day I ask myself the questions 

why? why? why? why? 

Could this have been prevented?

What is the underlying core issue that led to the loss of two lives?

Was this a build-up or spontaneous? 

What is the key driving factor to committing such an evil crime? 

Who can take responsibility for the failings?

So many questions come to mind….

We hope the Bedfordshire Police and justice courts will be able to address the above and deal with the offenders appropriately !! 

Andrew Selous it would only be right if you are able to raise this traffic event and issue of lack of policing, community care and social education at the Central Bedfordshire Council UK Parliament 

In the meantime at these difficult times we pray 🙏🏽🙏🏽 give time, support and space for the families and friends of Patrick and Adam to come to terms and heal

Kishor Patel ”

Central Bedfordshire Councillor for the Tithe Farm area, Pat Hamill has commented, “As the Ward Councillor for Tithe Farm, I am always available to address your concerns. 

I can assure you all, I have been working to make Houghton Regis a safer place to live and work since I have been a councillor and will continue to do so. 

I do work with the Police on many issues if you have any worries. 

My email address:  Patrick.Hamill@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.

My Councillor page is regularly updated so you are all well informed: https://www.facebook.com/cllrpat.hamill ”

Friend's Grief

The messages below have been publicly shared on Facebook and are available for anyone to read. Thoughts are with all those friends and relatives affected by what has happened.

A friend of Patrick Howard, Mason Jordan, commented via Facebook earlier this week, “words can’t describe the rollercoaster of emotions im going thru rn you’ve been on my mind all day ive cried all the tears out my body for u till theres not a tear left! i love you, my brudda… ”

Another friend, Chelsea Benjamin commented via Facebook, “Been hunting for pictures of us together but I know I would of buried them deep with how rough we looked sitting at Bedford Square steps🤣 you really was the life of the party, always cracking a joke and put a smile on all our faces. If I would of known Saturday was the last time I saw you, I would of held you just a little longer. I will look at Isla and forever see you. Rest in peace Patrick Howard ”

Similarly, Holly Howard commented via Facebook, “I don't really have the words right now, but our hearts are absolutely shattered & it just doesnt feel real. Patrick Howard was always that person you knew you could rely on, the amount of times I was out & I needed someone, he was the first person I called & would be there in a heartbeat. My big, little cousin.. the thought of never seeing you again is just too much to bear right now. If you knew Pat, you knew just how much f**king love he had for his friends & family, it was unmatched. My head is just empty but thank you to those who have messaged. Pat, keep Uncle Chris & Nanny company up there, you should never have gone this soon but at least you're with them now. I love you so, so, so much. 💓”

Father Diego of All Saints Church, Houghton Regis, travelled to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham Friday to pray for the town community.

Father Diego made a short pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham today to pray for the town community.
Seven-day Candles we’re lit for our people, for Adam and Pat who died Sunday, for the those injured and bereaved.
Mary, Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for us all! pic.twitter.com/PFf1dx7pW7

— All Saints HR (@AllSaintsHR) November 18, 2022

Help the Police

Anyone with information can contact the investigation team via beds.police.uk/ro/report or by calling 101 and quoting Operation Crux.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

• For more information on how police are working to tackle knife crime lookup Operation Sceptre. 
• If you have concerns about a young person that may be impacted by knife crime, the Violence and Exploitation Reduction Unit offer tailored support to young and vulnerable people affected by knife crime and gang activity. 
• Find out the locations of the county-wide weapons bins, and more about the work the force is doing with its partners to tackle knife crime and violent offenders, and getting dangerous weapons off the streets.
  

---

Click Here for More Houghton Regis Notes

---

Archive Review of Houghton Regis in 2022

JANUARY 2022

2022 started with a host of promises. We learnt that Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) was to ask a typical council taxpayer in a Band D property to pay an extra 61p a week, an overall increase of 1.95%. Meanwhile, the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Bedfordshire was hoping for a £10 rise in the Police share of Council Tax for a Band D property, whilst the Fire and Rescue Authority was considering a council tax increase of 1.99% or an increase for a Band D property of around 4p per week.

The Government was to boost spending in Bedfordshire by £6.9 million in 2022-23, as part of the Government’s Beating Crime Plan. Schools in the CBC area were being promised a £19m funding boost.

