A ‘number’ of complaints have been made to an anti-violence charity after young children were pictured aiming rifles during an open day at Luton Police Station on Saturday.

The event, which saw more than 400 attend, included a display by firearms officers outside the station in which young children were allowed to simulate gunfire with an array of weapons.

Beds Police has said that the showing was merely for educational purposes, though the stand has been attacked as “distasteful and heavy handed” by visitors.

The open event came just three days after Delaney Brown Snr appeared at the station, appealing for the gunman killer of Paul Foster to be found on the first anniversary of his death.

Lenos Wilson, who acts as an intermediary between communities and the police for the Non Violence Alliance, revealed that he had been contacted by ‘a number’ of groups concerned with images which show young children taking part in the display.

He said: “It seems to have upset many people and many feel it was very untimely.

“I have been contacted by representatives for the Justice 4 Leon campaign, the African Carribbean Strategic Partnership Group and the family of Faruk Ali who all feel that this looked distasteful and heavy handed.

“They are worried that this is a show of force and that the police come across as bully boys.”

He added: “Personally I have good relations with the police but they could have notified us that this would be part of the open day, it was not good.

“I am also not clear on why rubber bullets were on show when they are rarely used.”

Other pictures taken on the day show children dressed in riot protection gear and forensic outfits.

Stephen Pereira, 28, contacted the Luton News to share his alarm at images of rifles on show.

He said: “The police should not be getting children comfortable with guns, this is not a joke. I’m not sure what kind of a message this is trying to put out, it is a very alarming scene.

“I used to be part of the Lewsey Centre Rifle and Pistol Club and I understand gun safety – even if it is clear and without a magazine it should not be pointed at anybody. Kids should not get into the habit of that.”

He added: “There seems to be a culture of violence with the police, especially in light of what has happened recently.”

Luton commander superintendent Dave Boyle maintained that the weapons were under “strict and close supervision”.

He said: “We make no secret of the fact that the police have access to firearms in order to fight crime and protect the public from harm and showing the weapons is one way of deterring the illegal use of guns.

“Specially trained firearms officers were in charge of the weapons that were chained down at all times and while the picture shows a young person holding the weapon, which they were encouraged to do as part of the education process, they were under strict and close supervision.”

Bedfordshire police and crime commissioner Olly Martins added that “we can’t pretend guns don’t exist”.

He said: “That aspect of the open day was to show the police have got firearms, it is important that people know that,

“It is about letting everyone know that they are dangerous and that anyone illegally holding guns will be met with force by the police.”

“As for children holding guns, kids can join the army cadets at the age of 12 and they come into contact with a number of live weapons so it is not out of the ordinary.”

The University and College Union says it is “shocked” by figures which indicate ex-Barnfield Federation CEO Sir Peter Birkett was the highest paid further education principal in the country.

Records from the Skills Funding Agency show that Sir Peter was paid £228,000 in the 2012-13 academic year, as well as £17,000 ‘benefits in kind’ and a £32,000 pension contribution.

That basic pay was £20,000 more than Sir Peter was paid the previous year.

He has since been investigated by the SFA and Department for Education over “irregular and improper” spending at the federation.

A UCU spokesperson said: “(We are) shocked by these latest figures; it is particularly staggering that the now-ex-principal of Barnfield College should be revealed as the top-earning principal while pay for other staff has been held down.

“Staff remain concerned about job security and the overall financial position of the college even now, so it is quite galling to see that such incompetence in the past was so richly rewarded.”

>For the fuil story see the Luton News on sale now

A plan for businesses in Luton town centre to join together to improve the area is moving forward.

At a get together at Venue Central on Wednesday, representatives from the daytime and nighttime economies in the town got the chance to discuss plans for the BID (Business Improvement District).

If successful it will give businesses a real say on what improvements are carried out in the town.

Mark Broadhead, chairman of the Town Team, said 135 locations, including Hitchen, now have BID’s in place and that Luton is missing out by not having one.

“A BID is a great way on ensuring that the businesses have a direct influence over the future of Luton town centre,” he said. “Everyone knows the challenges we face but together we can make a real difference.”

