Biggleswade United came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with newly-promoted Baldock Town at Second Meadow on Saturday.

The hosts almost enjoyed the perfect start as inside two minutes Rafe Goodman’s low free-kick left Baldock keeper Adam Harpur scrambling to retrieve the ball he initially spilt before Joe Gauge had stab home the rebound.

Eventually learning their lines, the away side swiftly found themselves on the attack. Kim Forsythe fired in a fierce left-footed effort from distance headed for Ollie Leslie’s top left corner but the keeper was equal to it as he tipped over.

He would later profit from a disastrous defensive error by Joe Gauge, who tamely attempted to head the ball back to Leslie unaware that Forsythe was lurking and ready to latch onto the loose ball and send it looping into the net.

Presented with the chance to execute a successful lob of his own and restore parity in the process, Sam Holmes wasn’t as clinical when arriving onto Dave Parkinson ball as he skied it over the bar.

Martin made two change at the break with Ieuan Lewis and Joe Hankins replacing Joe Gauge and Liam Andrews.

Yet he almost saw his team 2-0 down within minutes as Leslie did very well to divert a header off a dangerous free-kick.

The resulting corner was headed clear and soon picked up by Parkinson, whose route to goal seemed increasingly clearer the longer he stretched his legs as he surged through the midfield into the offensive third before composing himself in the penalty area and slotting home for 1-1.

United sought to complete the turnaround and were agonisingly close to doing so when Kane Farrell expertly found Holmes to the left of the box and his shot destined for the far, bottom corner somehow came back of the post. Meanwhile Zach Decker’s header was stopped superbly by Leslie from point-blank range.

Dylan Logan entered the fray in place of Holmes he was frustrated by the woodwork as his strike from 25 yards out cracked off the crossbar.

United now look forward to renewing their FA Vase journey at London Lions on Saturday. They host Barton Rovers in the North Beds Charity Cup on Tuesday.

1 MUSIC
Unicorn Ceilidh, St Mary’s Hall, Baldock, September 14
The Hosepipe Band have been playing for more than 30 years with various personnel changes, and are hugely experienced at playing for dancers. Barry has called with most of the top UK bands at many festivals, and is nationally respected as a caller and musician.
www.unicornceilidhs.org.uk
2 MUSIC
The Underdogs, DC/73 and Lars Pluto, The Red Lion, Biggleswade, September 14-16
The Underdogs will kick off a weekend of music with the five piece band playing classic rock and blues. AC/DC tribute act DC/73 will be performing on the Saturday night, with country rock from Lars Pluto.

3 COMEDY
Comedy night, Potton and District Club, September 14
This will be a night of music and comedy with a performance by Mark Nolan and former EastEnders star Ricky Grover. There will be an afterparty with Simon Baker. Tickets for the event are £15.
www.pottonclub.co.uk
4 MUSIC
Jane McDonald, Milton Keynes Theatre, September 14
This is an evening with the singer, a former X Factor winner, and her band delivering a knock out production. It will be packed with plenty of music and lots of laughter.
www.atgtickets.co.uk/miltonkeynes
5 THEATRE
The Height of the Storm, Cambridge Arts Theatre, until September 15
André and Madeleine have been in love for over 50 years. This weekend, as their daughters visit, something feels unusual. A bunch of flowers arrives, but who sent them? A woman from the past turns up, but who is she? And why does André feel like he isn’t there at all? The Height of the Storm has been described as a beautifully compelling family drama. Dame Eileen Atkins and Jonathan Pryce will star in the show.
www.cambridgeartstheatre.co.uk
6 MUSIC
100 Ft Drop, The Rose, Biggleswade, September 15
100 Ft Drop are a five-piece indie band. They have been described as an exhilarating band who will get the audience captivated, dancing and singing along with hits and anthems from the off. Entrance is free.

7 MUSIC
Nathan Carter and his Band, Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage September 15
Nathan performs an array of original songs and covers which show the tone and range of his vocal ability which, on occasion, emotes clearly his own passion for the songs and what being Irish means to him. He recently appeared on The One Show and is fast getting a big name reputation in this country as well as his native Ireland.
www.gordon-craig.co.uk
8 THEATRE
The Full Monty, Cambridge Arts Theatre, September 17-22
The production about six out-of-work, impoverished steelworkers from Sheffield with nothing to lose took the world by storm and has become one of Britain’s most successful shows. Based on the smash hit film and adapted for the stage by Oscar-winning writer Simon Beaufoy, this hilarious and heartfelt production has received standing ovations every night. Gary Lucy stars as Gaz with an ensemble cast including Andrew Dunn, Louis Emerick and Kai Owen.
www.cambridgeartstheatre.co.uk
9 THEATRE
War Horse, Milton Keynes Theatre, September 19-October 6
At the outbreak of World War One, Joey, young Albert’s beloved horse, is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France. He’s soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary journey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man’s land. Albert, who remained on his parents’ Devon farm, cannot forget Joey. Though still not old enough to enlist he embarks on a mission to find him and bring him home.
www.atgtickets.co.uk/miltonkeynes
10 THEATRE
Puppetry of the Penis, Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage, September 20
This brand new show brings you a collection of all of their greatest bits. This is part of a tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary since the show first hit the stage.
www.gordon-craig.co.uk

With Ickwell & Old Warden sitting the afternoon out the Premier Division supported by Sportsform table is now headed by AFC Oakley M&DH who retained their 100% record by winning 4-0 at Sharnbrook. Nathan O’Halloran, Hai Wood, Carl Warner and Ali Smith netted the goals to do the damage.

