Latest News and Newsletters

The Potton Town Council Newsletter is published quarterly and the Town Council will keep you informed on this page of any latest news between Newsletters.

Councillor Surgery August 28, 2025
A Councillor Surgery will be held on the Market Square at the Autumn Four Seasons Market on Saturday 20th September from 10am to 12pm, with Councillor Charles Craig in attendance.

If you have any questions or issues you wish to discuss, please feel free to pop by!
Help shape the future of nature in Bedfordshire August 28, 2025

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Take part in our Local Nature Recovery Strategy Consultation

‘Central Bedfordshire Council, in partnership with Bedford Borough Council and Luton Borough Council, is developing a Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) – a new, locally-led plan to help reverse the decline in nature and support wildlife recovery across Bedfordshire.

This strategy will identify key areas for nature restoration and outline how we can protect and enhance our landscapes, habitats and biodiversity for future generations.

The consultation is open from 1 July to 7 September 2025.

We want to hear from you – whether you’re a resident, landowner, farmer, business owner, or community group. Your views will help shape a long-term vision for a greener, more resilient Bedfordshire.

How to take part
• Complete the online survey: Share your views on what nature recovery actions matter most to you and where they should happen.
• Email your feedback: You can also send your thoughts directly to: lnrs@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
• Focus areas include:

o Opportunities for habitat restoration
o Local priorities for biodiversity
o Community and landowner involvement
o Nature-based solutions to climate change

We’re especially keen to hear from:
• Farmers and landowners – your role is vital in delivering nature recovery across the county.
• Local communities – your insights help ensure the strategy reflects the values and needs of residents.

Why it matters
• Protect and restore local wildlife and habitats
• Support biodiversity and climate resilience
• Influence how land is used and managed in your area
• Be part of a county-wide effort to create a thriving natural environment

You can also watch this video which highlights the many reasons we want to hear from you.

Have your say for nature.’
Don’t take it out on our staff, town councillors or volunteers August 27, 2025

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Please to be polite and courteous when speaking to town council staff, councillors and volunteers.
Local Neighbourhood Team visit 31st August – Market Square, Potton August 26, 2025
‘Your local Community officer will be at Potton Market Square on Sunday 31st August at 4pm. I will be at this location for 30 minutes before patrolling the town. Please take this opportunity to raise any concerns you may have and to find out what we are doing to tackle the issues that matter to you.

Everyone is welcome and it would be great to see you there. Dogs are more than welcome to come along; in fact, I insist on it. If you would like to contact me beforehand, we can arrange to meet during this time.

Please bear in mind that as a front-line police officer I may be called away on a job before or during the event, if this happens, I will try and let you know at the earliest possible time.’

Message Sent By
Lauren Jerrom
(Bedfordshire Police, PCSO, Biggleswade)
Brook End Car Park Closure August 14, 2025

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Essential maintenance to Brook End Car Park will commence on Monday 8th September 2025. The car park will be closed to all vehicles from 8am to 6pm whilst the works are carried out.

We politely request that ALL VEHICLES ARE REMOVED from the car park before 8am on 8th September. NO PARKING will be permitted during the time period.

Alternative parking will be available at Potton Hall for All on Hutchinson Rise (SG19 2DZ). The town council has arranged a free of charge shuttle service [The Ivel Sprinter] to operate frequently from 8am to 6pm between the Hall for All and the Market Square.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your cooperation.
New Basketball Hoop in Henry Smith Playing Fields August 6, 2025

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Following the recent fund raising efforts of Potton Youth Council, a basketball hoop has been installed in Henry Smith Playing Fields. It is situated outside of the play area in the field on the south side of the sluice.

Photo credit: ©Jeremy Endersby
Thanks to PottonFest donors and supporters June 23, 2025
Potton Town Council Chairman, Cllr Vicki Gwilliam wishes to recognise and thank the donors, supporters and volunteers of PottonFest which took place on Saturday 21st June 2025.

Thanks go to Anna’s Flowers, Bell Groundworks, Breedon Quarry, Cameron’s Newsagents, Clayton’s Butchers, Hashtag Mechanic, Highland Group, Party on Potton, Potton Food Store, Potton Post Office, Secret Farm and Tesco Express, along with all the stallholders who attended.