A new 11-acre park at Linmere was due to open in the spring. A timelapse video showed the building of the Farmstead on Houghton Regis' Linmere Site (HRN1). Linked to Linmere, residents were encouraged to join the RSPB Birdwatch which takes place annually at the end of January. Later that month, we learnt that a dog groomer with a ‘royal' pedigree was poised to move into Linmere's Farmstead community hub.

The Road Policing Unit warned drivers about the £100 fine and 3 penalty points you could get if your windscreen is obscured (by ice, for example).

Local MP, Andrew Selous, said he was very pleased about £19.9 million being received for a new community wellbeing centre hub in Houghton Regis. On levelling up, he put in pleas for more GPs to match areas where new homes are being built and called for the national formula for police funding to be changed. The MP later pledged his allegiance to Holocaust Memorial Day honouring those who were murdered during the Holocaust.

Residents of Houghton Regis were being consulted about proposals for a new leisure centre.

Councillors at CBC voted in favour of dual-use of Houghton Regis community centre until Central Bedfordshire College can find an alternative venue.

FEBRUARY 2022

The Farmstead at Linmere was almost complete with internal fittings left to do.

Domestic abuse was on CBC's agenda and a new strategy was being trumpeted. And they were reconsidering their Adult Carers Strategy. Young Carers were seen in a video. The Council also had a £5.3 million fund to provide business rates relief for businesses impacted by COVID-19. CBC approved plans to make an Enhanced Partnership with bus operators. And they approved a provider to install electric vehicle charge points.

There was a debate on Houghton Regis Community Centre. Councillors and the Houghton Regis Town Clerk addressed the meeting at CBC headquarters.

There was continuing concern that CBC wanted to develop Windsor Drive open space for up to 100 homes. They told us, “The Council remains committed to involving the public should it get to the stage where any proposals are developed."

At Bidwell West (HRN2), a Community group was to appoint Residents to its Management Committee and residents were asked what residents would like to see. More than three-quarters of the Brambleside local estate had been built at Bidwell West.

At the Linmere site, they were emphasising apprenticeships.

There was an altercation outside an address in Hammersmith Gardens where a man was stabbed.

Photos of The Brook, a development on Windsor Drive, showed it controversially towering over a neighbouring building.

It's Not Okay Week was featured this month. The campaign by Bedfordshire Police aims to raise awareness and deter acts of violence and abuse. Meanwhile, a multi-force swooped on Toddington Services in an attempt to search for people trafficked into the UK.

There was a development proposal for a range of new industrial warehouse units between M1 and Luton Road. And another developer was looking for permission to build 29 homes off Bedford Road. Meanwhile, CPRE (Campaign for Rural England), the countryside charity, were asking for your help in looking up at the heavens to Count the Stars, and CBC was pointing out that 80 homes a year were being brought back into use.

Houghton Regis Town Council (HRTC) were considering 'Plant a Tree for the Jubilee' and a site on the Village Green was where they were looking. A Community Action Day was held in Houghton Regis on 15 February and hailed as successful despite heavy rain.

Helena Brothwell was announced as chair of governors for the forthcoming Houstone School.

Council Tax for 2022/3 was confirmed; all the figures are here.

MARCH 2022

CBC was updating its Design Guide and wanted to know what residents thought was important in the design of new developments. And they wanted to know the public's thoughts on engine idling. They also wondered if residents of Churchfield wanted one-way traffic? And, if you were planning to drive to Dunstable or Leighton Buzzard there was news of parking changes for you in CBC's car parks.

CBC was rated Good for the social care services it provides to children and families and supported over 9,000 vulnerable households over the winter. CBC was awarded over £450,000 of Government funding to support people experiencing domestic abuse, and a further £109,000 of funding for disabled toilets. Schools in the area were to take part in a wheely fun challenge, while the PCC was getting schools to debate.

In policing, March saw 37 new student officers and detectives joining the ranks of Bedfordshire Police.

To coincide with HRTC's 'Plant a Tree' project, the Heritage Society conducted a heritage walk around Houghton Hall Park.

NGDANCE, and Dog grooming in a swanky new parlour, at The Farmstead had taken off, and the first residents at the Linmere site had moved in. Bellway was starting to market 154 new homes at Linmere.