Two points adrift of them in second spot and yet to concede a goal are last season’s champions Shefford Town & Campton who ran out 3-0 home winners over AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College. Lee Harman with a brace and Ryan Dobson were on their scoresheet.

In third place now having played a game less than the top two are Cranfield United who were 6-0 winners at Renhold United. Ivan Otono led the way with a hat-trick, Courtney Broughton netting twice and Niall Jones the once. Also enjoying life on the road were fifth place Flitwick Town who won 2-1 at Wilstead. Dom Collins and Luke Finnie were on their scoresheet against a lone reply via Glen Tumulty.

Elsewhere there was a first win of the season for Crawley Green Reserves, 2-1 at home over Wootton Blue Cross, Sam Peverall and Tim Akerele seeing their goals only replied to once by Antony Wright for the Blue Cross.

Whilst both Marston Shelton Rovers and Caldecote are still looking for their opening wins of the campaign after sharing the points in a 1-1 draw at Weston Park, Peter Kerr netting for the Rovers and Carl Heath replying for the visitors.

Still awaiting their first victory are Stevington who had to settle for a share of the spoils from a 3-3 home draw against Queens Park Crescents. Kieran Souter, Ben Walsh and Joe Holyoak found the back of the net for the home side against Crescents replies via Chisom Amadi twice and Daniel Rasol once.

Division One supported by O’Neills.

The leadership of Division One supported by O’Neills is now in the hands of Shefford Town & Campton Reserves following their 4-2 victory at Cople & Bedford SA. Adam Larsen with a brace was joined on the Town scoresheet by single goals from Jack Dreyer and Louis Brandham against a home brace in reply from Ollie Hughes.

Just goal difference behind them in second spot are Cranfield United Reserves who were 3-1 home winners over Wilstead Reserves - Jordan Conway netting twice and Joe Bygraves once against an own goal via David Adderson in reply.

The only other home win of the day went to Bedford Albion who beat The 61 FC Luton Reserves 3-1. Adam Lewis with a brace and Paul Babbington put them 3-0 up at the break before Yveslin Euguene netted for the 61 in the second period.

The remaining four fixtures all went the way of the visitors. For Henlow, with a hat-trick from Luke Hills, it was a 3-0 victory at Farley Boys, whilst Christians in Sport won 3-1 at Sandy. Joe Anderson, Jamie Nolan and Ryan Douglas grabbed the goals against a lone home reply from David Smith.

Also scoring three on the road were Wixams who won 3-2 at Flitwick Town Reserves. Gareth White, Max Natola and Jake Dawson saw their strikes being replied to by a brace from Town’s Sam Johnson. Last season’s champions Totternoe Reserves won 4-3 at Biggleswade FC Reserves. Adam Worthington with a brace joined on the Totts scoresheet by Josh Langials and Josh Wilson against home replies via Michael Simpson, George Holman and Benat Pena.

Division Two

Sitting on top of Division Two ware Atletico Europa who won 3-1 at AFC Oakley M&DH Reserves. Moses Gilson with a brace and a strike from Paddy Alimanji were being replied to once by Sahr Kanda for the home side. In second spot are Meltis Albion who lost their 100% ways when held to a 1-1 draw at Elstow Abbey. Jason Harrison netting for the Abbey and Sean Canavan replying for the Albion.

In third spot are Clifton who won 4-0 at Unite MK Reserves. Joe Warboys with a brace was joined on their scoresheet by single goals from Liam Phillips and Ryan Parker, whilst fourth place is taken up by St Josephs ( Saturday) the 1-0 winners at Luton Leagrave AFC all thanks to a goal from Kieran Doherty.

The highest scorers of the day were FC Kokan who ran out 6-5 home winners over Marston Shelton Rovers Reserves. Delvydas Kilikicius led the way with a hat-trick and was joined on their scoresheet by single goals from Steven O’Donnell, Fazin Khan and Simonas Viverkos against Rovers replies via a Lorenzo Jordan hat-trick plus single goals for Kieran Day and Carl Borromeo.

Elsewhere both Kempston Athletic and Sporting Lewsey Park went nap in gaining home victories. The Athletic 5-1 over Black Swan thanks to four goals from Craig Damon and a single strike from Daniel Mattin against a lone Swan reply via Ashley Gardener and the Park ran out 5-2 winners over Sundon Park Rovers. Jonno Barnett with a brace as joined on their scoresheet by Luke Lincoln, Mano Langlais and Chris Gibson against Rovers strikes from Ryan Gowans and Jamel Matthews.

For Houghton Athletic it was a 1-1 home draw against CS Rovers, Cosmin Miron netting for the Athletic and Chris McSwiggan for the Rovers.

Division Three

Pines (Luton) lead Division Three after a 6-0 home win over Shefford Town & Campton A thanks to a Nathan Miller brace and single goals from Warren Stephenson, Garry Duncan, Ryan Smith and Scott Berry. Just goal difference behind them in second spot are Wixam Wanderers the 2-1 home winners over Thurleigh, Michael France netting both goals against a lone reply from Bradley Raines.

