Caddington villagers are preparing a petition on a perceived lack of police presence in the village, after figures revealed a ‘worrying’ increase in house burglaries.

Statistics from Beds Police showed a 700 per cent year on year rise for home burglaries last month, as seven properties in the village were hit by thieves.

Local officers have said that the trend has seen homes targeted while occupants are away overnight, with burglars gaining entry from the rear of properties.

Two other incidents saw a theft from a shop and an attempt of burglary at a garage.

The spike means that 36 burglaries have taken place in the village over the last 12 months, which has led villagers to petition Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Olly Martins for ‘urgent’ additional police presence.

Central Beds councillors Richard Stay and Kevin Collins, who both represent Caddington, drafted the petition which will be circulated through the village.

Mr Stay said: “The figures are hugely worrying and something needs to be done very quickly to address this. This is not an attack on police officers who do splendid work but there is a feeling that too much emphasis is placed on Luton and Bedford.

“You can understand why when obviously there are very high crime rates there but the village is getting hit as it is under resourced. Crime in the village has a far greater impact than it does in urban areas as there is a close-knit community, fear can spread quickly.

“Burglary is an evil crime that can have awful implications for families. There has been a great response to the petition from villagers so far.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Olly Martins has been contacted for comment.

Red Hot Chillis will be taking part in the Moonwalk London next month to raise money for breast cancer.

Sisters, Beejal Mistry, 26, Hanisha Lodhia, 30 and Bhavnisha Lad, 30, will be taking part in the half marathon on May 10.

Beejal said: “When giving, I believe in giving to the full with everything I have, so when the opportunity arose, the MoonWalk was so unlike me that I just had to give it a go.

“I rarely walk anywhere so it seemed like the perfect event to give back wholly by both pushing myself outside my comfort zone and also raising money while doing it.

“Hopefully the monetary impact of all those that will participate in the walk will collectively make a difference to oncology departments in hospitals, research into breast cancer, but most importantly to help raise awareness within our communities.”

To donate visit: http://moonwalklondon2014.everydayhero.com/uk/red-hot-chilli-s.

A campaign demanding a change in planning law to prevent the spread of betting shops has gained the support of Luton Borough Council.

LBC is one of 63 local authorities backing a proposal by Hackney Council to reclassify betting shops, which would allow councils to reject planning applications submitted by bookmakers. Currently betting shops are classed as A2 financial services, which means they are in the same planning category as banks and estate agents.

The Campaign For Fairer Gambling says that last year more than £22.3m was inserted into fixed odds betting terminals in Luton- leading to losses of £4.25m. At present, it is possible to stake up to £100 every 20 seconds on the terminals.

Matt Zarb-Cousin, from the Campaign for Fairer Gambling, said: “Whilst putting betting shops back in their own use class is a welcome step in the right direction, at best it will stem the problem of fixed odds betting terminals rather than solve it. To be fully effective, planning reforms should also include a demand test.

“Councils should not have to aim to permit new betting shops either, and they should not be subjected to legal challenges when they object. Alongside planning reforms, the Government should consider reducing the maximum stake on fixed odds betting terminals to £2 per spin. This would stop bookmakers opening multiple outlets on the high street.”

A Luton man who let two of his dogs fall into a ‘poor state’ has been banned from owning canines for five years.

Joseph Haden, 52, of Hawthorne Avenue, had his three mastiff cross dogs- Brandy, Whiskey and Megan- taken from him in August after they had broke out of his garden and ate a neighbour’s three guinea pigs.

Following the incident, which occurred while Haden was at work, police officers concerned about the welfare of the dogs took them and placed them into RSPCA care.

A vet assessed that Brandy and Whiskey were underweight and in a ‘poor state’, while Megan was better but still required care.

Haden was charged with animal welfare offences and plead guilty at Luton Magistrates Court on Monday (March 31), where he was disqualified from owning dogs for five years and ordered to pay nearly £7,000 in costs.

RSPCA inspector Stephanie Law said injuries to the dogs suggested they may have been fighting each other.

She said: “This was a very distressing incident for all concerned. We think the dogs behaved in this way because they were not properly cared for and had not been fed properly. They were in a bad way when we found them.

“Brandy and Whiskey were clearly very underweight and needed to see a vet – their ribs, hips and spine were sticking out and very visible. Their legs were also covered in puncture wounds and scabs and we think they had been fighting each other.

