This morning, the Bedfordshire Rail Access Network (BRAN) team, along with Network Rail and the contractors, visited Biggleswade station to inspect and identify any potential issues with the new ramp and lifts. Of course, the first question on everyone's lips was when the lifts would enter public service, and we were told that this would … Continue reading Biggleswade Lifts Update 28.11.25.
In April this year, I wrote the following about the 'Independent Alliance' led Central Bedfordshire Council... "...It is also particularly disappointing that the current leadership of the Council seems to resent being held accountable, or being subjected to the very scrutiny they were actually once rather effective at when in opposition...". Earlier this week, I … Continue reading Accountability and CBC
In 2020, Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) set a target to plant 1 million trees by 2030. However, it has failed to set a) an annual tree planting target b) include it as one of the Council's Key Performance Indicators. As a result, it is probably little surprise from the evidence to date that tree planting … Continue reading Central Beds Council – 1m trees by 2030 (How’s it going?)
Earlier today, we attended a site visit to the lift works at Biggleswade railway station. This site visit was hosted by Network Rail and apart from members of the Bedfordshire Rail Access Network team, was attended by local Town Councillors, Central Bedfordshire Councillors, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) representatives and our local MP Richard Fuller. Below … Continue reading Biggleswade Lifts Update – 23rd July 2025
I have just come out of a fairly short meeting with Network Rail to discuss the latest progress towards a step-free Biggleswade station. Thankfully It was a short meeting due to no major issues being reported. One previous area of concern was the ground conditions in the area where the lifts are to be located. … Continue reading Biggleswade Lifts Update 17.03.25
Below is an email sent on 27th January to the Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council and the Executive member for Finance and Highways regarding their use of the government's cash boost to fix our roads, the intention of which is to reduce their contribution to the Highways budget by the amount of extra funding provided … Continue reading An open letter to CBC re Highways Budget
Despite many promises over the years, drivers and cyclists in the Central Bedfordshire area will be fully aware of the continuing very poor condition of our roads. Road markings seem to be regarded as an optional extra from a bygone age, and when road defects are reported by the public, via the potentially brilliant but … Continue reading (Pot)holes in the CBC Budget?
In what is the 16th update I have posted regarding the provision of step-free access at Biggleswade railway station, I'm cautiously optimistic that at long last the town will have a station accessible to all, perhaps by the end of this year. In my last update, posted on 25th November, I mentioned there were two … Continue reading Biggleswade Lifts Update – 14.01.25.
This afternoon we met with Network Rail to discuss the latest news on the scheme to install lifts at Biggleswade station. This project, awarded funding in 2019, has been subject to many frustrating delays, with costs escalating and the completion date slipping ever backward. My last update on 7th September was unable to provide any … Continue reading Biggleswade Lifts Update – 25.11.24
On Wednesday 4th September we had the latest meeting with Network Rail regarding progress (or lack of it) towards a step-free Biggleswade station. The last meeting took place on 24th July and you can read a full update from that meeting here: https://julianvaughan.blog/2024/07/24/access-for-all-biggleswade-july-2024-update/ In brief at the previous meeting we were told that the new … Continue reading Biggleswade step-free update – 7th Sep 2024
Julian Vaughan 