In third having played a game less are the still 100% Stevington Reserves who netted the only away win of the day 3-0 at Flitwick Town A thanks to a brace from Dom Marino and a single goal for Liam Dixon.

Whilst in fourth place are FC Polonia (Luton) the 2-0 home winners over Lidlington United Sports thanks to goals from Mateusz Krupczak and Igor Zieba.

The game of the day for goals came at Woodlands which saw Bedford Albion Reserves and Real Haynes share the points in a 5-5 draw. Craig Ford with a brace plus single strikes from Jan Bucur, Gary Townsend and Adam Wodecki brought up the Albion nap hand against visiting replies via Billy Flack twice, an own goal and single strikes from Tyler Winter and Josh Brown.

There was also a high scoring draw at 3-3 for hosts Square against Sandy Reserves. Harry Stapleton-Chater with a brace and a Tom Foster penalty were on the home scoresheet against Sandy replies via Aaron Seldon, Jack Webb and Charlie Roberts.

Whilst Wootton Village claimed their first win of the season with a 3-2 home victory over Harlington Juniors. Aqeeb Hanif with a brace and Nick Burraway on their scoresheet against replies via Lui Tomlinson and Addi Martins.

A scintillating second half performance saw Biggleswade FC maintain their early lead at the top of the SSML with a 3-1 win at local rivals Potton United.

Potton enjoyed a half time advantage but a quality second half performance saw FC clear winners, despite having Pat McCafferty dismissed in the closing moments.

It was Potton who started the brighter and enjoyed the most possession. In the first minute Ross Tompkins was called upon to make a double save from Bamford. United always looked dangerous from set pieces, a Jonny Hall corner was headed wide by Sage and Bamford headed over from close range.

The home side deservedly took the lead on 19 minutes when Sage’s his inch perfect ball found Ryan Lewis who slotted past Tompkins from 12 yards.

The Royals now had their tails up. Danny Webb danced past a number of half-hearted challenges down the centre of the pitch before driving well over.

FC levelled six minutes after the restart as Alex Marsh crashed a fine header into the roof of the net. 

The turnaround was complete on 58 minutes. Conor Inskip shrugged off a couple of challenges and his through pass was perfect for Marsh who sprung the offside trap. Tyler Josephs forced him wide, but Marsh showed great vision to pick out Tom Coles and he arrowed a first time finish into the net.

The goal of the game came on 64 minutes. Michael Carroll, Lawrie Marsh, Conor Inskip, Pat McCafferty and Alex Marsh were all involved as a classy move was constructed from left to right. Marsh cut inside from the right and spotted the run of Lee Northfield. He closed in on goal but, even under pressure from the Potton defence, he managed to slide the ball past Josephs into the left hand corner.

Credit to Potton who kept trying to get back into the game.  A lovely give and go between Gareth Hunt and Danny Webb saw the latter drive dangerously across the box and a looping goal-bound effort was well dealt with by Tompkins.

Substitute Tom Cookman blazed high alate on before the visitors were reduced to ten men.  Pat McCafferty was booked earlier in the game and his earlier misdemeanour would cost him as the referee reached for his book again for a second yellow when he fouled a Potton player on their right hand side.

Potton host CB Hounslow United in the FA Vase on Saturday.

FC are without a game this weekend but play Bedford FC in the North Beds Charity Cup at McMullen Park on Tuesday.

Arlesey grabbed a winner deep into injury time at home to Bedfordshire rivals Leighton Town on Saturday.

With so many player and club connections this game was always liable to be keenly contested.

Leighton started strongly, pushing forward from the kick off, and Lewis McBride attacked winning a corner that Dave Murphy headed just over the bar.

Just a minute later Alex O’Brian dispossessed Phil Payne in the centre and ran through, firing off a good shot that brought a good save out of Robbie Ponting.

An Arlesey free kick was well met with a towering header from James Hatch but it was straight at the keeper.

However the move of the game can on 19 minutes. James Hatch played a ball out to Ash Fuller and in a move from the training ground he cut in and pulled a pass back along the edge of the box to Aarron Browne who slid the ball into the net.

Arlesey were now starting to impose themselves; Demi Debola made one of his surging runs from the back, beating two defenders, but his shot was wide.

The second half started with a good shot from Lorrell Smith that forced a good save from Wyant and an Arlesey free kick saw a shot from Fuller that pulled another save from the keeper.

A really good shot from O’Brien saw Ponting pull off the best save of the day as he stretched and pushed it around the post for a corner. However from this Kelvin Osei Adue had an easy free header as he lost his marker to head home and make it 1-1 on 55 minutes.

In the 70th minute Junior Muya went down injured and a stretcher was called as the game stopped for the Arlesey physio to pop his displaced knee cap back into place.

The breakthrough came in the 93rd minute as sub Ricky Lawrence pulled back at the far post and headed back across the goal, this may have gone in but Lorrell Smith showed his predatory instincts and headed it over the line from close range for the winner.

Next up Arlesey start in the FA Vase v Irchester at home.

Let’s start with a number – 36,000. That’s the number of people that have watched via twitter the goal scored by David Parkinson against Baldock Town. A brilliant effort and as good a goal as you will see in any standard of football.

