To enable the Council to prioritise staff on essential duties at this extraordinary time, all of the Council's multi-storey car parks apart from Queens Street will be closed, until further notice.

With updated Government guidance around staying at home and increased pressure on Council services, the decision has now been made to completely close Lurke Street, River Street and Allhallows car parks until further notice.

Local businesses can apply for a business support grant via the Council's website if they meet the Government's qualifying criteria.

The Government has announced a range of grant funding for certain businesses affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Bedford Borough Council has set up an online form, enabling local businesses to apply for this money.

The Sports Development Team at Bedford Borough Council have launched a range of live online fitness classes to keep residents moving and promote wellbeing whilst at home.

Coaches who have for many years delivered sessions throughout the Borough will be offering daily gentle exercise classes at 9.35am with Jane and Marion, and Mindful Yoga sessions with Rachaell Monton.

Vulnerable people with a medical condition are encouraged to register for support during the coronavirus at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable

Residents can register themselves, or on behalf of someone else. Please think if you have a friend/family member/neighbour who is not online who would need help to register.

Bedford Borough Council has closed all play areas, effective immediately, to minimise the spread of coronavirus.

This closure includes all play areas including those in parks, multi-use games areas, skateparks and outdoor gym equipment. Signs will be put in place at all play parks.

Councillor Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment said "Surfaces such as in children's play areas present a significant risk to the spread of coronavirus. To reduce the spread of coronavirus and reduce the risk of the virus being passed on we have reluctantly taken the decision to close these high contact areas. The Council is keeping our parks open at the moment, to give people space to walk, exercise and to help their mental wellbeing and we really recognise the value of these spaces. We would urge people to follow the Government's social distancing guidelines when using their local park; stay away from other people for yours and their safety. "

Community groups, charities, schools, parish councils and others are invited to apply for grant funding from Bedford Borough Council Mayor's Climate Change Fund.

The Mayor's Climate Change Fund will provide 50% match funding from £5,000 up to £20,000 for community projects that will contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions within Bedford Borough.

Volunteers from Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats are delivering a special FOCUS leaflet giving contact details and useful websites for those that need further information and/or advice regarding the Coronavirus.