“Brandy was also suffering from severe skin, ear and eye conditions which had gone untreated. I have no doubt that Haden loved his dogs but he was unable to care for them properly and keep them under the control necessary to protect their welfare and that of others.

“They were just too much for him.”

Brandy, Whiskey and Megan have recovered in RSPCA care and will now be available for rehoming.

“Fire consumes all, water cleanses…”

Stand by to have any Sunday School recollections of Noah blown apart as Russell Crowe brings a man of unswerving, world-saving faith to the big screen in a life-changing epic biblical drama.

Based on the graphic novel rather than the Bible, Noah is a God-fearing ‘Gladiator’ - an inspirational story of courage, sacrifice and hope that delivers huge spectacle with a beating heart of love.

Dark and dangerous, violent and powerful, visionary filmmaker Darren Aronofsky retells the Old Testament tale with incredible visuals, a triple A list cast and a wider dimension of the entire fall and salvation greater narrative that is core to the Bible itself.

If you’re coming to Noah without much clue about the plot, it’s that God or ‘The Creator’ is angry and intends to wipe us all out because we’ve corrupted the world and turned to against Him.

Cue flood to be sent that will remove all life from the planet – so Noah (Crowe) and his family must build an ark, gather two of every living animal species and start anew after the waters have receded.

Into this ark-pocalypse Aronofsky introduces his wild card extrapolation of angels (fallen ones) who have been condemned to walk the earth covered in rocks so they look like 12 foot rock golems whose heavenly fire can only be glimpsed through their eyes. These creatures – called ‘Watchers’ – are superb creations, very handy to have around if you can befriend them when you need to build a huge ark or defend it against an angry army of sinners, led with vigour by Tubal-Cain (Ray ‘Bet 365’ Winstone).

Crowe is excellent in the tricky lead role, portraying Noah as a driven man, who harbours darkness in his heart despite being chosen to save mankind.

Jennifer Connelly is good as his wife, Anthony Hopkins is quality as Noah’s grandfather Methuselah and there’s Emma ‘Harry Potter’ Watson on hand as adopted daughter Ila.

The plot includes an unexpected climatic battle between Watchers and warriors in the middle before moving on to the intense dark drama of life on the ark itself before the finale.

Noah is a gritty adaptation and a fascinating ‘what if’ wrath-of-God-em-up that shows how the Bible can inspire cinematic creativity and art that becomes something challenging and wonderful in its own right. Recommended.

A Luton man was taken to hospital with severe leg injuries after falling from a fence.

The incident, which occurred at 10:51pm on Wednesday, was attended to by emergency medical charity Magpas who worked with the East of England Ambulance Service to help the victim.

Helimedix (doctor Phil Morgan and paramedic Dan Cody) arrived at an alleyway within a residential area in central Luton - via the Magpas Rapid Response BMW- to find the man with severe leg injuries after a fall from a fence.

The Magpas team sedated the patient, who was in his 50s. The Helimedix then accompanied the man to Luton & Dunstable Hospital in an ambulance, monitoring his condition all the way.

On arrival at the hospital, the patient was in a stable condition.

Caddington Scout Group has received a donation from their local caring Co-op after a massive Christmas and New Year fundraising effort.

Scout Leader Rita Tims had a surprise phone call from village Co-op store manager Kevin Harris to tell her that generous customers had given £400 over the festive season.

The shop nominated the Scout Group as their Christmas charity and staff sold reindeer food and Santa Claus treats of mince pies. A raffle included a first prize of a £60 hamper.

Kevin said: “We run regular charity efforts throughout the year and raised £2,000 in 2013. But the Scouts were top of the list.”

Rita said: “You have no idea how welcome this windfall is. We have just been told we need to update the electrics of our 25-year-old headquarters and now we can do it and take the Scouts camping.”

Beaver Scouts Kara Morley and Charlie Morland, aged seven, were given the important job of counting out the cash donation one note at a time. The wide-eyed youngsters said: “We’ve never seen so much money before. And we had to make sure it was right.” Other Scouts who came to say thank you to the Co-op were Adam Grimes and Alex Collins ,aged 13, and Callum Shepherd and Ellie Astridge, aged 10.

Police are appealing for help in tracing a Luton teen who has been missing since Monday

Tyrone Williams, 14, was last seen by his family at his home address in Westbury Gardens when he left to go to school.

