In the Stix

Odell Bridleway Bridge Closed

Bedford Borough Council has been forced to close the foot/bridleway outside the mill in Odell for safety reasons. Following an inspection, the bridge has been found to be unsafe for public use. It is currently unclear who owns the bridge. The bridge will remain closed until the owner has been identifi ed and repairs have been made.

Councillor Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said, “I appreciate the frustration closing this connection will cause but we must put public safety fi rst.”

The bridge carries users from Mill Lane towards the western tip of Felmersham ward along bridleway eight.

New Winter Menu at Emmaus

The popular café at Emmaus Village Carlton, em’s Bistro, has launched a new menu with cooked breakfasts, tasty jacket potatoes and warming soups to keep out the winter chill. Their usual selection of delicious cakes can also be enjoyed with a hot drink, along with a range of baguettes, baps or sausage rolls.

Em’s Bistro is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-4pm with all proceeds supporting the work of Emmaus Village Carlton. Extend your visit by browsing the Home Store, Bric a Brac and Boutique shops where you will fi nd quality second hand bargains. Every penny spent at Emmaus goes back into the charity which works to end homelessness.

Find a Warm Space Near You

A Warm Spaces Network has been launched with over 40 locations across Bedford Borough o ering a warm welcome, free hot drinks and activities for people of all ages without any cost.

Locally, warm spaces can be found at Bromham Baptist Church on Mondays 9-5pm, The Fellowship Centre in Clapham on Tuesdays 1-4pm, Great Denham Community Hall on Thursdays 10-12pm, St Peter’s Church in Sharnbrook on Wednesdays 9-6pm, The Giddy Goat Co ee Shop in Riseley on Mondays 10-12pm and Stevington Church from Monday to Saturday at various times. Bedford Library can also be used as a warm space during its opening hours.

Cllr Louise Jackson, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, said, “We are grateful to all volunteers for their enthusiastic and positive commitment, which is helping so many of our residents. As a Council, we are committed to keep everyone warm and well this winter.”

For an up-to-date list of warm spaces and contact details, visit www.bedford.gov.uk

An Update on Bromham Mill

Following a public exhibition and consultation period, Bromham Parish Council has now submitted a planning application for the regeneration of Bromham Mill.

The plans include the provision of a gallery and museum, well-being centre and small retail units at the site with The Mill Coffee Shop relocating to the listed front barn. The application also includes improved vehicle and pedestrian movement throughout the site and additional parking spaces. A number of amendments were made to the plans as a result of the exhibition feedback, including the provision of electric charging spaces, improved cycle storage and an enhanced play park. The aim is to transform Bromham Mill into an exciting community facility and visitor attraction.

Get Around for £2

Bedford Borough Council has welcomed a government scheme to provide affordable bus travel to residents with a £2 bus fare cap in the new year.

The Department for Transport (DfT) led scheme, which encourages people to ‘get around for £2’, runs from 1 January to 31 March 2023 with all adult single fares capped at £2 and all return fares capped at £4 on bus services operated by participating companies. In Bedford Borough, Stagecoach and Uno have signed up for the scheme. The Stagecoach Bedford to Kettering service runs through Clapham, Oakley, Radwell, Felmersham, Milton Ernest and Sharnbrook.

Councillor Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “Swapping car journeys for bus trips helps to reduce the number of cars in our town and city centres, reducing congestion, cutting emissions and improving the environment. With these discounted fares, I would encourage residents to give it a go and get around for £2 this winter.”

For bus routes and timetables visit

www.bedford.gov.uk

Post Office Services in Blunham

The Post Office is trialling Drop & Collect, a lighter format Post Office branch, in Blunham Supermarket.

Blunham Supermarket, which is located on the High Street, will be offering limited Post Office services from a handheld device giving customers access to prepaid parcel collections and returns along with bill payments.

A wider range of Post Office services will remain available from the nearby branches at Great Barford and Sandy. The latest branch information can be found at www.postoffice.co.uk

Do you have some village news to share?

Email jacqui@bedslifemagazine.co.uk Copy deadline for the March issue is 10 February