Today local councils in Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes and the NHS are joining together to thank our #EverydayHeroes who are supporting communities during this national crisis.

The social media campaign is to recognise all the unsung workers, helpers and volunteers doing their part during the fight against COVID-19.

Today would normally be the annual 'Silly Sock Day' fundraiser for Autism Bedfordshire, where people are encouraged to wear silly socks to work in return for a donation.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said "Most people, including myself, are currently working from home to help stop the spread of Coronavirus and help the NHS get this pandemic under control. However, I am still wearing silly socks today and making a donation to Autism Bedfordshire who are even busier than useful with a number of those they supporting suffering from increased anxiety at the moment."

As you may have already heard this year's River Festival has been postponed until 17 and 18 July 2021.

Mayor Dave Hodgson has made a short video explaining the reasons why the River Festival and the Kite and Motoring Festivals have been postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. You can see the video here.

Bedford Borough Council's Trading Standards team are warning people to remain vigilant, following reports of coronavirus-related scams as unscrupulous criminals try to exploit people's fears.

In Bedfordshire, the sale of counterfeit goods such as hand sanitiser and fake coronavirus tests has been reported; there is currently no such legitimate test available for sale. Beware of people selling counterfeit goods such as sanitisers, face masks, or coronavirus swabbing kits online or door-to-door; these products are very likely to be ineffective and could be unsafe to use.

Following Government instructions for slowing the spread of COVID-19, works by contractors on Britannia Road will be halted as soon as the site can be made safe.

The next phase of works on Britannia Road involves tasks where social distancing measures cannot be fully followed. To ensure the safety of everyone on site, the decision has been made to temporarily close until work can safely resume. Council staff and contractors are completing these 'closing' works in line with Government guidance on social distancing.

The Council's Community Hub has, this week, started issuing emergency basic food parcels.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said "I would like to thank all the volunteers who have helped us put these food parcels together and delivered them to those residents that need them."

If you are in need, or are able to volunteer please let the Council at https://www.bedford.gov.uk/social-care-health-and-community/public-health/coronavirus/coronavirus-community-hub/ or call on 01234 718101

Henderson & Taylor have put together a video showing the works on the A6 Wilstead Bypass were carried out.

You can see the video here.

Bedford Borough Council is working to offer local residents help with their Council Tax, for those who are struggling financially because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Council has a 100% Council Tax Reduction Scheme in place; this means that those with the lowest incomes already do not pay any Council Tax.