Employers will be able to meet potential new employees at an event in Luton next month.

The Luton Employment, Training and Skills Fair will be held at Venue Central, in Chapel Street, Luton, from 10am to 4.30pm on September 10.

Admission is free and there will be the opportunity to find out about training, refreshing CVs and gaining new skills.

Nature is being put on top of the economic growth agenda in the Bedfordshire region with the launch of a new report.

But local politicians insist the report, called ‘It’s the Economy, Naturally is neither a developers’ charter to build all over the Green Belt nor about ”slightly nutty” treehugging environmentalism.

Councillor Richard Stay, who represents Caddington, Hyde, Kensworth, Slip End, Studham and Whipsnade on Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “What I am very keen to promote is the green economy, actually ensuring that it makes economic sense to ensure that the beautiful environment we live in is not only enhanced and we protect what we’ve got but we embed the green economy into the growth agenda.”

Mr Stay has found himself chairing the Bedfordshire Local Nature Partnership, a new organisation tasked with, among other things, proposing action to mitigate the effects of climate change.

He said he was pleased to report that the partnership was not for “treehuggers and environmentalists who are slightly nutty.”

Another partnership group, called South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) launched the report at a gathering at the Forest Centre, in Marston Moretaine, on Thursday.

SEMLEP says one of the main reasons people do business in the region, which stretches from Corby to Caddington and Biggleswade to Banbury, is the area’s beautiful countryside.

Andrew Geary, a SEMLEP board member and leader of Milton Keynes Council, said the report is not a “developers’ charter”.

Mr Geary, a livestock farmer, said: “Green fields and open space are more than just about being places where we can grow the urban environment and build more houses, we’ve got far more to offer than that.”

The report, available at www.semlep.com sets out overarching principles and opportunities.

Gareth Dalglish, area manager for government agency Natural England urged: “You must convert good words into real action.”

Watch out boys, there’s a new cop buddy team on the block – they’re armed, sassy and they’re all female…

Meet FBI Special Agent Sarah Ashburn (Sandra Bullock), a super cop who has closed more cases than any of her colleagues. Single minded and determined, Ashburn plays it straight but finds it hard to get along with her team as they all resent her for being so darned good.

Everything changes when she has to team up with foul-mouthed street detective Shannon Mullins (Melissa ‘Bridesmaids’ McCarthy) when tasked with identifying and taking down a mysterious drug lord.

The Heat certainly lives up to its name, resurrecting the classic cop partnership formula and blowing the doors off with a hot blast of funnies.

When they work they are absolutely hilarious, and even when they miss the film still rolls along on the strength on the two lead characters and satisfies on all counts.

Bullock has a lot of fun straight facing it with lines like: “That’s how we do it on the streets. Word!” to which McCarthy replies: “Don’t do slang. It’s like watching a nun make out. It’s uncomfortable.”

There is a joyful interplay between this odd couple and director Paul ‘also Bridesmaids’ Feig lets them riff off each other to great comic effect.

There are some obligatory gross out moments, too, including an eye-watering emergency tracheotomy conducted by Agent Ashburn – with her copying what she saw on a TV programme the night before.

The female focus is used well and is not scared of poking fun at the ‘gentler’ sex, such as when the pair dangle a crim over a balcony Luther-style but haven’t the muscles to hold him, and end up dropping him.

There is a core of ‘girl power’ which should make this a movie that will go down well with action/comedy lover of both genders.

In a summer packed with so many macho blockbusters it is refreshing to have The Heat offering a counter balance.

The plot certainly won’t win any awards but all it has to do is serve up opportunities for McCarthy to go OTT with her vulgar, maverick idea of police work – which is just what she does.

I laughed loud and long and suspect you will as well if you take this case – even if the British summer goes off the boil, The Heat is on the beat at a cinema near you.

A woman was punched in the face by two men who grabbed her handbag in Old Bedford Road on Friday (August 2).

The 37-year-old was walking from Luton Railway Station at about 11pm when two men approached her from behind.

As she turned around, one of the men punched her in the face, and both ran off towards the station.

The victim chased them and managed to get her bright orange Radley handbag back from them before falling to the ground where the men kicked and punched her, dragging her by the legs into the entrance of Wardown Park.

They left the scene with her handbag which contained keys, a wallet and a white Samsung Galaxy fit phone.

