Luton News Desk

The new High Sheriff of Bedfordshire for 2021/2022 was installed today, Wednesday 7 April 2021. Eric Masih, who succeeds Susan Lousada DL, was sworn in at a virtual ceremony in the presence of Mr Simon Smith JP. Eric was born in Punjab, India and was brought to the UK by his parents in 1967 where he was educated locally. Eric has continued to live in Bedford with his wife, four sons and four grandchildren. His hobbies include Asian classical music and martial arts, and he continues to practice as Southern Region Area instructor for the Tetsudo Martial Arts Association. Eric has been a well-respected and well-known face within Bedfordshire for a number of years. He started his working life within the Geophysical Services Institute before moving into the insurance industry where he held a number of managerial and financial roles. Eric’s true calling came in 1996 when he entered the Property and Mortgage sector and established his current business, Gold Crown Estate Agent. Within this

Everyone in England, including those without symptoms, will be able to take a free rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) test twice a week Alongside vaccine rollout, regular testing is at the heart of plans to reopen society and the economy, helping to suppress and control the spread of variants Updates will be made to the NHS COVID-19 app in England to coincide with the universal testing offer Everyone in England will be able to access free, regular, rapid coronavirus testing from 9 April, the government has announced. In a significant step forward, which paves the way for businesses and society reopening, anyone will be able to access free, rapid lateral flow tests (LFDs) for themselves and their families to use twice a week, in line with clinical guidance. Rapid testing has so far been available to those most at risk and people who need to leave home for work, including frontline NHS workers, care home staff and residents, and schoolchildren and their families. Now rapid testing will be o

The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 brought in new structural arrangements for national policing, strategic police decision-making, neighbourhood policing and accountability.  It transfers the control of police forces from police authorities to elected Police and Crime Commissioners.  The first police commissioner elections were held in November 2012. The next elections take place on  6th May 2021 , postponed from 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.  There are a number of ways to have your say in this election - you can vote in a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, which is known as a proxy vote. Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission said, “The choice on how to vote at next May’s elections is yours – you can have your say in person, by post or by proxy.  “If you’re thinking about voting by  post ,  do it now . This will make sure your application is processed in

Bedfordshire Lieutenancy: Lord-Lieutenant brings a virtual message of rebirth and renewal to the people of Bedfordshire Lord-Lieutenant brings a virtual service to the people of Bedfordshire to reflect on the Easter message of rebirth and renewal as we move forward and strive to shape a better world. In the last 12 months, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis has been keeping in touch with the people of Bedfordshire virtually through her weekly online messages, periodic virtual services and via regular contact with voluntary organisations, businesses, and faith, health and educational establishments. Throughout the pandemic, individuals and organisations alike have felt the full impact of the virus in a variety of ways including the loss of loved ones, the closure of businesses and schools, challenges of remote learning and the struggles to keep charities afloat. The purpose of the messages, services and regular contact has been to boost morale, spread a message of hope a

Our local zoo is pleased to be re-opening! It's that time we've all been waiting for, the Zoos are re-opening and you can now book your early bird tickets for a great day out!  The animals are so excited to welcome visitors back. At ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, visit their youngest elephant Beth with her family, and if you're lucky you might catch a glimpse of nine-month old Red panda cub, Nilo.  And at ZSL London Zoo, come and meet the new tigress, Gaysha, and see how much six-month-old okapi, Ede has grown.  With everyone is ready for a day out the priority for the zoo is to re-open safely and responsibly, in line with the Government schedule. So they will have social distancing in place and reduced capacities. Tickets are, therefore, limited, but the good news is that tickets are on sale through to August so you can book ahead for your summer trip now.  Make a booking now! Photo credits: ZSL  If you have news for Luton, please send it in