Public service leaders from across Bedfordshire have urged people to continue playing their part in halting the spread of coronavirus as the county moves into more local restrictions.

From Wednesday Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Luton moved into tier two restrictions, having spent the past month in the national lockdown.

Bedford Borough Council's Executive is set to produce a Food Strategy as it continues its fight against food inequality and poverty across the Borough.

At a Full Council meeting last night, following an amendment by Liberal Democrat Councillor Michael Headley, there was overwhelming support for a motion calling on the Council's Executive to produce a Food Strategy to address food inequality, recognising the considerable work the council has undertaken, the increased activity during the pandemic and the need to build on the work already happening, focussing on those with the greatest need and addressing issues including sustainability and public health.

This Christmas, Bedford Borough Council in partnership with Love Bedford have set up a festive Christmas Trail across Bedford Town Centre.

Starting on Friday 4 December, the Christmas Trail lets families explore the town centre to find the twelve Christmas characters that have been hidden in the windows of some of your favourite town centre businesses.

Today, December 1st, is World AIDS Day, and Bedford Borough Council has lit up Bedford's historic town bridge in red to mark the occasion.

World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day.

Bedford Borough Mayor Dave Hodgson has today announced the winner of his Christmas card competition.

Over 200 entries were received from young people from across the Borough with many schools and home-schooled children taking part.

The winning design was from Priya from Camestone School. Priya's design with candles and baubles also included the 'stay safe' message which has been so important this year.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey has slammed the Government for failing to build a plan to "bring the virus under control and keep people safe" and warned that Ministers must address growing concerns before his Party can vote for the new system.

In a letter to the Prime Minister ahead of the vote on the new measures in Parliament, the Liberal Democrat leader made clear that "without the assurances the public need" the Liberal Democrats "cannot in all conscience vote for this plan."

UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) is an annual event that serves as a platform to focus on the history of people living with a disability and their struggle for equality and human rights. It raises awareness of the history of inequalities people with disabilities have encountered and continue to face today.

The latest weekly coronavirus statistics for Bedford Borough have been published. Presented once again in easy-to-read infographic form, the figures show that in the seven days up to November 22nd:

• 1,846 people have been tested (70 more than the previous week)
• There were 223 Covid-19 cases (68 fewer than the previous week)
• The weekly positive cases per 100,000 population was 128.7 (down from 167.9 in the previous week)