Homes England (HE) had developed a website showing the public the path they are taking on their journey to provide up to 350 new homes east of Houghton Park Road, on the eastern side of Parkside. Off Bedford Road, a range of energy-efficient homes with air-source heat pumps and PV roof panels were beginning to be built.

At Chalton a new facility was proposed to help with EV charging.

Plans were approved for a new crematorium in the CBC area.

Central Bedfordshire College needed improvement according to the latest Ofsted report.

A local shoplifter was banned from the shops.

To serve Bidwell West, the Hi bus service was introduced.

APRIL 2022

Lady Jane Clifford was sworn in as the new High Sheriff of Bedfordshire for 2022/2023.

A 29-year-old was able to afford to buy his own home in Houghton Regis thanks to the Government’s Help to Buy scheme.

At Bidwell West, the alarm was raised over rust-coloured liquid running off from the former rubbish tip site, now Bluewaters Wood.

Andrew Selous, MP, welcomed nearly £2m funding for policing, specifically targeted at knife, gun and homicide-related crimes. Figures showed that there were 134 new officers in Bedfordshire since September 2019. He spoke out on Ukraine, supported Bowel Cancer Awareness month, and backed Guide Dogs, All Things Equal campaign.

Remote access scams were on the rise.

A new energy centre will make the Luton and Dunstable University Hospital one of the most environmentally friendly hospitals in the country.

A bike safety campaign was launched. CBC told us about its Free School Meals over the upcoming Easter holiday period and reported that 1300 had taken this up.

Friends of Windsor Drive joined in with The Great British Spring Clean.

CBC was to receive £3.5million from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund which is designed to build pride in where people live and increase life chances across the UK.

Houghton Hall Park got prepared to be involved with the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

A rapist from Houghton Regis was jailed.

MAY 2022

There had been dawn raids in Dunstable and Luton after gunshots were fired in Luton. In police conduct, a former Special Constable was placed on the barred list after admitting to harassing a previous partner.

At CBC, slow payments to Ukrainian refugees in the UK were on the mind of Independent Councillor, Adam Zerny. Opposition councillors at CBC were again making noises when names of Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) had been revealed in a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

In Houghton Regis, there was some concern that the new leisure centre would not have a sports hall. A spokesperson for CBC said it would be an over-provision.

Houghton Regis Children’s Centre set up a much-requested 'Twins, Triplets, Quads Plus Stay and Play group'.

I suggested that locals try a walk on the Chalgrave Heritage Trail.

At HRTC the outgoing mayor, Cllr Clare Coplestone, was delighted to announce that a grand total of £2,400.00 had been raised for her chosen charities, SSAFA (the armed forces charity) and firefighters999 (the firefighters charity). The new mayor is Cllr Yvonne Farrell.

Houghton Regis Library looked for help to make some fabulous Jubilee bunting.

In Houghton Regis, a burglar with "close links to the town" was being sought by police. A series of No Waiting at Any Time notices were to go up in Tithe Farm, and the Peel Street car parking restrictions were to become permanent.

At Linmere, a developer was donating a defibrillator to a local school.

JUNE 2022

This month was to be Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, and a raft of events were planned for Houghton Regis. The Houghton Regis Memorial Hall celebrated its 65th birthday this year. Later, HRTC responded to comments that their Queens Jubilee Tree plaque was rusty — “it was made that way”.

Andrew Selous, MP, was concerned enough to ask in Parliament, about the assessment made of the potential merits of requiring dogs which have attacked livestock to be (a) destroyed and (b) trained with e-collars. And he raised his concerns again about GP provision in conjunction with new build housing schemes.

Bedfordshire Police reported that almost 150 firearms have been handed in across the region as part of a police gun amnesty.

A community building at Bidwell West was given funding approval.

On Land East of Houghton Park Road, the second stage of public consultation went ahead. Stage 3 and 4 were due in 2022, but to date, there is no further update on the project's website.

CBC looked into fly-tipping and their reporting software. The new Houstone School would not be ready in September, as hoped, and the opening was now expected in the Spring of 2023. Roman remains had been found on the new school site.

Red House Court was reduced to rubble (above) as the fore-runner to building Stage 2 of All Saints View, a housing project by CBC for the over 55s.