The 14-year-old is described as black, 5’3” tall with a medium build, short/shaven black hair, brown eyes and a fresh complexion. He was wearing blue jeans, a round neck t-shirt with a motif, turquoise sweater and blue/black Adidas training shoes.

PC Sandra Parry, from the Missing Persons Unit at Greyfriars Police Station, is keen to trace anyone who can help trace Tyrone.

She said: “Tyrone’s family and the police are becoming increasingly concerned for Tyrone’s wellbeing. It is possible that Tyrone is with friends and I would reassure him that whatever the reason for him leaving his home we can help.”

Anyone with information relating to the whereabouts of Tyrone can contact PC Parry, in confidence, on 01234 275135, or Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

There is an “increased likelihood” of raves throughout the county this weekend, police have warned.

Bedfordshire Police are reminding all owners of land and rural businesses to check their property and ensure that all buildings and gates are locked over the weekend period.

If it is not possible to secure land with a gate, it is suggested that entrances are blocked temporarily to prevent unwanted vehicle access.

A police spokesperson said: “Should you find any signs of suspicious activity or see vehicles arriving, please contact the Police by dialling 101.

“Your support and involvement is vital in preventing instances of public nuisance from occurring.”

Police have said that the potential for raves has increased with warmer weather on its way and the clocks going back last weekend.

A man was told he would be stabbed before being mugged close to Ivy Road on Tuesday.

The victim, a 27-year-old man was robbed at approximately 10.45pm while walking down the alleyway that runs alongside Kenilworth Stadium.

Two men were standing at the top of the alley and approached the victim before punching and kicking him. They then threatened to stab him before searching through the victim’s pockets and taking a Samsung mobile and tobacco.

They also ran from the scene with a carrier bag containing baked beans and a bag of frozen chips.

The victim managed to get to his feet and flee the scene along Ivy Road.

The first offender is described as a man with an Asian appearance, 18 – 20 years old, with a skinny build and wearing a dark hooded top and dark jogging bottoms.

The second offender is described as a man with an Asian appearance, 18 – 20 years old, with a large build and wearing a grey tracksuit and a hooded top.

The officer in charge of this investigation, DC Joanna Bosson, of the South Bedfordshire Robbery Unit, is keen to trace anyone who saw the robbery or anyone who can help identify those responsible.

Anyone with information relating to this crime can contact DC Bosson, in confidence, on 01582 394441, or Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

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

View From The House by Andrew Selous, MP for South West Beds...

For the first time in around 30 years the United Kingdom is now exporting more cars than it imports. In 2012 the UK produced 1.58m vehicles and 2.5m engines. Vehicle production has also forecast to rise above 2 million by 2017.

In Bedfordshire Vauxhall have a long and proud history and continue to make the Vivaro van in Luton. In addition Nissan have around 950 research and development jobs in Bedfordshire and this was the team which helped launch the Nissan Qashqai.

Joe Greenwell the former boss of both Ford UK and Jaguar Land Rover has said that the Government’s decision to reduce corporation tax, boost credits for research and development and increase the investment allowance which businesses can use was all helping bring further investment in the motor industry to the United Kingdom.

One significant challenge is to increase the amount of content of cars made in the UK as it is too low compared with other countries like Germany. The work of companies like GTI Corporation in Houghton Regis which makes window seals for Bentley and other prestige makes is extremely important in this regard.

If the UK is going to continue to compete and have success internationally in the motor industry and in advanced manufacturing then companies like BE Aerospace in Leighton Buzzard and Honeytop Specialty Foods in Dunstable will need more technicians who have level 3 or level 4 qualifications.

Whilst we have graduate unemployment the number of unfilled technician vacancies has increased from 60,000 to 143,000.

We need many more schools, further education colleges and university technical colleges supplying these qualifications. I am aware that the University of Bedfordshire does a lot of vocational higher education and has lower levels of graduate unemployment than many other universities.

I welcome the technical training that many of our upper schools undertake and also that undertaken by Central Bedfordshire College and Central Bedfordshire University Technical College.

Many young people are realising that they can start an apprenticeship and go on to university with their employer paying for them to go through university thus avoiding the need for tuition fee loans. We have had a massive boost in the numbers undertaking apprenticeships (in the South West Bedfordshire constituency the numbers have increased to 870 over the last year).