PC Jenny Buckley said: “The victim was extremely brave and tried to retrieve her bag from these men before they overpowered her. The victim has stated that she shouted for help as she lay on the floor in the entrance to the park and remembers seeing several cars drive by. I urge these motorists to come forward and help with this investigation together with anyone who may have heard someone shouting in the area late on Friday night.”

One offender is described as a white man with a wiry/skinny build, about 5ft 6.

The other is described as a black man in his late teens to early 20s with a slim build.

If you have information relating to this incident you can contact PC Buckley at Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

I rarely pester people for sponsorship but I hope you won’t mind if I make an exception, because I’ve come up with a bright idea which could be a real charity goldmine.

Now I don’t know about you, but when people approach me for a spot of sponsorship I like to know they are going to suffer, at least a bit.

My views on charity marathons are a matter of record – stop nagging the rest of us for cash and just spend all the time you devote to training to working as a volunteer for the good cause of your choice, it’s much more cost-effective even if you don’t get a medal, a foil blanket and a free energy drink at the end of it – but I do expect a spot of sweat or suffering if I’m going to put my hand in my pocket.

Failing that, at least a bit of effort – organise a coffee morning, bake a few cakes, jump out of a plane. Come on, do something. Don’t take your clothes off, though, we’ve all had quite enough of that.

But it seems to be no longer necessary to have a challenge in mind if you want to raise money for charity. In fact, you can do it by doing nothing. You can even do it by doing less than nothing, and that doesn’t seem right.

It all started with Movember, which is now a fixture in the charity calendar.

This is when men up and down the country sport face fungus for the month of November. There’s no prize for the longest, the bushiest or the one with most spots of ginger in it – all they do is not shave. Impressed? Me neither.

Now I’ve become aware of something called Armpits4August, in which women who have apparently been fuming at being denied the chance to jump aboard the Movember bandwagon have set up their own alternative.

What do you have to do? Nothing. Just pretend you’re French for a month, say sayonara to smooth and be prepared to sprout.

I’m not an expert, but I don’t think many ladies are likely to produce such a tangle of armpit hair in a month that anyone will much notice unless it’s pointed out, but that’s their business.

So what’s my idea? Well, during September I am bravely committing not to trim, tweak or tease the hairs up my nose in any way.

It’s bold, I know. I am now of a certain age and the hair up there sprouts like cress on a flannel, but I’m prepared to give it a go.

I’ll ignore my ears for good measure, and any good cause which would like to benefit from my selfless efforts – hay fever sufferers? Handkerchiefs for the homeless? – is welcome to get in touch to discuss terms.

And if it takes off, then look out for October, when I will not be trimming my fingernails or paying any attention to making sure my monobrow does not achieve its stated aim of unity. After all, it’s the least I can do...

A Luton charity which helps vulnerable teenagers received a special visitor last week.

The Rt Revd Dr Alan Smith, Bishop of St Albans, dropped into the Mary Seacole Housing Association to see for himself the vital work the charity does in protecting youngsters.

The charity has six hostels in the town which can take in up to 25 youngsters from the age of 16 with nowhere else to go.

A unit in Marsh Farm can also take in people up to the age of 35.

The youngsters have their own bedroom but have to buy and cook their own food and learn vital life skills to help them survive on their own.

They can stay for as long as they need to, learning such skills as budgeting and managing finances, and literacy and numeracy skills.

Many are able to continue in education or apprenticeships and they are encouraged to find work.

Chief Executive Audrey Lewis said: “We are like surrogate parents to them.

“There’s a whole range of young people who we support. They stay with us an average of 18 months and we build them up.

“We are teaching them skills that they need to live in society.”

Many of the youngsters, known as clients, are there because of family breakdowns, drug or alcohol abuse or because they have been made homeless.

The charity works with Luton Borough Council, social services, the probation service and the youth offending team, alongside other charities, who refer youngsters to them.

They are then assessed to see if the supported package on offer is suitable and they have to sign up to a license agreement which includes rules on behaviour.

Bedrooms are inspected regularly and the youngsters are expected to be in by 11pm every night.

And even after they leave the hostel there is an open door policy for extra support.

Suspected criminals were targeted by police in dawn raids in Downs Road this morning (August 6).

Officers from Operation Boson executed search warrants at Hill Top Court in the early hours.

