The latest weekly coronavirus statistics for Bedford Borough have been published. The figures show that in the seven days up to February 14th:

• 1,396 people have been tested (595 fewer than the previous week)
• There were 312 Covid-19 cases (187 fewer than the previous week)
• The weekly positive cases per 100,000 population was 180 (down from 288 in the previous week)

As part of the 'Bugs and Bees' project, the Council is planting new hedgerows, wildflower meadows, and reducing grass cutting in areas of the Borough.

Just before Christmas, a new native hornbeam hedgerow was planted at Great Denham Sports Pavilion. This new hedgerow, alongside others in the Borough, will help support our local wildlife by providing shelter, foraging and nesting.

Thameslink are introducing a new reduced timetable from Monday 22nd February 2021.

The new timetable focuses on early morning, late evening, and peak time services. This smaller timetable should ensure that our trains are as reliable as possible for key workers and others who need to travel with us.

Bedford Borough Council is making the Test and Trace Support Payment available to more people and has increased the Support Payment to £700. This means this payment will cover the earnings of someone working full time on the Living Wage.

In Bedford Borough, an individual is eligible for a Test and Trace Support Payment if:

UpRising are running a free 6-month online Leadership Programme for any young people who live, work or study in Bedford Borough aged between 18 and 25.

What?

Join UpRising's free Leadership Programme and...

• Have your own mentor for support with personal and professional development for up to 12 months
• Meet like-minded young people who are interested in learning how to make social change
• Learn how to run a social action campaign with a group of friends and peers
• Meet leaders from across the UK at our exclusive talks. Our most recent events have included campaigner and activist Gina Martin, the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Sophie Howe and Rhodri Talfan Davies, BBC Director of Nations, among many others!

Starting this week, major improvement works are being carried out at St Peter's car park.

These works will see the entire car park resurfaced with some parts being rebuilt entirely, replacing the drainage system and making changes to the surface levels to help stop standing water, and relaying the kerbs with some upgrades to the pavement.

As part of LGBT+ History Month, The Higgins Bedford are once again hosting the OUTing the Past Festival on Saturday 20 February, inspired by this year's theme 'Body, Mind and Spirit'. A range of dynamic speakers will share the hidden histories and stories of the LGBT+ community, celebrating its diversity and raising awareness of the challenges that the community have encountered and continue to face today. This year will be the first time hosting a Virtual OUTing the Past Festival, offering the opportunity for wider accessibility for all of the community to join in.

Bedford Borough Council have announced plans to introduce a pilot of their School Street initiative around Cauldwell School in March 2021. The project will create a safer, more pleasant environment in the area around the school and help to improve air quality.

The School Street initiative will introduce a pedestrian, cycle and scoot only zone at the start and end of the school day, during term time only. School Streets have been introduced all over the country since 2015, with the Department for Transport encouraging their use during the Covid-19 pandemic to support active travel and social distancing.