A superb solo effort that saw him running more than three quarters the length of the pitch, beating and leaving defenders trailing in his wake.

I mention it because we have around 40,000 followers on Twitter a hugely impressive figure for a club of our size.

We currently have a total of 63,233 followers on all platforms, comprising Twitter (39,500), YouTube (17,370), Facebook (5,229), Instagram (1,134) and this should have increased by a few thousand today following a giveaway on our instagram with our main sponsors Top Eleven.

And with interest comes profile and the possibility of making us so much more attractive and marketable to potential partners. In truth today football is about so much more than just the match itself but also all the other things that are linked with it.

We live in a world where it is not merely about supporters, per se, but also ‘followers’. There are neither physical, nor geographical boundaries to following a club like Biggleswade United and I know we have people who watch us from as far afield as Spain, the USA and Australia.

Our home matches can be watched by our followers, online, anywhere on the planet. The Spanish - as they normally do - have a phrase for it. “The world, is a handkerchief,” they say.

We would like to find sponsors that can be seen throughout these broadcasts with publicity that can be used in breaks or at half time, and we will be doing whatever we can to bring them on board.

Obviously our main target market is local businesses but also those further afield that can see the benefits of a slightly ‘left field’ advertising campaign that supports a lower league side that whatever it may lack in size, more than makes up for it in ambition.

Anyone interested in joining us on our journey can contact us at: gareth.davies@biggleswadeunited.com

But of course it is fundamentally all about the game and on Saturday we visit London Lions in the FA Vase. We entertain Barton Rovers on Tuesday in the North Beds Charity Cup. See you there.

So this is what it feels like to be Spidey?

Every now and then a game comes along that is hyped up beyond belief BUT manages to actually live up to it.

Well that’s 16 hours of my life I will never get back... which is only a shame because I would give anything to relive every brilliant, thrilling moment of it all over again.

That. In a nutshell. Is how sumptuously brilliant Insomniac’s PS4 exclusive Marvel’s Spider-Man is.

Imagine some of the best elements of Grand Theft Auto, Assassin’s Creed and Crackdown but with your favourite superhero and his super spidey powers at your beck and call and you will be getting some way to knowing just how good this openworld sensation truly is.

The storyboard springs you straight into the action and swinging your way around the city is simply breathtaking.

The sense of freedom and speed married with the amazing design and graphics makes this not only great to play but also watch!

The combat is super quick and slick and ridiculously satisfying.

The crowning achievement of the combat system comes when you get to showcase your ever sharpened skills in superb boss battles and pivotal story moments.

As I mentioned this is a game that is so good it is actually nearly as enjoyable to watch as it is to play and much of that is down to the exquisite cinematic presentation we come to expect from Marvel movies and products.

There is so much to do and such variety that the 16 or so hours it took me to complete Spider-Man literally flew by faster than one of his melee attacks.

There are some elements of grind, particularly in some of the optional side activities which are a touch monotonous and feel a bit like padding. But as I say these are optional so don’t interfere with the overall experience.

As with any superhero game some of the combat animations and takedowns can become repetitive - see the Batman titles for example - but again in the grand scheme of things I would consider that nit-picking.

For a first effort on a Marvel franchise, Insomniac has absolutely smashed it. Like a big kid I actually got such a buzz being Spider-man swinging and webbing my way through New York.

But just as important is how expertly the developers handled the life of Peter Parker.

This is an utterly fulfilling thrill ride which is simply one of the must play games of the year for 2018. It also lays the perfect foundation for what could become - like the Batman games - a long-running franchise.

A Shefford man has been jailed for eight months and disqualified from driving for two years after driving dangerously during a police pursuit.

Harry Webb, of New Road, was also convicted of possession of class B drugs.

Webb was spotted doing around 60mph in a 30mph zone at 11.55pm on the High Street, Arlesey on 15 July. When officers followed him and turned on their blue lights, Webb failed to stop and was pursued to Stotfold, Henlow, Meppershall and Shillington.

PC Chris Thompson, who led the pursuit, said: “Webb crossed onto the opposite side of the road multiple times and went the wrong way around a roundabout. He had no regard for any other motorists or pedestrians that may have been around.

“When he went back through Meppershall, he made a hard left turn onto Fildyke Road and clipped the kerb on the other side of the road, which caused a puncture to his front tyre. Even then he didn’t slow down and was weaving through parked cars until the front offside tyre of the vehicle started to come off the rim. At this point I was able to drive in front of him and he stopped.

“We are very pleased Webb has been given a prison sentence as it was very lucky no one was injured as a result of his recklessness.”

Webb was also convicted of failing to stop for police and was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Friday (7 September).

In a close game which could have gone either way Biggleswade finally lost their opening league match by 17-33 to old county rivals Stockwood Park in Midlands 3 East (South).

It was a game where the lead swopped hands several times. it was the hosts who had the final say with two tries in the last quarter with the last one coming with just seconds left on the clock.

Biggleswade had a new look with six players making their league debut for the Club including three in the pack.

They all had their moments with Jake Deveraux and Tom Seabrook both catching the eye.

Jake Deveraux teaming up with Sam Watson in the second row contributed to the powerhouse in the tight.