A man who caused a serious road traffic collision in Tebworth that killed his brother and a friend was jailed for six years.

CBC were advancing their plans for a new road connecting M1 to A6 across the north of Luton. Luton News Desk has more information about this route.

A plan was submitted to provide parking for Amazon delivery vans next to Houghton Hall Park. In November, a local town councillor spoke against the application at a CBC Development Control meeting.

There was to be a summer concert at the end of June, in Houghton Regis. Parts of Parkside Drive were to have a 20mph limit (approved in September). A number of accidents on the A505 to/from Leighton Buzzard had caused concerns.

JULY 2022

Londoner, Emily Tracy, was commissioned to set about creating a Public Art Project for All Saints View. A new leisure centre for Houghton Regis was given approval.

Area Master Plan 4 (AMP4) was out for public consultation at the Linmere site and local builders had donated a wormery to a school.

The Met Office warned of a heatwave coming to the area which prompted highways to say they were going out gritting to help protect the roads from melting!

My photos showed development work in Linmere.

At HRTC any hopes of developing land at Grendall Lane for a cemetery were dashed as councillors were divided on opinion of its suitability.

Houghton Hall Park was among the national winners of a Green Flag Award.

CBC trialled a new EV charging system. A new building for Thornhill Primary School was completed. Bedfordshire was to receive £1,023,932 from the latest £50 million round of the Government’s Safer Streets Fund.

Town mayor, Yvonne Farrell, took part in a topping-out ceremony at Thorn Springs, a new care home.

AUGUST 2022

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Festus Akinbusoye worked in partnership with local authorities in Bedfordshire to support their Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programmes this summer. Officers used life-saving nasal spray.

Dog-poo was cited as a reason by householder in Linmere Walk for wanting to enclose land.

Tithe Farm Road was being closed so that it could be remade. Overgrown sections of a path at Sewell were being cleared. And there were announcements about improving Blackburn Road.

CBC was consulting on accessing services in Houghton Regis and Dunstable, and saying that their plans to redevelop Windsor Drive open space were now paused.

Barratt Homes donated 30 educational books to pupils from Chalton Lower School, which is located in proximity to the housebuilder’s Linmere development in Betony Meadow, Houghton Regis.

£520,000 was announced to help patrols in areas affected by violent crime. There were arrests in Luton and Houghton Regis as Bedfordshire Police cracked down on organised crime.

A former police inspector admitted online child sexual offences. Bedfordshire Police had a plan to curb racism.

A Houghton Regis man admitted council tax fraud.

Opposition councillors wanted to reopen the discussion on a Grendall Lane site being developed as a cemetery and another town council sub-committee was held.

There was a showcase peek at the Thorn Springs care home. The White Lion, at Chalk Hill, Houghton Regis, reopened. There was a Green Flag Award for Thornhill Primary School.

SEPTEMBER 2022

It was announced that Heron Foods would be coming to town, taking a retail unit at All Saints View, and a unit for a dentist would be available at Bidwell West local centre. Meanwhile the former vacant Netto/Morrisons store was acquired by a Canadian investment company.

Queen Elizabeth II passed in September, and arrangements were made in Houghton Regis for local mourning.

HRTC was inviting people to register their interest in an allotment.

CBC was consulting on changes to Council Tax that would make it simpler for claimants to claim a reduction, whilst Whipsnade Zoo offered qualifying groups of people an entry price of just £3.

This month police and community workers were out and about looking for weapons that might be hidden in bushes and other public places.

CBC secured funding to contribute to the installation of 48 new electric vehicle charge points with 98 charging bays at 12 locations across Central Bedfordshire. And, there was an opportunity for a Smart Free driving course. The council was asking people to use fireworks that were the quiet kind.

OCTOBER 2022

A Houghton Regis councillor was shortlisted for a national award.

A Houghton Regis man was wanted for burglaries in the area.

Blackburn Road was due to be upgraded.

HRND took a look at the price of burial outside of Houghton Regis, seeing as inside the parish is no longer an option.

CBC launched a new grant scheme to help residents become physically and socially active. The council also highlighted the problem of contaminated recycling waste and urged residents to rinse before putting rubbish out.

Bellway opened a sales office and two show homes at Linmere.