Huge thanks goes to the event MC – Mr Ken Burgin.

PottonFest was a huge success; thanks to everyone who came along – we hope you had a great time!
Potton Cemetery Footpath Refurbishment June 18, 2025
As reported on page 4 of the October 2024 edition of the newsletter, a second phase of path tarmacking is planned.

The contractor will commence work on Monday 23rd June 2025, which will take approximately two weeks to complete.

To allow the work to go ahead, burials and ashes interments at the Cemetery will not take place during the two weeks.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused whilst works are carried out.
Please avoid lighting bonfires June 2, 2025

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Fire safety urged during warm, dry weather in Bedfordshire.

Bedfordshire is experiencing an unseasonably warm and sunny spell, leading to dry conditions across fields, grasslands, and undergrowth. With large areas of vegetation now dry and highly susceptible to ignition, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) is urging residents to exercise extra caution when using fire pits and bonfires during this period.

Group Commander and Head of Prevention and Protection, Rob Hulatt, highlighted the increasing risk of fires during these dry conditions, and said: “Over the past two weeks we’ve seen a noticeable rise in outdoor fires. These are often as a result of bonfires and other outdoor fire use. This often leads to our crews spending significant time dealing with situations that could easily be prevented. With the warm weather, we know people will want to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s vital that we do so safely to help prevent avoidable fires.”

The combination of higher-than-normal temperatures and dry ground creates the perfect conditions for fires to spread quickly. Even something as seemingly harmless as improperly discarded cigarette butts, a disposable barbecue on grass, or glass bottles left in the sun can trigger a fire that spreads rapidly.

BFRS is strongly advising residents to refrain from lighting bonfires and garden fires during this dry period. These fires can easily get out of control, spreading to nearby buildings, fences, and vegetation, causing significant damage and posing serious risks to public safety.

Simple steps to prevent outdoor fires:
• Properly dispose of cigarettes: Ensure they are completely extinguished before disposing of them and never throw them on grass verges or vegetation.
• Keep BBQs safe: Place disposable BBQs on bricks rather than directly on grass and keep them away from buildings and fences. Make sure BBQs are completely cool before disposing of the ash.
• Avoid bonfires: During dry conditions, please consider using local recycling centres for unwanted rubbish and waste instead of lighting a bonfire.

For quicker emergency response, BFRS recommends downloading the free what3words app, which helps pinpoint your location in hard-to-find areas.

By taking these simple precautions, we can all enjoy the warm weather safely and help prevent unnecessary fires.
VE Day 80 May 14, 2025

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Potton Town Council hosted a day of moving and memorable events on Thursday 8th May 2025, to mark 80 years since Victory in Europe.

The day started at 9am with the Town Crier reading the VE Day 80 Proclamation in the Market Square.

The evening started with bell ringing at St Mary’s Church – Ringing Out in Celebration.

Later in the evening in the Market Square, 1940’s music was played, with the main event starting with an introduction from the Master of Ceremonies – Denis Ellison, Vice-Chairman of Events Committee. The Town Crier repeated the VE Day 80 Proclamation; the Beacon was lit by Major Simon Sadler TD VR DL; and the VE Day 80 Tribute was read by Retired Navy Captain David Tall RN OBE, Potton Youth Councillor Sam and Potton Town Council Chairman Councillor Vicki Gwilliam. Potton’s town choirs joined the Nation to sing the hymn I Vow To Thee My Country, lead by Dr Douglas Coombes MBE and accompanied by pianist Mrs Ronnie White. Prayers were read by the Revd. Alex Wheatley, St Mary’s Church. At the end of the evening, everyone joined together to sing the National Anthem, and Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again.

Potton Town Council wishes to thank all who attended the VE Day 80 Celebrations, and all who helped to organise the event.

Newsletters

Each publication has been compiled and published by Potton Town Council who are the owners of the copyright. No reproduction is permitted without the express permission of the Council. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the various entries within this publication. In no circumstances can Potton Town Council accept any liability for any loss or damage of any kind which may arise as a result from any error in, or omission of, any entry, artwork or telephone number. The editorial content is not necessarily the views of the Council.

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