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As the government launches its new counter-fraud strategy, Fraud Minister Lord Hanson writes exclusively for the NationalWorld network to explain what is planned - and why the tech companies need to step up and play their part too

Real Bedford are now six points clear with a game in hand at the top of Southern League Central Division One after a comfortable 6-0 thrashing of Stotfold at the Ledger Stadium...

A Lib Dem ward councillor for Wootton and Kempston Rural said they were “forced” to raise pavement concerns at a full council meeting. But the administration’s portfolio holder said it was “disappointing” to see facts being misrepresented in...

Bedford Borough Council’s planning committee has approved a council planning application – despite objections from council officers. Last night’s Planning Committee (Monday, 24 March) approved the change of use of 190 Putnoe...

Tracie has been recognised in the Amazing Social Workers campaign, championing the exceptional work happening across the UK social work profession. It is run by the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), the UK’s largest professional body for social work.

The campaign aims to shine a spotlight on the achievements of individuals and teams, whilst also highlighting the vital importance of social work to our communities.

Tracie was nominated by a colleague for her dedication to social work education and unwavering commitment to advocating for children and families.

Part of her nomination read:

Tracie is an exceptional leader, peer, mentor and social worker who places social justice and advocacy at the heart of everything she does. Of note is her passion and commitment to social work education, enabling our students, apprentices and newly qualified practitioners to thrive.

Tracie truly advocates for the children and families we serve, and as a leader, she encourages her staff to develop and grow. She has high standards, but she continues to support staff at every level.

Tracie said:

Our work isn’t about recognition but about helping and advocating for children and their families and equipping families with the necessary tools and maintaining a skilled workforce. Fundamentally It’s about enabling sustainable change and putting the child at the heart of everything we do. Further, working with the family as a whole and communities truly empowers families to not need help. I’m grateful for the kind words in the nomination and I appreciate the thoughtfulness behind them.

Councillor Steve Owen, Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:

Social workers make a real difference in people's lives every day, although their hard work often goes unseen. It’s so important that we take the time to recognise and appreciate everything they do, and the Amazing Social Workers campaign is a fantastic way to do that. Social workers continue to make sure people get the help they need, and we are truly grateful for their commitment to making lives better. So well done Tracie!

Find out more about becoming a social worker

Planning for 20 new homes in Wootton has been granted – despite an objection from Anglian Water. The development on land ‘south of Keeley Lane’ was approved by last night’s Planning Committee (Monday). Members heard that Anglian Water raised an objection to the proposed discharge of surface water into their network, but “only if all […]

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has posted its latest food hygiene ratings and it’s good news for every Bedford business.

A man who sexually assaulted a teenage girl in Addison Howard Park last August has been jailed for 14 years.

BT has evaluated these payphones based on the criteria outlined by Ofcom. Notices have been affixed to these payphones, and we're expected to provide a formal response to BT by 24 May 2025.

Previously, if we expressed opposition to BT's plan to eliminate a payphone, BT couldn't proceed with the removal. However, the guidelines have been updated, and our ability to veto such removals has been removed.

As a result, we no longer have decision-making authority and cannot conduct a formal consultation. Instead, we're undertaking an engagement survey to gather feedback from local communities regarding these proposals. This survey aims to provide us with evidence to inform our response to BT.

Find out which phone boxes are affected and fill in our survey – your voice matters.

Armed officers were deployed to a location in Goldington Road today (Monday) and arrested a man as part of an investigation following a kidnap in mid-Bedfordshire. Officers from Bedfordshire Police were seen by the Toby Carvery...

A house in Bedford would make a “lovely home for people who choose to live in shared accommodation”, a planning application has claimed. Bedford Borough Council has received a planning application to convert 35 St Leonard’s Avenue...

Residents and drivers are being told to avoid the Church Lane area as there’s a fire nearby in Cawdor Close.