The pre-planned raids are part of Beds Police’s crackdown on illegal drugs and those connected to illegal firearms.

A reward of up to £2000 is available for information about gun crime in Luton.

Call detectives in confidence on 01582 394281, or use the 24 hour non-emergency number 101; text force control direct on 07786 200011 or contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Luton education boss Geoff Headley is retiring after eight years in the children and learning department, latterly as head of support, challenge and intervention.

He said: “I’m leaving with a heavy heart – I’ve enjoyed the job. It’s been fantastic.”

Mr Headley, 66, was instrumental in developing the school improvement service which saw advisors help raise standards in particular areas.

His wife Christine Lenihan, headteacher at Lea Manor, is retiring at the same time.

The father of three, who has also worked in community education at Wormwood Scrubs, said: “Having schools in special measures is now a rare event.

“I put it down to our robust, respectful and professional relationship as well as strong partnerships between the schools themselves.

“We implemented a joint endeavour, a very strong programme for school-to-school support. If one school is struggling, we find another to help it up. Heads work alongside, focusing on the outcome for the children.”

He said one of the biggest challenges was dealing with youngsters whose first language was not English, and those with behaviour problems.

He said: “Luton is an inclusive authority. Our philosophy is we don’t exclude.

“If a challenging child is excluded, he will grow into a more challenging adult. So if they’re in danger of being excluded, they will get extra support.

“Our aim is for that child to remain in education.”

Mr Headley is taking up a national mentoring role.

People with no connection to Luton will no longer be given social housing, the council announced today (August 6).

Until now, applicants from anywhere in the world could request a council house, but now they will have to show they have lived in Luton for more than three years, or worked in the town for more than 12 months.

Anyone who has been guilty of behaviour such as domestic violence will also find they are not given priority.

Councillor Tom Shaw, portfolio holder for housing, said: “We have a massive challenge in Luton with demand for housing far exceeding our very limited supply. I am therefore pleased that we now have a fair and transparent policy in place that ensures that priority is giving to those who need and deserve it most.”

There are currently more than 8,000 people on Luton’s housing waiting list which a council spokesperson described as “unmanageable”.

Other changes to the rules mean that homeowners, people with housing or council tax debt or anyone with a history of violence will no longer be giving priority for social housing.

A new category of assistance has also been introduced for injured former armed services personnel.

The review of the policy was also prompted by a change in the law which allows the council to arrange for homeless families seeking help to be given a property in the private sector and not necessarily in a council or housing association flat or house.

In addition the policy reflects the Government’s Welfare Reform Act by supporting council tenants under occupying their home by offering priority for a transfer to downsize.

This will open up opportunities for currently overcrowded households who need to upsize.

The council’s executive agreed the new policy last week and the changes will be phased in over a number of months.

> What do you think?

Six people were arrested after dawn raids in Hill Top Court, Downs Road this morning (August 6).

The raids began in the early hours as part of Beds Police’s crackdown on illegal drugs and firearms.

The men, aged 17, 18, 21, 25, 29 and 34,were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs and one was also arrested on suspicion of two robberies.

Items recovered during the raids include a replica handgun, prohibited weapons including a stun-gun and CS gas, another firearm and ammunition.

Detectives from Operation Boson are now questioning the men.

Det Insp Sandra Evans said: “We appreciate the community engagement and support we have received and we will continue to listen and respond to community concerns.

“All information given to the police is used and kept confidentially, so if anyone has information that can help in the fight against those who are involved in gun crime, I would encourage them to speak to officers now.”

Reward money of up to £2000 is available for information about gun crime in Luton.

Anyone with information about gun crime can contact detectives on the direct confidential reporting line 01582 394281, or use the 24 hour non-emergency number 101; text force control direct on 07786 200011 or contact the independent crime fighting charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

It probably has the lowest budget of the week, but there’s no doubt which movie will be attracting comedy fans to the box office – welcome to the big screen, at long last, Mr Alan Partridge.

There is, of course, a long casualty list of comedies transferred from TV to cinema and suffering in the process. Nobody wants another Holiday On The Buses.

But Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa isn’t a rush job cashing in on fleeting popularity. Steve Coogan’s self-deluded broadcaster has been developed over two decades and a variety of TV incarnations, and his big screen debut is lovingly crafted by some of the best in the business, with Armando Iannucci – no stranger to switching from TV to movies after the successful transfer of The Thick of It as In The Loop – a key player.