There was a fall in serious youth crime during the summer.

Andrew Selous, MP, showed his green credentials in a couple of items about green issues.

A new teaching block at Thornhill School (above) was officially opened and Councillors were caught pedalling for energy at the Linmere site. Between the A5 and Linmere, path clearance volunteers were due to cut back overgrowth.

A suspected live hand grenade was found at a tidy tip.

The planning inspectorate turned down an appeal for a proposed small industrial units scheme at Boscombe Road/Porz Avenue.

Plans emerged for a shake-up within BBC Local Radio.

NOVEMBER 2022

The first residents set up their homes at Thorn Springs care home.

Two people lost their lives in a late-night stabbing incident in the town. Two were quickly arrested for this crime. Five days later, HRND was reporting that 3 arrests had now been made, and the victims had been named. Five days after that, HRND was reporting that a 4th man had been charged, and a fifth arrested. On our Facebook Page, HRND linked to Patrick's public Facebook Group where those affected posted messages, videos and photos of those who lost their lives.

A Houghton Regis man was jailed after abuse to a former girlfriend.

A police and council operation concluded with a scrap metal truck driver being fined £3000 for not having proper credentials.

CBC outlined its plans to help people with the cost of living, and HRTC had packs to deliver to families in need, paid for out of charitable discretionary grants that the 4 CBC councillors for Houghton Regis were able to direct.

CBC set up bike repair stations and one was to be found at Houghton Hall Park. A local Independent CBC councillor aired a proposal for a crime hub to occupy a retail unit at All Saints View.

DECEMBER 2022

Bin Collection arrangements and library services during December 2022.

Path clearance volunteers came back to carry on the work beside the A5 at Linmere.

CBC announced changes to the app provider for their car parks. They also announced their new highway contractor.

Local schoolchildren collected recycling material to help their understanding of the subject.

Andrew Selous, MP, was at Cranfield getting to understand zero-emission flights.

Festus Akinbusoye, PCC, put on record his thanks to the people of Houghton Regis for helping with enquiries about last month's stabbing incident.

After a £500,000 investment, the Luton & Dunstable hospital re-opened a pharmacy.

At Bellway’s Linmere Gateway development in Houghton Regis, the first couple had moved in.

Looking ahead, CBC say that PayByPhone will take over from the current provider JustPark on 3 January 2023 and they wanted people to sign up in advance.

---

Click Here for More Houghton Regis Notes

---

Highways Report February 2014

PARKSIDE DRIVE, Houghton Regis: Will be closed around Brentwood Close from 17th-24th February 9am to 3.30pm for installation of raised platforms for crossings. I am waiting to hear from Arriva what plans they have for the 38 and the busway A service.

SUNDON ROAD: A crossing is going in near Easthill Road, with 2 way traffic lights operating.

EASTHILL RD: A contra-flow cycle lane is to be installed in Easthill Road. (I personally objected to that).

PARK ROAD NORTH: Once the Sundon Rd crossing is installed, another crossing is due to be installed at Park Road North near the entrance to the Houghton Hall Park car park.

PARKSIDE DRIVE: Parkside Drive was closed on the 27th January when signposts in fact said the road would be closed from the 28th. Correspondence received via Cllr Spurr, 29th Jan from Amey "I apologise for the error and have spoken to the person responsible to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Jon Shortland, Bedfordshire Highways Account Director – Government, Amey "

I complained to Amey about the dates on the Elgin website, also apparently having the wrong dates. I received this communication from Ameys Streetworks co-ordinator, on 28th Jan " We endeavour to keep all notices through Elgin accurate and up to date. Occasionally errors will be made, however, we are working to reduce these over time. Roadworks.org is a key information portal for travellers and residents  and we will continue to concentrate our efforts in this respect."

During the same closure, bus stops were unavailable. I had correspondence with Arriva asking where alternative stops were, and if stops might be made on Sundon Road. They were unhelpful, merely stating that buses had to be diverted and would not be stopping on Sundon Road. Notices on closed stops were equally unhelpful.

ENFIELD CLOSE: 28 Jan. My request for  reinstatement of a hedgerow at Enfield Close  was diverted to Highways, logged to reference number 217303

PORZ AVE FLOODING: Following my emails, Jill Cross wrote on 30 Jan to say that Flood warning notices were going out today. Meanwhile, another email from Amey told me that they only have one gully-cleaning vehicle for the whole of Bedfordshire!

