Consumer

Flitton & Greenfield Village Hall

Village hall under threat of closure unless new volunteers are found

Does your broadband contract come with a hidden catch?

Explainer Why broadband bills can rise even when you’re in contract

BT, EE, TalkTalk and Vodafone have been named Britain's most complained-about broadband providers in new Ofcom figures, as campaigners call for an end to mid-contract price rises that can add £48 a year to household bills.

Four broadband giants top Ofcom complaints list

Millions of UK households face another broadband bill increase in April 2027, even if they are locked into an existing contract, prompting fresh calls for a ban on mid-contract price rises.

Broadband customers face fresh £48 bill warning

The Government recommends households gradually build an emergency kit with practical essentials such as a torch, first aid kit, emergency radio and portable power bank.

Explainer What you need in a Government 3-day emergency kit

M&S Sparks customers can earn up to £15 in festive rewards this Christmas by shopping for eligible drinks, flowers and café treats. Photos by Marks and Spencer.

M&S Sparks shoppers can earn £15 in rewards when Christmas shopping

The compact SumUp card reader helps market traders, craft sellers and small businesses accept contactless and card payments without expensive equipment.

7 side hustles to make extra money before Christmas

M&S has introduced its 2026 Christmas sandwich range alongside seasonal snacks and sweet treats.

M&S Christmas sandwiches and there's plenty of festive favourites

The Harpur Suite, in Harpur Square (Picture: Patricia Payne/Historic England Archive)

New forum will build on opportunities to help shape the future of Bedfordshire

The supermarket says it wants to help customers be well prepared for groceries as the festive season approaches

Asda Christmas delivery slots open today – how to book

The much-loved Winter Wonderland is returning to Center Parcs with a magical new experience this year.

Center Parcs introduces magical new experience for Winter Wonderland 2026
Center Parcs has announced the return of its much-loved Winter Wonderland on November 6, with brand-new experiences like Santa’s Parade, the Enchanted Light Garden and festive elf-themed activities.
Shannon Weir

We've listed the top 10 highest-rated items in the Sainsbury's Taste the Difference range - and there are definitely some surprises

These are the 10 items Sainsbury's poshest shoppers love the most

This year's guide is out now

7 new Bedfordshire pubs included in this year's CAMRA Good Beer Guide

12 people people have been charged

12 people charged over alleged fuel theft offences at petrol stations

Households are being urged to check their broadband bills, as staying on the same deal too long could cost hundreds of pounds a year.

Broadband mistake could cost you £452 a year

Both Le Raj & Minhaj, in Tavistock Street, and La Pinata, in St Cuthbert's Street, were given a one rating following hygiene inspections on July 28

Hygiene inspectors tell takeaway and restaurant "major improvement necessary"

Furniture Warehouse will open on Saturday, October 3

It's official: New Bedford furniture shop to open at the beginning of next month

The former Brewers Fayre in Kempston will reopen as The Fletton Brick on Tuesday, September 22, following an investment of £1.2 million by new owners JD Wetherspoon

New Wetherspoon pub in Kempston to open next week, creating 50 jobs

Does where you live make the list?

Revealed: Bedford's biggest property price increases

Waitrose in Goldington Road, Bedford (Google)

Bedford Waitrose recalls pitted black olives over food poisoning fears

Spices of Paradise

Harrold restaurant named as finalist in annual curry ‘Oscar’ awards

Does where you're hoping to move to make the list?

Bedford's biggest property price drops revealed

Mayes Yard artist's impression (Cityheart)

Mayor defends Mayes Yard project saying Rushden Lakes has "surged ahead"

A general view of Caxton House, where Britain's Department for Work and Pensions is based. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)

Five Bedfordshire employers listed among those failing to pay minimum wage

The Furniture Warehouse will be opening a branch in Bedford this autumn

Furniture shop to open in part of former Beales department store

Drinks company buys Crabbie’s alcoholic ginger beer brand

Smart Prebend Centre in Bedford (Google)

SMART Prebend Centre in Bedford to close due to lack of funds

NRG GYM Bedford, in Caxton Road, Bedford (Google)

Customer put off going to Bedford gym over parking fine nightmare
Customers of NRG GYM Bedford have been slapped with fines, despite entering their car registration details.
Clare Turner

The kiosk unit boasts a prime location in the central atrium of Bedford's Harpur Centre