But it was around the park that he was most noticeable often being the first receiver in the pack pod.

Tom Seabrook originally from Scotland but for some bizarre reason is called “Welsh” by his team mates filled the key role of fly-half. He distributed the ball well and made some important strategic kicks.

Stockwood scored first with a converted try under the posts after securing ball from a line out five metres out.

But Biggleswade quickly struck back with a superb effort from Jacob Grabowski.

Biggleswade had re-started well and were deep in Park land when the Polish winger received the ball. He twisted and spun through the packed Stockwood defence to score near the uprights.

Eliot Tunstall added the conversion. He also put over a penalty from thirty-five metres out.

Leading ten-seven at the break but having had the advantage of the strong breeze, this lead looked very slender.

Stockwood Park were soon back in front at the start of the second half. The inexperience in the centre pairing was noticed by club legend Mike Williams no stranger to three-quarter plays.

The result was an overlap out wide of which Stockwood took full advantage.

But Biggleswade had another ace up their sleeve and bounced back with a try from centre Tom Flather powering down the wing and rounding under the posts. Tom has averaged over a try a game since finishing at university and is a real asset in the mid-field.

The squad which played Stockwood Park was Jimmy Caulfield (Captain), Sacha Heath, Kyle Loan, Jake Deveraux, Sam Watson, Christie Smith, Gareth Rutt, Michael Haddow, Zac Pates, Tome Seabrook, Gavin Taylor, Tom Flather, Delholm Tribeck, Jacob Grabowski, Eliot Tunstall, Arron Pickering, Matthew Cowley, Christopher Simmons.

Footnote. In last week’s report it was said that Biggleswade’s ex-coach had taken players with him to Enfield Ignatians his new club. This is not correct as the players asked to go with him of their own accord. Apologies for this error.

This week Biggleswade travel to Leicestershire to play Birstall for the first time ever Last season Birstall was in Midlands 3 East (North) finishing mid-table winning and losing the same number of games.

The side which should have come into Biggleswade’s league along with Stamford is Pinley.

But Pinley RFC is in Coventry so the opportunity has been taken by the RFU to move Birstall into Midlands 3 East (South) where they should be in geographical terms.

Residents in parts of Biggleswade and Tempsford could be breathing a sigh of relief as large-scale housing plans have come under the scrutiny of the Planning Inspectorate.

The areas were set to be swamped by new homes as part of Central Bedfordshire Council’s Local Plan, which allocates future housing growth.

But, even before the document has been aired in public, an inspector has picked holes in several issues relating to it.

These include the reasoning behind some areas being earmarked for homes, and other issues, such as the local authority not having a ‘statement of common ground’ agreement with Luton Borough Council.

The Inspector’s role is to consider what is known as the soundness of the Local Plan before holding a public inquiry.

The foreword to the draft Local Plan quoted Cllr Nigel Young, saying: “Our plan has always been about more than planning just for homes and jobs. It’s about creating communities.”

The council included a series of large developments as an appendix as locations for future growth, including Biggleswade and Tempsford, according to Independent Potton councillor Adam Zerny.

He describes the Local Plan as “chaotic”, and says the council has “very quietly backed down on a significant housebuilding pledge”.
“It was completely inappropriate to include these sites when the council acknowledged it did not have the full reports required for these locations,” he said.

The inspector has now said: “Given these sites are not allocated or within a policy, their inclusion on the policies map appears unjustified and the weight that could be given to them in development management decisions unclear.”

The Inspector also comments that Natural England has raised “significant outstanding concerns” over “a lack of proper assessment of the impacts of development”.

And he noted that Highways England has concerns the Local Plan is “not sufficiently detailed to understand their (new homes) full effect on the operation of key junctions on the strategic road network”.

In its initial response, posted on its website, the council says: “The inconsistency of identifying these locations for future growth spatially on the Policy Maps, despite the fact that they are not linked to a policy, is noted.

“And so it is proposed that any future revision will remove them, and just retain Appendix 7 of The Local Plan for reference. “The rationale for including these locations is to provide absolute transparency for residents and stakeholders of our intention to look further at these when planning for additional growth as part of the partial plan review.”

On its duty to co-operate, the council says: “Further meetings have been scheduled with Luton Borough Council in order to resolve outstanding issues and agree a ‘statement of common ground’.

Councillor Zerny said: “This means Central Bedfordshire Council is now backing-down on a significant point and removing the huge housing sites at Tempsford and Biggleswade from its Appendix.

“The council states it’s working with Highways England, Natural England and Luton Borough Council, and is hoping to provide more information on why certain sites were selected and others were not.

“I am not surprised to see the inspector making these points,” he added. “After all, this is exactly what we were saying at the time.

“It is strange how many councillors and indeed the public at large have not been made aware of these recent developments.

“Instead they have been hidden away on Central Bedfordshire Council’s website.”

A decision has yet to be reached as to when the public inquiry into the Local Plan will take place.

Access for the disabled at Biggleswade station may have moved a step closer.

Campaigners from Bedfordshire Rail Access Network’s (BRAN) campaign for step-free access, met with Alistair Burt MP and representatives from Network Rail, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), Central Bedfordshire and Biggleswade Town councillors last Friday in Biggleswade.