Jill also wrote on 10 Feb: " We have cleaned and jetted the gullies on Porz Avenue and managed to at least get the gully at the lowest point now working (as of last Thursday). Further investigation is required to get the remaining gullies running – potentially there is a problem with the connections onto the main run which will require liaison with AWA. This work will be prioritised for the new financial year."

PORZ AVENUE LIGHTS: Lights out along Porz Ave through to Sandringham Drv roundabout. Message from Peter Williams, Amey employee, 30 Jan: "We have had issues in the past with these lights due to underground cable faults; our maintenance crew will attend site as a matter of urgency due to the quantity of lights out to investigate and repair the fault."

MANOR PARK: I have been involved with pursuing action to bring about draining flooding at Manor Park.

JOHNSON COURT: 31 Jan. Highways replied to report number CRN 205012. This was a follow up by me to a request last summer for a dropped kerb at Johnson Court.

HIGH STREET:  SAFETY REPORT. 31st December: memo from Dave Ager (CBC): "Having checked with the audit team this draft has not yet been approved by all the members of the audit team and my understanding is that this will be done early in the new year. Dave Ager 

Acting Team Leader. "

(31 Dec) Wrote asking for High Street puddles to be taken into account when the report is ready.

(21 JAN) Wrote expressing disappointment that we have not received an update on the High Street yet; requested any news of Amey's plans with how you intend to deal with areas of flooding that occur all along the High Street from Mill Road to the Chequers roundabout.

(7 Feb) Wrote to Lee Baldry at Amey requesting what work is going to be done to fix flooding issues all along the High Street from Georgina petrol station to East End. I've asked for a copy of the High Street safety audit, and a timetable for any issue resolutions.

JEANSWAY, DUNSTABLE: I have been made aware that a new bus stop in Jeans Way could cost £100,000. This could come from sustainable transport funding from the Government in the next financial year: April 2014 to April 2015.

GRANGEWAY: A stream of correspondence with Amey. Upshot is that the private owners of garage area are responsible for sorting out their own flooding issues, not CBC Highways or Housing.

PEEL STREET: An abandoned Bulgarian car in Peel Street car park was reported in January.

CYCLEPATHS: Wrote to Amey requesting their programme for cleansing cyclepaths.

BUSWAY: I had some correspondence with Cllr Dave Taylor (LUTON BC) in December, in which he copied in several others. The concern was unauthorised vehicles entering the busway. Following that, a large sign was erected in Luton at the start of the busway. This sign was widely publicised in local newspapers.

GRASS VERGES: CBC councillors want to permit local bans on parking on grass verges where locals request them. In December I asked Gary Baldwin (Amey) what would be an acceptable reason for disallowing parking. The response was very guarded. It would be up to a traffic management Meeting to decide.

BEDFORD ROAD BUS STOPS: Two bus stops very close together. I asked if the bus stops had been put in the right places. Ultimately this response came from Paul Dodge (CBC): 

"Centrebus, as a commercial operator decided that they would provide a new guided bus service linking Toddington, Bidwell, Houghton Regis, Dunstable White Lion and Luton. Given the financial investment into the new Busway, this commercial service was welcomed by CBC. 

As the route operated along Bedford Road, there were calls from residents of the Bidwell Hill area for a bus stop for this new service, rather than having to walk the additional distance to Houghton Regis Church. Our Transport Policy recommends a distance not exceeding 400m for residents to walk to a bus stop. Bus operators prefer 250m. The new bus stop serves the Bidwell Hill and Platters Way estates. They are also beneficial for residents in the Churchfield Road area. 

The bus stop locations were chosen following a safety assessment by Amey. Public consultations are not normally undertaken for bus stops as they are classified as road signs on the Highway.

There are discussions ongoing with an operator about an additional service on the Busway, but their plans are commercially sensitive."

THAT CONCLUDES MY HIGHWAYS REPORT TO FEBRUARY 10TH 2014.

 

Cllr Alan Winter

Highways rep, HRTC, 10/feb/2014 

---

Click Here for More Houghton Regis Notes

---