He also urged more businesses to join the Town Team to help shape a business plan.

Businesses within the development area will get the chance to vote to move the BID forward, later in the year.

Money is levied through the business rates alongside council funding which is ring fenced for use in the town centre.

A successful BID can also be used as leverage to attract outside investment for use in the centre, and companies can work together to bulk purchase goods and services.

A report to the Town team identified a potential for a BID to generate around £400,000 a year for new ideas and initiatives in the town.

To find out more about the BID, go to www.lutonbid.org

There was traffic chaos and Arriva buses were diverted on Marsh road following a two car collision yesterday afternoon (April, 15).

One car went into a house and the other a lamppost, but no one was seriously injured, both drivers passed the breathalyzer test.

Ambulances and the fire service attended the scene on the junction of Icknield road and Roman road at 3pm.

A Luton project designed to help elderly people coming out of hospital has been cited as a ‘good practice case study’ in Transforming Primary Care, a prestigious Department of Health policy document.

The Meet & Greet service was rolled out by Age Concern Luton in 2011 after being commissioned by Luton Clinical Commissioning Group strategic implementation manager Helen Miller.

Ms Miller said: “I am so proud to share this achievement with Age Concern Luton. It was about really listening to what people needed, trusting partners and showing a common sense approach. This is the new face of commissioning and shows what we can do when we work together’.

Age Concern Luton chief executive Colette McKeaveney said: “Meet & Greet does everything a good, caring family member would do to make an elderly relative comfortable when they get home. This can range from getting shopping, clearing up after an emergency admission or simply being there to support when the tears start.

“It’s making sure they have the best possible practical and emotional help for their recovery. To achieve this our handymen, advice and information and support workers all contribute to making each older person safe at home. “
The service operates 12 hours a day during the week and from 10am to 3pm at weekends.

A government report has issued concerns over the way in which detainees taken to Luton Airport are handcuffed in “full public view”.

HM Chief Inspector of Prisons made an unannounced visit to the airport on December 9 to assess the way in which its airside short term holding facility is operated.

The facility, which holds passengers subject to investigation by Border Force immigration officers and those who are to be removed having been refused entry to the UK, is run by private contractor Tascor.

Inspectors reported that they were ‘concerned’ to see that detainees were handed to facilty staff at the front of the airport, also that they were taken in handcuffs to the facility in “public view”.

The report revealed that average length of confinement for the 154 detainees in the previous three months was 10 hours, with five being held for more than a full day.

The longest period of detention, 35 hours and 40 minutes, was “far too long”, inspectors said.

Among the 154 detainees in the previous three months were 11 children.

Tascors said it would consider the “recommendations, some of which are outside its jurisdiction, in consultation with its client, the Home Office, and will formally respond to HMIP shortly.”

Team GB’s Kelly Large joined competitors from across the county to take part in the Luton aquathlon on Sunday morning.

The GB athlete was the first female and Adam Gibson won the race, part of the Hercules events.

Athletes started with a 400m swim at Inspire: Luton Sports Village, followed by a 5km run.

Gifty Enright, director of Hercules events, said: “The multi sport series we have been running with Active Luton have been a great success. We have had fantastic line ups of competitors from elite triathletes to complete novices.

“We can’t wait for the next two events on the 11 May and 1 June, which are sure to be just as exciting.

“Hercules Events’ goal is to develop multi-sports at grass roots level in Luton and to make it accessible for everyone.

“The Partnership with Active Luton, using both their stunning Inspire Sports Village site and the newly refurbished Lewsey Sports Park sites helps to further this goal.

“We are very grateful to the Luton Air Cadets and their officer, Amanda Burnham, who have turned out in full uniform to marshal the events.”

The first Hercules event was a duathlon, run, bike, run race, at Lewsey Sports Park on mothers day, Andy Chatterton won the event and Dionne Thurland was the first female.

Stuart Trower, group operations manager at Active Luton, said: “Whether a novice or experienced multi sport participant, the inaugural series of events has provided an opportunity for the local community and others to challenge themselves.