Familiar supporting characters abound in this tangled tale of hostage-taking at a Norfolk radio station.

It may not be a classic, but it is a smart casual street ahead of most of what passes for comedy on the big screen these days.

I’m not sure whether The Lone Ranger is meant to be comedy, but one thing’s for sure – not many people are laughing.

The Pirates Of The Caribbean crew are behind this calculated attempt to build another big bucks franchise, with Johnny Depp taking on the role of Tonto to unknown Armie Hammer’s clean-cut hero.

Plenty of money has been chucked at this and there is undoubted technical skill involved, but the characters don’t work, the story doesn’t grip and the comedy falls flat.

That explains why this misguided reworking of a 1960s TV classic has already stiffed Stateside, and is unlikely to do much better here.

On the subject of painfully unfunny comedy, do you mind if I mention Grown Ups 2?

It’s all your fault, of course, if you’d just had the sense to stay well away from Grown Ups they wouldn’t have made another, but here we go – big kids Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock and David Spade find another contrived reason to get back together and revert to their lost teen years.

Arrested adolescents? They should be.

Percy Jackson: Lightning Thief did respectable business three years back, and most people agreed that it was a decent translation of writer Rick Riordan’s fantasy adventures which mix Greek and Roman myths and the modern world.

It’s unlikely to topple Harry Potter as a family franchise, but the follow-up is Percy Jackson: Sea Of Monsters, a perfectly decent slice of summer holiday family fare –although it’s rated PG so it’s obviously not for the littlies.

A woman who unlawfully claimed more than £32,000 in benefits pleaded guilty to two counts of benefit fraud at Luton Magistrates Court on Friday (August 2).

Nasreen Shah of Runley Road failed to notify authorities that she was living with her husband and dishonestly furnished a false document to Luton Borough Council and the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP).

Shah was sentenced to 22 weeks impirsonment suspended for two years and ordered to pay costs of £180.

If you have information about benefit fraudsters call the fraud hotline in confidence on 0500 500 777 or email fraud@luton.gov.uk

The man who died in a park in Stockingstone Road has been named by police as Paul Fittes.

Mr Fittes, 50, of Pinemead in Shefford, was found by a member of the public in the recreation area at the junction of New Bedford Road on July 30.

He died as a result of a deep laceration to his neck.

Ambulance crews and police attended the recreation ground at 3.15pm but were unable to revive the man and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

An inquest was opened today by HM Coroner David Morris and an adjournment date is to be arranged.

Luton born England cricketer Monty Panesar is facing an inquiry from his Sussex County Cricket Club after an incident at a Brighton nightclub on Monday evening. 
A Sussex Police spokesman said: “A 31-year-old man received a fixed penalty notice for being drunk and disorderly after being seen urinating in public near the Shooshh Club in King’s Road Arches, Brighton, around 4.13am on Monday.”
The 31-year-old cricketer’s spokesman has since apologised on his behalf: “Monty would like to apologise unreservedly for any offence caused.”
The spinner, a former student of Stopsley High School, was selected in the squad for the third Ashes Test at Old Trafford but did not play in the match that secured the Ashes for England.

A statement from his club said: “The matter is under full investigation and the club will make no further comment at this stage.”

Squatters living in a notorious crime-ridden house were removed by police in an operation using brand new legislation on Thursday.

Beds Police attended the large house at 2 Cromwell Road to ask the squatters to leave under Sec 144 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, something they had never before enforced.

Five people were removed from the property and one person was arrested for failing to attend court in a case relating to theft of a charity box.

Sgt Jason Cahill said: “For the last six months or so that house was renowned for anti-social behaviour and drug misuse. We knew about it as part of Operation Turtle in High Town, and we knew it was frequented by prostitutes and people buying drugs. All the anti-social behaviour in High Town seemed to link back to this property.”

Sergeant Terry Davis said officers, backed up by PCSOs, arrived at the house at 9.45am, knocked on the door and were let in by one of the occupants.

He said: “We didn’t know exactly what we were going to find, whether there would be weapons there for example. The squatters were resistant at first but eventually they did leave and we didn’t have to arrest them.”

