We are now less than a week away from the start of Great Big Green Week across the UK and here in Bedford Borough. The Great Big Green Week will run between 18-26th September.

There are a number of events happening across the Borough from plant stalls, garden tours, wellbeing walks, recycling, sustainable transport and online debates to a Green Earth Vegan Fair and Made in Bedford's September Market. You can see a list at https://www.greatbiggreenweekbedford.co.uk/eventsandactivities.

Today sees the start of Bedfordshire Walking Festival, which runs until 19th September.

Thirty walks of differing variety and distance have been planned across the county to showcase the wonderful landscape on our doorstep.

To find out more please visit https://www.bedswalkfest.co.uk/walking-festival-2021.

This morning Bedford Borough Council held a ceremonial event at Borough Hall to mark 999 Day and pay tribute to the people who work for Bedford Borough's emergency services.

The Council were joined by partners from the East of England Ambulance Service, Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue, Bedfordshire Police, Midshires Search & Rescue, the MP for Bedford & Kempston and the High Sheriff.

• 9.30am to 10.15am (Balance Bike)
• 10.30am to 11.15am (Balance Bike)
• 11.30am to 12.30pm (Scooter)

Every day, millions of people across the UK are making a difference by volunteering.

Each year, outstanding examples of this work are celebrated through the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS). Created in 2002 for the Queen's Golden Jubilee, QAVS awards have been shining a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups for many years.

Welcome to my 2021 Borough-wide survey.

I am keen to get a good idea of views from across the Borough, so please do take a moment to complete it.

If you would like to keep up-to-date with my activities and news from across the Borough, you can sign up to my weekly email here.

Bedford Borough Council is offering free taxi rides to local residents to and from Bedford Borough vaccination sites.

Cost of travel and ease of access can be a barrier to people and the Council is working to make it as easy as possible for people to get their Coronavirus vaccination.

People can book their vaccination via the NHS booking system at www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine, or go to a drop-in centre in Bedford Borough including Bedford Heights or a number of local pharmacies. You can see an up-to-date list of drop in centres at www.blmkccg.nhs.uk/drop-in.

Bedford Borough Council is asking landlords to get in touch if they have any empty properties available to let in the coming weeks.

The Council, along with local authorities around the country, will be looking to support and resettle those who have fled Afghanistan through the Government's Afghanistan Citizens' Resettlement Scheme.