“Located at fantastic facilities which take place in a back drop of beautiful surroundings, these events offer an opportunity for personal achievement, attainable by all with the will to achieve.”

The Hercules events will continue throughout the summer.

Luton Borough Council has maintained that it remains committed to sourcing funds for repairs to Wardown Park Suspension Bridge, after a bid to secure lottery money failed.

The bridge was first closed for the Love Luton festival in July 2012 due to safety concerns and has remained locked up since.

Council chiefs first reported that repairs would cost £200,000- but they have now found that work on piers, timber beams, bolts and cable connections will tot up closer to £300,000.

To help with the sum the council investigated the possibility of a Heritage Lottery Grant Fund, but were told that an application “would be unlikely to succeed.”

A spokesperson said: “While funding for its repair has not yet been secured, we appreciate the importance it has in the community and officers are continuing to seek funding streams from all possible sources; and it will be considered at a future executive meeting.

In the meantime town resident David Hempenstall has set up a government petition for funds to “save this iconic piece of Luton’s history”.

>To sign the petition log on to http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/63657

Luton council’s senior early years consultant, Sue Thomas and signing trainer, Katja O’Neill, flew to Thailand to showcase their Sign 2 Learn initiative.

They were invited and funded by the Knowledge Source Institute in Bangkok to deliver their programme to teachers from schools across Thailand and Beijing.

One delegate commented: “I have not been so inspired and motivated for a very long time. The content, the speakers, the personal experiences they shared, the chance to actually practice how to sign left me smiling throughout.”

Ms Thomas said: “It was great to have the opportunity to fly the flag for Luton in an international arena and to have such a positive response.”

The initiative uses signs taken from British Sign Language (BSL), it is used in children’s centres, nurseries and primary schools across Luton.

Fiona McGlone, interim director of children and learning, said: “The work that our early years team and Sign 2 Learn are delivering in Luton is having a significant impact and is helping to raise educational standards of children from an early age in a fun and innovative way, which can only have a positive impact on future learning.”

Passengers travelling between London St Pancras International and Bedford are experiencing delays of up to an hour this afternoon (Thursday, April, 17).

A person was hit by an East Midlands train between Flitwick and Bedford at 12.30pm.

All lines were immediately closed pending attendance and investigation by the emergency services.

Three of the four lines reopened at 13.40pm.

A First Capital Connect spokesperson said: “Because of severe train and driver displacement there are still delays of up to 60 minutes on the Thameslink route.

“Rail replacement buses are running between Luton and Bedford, calling at all stations. We apologise for the inconvenience.”

Delays are expected to last until 6.30pm.

A month of sunshine and showers with warmer temperatures, April is the time that many things start to grow.

Unfortunately that includes the weeds! The good news is that if you catch them now you really will lessen your work over the coming months. Choose a warm dry day and hoe off the annual weeds, being sure to avoid any newly planted seedlings. Perennial weeds, especially ones with big tap roots such as docks, are best dealt with after rainfall when the soil has been softened.

Don’t forget that if you are rushing out of the house and see (for example) a dandelion in flower you can pick off the head to stop it seeding, and come back to hoicking it out when you have a moment.

Try and think of what you want in the area you have cleared of weeds so you can plant desirable plants that will stop the weeds coming back. However, if you have to leave an area of soil bare then don’t let your hard work go to waste.

A hoe is best here; a few moments every few days will keep the patch clear and prevent you looking out of the window and feeling you are back at square one!

Many people are unsure how to use a hoe effectively and may not even own one or keep it sharpened and clean. As it is used quite lightly just a few centimetres under the soil, it is best to find a hoe which feels balanced as you hold it and doesn’t sit too heavily in your hands.

The blade is gently pushed into the soil with the flat side parallel with the surface. It won’t work well if the soil is either caked hard or wet, but it is very effective and enjoyable when the soil is crumbly. If you can rope in a friend to help then a weeding session can turn into an opportunity to chat in the sunshine.

– it’s a job that doesn’t require too much concentration.

and you will definitely deserve a cup of tea and a slice of cake once it’s done!