Countries like Austria, the Netherlands and Germany which have high levels of young people on vocational courses have much lower youth unemployment and the United Kingdom needs to follow suit. 90% of children who go to a university technical college like Central Bedfordshire UTC achieve a level 2 technical qualification by the age of 16 compared with around 15% of pupils at other schools and colleges. This is one of the reasons why we are so fortunate to have a university technical college in Houghton Regis.

The numbers undertaking both intermediate and advanced apprenticeships are still too low and need to increase significantly to enable us to compete. Young people undertaking this course of action can look forward to being highly sought after in the jobs market. The Managing Director of BE Aerospace in Leighton Buzzard started as an apprentice.

Contact Andrew Selous at andrew.selous.mp@parliament.co.uk

In the run-up to, and during the four years of the First World War, we will be looking at how the Luton News covered the momentous events, week by week.

The working classes and higher education was the subject of an address by Mr Frank Goldstone, MP for Sunderland, at Luton Town Hall. He said the country needed to provide larger opportunities for the children of the workers who could then profit from the advantages obtained by further education in schools.

Smoking was to be prohibited at Caddington School managers evening meetings, while Slip End and Leagrave Infants schools had been closed for two weeks because of outbreaks of scarlet fever and mumps.

Young seaman Louis Bellowitz caused outrage on a train leaving from Bedford on Saturday. A court heard women were screaming and fainting when he was spotted hiding under a seat.

He was fined 10s 6d and seven days in prison for travelling without a ticket!

The funeral of former soldier Mr Thomas Martin, aged 84 of Westbourne Road, Luton, took place. Mr Martin, a veteran of the Crimean War and the Indian Mutiny, had taken part in the battle at Balaclava in 1854.

Schools have been raising money for the East Anglian Air Ambulance by collecting old British and foreign currency as part of the Any Coin, Any Age campaign.

More than 40 schools in Bedfordshire have been working hard since the campaign was launched in December and their collections have now been converted into£2,348 for the Charity with help from ‘Cash 4 Coins’.

It has raised enough to fully cover the cost of a life-saving mission by the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

Kay Marter, Area Fundraising Manager for Bedfordshire said: “The response has been truly amazing and with the amount raised, they can be proud to say that they have saved a life.”

The Any Coin, Any Age campaign is still on-going and local businesses are also supporting collections all over Bedfordshire. Currency is being collected in specially created coin boxes at locations around the county, including Toddington Motorway Services, and at Luton & Dunstable Hospital - so if you have any old or foreign coins, please donate them using one of these boxes and help the East Anglian Air Ambulance continue to save lives.

The EAAA is a 365-day helicopter emergency medical service covering Norfolk, Suffolk, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. It is funded directly from charity donations and needs to raise £7.6 million every year to operate.

For more on the work of the East Anglian Air Ambulance, visit www.eaaa.org.uk<http://www.eaaa.org.uk> or call 08450 669.

A four-day event at The Mall Luton by Wardown Park Museum to encourage people to delve into their attics for family memorabilia has produced some surprising results.

A mess kit from WWI that was bought in alongside a guestbook for the YMCA hut at Biscot Camp on its closing night in July 1919. The YMCA hut was where the many thousands of soldiers who trained at that camp in WWI played snooker and held games and concerts.

Harry Hill is like Marmite – you either love him or hate him. I fall in the latter camp as I just don’t get the big-collared comedian’s humour.

I’m aware that the small screen TV Burp is enjoyed by millions, but Hill’s brand of absurd lunacy is stretched to breaking point over a feature-length running time.

THE HARRY HILL MOVIE (PG: Entertainment In Video) revolves around a suitably silly tale about Harry being tricked into thinking his pet hamster has only one week to live.

So Harry and his petrol-drinking nan decide to grant the pet’s dying wish (don’t ask) of a holiday in Blackpool.

Pursued by an unhinged vet (Simon Bird) and distracted by the charms of a sea-dwelling siren (Sheridan Smith), he begins to suspect his woes are being masterminded by his separated-at-birth evil twin Otto (Matt Lucas).

Despite such dependable comedy support, the film struggles to locate its funny bones and the inspired, self-contained set pieces are few and far between.

> Shot in arty monochrome and featuring some starkly beautiful images of the US Midwest, NEBRASKA (15: Paramount) is an exquisitely observed drama about family life.