Julian Vaughan, from the campaign group said: “We were shown four options for step-free access to Biggleswade station and we are cautiously optimistic that the bid for funding for long overdue improvements at Biggleswade station will be successful.

“It is clear that our campaign, which has received considerable media coverage over the last year, raised the profile of Biggleswade station and we will continue to work with the various agencies to ensure the improvements take place. We would encourage disability groups in the area to liaise with us to ensure that their input is included in the bids.”

The campaign which prompted a visit from Shadow Transport Ministers in January along with Biggleswade station being mentioned in the European Parliament, has helped the online petition achieve more than 11,000 signatures.

Mr Vaughan added: “While we are hopeful for Biggleswade there will still be many stations across Bedfordshire, such as Arlesey and Sandy, which will remain largely inaccessible to disabled and elderly people and those with young children. Whatever success we help to achieve the campaign will continue. Equal access must be seen as a right, not a favour and disabled people must be involved from the beginning in any improvements.”

Bids for the ‘Access for All’ funding must be submitted by GTR to the Department for Transport by November 16, with successful bids being announced in April 2019.

> You can contact the Bedfordshire Rail Access Network campaign at: bedsrailaccessnetwork@gmail.com

An Arlesey councillor, whose failed libel action cost the town council more than £13,000, has stepped down.

Arlesey Town Council spent almost £14,000 defending legal action against the then vice chairman Cllr Chris Gravett in 2015 after he was sued for libel by the husband of a former town clerk.

The money was not covered by the council’s insurance, and was paid from the council’s reserves which left residents facing a whopping 17.1% tax rise in the council precept in 2017.

The move brought condemnation from the town’s residents’ association which slammed the rise, and called on the Government to apply rules, which prevent borough councils raising more than 2% without a referendum, to town and parish councils as well.

Would be councillors have until September 28 to put forward their application.

An emotional plea to “allow Potton to breathe” and to consider “the human cost of development” was brushed aside as plans for up to 30 homes in the town were approved.

Blakeney Estates Ltd wants to demolish a bungalow and build housing on land to the west of Everton Road.

But the project failed to impress resident Tina Arnold-Winch, who recently inherited a property in Everton Road from her late father.

“I am so glad he’s not here to see this take place,” she told Central Bedfordshire Council’s development management committee on Wednesday.

“Nobody seems to care about the human cost of those of us directly affected by the new development,” she added.

Richard Murdoch, for the applicant, said: “The site is modest and well related to the existing development in this part of Potton.”

The development was also taken to task by independent Potton councillor Adam Zerny.

“It is very much outside of the settlement envelope. Development here will cause significant harm to the character and appearance of the area, in terms of its impact on Potton.”

The plans are contrary to several planning policies, he explained. “If we approve one development right on the edge the owners of the field next to it will apply for planning permission, and it will creep gradually further and further. This site was unwanted in the Local Plan. It was not included,” he added.

An urgent treatment centre (UTC) at Bedford Hospital is on course to open from the start of next month.

It will also aim to ease the pressure on the A&E during an initial six-month pilot, by cutting waiting times.

“We are on track to open on October 1,” said Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group’s director of planned and unplanned care, Jane Meggitt.

“There’s been significant progress in all the key areas that we monitor and on work with Bedford Hospital, which is going to provide the service for us.

“The good news is that progress is being made well on all of the areas,” she told a CCG meeting on Thursday.

“There have been a number of options for location, and the building work is happening at the Cauldwell (Medical) Centre.

“Staffing is always a critical issue for us and we heard today we have filled those positions from both a nursing and GP perspective.

“There’s a huge commitment to making this a success, and to work with others in primary care and with colleagues in A&E to make it part of a package of options for our patients and our public.

“You can walk in, we’re not saying don’t,” she added. “But it’s probably better if you ring 111 and it’s processed that way.

“We need to communicate this very wide and effectively. It’s quite confusing at the moment in terms of where to go.

“There are lots of different places and lots of new things, and we’ve got Putnoe (walk-in centre) issues still with A&E.

“We are working with the hospital and partners to get a clear signposted campaign, but it’s autumn and it needs to start very quickly.”

Residents fought to save the Putnoe walk-in centre, which served north Beds as well as people living north of the river in Bedford.

But NHS England said the CCG needs to provide the UTC in the town, where minor illness and injury can be treated.

The UTC has to be near facilities where patients can get an X-ray, have a blood test or provide a urine sample.

Earlier this year, the CCG indicated the Cauldwell Medical Centre, on the site of Bedford Hospital south wing, is the only suitable site to achieve this aim.

Primary care clinician Dr Jonathan Kirkham said: “The UTC is a challenge, but it is also an opportunity, and I am quite excited by the prospect.”

CCG lay member Alison Borrett said: “We need to act fast and we need to think how we touch the whole of the poplulation of Bedfordshire.

“Whether it’s through social media or through face-to-face we really have to make this pilot work.

“I would ask healthwatch to get feedback of what patients are saying, whether they are getting that communication.”

“Everything has been agreed as to how it’s going to be set up initially, and over time it will be monitored and audited, changed, improved, whatever.

“What we are hoping to achieve with the UTC is that we want patients to be seen at the right place, at the right location.

“Everyone presented at the new front door of Bedford Hospital will be clinically screened either to the emergency department or the UTC.

