Thousands of students set to return to Bedford town centre next month as lockdown restrictions ease

From March 8, essential shops and services in Bedford town centre can welcome back thousands of students, school and college staff.

The Bedford College Group, which includes the riverside campus and The Bedford Sixth Form, will be back on that date with young people looking to enjoy their freedom.

Together with other schools in Bedford - and parents back on the school run - this will mean vital visitors into the otherwise empty centre.

A spokesman for BedfordBID said: “We are looking forward to welcoming back staff and students who are a very important customer base Monday to Friday, now more than ever."

Yesterday, the Prime Minister said non-essential retail would reopen no earlier than April 12. However, businesses in Bedford have been selling online throughout the long lockdown.

Several hair and beauty salons have launched their own websites and restaurants have adapted their menus and shops have also gone online.

For example, Jan of Charisma in the Edwardian Arcade has kept her shop window up to date for 2021 - and next door, her son Jedd, has been busy online with his memorabilia from Rewind.

Links to all the new ways to buy in Bedford - click and collect, delivery and takeaway - can be found here