The film opens in Montana where the elderly Woody (Bruce Dern) has received a letter telling him he has won a million dollars in a publishing sweepstake.

His family are fully aware that this is some kind of mailing scam, but when Woody makes several attempts to make the journey by foot, his son Davey (Will Forte) agrees to drive him to the nearby state capital to collect his ‘winnings’.

This poignant comedy really finds its feetwhen, after some colourful distractions, Davey and his father spend the night in Woody’s old home town. And once Woody’s hectoring wife Kate (June Squibb) rejoins the story, Nebraska reveals itself as a delicate examination of past lives and roots, with Stacy Keach’s overbearing neighbour the type of person you don’t mind leaving behind.

> WALKING WITH DINOSAURS: THE MOVIE (U: Twentieth Century Fox) is inspired by the BBC TV series that first aired 15 years ago.

This is the feature-length story of Patchi the pachyrhinosaurus (voiced by Justin Long), who experiences the perils and joys of life during the Cretaceous period 70 million years ago.

The prehistoric creatures are brilliantly animated and the landscapes are visually spectacular, but the natural awesomeness is ruined by jarring High School Musical-style voice-overs and a script that plays to the lowest common denominator with endless poop and butt gags.

Live-action sequences with Karl Urban trying to get his two young charges interested in paleontology are also irritating.

> Genre cheapie GETAWAY (12: Warner) is no relation to the 1972 Steve McQueen movie of a similar name.

Speaking over the phone, a mysterious villain (Jon Voight) orders former racing superstar Brent Magna (Ethan Hawke) to steal an armoured hot rod. With the vehicle’s owner (Selena Gomez) in tow, he has to complete a series of daredevil missions if he ever wants to see his kidnapped wife again.

Despite the auto mayhem, this is a lumbering dud incapable of getting out of first gear.

The Easter holidays are just around the corner and there are lots of eggs-citing activities taking place right on your doorstep, which are sure to put a spring in your step.

Hop along to the two theatres, Leighton Buzzard Theatre and the Grove Theatre in Dunstable for some Easter fun. With the latest Hollywood blockbusters, like The Lego Movie and Mr Peabody and Sherman, live screenings from the National Theatre and Alice in Wonderland, starring Paul Daniels and Debbie McGhee (Grove theatre only) – there really is something for everyone.

Having a great time doesn’t have to be eggs-pensive if you are after a cheep day out why not grab your gear and go for a walk or a bike ride in some of central Bedfordshire’s lovely countryside. The council manages countryside sites across the area.

Why not celebrate the fantastic area by entering the ‘I Love Central’ competition – all you need to do is say what you love about living in Central Bedfordshire and you could win some great prizes, including an all expenses paid birthday party at one of the leisure centres. So draw a picture or take a photo of you doing something you love, or of somewhere you love to go.

Be creative - think about what makes you happy and let your imagination do the rest. You can get an entry form on the website www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/families or alternatively pick one up at your local library or children’s centre.

If you’re looking for a way to burn off those eggs-tra calories, why not head down to your local leisure centre. All six of the centres will be open.

Local libraries are holding events and activities throughout the Easter break, including Easter egg hunts, competitions and crafts.

A ‘School’s out’ booklet, available on the website www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/schoolholidayschemes contains information on a variety of holiday schemes and activities for children and young people of all ages including those with additional needs, enabling families to balance work commitments with the school holidays.

For more information about what’s happening over Easter, including details of other local events visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/easter

Children are in for a magical treat this Easter holidays, as The Mall’s Marvellous Sweet Dreams Factory opens for business!

Throughout the Easter Holidays, children will be taken on a delightful ride through the land of lollipops by the (slightly bonkers) Professor, with a variety of different activities and stories to be told. From enchanting music to sweet smelling chocolate, visitors will be able to explore their senses as well as get creative!

All children attending one of the free thirty minute sessions will take home a sweetie treat bag, take part in a special bubble party, plus design their very own chocolate bar wrapper to take home! You’ll also pick up lots of tips and tricks on how to make your own delicious treats at home.

Lavinia Douglass, Marketing Manager at The Mall, Luton, added “We are thrilled to be opening The Mall’s first ever Marvellous Sweet Dreams Factory – full of fun, games and treats! It’s a great way for children to be taken on a magical journey that will stimulate their senses, as well as take home some edible goodies in time for Easter! We hope all our young shoppers can join us this school holidays to enjoy an experience they won’t forget.