“We want patients presented with primary care issues to go to the UTC,” he explained.

“This should reduce inappropriate accident and emergency attendances and dependencies.

“Accident and emergency can concentrate on major trauma and surgical emergencies, so there are reduced waiting times and better patient service and clinical outcomes.

“I am excited. It should mean patients with primary care problems get seen by primary care clinicians and free up specialist accident and emergency staff to deal with major problems.

“And also a bonus would be if it’s more cost effective,” he added.

“We agreed a list of simple diagnostics with Dr Stuart Lloyd the consultant at accident and emergency.

“We would like to see how things pan out during the first three to six months to see if there are any more diagnostics we need.

“So watch this space. We will ensure what is needed will be available.”

CCG lay member Alison Borrett said: “We’ve only got 23 days. We need to act fast and we need to think how we touch the whole of the popluatlon of Bedfordshire.

“Whether it’s through social media or through face-to-face we really have to make this pilot work.

“I would urge the communications team that we really go out and are robust with the campaign.

“And I would ask healthwatch to get feedback of what patients are saying, whether they are getting that communication.

“It’s a pilot, so what process do we have for patient feedback and how that will shape the services of the future?” she asked.

The CCG’s director of planned and unplanned care replied: “We are looking for everyone to help us get it right.

“One of the possibilities is making sure there is something through everyone’s door, something to go on the fridge.

“In terms of how we evaluate the pilot as we go forward, there are a whole host of monitoring criteria we need to do as of the national specification.

“But also we are relating with Bedford Hospital as to what local things we would like to look at and patient experience is one of the top priorities.”

The CCG’s acting chairman Heather Moulder said they would ask Dr Kirkham to report back on progress in six months’ time.

Health managers hope their latest project to improve medical provision and cut waiting times in Bedford and the surrounding area will prove a success during an initial six-month pilot.

An NHS therapist had a sexual relationship with a vulnerable woman he had been treating.

Jason Bland, 45, had sex with the woman when he stayed at her home in Stevenage.

The married mental health nurse from Clifton, told her he loved her and was going to leave his wife, Luton crown court heard today (Friday).

The young mother, who has been diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder, told Judge Lynn Tayton QC: “He was someone I trusted my deepest thoughts and memories to.

“He made me feel special and I believed him. He built my world up and caused it to come crashing down.”

Addressing Bland, who had been employed by the Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, she said: “You were completely unprofessional. I thought your marriage was over, that was a lie.”

She said he had put her through hell, that she had been self-harming, considering suicide and was now not sure if she could committ to a relationship in the future.

Prosecutor Isabel Asherson said the woman had attended group therapy and one to one sessions run by Bland in the summer of 2016. At the end of the year he told her he was moving jobs but would retain contact with some of his original patients, including the victim.

“They met for coffee and he expressed a personal interest in her. It became intimate and there was sexual activity between December 2016 and January 2017.

“He was seeing her two or three times a week. He stayed overnight six or seven times and they had full sexual relations.

“He continued therapy sessions with her and told her she should not mention their relationship to others in the group because they would hate her.

“He said he would leave his wife and paid a deposit for a flat in Stevenage,” said the prosecutor.

She went on: “In the end the victim found it difficult to cope with having a relationship with her therapist. He told her he wanted to stay with his wife and she (the victim) felt betrayed.

“She felt he was not leaving his wife and felt entirely used.

Jason Bland, of Linkway in Clifton, pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder by a care worker.

Defending Janine Sheff asked for a pre sentence report to be prepared.

Judge Tayton agreed and bailed Bland for sentence on Monday 8 October.

Southill Park became the first club to win the Viegli County T20 twice with victory at the 2018 Finals on Sunday at Potton and a welcome winners prize of £1,000.

The day started with the first semi-final versus friendly rivals and Bedfordshire County League Champions Lutonian who defeated Southill both home and away in 2018 as they retained their Sunday title.

Skipper George Darlow won the toss and elected to field on a pitch that looked seamer friendly but proved to be misleading as spinners dominated the day.

Lutonian were in early trouble when dangerman Naeem Khan tried to take a quick single but a sharp throw by keeper Matt Taylor to bowler Darlow secured the first dismissal for just four. The impressive glove man Taylor then combined with his brother James Taylor (1-21) to comfortably take a snick behind and did the same again off Darlow (1-12) to leave Lutonian reeling at 13-3.

There was a mini Lutonian recovery but the wily, miserly Mehul Adatia (3-7), in-form Shaylen Tomlinson-Patel (2-18) and all action Lee Hoggett (1-3) stemmed the flow of runs to restrict Lutonian to a below par 104-9.

Park made light work of the chase scoring 105 for the loss of just one wicket. Andy Collins struck an imperious, chanceless 55 runs from just 36 balls including nine 4s in a century partnership with Matt Taylor who intelligently, manipulated the field scoring a run a ball 30.

The squad of George Darlow, Andy Collins, Shaylen Tomlinson-Patel, Matt Taylor, Lee Hoggett, Ben Slater, Mehul Adatia, Jason George, Kieran Brasier, Tom Whitton, Sam Kelly and James Taylor with the ever reliable scorer Ann Pryor were then able to relax and watch underdogs Queens Park Westfield defeat Ampthill Town in the second semi-final.