I was shocked but sadly not surprised at the findings of an All-Party Commission on physical activity whose first report this week showed that a lack of exercise results in an estimated 37,000 premature deaths in the UK every year.

Encouraging healthy and active lifestyles is a real priority for Central Bedfordshire Council and I’m glad to say that the leisure strategy that we’re developing for our area is really taking shape.

Over the next two years we’re investing £20m in our leisure centres to encourage residents to keep fit and well. Much of this will be spent on providing new and improved facilities in the north and east of our area including a new £12.5m leisure centre in Flitwick and a new athletics track at Sandy Sports Centre.

We want to encourage people to take more healthy and active transport choices too – walking or cycling rather than taking the car for short journeys. Through our local transport plans we’re investing in creating more cycle routes and improving things for pedestrians.

Partnerships with football facilities, community centres, schools and clubs are also important in giving everyone the widest possible range of opportunities to get active in a way that suits them.

The strength of those partnerships is really evident during school holidays. On top of the many activities in our leisure centres this Easter there are a host of holiday play schemes and other activities.

Easter is certainly a time when I enjoy spending lots of time outdoors with my family and with so much wonderful countryside and country parks on our doorstep you don’t have to go far to enjoy a fun and active break.

For more details go to our website www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/easter

Staff from Tate recruitment celebrated their Easter by taking eggs to patients at the Luton and Dunstable hospital on Wednesday.

The recruitment firm, based in Hemel Hempstead, asked for donations from their clients in Luton, Dunstable and Hemel Hempstead, as part of ‘VolunTate’.

The inititative was set up by the company so employees can give back to the community.

Rachel Watson, operations manager, said: “It was a really good day, we managed to take 265 eggs to the children and elderly at the hospital.”

“The hospital staff, myself and Lauren took the eggs to the children’s play room area and some children were in there with their parents, when they saw the eggs they were so excited and their eyes lit up.

The hospital staff were grateful for the eggs from the company.

Ms Watson said: “They were overwhelmed by the generosity of our clients and delighted with the number of eggs, it meant that there would be plenty to go around and they would use them also for their Easter egg hunt.”

The charity was set up by Samantha Bedford in 2004 and is run by a team of volunteers and funded by public donations.

Ms Bedford said: “We’re really just about giving local sick, injured or orphaned wildlife a chance to get back out into the wild where they belong.

“Almost all of our casualties have had some adverse interaction with humans, road traffic accidents, window strikes, pet attacks and sometimes even human cruelty, so we feel it’s right for us to also be here to help them recover from those adverse interactions.”

The team converted a garage, to create treatment rooms, at her Houghton regis home.

She said: “To be honest we could do with it being about ten times bigger but we cope.

“We provide somewhere for the public and also the RSPCA and local veterinary practices to bring wild animals so that they can receive treatment, where possible, and return to their natural environment as quickly as possible.”

For more information visit the website www.wildlife-rescue.org.uk or call 01582527465.

“You know what it is I love about being Spider-Man? Everything!”

Get ready because The Amazing Spider-Man is back, swinging in for more comic book big screen adventures – and this time the stakes have been raised considerably.

In the familiar spidey suit once again Andrew Garfield is an absolute joy as he nails the dual role superbly, so watchable that it is only when he has to deal with a host of new villains that things oddly lose their way a little.

Love interest Gwen Stacy (a blonde Emma Stone) also returns and the two leads sizzle with genuine chemistry that gives the film a solid beating heart.

But it’s just not easy to hold down a serious relationship while being on full time city saving superhero duty and, like many super dudes before him, Spidey has to take steps to protect his girl (as he promised her now dead father) and follow his heart.

As a super-powered love story The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is a treat for the senses – you’d be a cynic indeed not to love his Banksy-style web graffiti declaration of love.

Alas, it’s not all good news. New lead baddie Electro (Jamie ‘Django Unchained’ Foxx) is more annoying than menacing and he hogs screen time that would be better served profiling new Hob Goblin (Dane ‘Chronicle’ DeHaan) who actually could be an awesome nemesis if developed in the next movie, and the ‘Sinister Six’ offshoot which is mooted. Another stumble is Paul Giamatti who is wasted as the Rhino, a kind of uninspired bumbling mech rather than a mutant creature.