The squatters had taken over three flats in the top floor of the house, had stopped paying rent and changed the locks on the doors.

Rivergate Investments who owned the property visited the scene once the squatters had left to reclaim the flats.

Police ensured the squatters were not vulnerable or ill and all had somewhere else to go.

Sgt Cahill said: “These people are now known to us and we will be keeping an eye on them. Having spoken to residents since, there has been a lot of relief from people who knew crime was happening in that house but had been too scared to come forward and tell us what had been going on. People were too scared to say what they knew, so our information all came from police intelligence.

“It was a successful operation, we achieved the objective we set out to do and this will go a long way to reassuring the public that the police are taking action and other squatters can expect a knock on the door.”

“We are dedicated to making residents living in High Town feel safe and proud about the place they live in.”

A 10-year-old boy was chased and attacked by a group of teenage robbers near Wigmore School.

The boy was cycling home from Wigmore Valley skate park at about 6.30pm on July 30 with his friend when three teenagers, also on pushbikes, followed the pair along several alleys until they became separated.

Alone, the victim was cornered by the group who pushed him around and asked what he had in his pockets.

His pockets were empty and eventually he managed to escape.

The offenders then caught up with his friend in an alleyway between Falstone Green and Crawley Green Road, threatened him and then left the scene empty-handed.

The first offender is described as a man of Asian appearance, 16 – 18 years old, 5’8” tall with a medium build and short black hair which was spiked at the front and a very short black moustache.

The second offender is described as a mixed race man, 16 – 18 years old, 5’7” tall with a medium build and short black hair. He had one pierced ear and a ‘flat-looking’ nose.

The third offender is described as a white man, approximately 16 years old, with a slim build and short blonde hair which had dark pieces. He wore a black t-shirt.

In another incident on Friday, a 16-year-old was walking home in Russell Street near the Stags Public House when two men approached him from behind.

They grabbed his wrist and swung him around before threatening him and searching his pockets. They took a Blackberry phone before leaving the scene.

The first offender is described as a black man, 17 – 18 years old, 5’8” tall with skinny build and wore a black sweat shirt, black tracksuit bottoms and black Nike Air Max trainers.

The second offender is described as a mixed race man, approximately 17 years old, 5’8” tall with a skinny build. He wore a black and grey cap, a black and grey zip up to and black tracksuit bottoms.

PC Stone said: “It is possible that the three offenders involved in the first incident where hanging around the skate park for some time and I would ask anyone who can help identify them or the other offenders in the second incident to come forward and help police with this investigation.

“I would people to be extra vigilant when they are out and about during the summer evenings and to use the following crime reduction advice when they are out and about.”

Stay sensible

• Being under the influence of drink or drugs can significantly increase your chance of being a victim of crime -be sensible in how much you drink and look after your friends.

• Never leave drinks unattended in pubs or clubs - when you go to the toilet ask your friends to keep an eye on your drinks. Men’s drinks get spiked too. If you suspect your drink has been spiked, contact a member of staff or tell a trusted friend.

Stay aware

• Using headphones in a public place means you are unlikely to hear someone approaching you until it is too late. Stay secure

• Don’t advertise your valuables; keep them in pocket or handbag out of sight. Check it is safe before you use your phone. Make sure your phone and other valuables are security marked and registered on www.immobilise.com and consider downloading a tracker app.

Stay safe

• Keep to main roads with streetlights and avoid dark alleyways and shortcuts through parks.

• Tell a responsible person when you will be home. Carry a personal alarm.

• Try to go to the cash point in daylight if possible – be aware of people standing too close to you and always conceal your pin. If it’s dark, go with a friend if you can and don’t check your money in full view.

Stay together

• Make sure everyone gets home safely either with the group or in a taxi.

Stay locked

• If you are living on or off campus make sure your doors and windows are always locked securely. Don’t leave your keys, mobiles or computers out on display and don’t answer your door to unexpected visitors.

• Make a list of your personal property including the serial number and descriptions - use an ultraviolet pen to mark electrical and other items.

Stay calm

• Always report any offence immediately to the police. Try to remember what the offender looks like and was wearing, with a good description and your quick action officers will have a good chance of catching the offender.

If you have information relating to this incident you can contact PC Ben Stone, at Luton Police Station, in confidence, on 01582 394471, or Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Several takeaways and restaurants in Luton were rated zero in their latest food hygiene inspections and require ‘urgent improvement’.