In the final, Queens Park won the toss and elected to bowl. The impressive Tomlinson-Patel set about the Queens Park attack hitting 51 from 47 balls including six 4s and a 6.

Keeper Taylor (11) maintained the run rate as did Darlow (18) to set a perfect platform for the muscular Hoggett to plunder 48 not out from 25 balls with three massive 6s and three 4s in a great example of power hitting with the experienced Slater (12 not out) in an undefeated partnership of 60 runs in just seven overs enabling Park to close on an impressive 146-4 from 20 overs.

Southill then executed the perfect performance with an outstanding display of bowling and fielding. Keeper Taylor excelled once again with another run out, two stumpings and a catch to claim nine dismissals for the day!

Adatia (4-25) spun his magic as did the crafty George (2-14) and ever reliable seamer Brasier produced the perfect spell of variation seam bowling taking 1-16 from 4 overs.

Man of the match Hoggett took a high catch at mid-wicket and then bowled four overs for just 15 runs. Darlow went for just two runs from 2 overs. All of this together with strong ground fielding throughout the day by Kelly and Whitton restricted Queens Park to 91-8 and a victory margin for Southill of 55 runs.

In the Cambs League the Great Escape continued with a convincing and exciting 57 run win over Blunham on Saturday to make it five consecutive victories.

This means Park need to win their last game of the the season at home to Great Shelford to overhaul Ufford Park and/or Stamford to avoid relegation.

Two men from Chronicle country have joined an elite group supporting the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis.

The duo, Philip Fothergill and Charles Whitbread, are among five who have been made Deputy Lieutenants of the County of Bedfordshire on September 1.

Mr Fothergill has been a broadcaster and chairman of MKFM Radio, covering Beds, Herts and Bucks and a presenter on Biggles FM.

Mr Whitbread, who was High Sheriff of Bedfordshire last year, has been chairman of the Greensand Ridge Local Action group and is currently a director of the Shuttleworth Trust.

He is also involved in Southill PCC and a Friend of Southill Church.

The three others to have received the honours are Mrs Emma Carolyn Brayn Garrett, Mr Mark Glyn Hardy and Mrs Colette McKeaveney.

A Dunstable East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) senior call handler who stayed calm and offered vital reassurance during an upsetting 999 call has been shortlisted for a national award.

Sam Barber, based in the Bedford Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), is one of 10 finalists in UK Navigator’s Dispatcher of the Year 2018 awards.

She was shortlisted for the professionalism and compassion she showed throughout the difficult call, during which she kept a man calm and gave him instructions on performing CPR on his daughter until emergency crews arrived. Although the patient sadly could not be saved, Sam’s team leaders praised the way she handled the situation and nominated her for the award later the same day.

“I love my job,” said 27-year-old Sam, who has worked for EEAST for two-and-a-half years. “I’ve always been a caring person and really like the variety which working in the EOC brings and the feeling that you’re really helping people.

“I had mixed emotions when I found out about the award, as I still feel quite sad about the call. After the call I was given support from my team and had some counselling. Talking about what had happened was really useful and helped me to manage the emotions I was feeling.

“I always try and stay calm for the caller, offering them reassurance and concentrating on giving them clear instructions about what to do until the crew can get to them. Our role is to be that supportive voice when they are at their most vulnerable.”

The award will be presented on Tuesday (18th September) during the UK Navigator conference in Bristol.

Fun for all the family is on offer when fire crews in Sandy open their doors for the day.

Sandy Community Fire Station is holding an open day on Sunday, September 23, from 10am until 2pm.

Meet your local firefighters who are inviting everyone from their community to come along and see their appliances and learn about fire safety.

Firefighters at the station in Ivel Road, are organising an afternoon of fun and discovery for the whole family.

There will also be many attractions, including children’s games, barbecue, Central Bedfordshire’s virtual simulator car Oscar, ‘Children’s Firefighter Challenge’ assault course and specialist fire appliances to see.

The open event promises to be a fun-filled event with plenty of opportunities for children and adults to learn more about your local fire station and its crews.

Station Commander, Andrew Lewington said: “Everyone is welcome. Our open days are a fantastic family day out and a great opportunity for people to come and find out about their local station and the services we provide to our local community.

“Why not mention the open day to all your friends and family. We look forward to seeing you on the big day.”

Many parts of the UK are in for a wet and windy week, with a number of low pressure systems crossing the Atlantic bringing unsettled weather.

Storm Ali will bring a spell of very windy weather with gusts of 50-60 mph possible inland.

The strongest winds will hit the north and west but the south east will also experience high winds.

Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible.

Some damage to buildings is possible, such as tiles blown from roofs. Falling trees or branches are possible.

Strong winds affecting parts of Northern Ireland early in the day will continue to strengthen through the morning and then extend across many parts of Scotland and northern England and northwest Wales. For some exposed areas, in particular parts of western Scotland, gusts could reach in excess of 75 mph in places. There is also an Amber warning for Northern Ireland, parts of Scotland and the far northwest of England. The gusty winds will be accompanied in places by heavy, squally showers, making driving conditions difficult. The winds will gradually ease later on Wednesday, firstly across Northern Ireland, northwest Wales and northern England and then across Scotland.