The special effects work well, though, web-swinging has never looked better or more fun and the Oscorp special projects lab makes full use of a cupboard full of superhero CGI tricks.

Also good to see is the small scale interactions that keep Spidey busy, which include helping a nerd who has bully issues, which has a welcome pay off in the last scene.

But however hard director Marc Webb and his team try, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 just isn’t as ‘amazing’ as the first of this rebooted franchise.

Yes, there is lots of promise for the next part – not least in introducing Felicia (Felicity ‘Cemetery Junction’ Jones), who could become his ‘Catwoman alike’ Black Cat.

But then ‘The Adequate Spiderman’ might be more accurate, but isn’t as enticing as a title.

After months of campaigning the votes are in and we now know who will be representing our area’s children and young people on Central Bedfordshire’s Youth Parliament.

The 25 successful young people from across Central Bedfordshire will work with the council, police and other organisations to make sure they listen to the views of children and young people.

Two of the young people will be chosen to represent Central Bedfordshire on the national Youth Parliament, which holds an annual debate in the House of Commons.

Oli Graham, who attends Harlington Upper School, is looking forward to getting stuck into his new role, he said: “Running for Youth Parliament has turned out to be a great decision.

“So far, I’ve found the experience to really boost my confidence, and allow me to meet new people with similar interests and ideas. Being part of an active group that lets us show our opinions has made my life as a young person seem a lot fuller, as it had presented new challenges and opportunities to make a real difference for the youth of today.”

Councillor Mark Versallion, Executive Member for Children’s Services, said: “It’s great that so many of our young people took part in these elections. Those who got elected will now have the chance to work with the council and other organisations and have a real say on the decisions that affect them.”

Pictured (left to right) are Naomi Sherwood, Redborne Upper; Jacob Noah Townson, Vandyke Upper; Steven Dawkins, All Saints Academy; Shannon Flitton, Weatherfield Academy; Jack Lamb, Sandy Upper; Charlotte Ammirato, Manshead Upper; Michael Ita, Redbourne Upper; Charlie Herbert, Manshead Upper; Oliver Graham, Harlington Upper; Izzy Shohet, Stratton Upper; Greg Ogunyanwo, Harlington Upper; Aarti Patel, Harlington Upper; Chloe Gray, All Saints Academy; and Elisha Fowler, Cedars Upper.

It’s been a decade since Will Ferrell created arrogant newsreader Ron Burgundy in Anchorman.

The legend finally continues with comedy sequel ANCHORMAN 2 (15: Paramount), another rib-tickling tale of the moustachioed misogynist’s pioneering work in 24-hour news.

And even if Burgundy has lost a bit of shock value, the craziness still feels current.

Ron is estranged from his wife – and news rival – Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate) and is thrust into the arms of a New York network executive (Meagan Good) and her fledgling rolling news channel.

Ferrell delights in flouting political correctness and Ron’s bouts of verbal diarrhoea are still eccentrically enjoyable.

There’s also great banter with old cohorts Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd), Champ Kind (David Koechner) and witless weatherman Brick Tamland (Steve Carell).

Ferrell’s penchant for silliness is at its best early on through the satirical swipes at the dumbing down of TV news, although a romantic subplot that pairs Carell and Bridesmaids star Kristen Wiig is less sparkling and a drift into Free Willy territory (with a shark, not a whale) threatens to drag the film under.

> When they handed out the latest Oscars, the judges got it just about right with AMERICAN HUSTLE (18: Entertainment In Video).

It’s a well-acted, 1970s-set crime caper that probably deserved to be nominated for several awards, but lacked that something special for it to claim the big prizes.

Opening with a disclaimer stating that “Some of this actually happened”, the film begins with a flurry of obvious wigs, polyester suits and iconic chart music frfom the period.

But unusually for the genre, it soon reveals itself as an intelligent character piece, with New York conman Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and his lover (Amy Adams) forced into helping the FBI as penance for a series of loan frauds.