The Sweet Dreams Factory will be open at The Mall, Luton from Wednesday 9th to Sunday 13th April, and Wednesday 16th to Monday 21st April (excluding Easter Sunday). The event can be pre-booked at the Ask Me Point (located outside M&S) or for more information visit themall.co.uk/lutoneaster.

Free WiFi is coming to key stations on the First Capital Connect (FCC) rail network.

As part of a £2 million-plus investment the company is making in service improvements over the next six months to mark its eighth anniversary.

WiFi will be rolled out starting this summer to 17 FCC-managed stations including Luton and Luton Parkway.

Other ongoing improvements funded by the £2 million-plus investment over the next six months includes:

>extra cleaners on trains, more customer service training for staff

>a rainbow board system on the FCC website to see the state of services at a glance

>extra trains leased from other operators to cover for essential heavy maintenance work

station improvements:

“You’re different. You don’t fit into a category. They can’t control you. They call it Divergent. You can’t let them find out about you.”

Coming in hard on the dystopian future/young adult buzz that The Hunger Games has generated is Divergent, based on a hugely popular series of novels Veronica Roth.

And much like the other films aimed to include an adolescent audience the core theme is ‘finding yourself and your place in life’…

Divergent doesn’t have a Harry Potter sorting hat but it does have the ‘test’ where everyone in society is analysed and placed into one of five possible class systems or factions – the selfless ‘Abnegation’, the peace loving ‘Amity’, the utterly honest ‘Candor’, the highly intelligent ‘Erudite’ or the bad ass and brave ‘Dauntless’.

Heroine of this future utopia is Tris (Shailene ‘The Descendants’ Woodley) whose family are all Abnegation - the faction that run the government.

We join the action as Tris and her brother Caleb (Ansel ‘Carrie’ Elgort) are tested and both decide to change factions – Tris to become a Dauntless and Caleb an Erudite.

We then follow Tris, who is very much a Hunger Games Katniss-alike, training and fighting to prove that she can make the grade in the brutal new environment in which she finds herself.

The thing is that her test results weren’t conclusive and she is in fact what the authorities call a ‘divergent’ – someone with character traits across different factions – and a potential threat to the authorities, personified by the charismatic evil leader Jeanine Matthews (Kate Winslet). As the plot progresses we find out that there is shady business afoot with the Erudite faction, looking to overthrow Abnegation and use Dauntless to do so. Might Tris be destined to play a decisive part in the upcoming struggle?

Director Neil ‘Limitless’ Burger sets about the future action with a cool, measured pace, bringing stylish set pieces and even some emotional depth that helps when there are character deaths.

To keep the teenie females happy there is a prerequisite smouldering love interest for Tris in Four (Theo James) who becomes her ‘mentor with benefits’.

Divergent delivers a quality, engaging cinematic thrill ride which should please all ages and leave you looking forward to the sequel which hits our screens next year, albeit in the lesser directorial hands of Robert ‘R.I.P.D.’ Schwentke.

A Studham company is on the move after trading in the village for well over 60 years.

Harpers Food, of Bell Farm, Dunstable Road, is relocating to new premises in Pepperstock, near Slip End, creating a stylish fine food shop and cafe and new jobs.

Owner Peter Harper said: “We are excited about our move to Pepperstock and the new facilities we will be offering. We are opening a brand new speciality food shop, a coffee shop and function room.

“This will provide jobs in the local area and a great facility for people to shop and relax in comfortable surroundings.”

The new premises are in the Old Half Moon pub, a 17th Century building which has been derelict for the past four years.

It was originally a family house from 1632 and it became a pub in 1810.

Harpers was started in 1947 by Thomas Harper, the current owner’s father.

The business has grown and evolved over time and sells quality meat and meat products, including the company’s famous award-winning sausage rolls.

Harpers enjoy a loyal following and through their Fine Food and Wine Society they reward their customers with a free turkey at Christmas and food events throughout the year.

The new premises are due to open on May 7 and there will be a range of events to celebrate, including a VIP launch in June.

Planning permission was given to Bellway Homes in October to build 23 new homes on the Studham site vacated by Harpers. despite opposition from villagers.