Hygiene ratings from the past few weeks, listed on the Scores on The Doors website, show three takeaways with zero out of five for heath and safety, and six with a measly one.

The worst offenders are Al Bilal in Dunstable Road, Baba Lal in Leagrave Road, Coffee Pot in Nadeem Plaza, Dunstable Road, and Peoples Choice in New Bedford Road, all of which scored zero for hygiene.

A Luton Borough Council spokesperson said: “Officers are working closely with each of the premises mentioned and taking a graduated approach to securing and improving compliance. Enforcement powers will be used if necessary.

“Some of the premises have already started making improvements and if this is sustained they will get an improved hygiene rating at the next unannounced inspection.”

High Town Kebab in High Town Road, Mirpur Grill in Leagrave Road, H and H Cafe, in Eaton Green Road and Southern Fried Chicken, in Marsh Road were all rated ‘one’ in their recent unannounced inspections.

A rating of one means major improvement is necessary and a rating of zero means urgent improvement is necessary.

In order to be closed down, an establishment must pose an imminent risk to health for ooficcers to lawfully close it.

Examples include active pest infestations and drainage problems within food preparation areas.

Failure to act could result in serious public health issues.

If the business is non-compliant, officers use their enforcement powers to secure compliance in line with the council’s enforcement policy.

The Herald & Post contacted the owners of the establishments scoring zero but no one was available to speak to.

Recently inspected establishments which scored better include Lucky House in Leagrave Road, Daily Roast Cafe in Britannia Estate, Leagrave Road, Fillers Sandwich Bar in Stockingstone Road, Central Baptist Church in Park Street and Greggs The Bakers in Sundon Park Road which were all rated five.

Members of the public can check all premisies at www.food.gov.uk/ratings.

A concerned grandmother says she is “horrified” by the state of a park which was recently awarded Green Flag status for the third year.

Wendy Walker, who lives in High Town, visited Wardown Park with her grandson last week and says she found it “absolutely shocking”.

In particular she criticised the lack of benches, the overgrown areas and the toilets.

Wendy said: “I have never smelt anything like those toilets. It seriously stank. The health risks, especially in the summer, are unthinkable. I was unable to go in there.

“Wardown Park was one of the loveliest parks, it was a treasure of the town and now it’s a disgrace. I was quite shocked and saddened by the complete and utter state of it. During the summer holidays there will be many children who will want to use the park.”

A council spokesman said: “We are currently liaising with the contract cleaning firm for the toilets to ensure the frequency of their cleaning reflects the current high level of visitors to the park.”

They said the overgrown area was “probably our conservation area”, and said Wardown Park is cleaned every day. The bridge remains closed as the council seeks funding to repair it.

A Luton & Dunstable Hospital worker who gets the bus home after her shifts is upset that night services will be axed at the end of the month.

Jane Redmond uses the number 24 Grant Palmer Service from the Luton & Dunsable Hospital when she finishes her shifts after 10pm.

This service and the number 16 are due to be cancelled as Luton Borough Council is no longer funding them and they are not commercially viable for the family business to continue running.

Jane said: “If they stop this service I will have to wait some time on the main road for a bus, then walk through the streets in Dunstable to my home. This is a big concern to me as a female walking through Dunstable at night after a late shift, very tired and in a vulnerable state. There is no other bus this late and I cannot afford taxis all the time.”

Jane said she knows there are at least 50 other people who use the service.

A council spokesman said due to government cuts, the council has had to withdraw financial support for tendered local bus services.

Grant Palmer is able on continue running services 3, 30 and 35, which were all earmarked for withdrawal, but cannot sustain 16 and 24.

Jane said: “There are a lot of us who rely on the buses and are going to be affected in a big way. Time is running out, we must fight to keep the services running.”

The council spokeperson said they are still in discussions with bus operators.

A parrot called Tetley who went missing from her home in Brunel Road, Luton, was reunited with her family thanks to the Herald & Post.

The Khan family were overjoyed when the African Grey parrot, who has been with them for 15 years, was safely returned by a man who saw the notice in the paper.

Serife Khan said: “We are overwhelmed, so appreciative and happy. The Herald is always here to save us.”

Tetley had flown into the man’s garden but he did not know who she belonged to until she saw the paper.