Central atrium kiosk at Bedford’s Harpur Centre available to rent

Sandy Heath Transmitter

Call to keep Sandy Heath Transmitter on air to ‘keep Bedfordshire safe’

Parent Karis Foley says Bromham Primary School’s decision to include branded polo tops as part of its uniform is not cost effective (Google Maps)

Parent's petition: 'Rethink branded polo tops as part of my child's uniform'

Food hygiene inspectors tell takeaway "some improvement necessary"

Bedfordshire Police spent over £1.5 million of taxpayer money on new uniforms in just three financial years

Bedfordshire Police splurged over £1.5m of our money on new uniforms

The former site of Clinton Cards (Picture: Kirkby Diamond)

Planning application goes into council for 24/7 adult gaming centre

Bedford Hospital

Most expensive NHS car parks revealed: Where does Bedford Hospital rank?

Chicken George’s Chickless Chicken Burger

Bedford's Chicken George makes top 10 list for best vegan chicken

The Saxon Centre, Kempston

Green light for new gym at the Saxon Centre in Kempston

The Mercedes-Benz dealership on Ampthill Road

End of an era as Mercedes looks set to leave Bedford after 40 years at site

The Broadway Vape shop

Two Bedford shop owners fined total of £19k for illegal vape sales

Morrisons' fuel sign and the till receipt (Pictures by: Mr S Singh)

Row erupts as fuel price at Bedford's Morrisons doesn't match driver's receipt

Moonface Records opens at the Harpur Centre on May 30

Moonface Records to open its first permanent store at Bedford’s Harpur Centre

Upgrade works have been carried out in Keysoe and Ravensden to future‑proof water supply for the area

£3.1m upgrade completed to future‑proof water supply for Keysoe and Ravensden

Owner of Premier Inn announces plans to cut nearly 4,000 jobs

File photo of fruit and vegetables (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Changes to holiday meal voucher scheme mean families may need to apply for help

Pictured from left are Martin Buck, Jim Watson, owner of Thirsty Records,, George Hogman, standing with his guide dog Stanton, and Jim Watson senior.

Special award recognises record shop for going ‘Above and Beyond’
A popular Bedford record store is celebrating after scooping a special award for exceptional customer service.
Olga Norford

Bedford's Topps Tiles, on the corner of Goldington Road and Shuttleworth Road

Bedford branch faces uncertain future as Topps Tiles to close 23 stores

Store Manager Lee Deason, Eva Kieruj, Sinthu Vasi and Lei Zhu cut the 'ribbon' with local schoolchildren.

Co-op store re-opens following major makeover

Bedford's famous Edwardian Arcade is to be sold at auction

Bedford’s historic Arcade to be sold at auction

Bedford mayor, Tom Wootton, has promised there will be no additional charge for residents to have their garden waste collected for the duration of this administration

It's official: Garden waste collection across Bedford to remain free - FOR NOW

Mohammad Yasin MP

MP meets with Queen's Park residents facing "eye-watering" service charges

Five fire engines are still currently in attendance on Bridgewater Close, Hapton.

Council tax rises coming as Bedfordshire Fire Service agrees to increase budget

Bedford Hospital

Bedford Hospital wrong to scrap operating theatre overtime pay, says union

Tapi Carpets have moved to new premises at the St John's Retail Park in Bedford

Carpet store relocates to new premises at Bedford’s St John’s Retail Park

The incident happened during routine works to replace old gas pipes

Gas supply cut to 120 homes in Wilstead following gas leak

Bedford Cat Cafe in Bedford's High Street

Bedford Cat Cafe defends decision to increase entry fee

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Maryam Moshiri will appear in Taskmaster’s New Year Treat after becoming known for a viral BBC News moment in which she was accidentally shown making a middle-finger gesture during a studio countdown.

Maryam Moshiri joins Taskmaster after cancer battle

Is a Sudden Stratospheric Warming about to deliver a massive cold snap in the UK? It could, but it’s not that simple.

Explainer Sudden stratospheric warming: What could it mean for the UK weather?

Kevin the Carrot and Chantenay launch a search for missing Cauli Dog in Aldi's 2026 Christmas advert.

Shoppers hail Aldi's Christmas advert 'the best' one - watch it here

A Ryanair flight from Madrid was caught up in Thursday’s disruption (photo by Jaime REINA / AFP via Getty Images)

Plane bomb threats: all flights and airports affected

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