council news Bedford Borough’s Summer of SEND In 2019 Bedford Borough Council, The Parent Carer Forum and BLMK CCG launched the SEND services website with Local Offer Live. The event included workshops, panel discussions, ‘speed dating’ style sessions with services, performances from local theatrical groups and even a magician. The innovative event was designed specifically for children and young people with special educational needs and their parents / carers.
For 2021, organisers have been hard at work, looking at the best way to engage with as many children, young people, parents and carers as possible in the Borough. The Summer of SEND will have a host of events, webinars, activities, training and much, much more. If you have any topic ideas or would like to put on an event and be part of Bedford Borough’s Summer of SEND, please get in touch FestivalOfSEND@Bedford.gov.uk.
Council consults on extending LibraryPlus to Kempston and Putnoe Libraries LibraryPlus provides a mixture of staffed hours as well as using technology to allow access to customers during unstaffed, self-service hours. During the selfservice hours, LibraryPlus customers can enter the libraries to browse the shelves, borrow and return items, use the computers, study and work. Extending LibraryPlus to Kempston and Putnoe would enable these libraries to be open for more hours overall, at more convenient times, whilst still providing core staffed hours where library users can speak to and get assistance from staff.
Find out more and have your say on this proposal at www.bedford.gov.uk/lpconsultation. You can also email consultingbedford@bedford. gov.uk or write to Consulting Bedford, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, MK42 9AP. Responses must be received by Friday 23 April 2021. These will then be considered by the Council’s Executive at a meeting later this year.
Bedford Borough Council introduces first School Street Bedford Borough Council have begun to pilot their School Street initiative around Cauldwell School. The project will create a safer, more pleasant environment in the area around the school and help to improve air quality. The School Street initiative introduces a pedestrian, cycle and scoot only zone at the start and end of the school day, during term-time. School Streets have been introduced all over the country since 2015, with the Department for Transport encouraging their use during the Covid-19 pandemic to support active travel and social distancing. 4
The effects of the scheme will be monitored until the end of the school year, when the council will consider implementing School Street projects in other areas if the pilot is successful. The School Street area is outlined by barriers, with support from school and council staff. Residents of Edward Road and blue badge holders will still be able to access the streets when the scheme is in action. Parents who have children at the school will be encouraged to walk, cycle or scoot instead of driving.