A maverick agent (Bradley Cooper) offers him the chance to escape jail by assisting in a sting operation.

The hustler finds himself involved in a scheme to bring down the corrupt, Mafia-affiliated mayor of New Jersey, only to find his own wife (Jennifer Lawrence) plotting revenge.

The A-list cast is used as a kind of adult pantomime in which allegiances switch constantly and no one is ever quite who they seem.

Bale and Cooper drive the story and Adams is terrific, but Lawrence is irritating as a ditz whose loose-lipped tendencies might at any minute start a bloodbath.

> MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM (12: Twentieth Century Fox) is adapted from the South African political leader’s 1995 autobiography.

But the film’s 50-year span – from anti-apartheid activism to high office – feels episodic and Nelson Mandela’s extended spell in prison receives cursory coverage.

Despite a two-and-a-half hours running time, any deeper understanding of the man is undermined by the use of newsreel to fill in the gaps.

The statuesque Idris Elba gives a pivotal performance of controlled grace as Mandela, while Naomie Harris is excellent as wife Winnie, yet in terms of contemporary political biopics, this well-intentioned drama lacks the focused depth of Lincoln and has more in common with the ‘Greatest Hits’ style of The Iron Lady.

Museum curators are appealing for people who left family treasures for valuation, to come and pick them up.

More than 500 items, from Box brownies, to rusty old swords, are still awaiting collection at Wardown Park Museum, some from as far back as the 1940s.

The items are not ones that have been donated or loaned to the museum, but which have been left, sometimes for a valuation or simply for families hoping to find out what it is.

But the museum is running out of space, and as it digitises its million plus items, it needs to clear out those which do not fit in with its collections of the local history of Luton and Bedfordshire.

Time is running out for people to collect their goods,. The museum is trying to contact names left on the forms with the items but in many cases is coming up blank.

“These are not loans or donations,” said Tim Vickers, collections care officer.

“Some of them are going back to the 1940s so they could be items left by grandparents.”

Each item is carefully kept with attached paperwork for a name and contact details.

Museum staff have been trying to contact owners but so far with little success.

And if the items are not collected by August 3 this year the museum can sell them or donate them to charities.

Mr Vickers is urging anyone who knows they have left belongings with the museum or who comes across paperwork left with relatives to get in touch.

>He can be contacted on 01582 547969.

Luton borough council used its legal powers to improve the standards of a privately rented home, following a complaint from the tennant.

A housing officer inspected the Dordans road property and found a blocked toilet, broken boiler, inadequately maintained electrics and gas oven posing imminent risk and there were no child proof windows fitted on the first floor, despite five young children living in the house.

The tenants were moved to temporary accommodation until it was safe to return.

The council can enforce Emergency Remedial Action (ERA) by undertaking critical works to the home, £4000 was spent on improvements and will be charged to the landlord.

Pam Garraway, corporate director for housing and community living, said: “The council takes the condition of the private rented sector very seriously and we will not hesitate to take appropriate action against any landlord acting irresponsibly, especially in cases like this where the state of the property was so bad that the tenants were actually in danger.”

Luton’s sports organisations have received over £300k from Sport England to give more disabled people an opportunity in sport.

Almost £360k has been secured by the Disability Resource centre (DRC) in conjunction with the County Sports Partnership and Team Beds & Luton to create more sustainable opportunities for disabled people to take part in sport.

Bedfordshire is one of the 44 projects across England that will receive funding from the £8 million injected into disability sport.

Mick Dillon, chief executive of the DRC, said: “The funding would provide the much needed catalyst for change that will create more genuine opportunities for people with a disability to access quality sports in this county.”

The project aims to develop a network of multi sport and sport specific clubs across the county over the next 3 years.

Graeme Simpson, Team Beds & Luton, business manager, said: “We are delighted that this funding has been secured for the delivery and development of disability sport across Bedfordshire including Luton.”

Working with partners, the project aims to deliver a consistent message that there are no limits to an individuals capacity to be involved, no limits to an individuals aspiration to succeed and no limits to regular sports participation.