Former patients of Luton and Dunstable Hospital could soon be receiving an NHS In-Patient Survey.

And staff at the L&D are advising people that the survey is genuine, all answers are confidential and the results can help improve the quality of healthcare in the NHS.

It will be asking about your experiences as an in-patient, The NHS In-Patient Survey is part of a national programme gaining information about patient experiences and the quality of care that the NHS delivers.

Understanding the way patients experience the care and treatment they receive is essential to a complete assessment of the quality of healthcare

A spokesman said: “ We would therefore encourage patients who have been contacted about the survey to complete it, where possible, as we value their feedback.”

Please contact the L&D’s PALS team if you have any queries.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a shooting in Luton in the early hours of Saturday.

The incident is believed to have happened at approximately 2.10am in Wexham Close, Marsh Farm.

Detective Inspector Andy Southam said: “We received reports that a gun had been fired in Wexham Close. One man has been taken to hospital with what are fortunately believed to be minor injuries. I’d urge anyone with information to get in touch.

“Tackling gun crime is a key priority for Bedfordshire Police and fortunately it remains very rare. We take all firearms offences incredibly seriously and will be working hard to find the person responsible.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DI Southam on 101, text 07786 200 011, or call Crimestoppers, completely anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Luton Borough Council and Age Concern Luton have published the town’s first ever ‘Dementia Guide’.

The unique publication is one of the only ones of its type in the UK which has been written by carers, for carers.

Aimed at people who care for friends or family members living with dementia, the guide covers a range of important and useful information ranging from what to expect at assessments to useful technology that will make life easier.

Other topics include identifying signs and symptoms, dealing with the most common health problems associated with dementia, planning for the future and advice on how to get the most out of life.

Colette McKeaveney, Director of Age Concern Luton, said: “This is a unique, down-to-earth guide, written by Luton people living with dementia and those who care for them.

“There are 40 contributors and the topics we included are those most frequently asked about. Our thanks go out to those who have shared their experience on how to live well with dementia in Luton today.”

Cllr Naseem Ayub, Portfolio Holder for adult social care, said: “I would like to thank Age Concern Luton and local carers for their hard work and dedication in putting together this wonderful guide which aims to help people through every stage of their journey as a dementia carer.

“As it has been written by people with first-hand experience of looking after someone with the condition, the information is both relevant and helpful in terms of offering advice on how to overcome certain challenges and making life easier.”

“Please pick up a copy of the guide.”

The Luton Dementia Guide is available online at www.luton.gov.uk/dementia and www.ageconcernluton.org.uk

Hardcopies can be picked up from GP surgeries, pharmacists, community centres, council buildings and Age Concern Luton’s shops in Birdsfoot Lane, George St and Market Square (Farley Hill) from 6th September.

For a copy in large print contact Age Concern Luton on 01582 456812.

Rail passengers have been left stranded after a vehicle struck a railway bridge near Harlington.

It is understood all lines betwene Leagrave and Bedford are blocked until Network Rail give the all-clear.

According to Network Rail, examiners are on their way to the bridge now to assess the problem.

More on this story as it developes.

The Community Involvement team at Aldwyck Housing Group organised a day with their residents at a trip to Legoland in Windsor this week.

More than 50 children and parents from Aldwyck properties were treated to a day of fun at the theme park, visiting the rides and attractions, despite the downpour of rain!

The trips are organised by the Community Involvement team and are a great way for residents from Aldwyck areas such as Hilltop Court in Luton, to meet other families and get to know each other in a casual environment.

The adventure was part of a successful summer programme coordinated by Aldwyck each day for kids to enjoy over the holidays. The activities such as arts and crafts, smoothie making and community barbecues gave children a chance to engage with the team across five different areas.

Steve Payne, parent and Aldwyck resident said: ‘We have all had a fantastic day at Legoland, despite the weather! Thank you to Aldwyck for bringing us and organising the trip, a good day has been had by all.’

For more information on Aldwyck’s Community Involvement Team and the work they do, visit http://www.aldwyck.co.uk/getting-involved.

Police are warning residents of Bedfordshire to be vigilant after a man was conned out of thousands of pounds.

The man, who lives in Houghton Regis, was visited by two men on August 10 who explained that they noticed his roof needed repairing.

The man gave the men the money to do the work and was then visited by several more men, all purporting to be workmen and demanding that the man gave them a large amount of money.

The men claimed to be from a company called Elite Roofing and Building Solutions.

PC Donna Jackson-English, investigating, said: “This is a truly despicable series of frauds whereby the offenders have conned a man out of a significant amount of cash.

“I would like to remind the public never to hand over money or personal details to a cold caller, or invite strangers into your house. If you do ever have any concerns, please make sure you contact police immediately.

“If you have elderly relatives or neighbours, please remind them to be vigilant and if in doubt, to contact yourself or someone else that can help.

Anyone with information that could help police identify those responsible is asked to contact PC Jackson-English on 101, text 07786 200 011. You can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Crime prevention advice

Residents are advised to deter bogus callers by verifying the caller’s identification before fully opening the door. If you have a chain, keep this fastened when you go to the door.

If in any doubt that the caller is not there for a legitimate purpose, such as a pre-arranged visit, do not let the person into your home.

Handbags, wallets, cash and house or car keys are obvious targets, so don’t leave them in a prominent position or in view of windows.

Look out for warning signs from unsolicited callers – do not give out cash to pay for work you haven’t agreed to in advance with a reputable company, and never share your bank details or PIN numbers.

Remember, police or bank officials would never ask you for these details so if you suspect someone to be masquerading in these roles, call police.

Bedfordshire Police is advising pubs and businesses across Luton to be extra vigilant following a burglary at a fairground arcade at Wardown Park.

Offenders forced the rear door to gain entry to an arcade at around 5am on bank holiday Monday.

Several machines were broken into and a large quantity of money was stolen.

Police are advising employees to report any suspicious vehicles or visitors, ensure that doors and windows are kept closed and locked and to consider fitting security lighting, CCTV and alarms.

If anyone has any information, call 101.

The sacking of a party activist appears to have uncovered a rift between Luton Borough Council’s ruling Labour group and its Labour MPs.

The group deleted its post of support worker in May this year, making Francis Steer, who also works for the MPs Gavin Shuker and Kelvin Hopkins, redundant.

But Mr Steer is claiming unfair dismissal over the process and taking the group to an employment tribunal.

In July this year, in a letter seen by the Luton News, council leader Hazel Simmons wrote to Mr Shuker and Mr Hopkins justifying the sacking and appearing to suggest there were issues in the working relationships betweeen the group and MPs.

She stated: “We all know that things are going to get tough for the people we represent under this Government and as a party we need to work together against the real enemy, the Tories.

“I would genuinely like to find a way of us all working better together both for the people we represent but also to improve relationships within the Party.

“I hope that you take this letter in the spirit that is intended.”

Mr Steer, who worked one day a week for the Labour group, was told soon after the local and national elections in May that his post was being made redundant.

But he claims the decision was made in a secret vote on May 15 after the Labour group held a discussion about policy development and campaigning.

He claims the tribunal will cost the group more than £8,000 to defend, less than his salary for the next four years.

In a letter to all Labour councillors, he said: “The Group being willing to spend this sum of money in defending this action for a one day a week post (ie spending more money on the tribunal than my continuing employment for the next four years would cost) makes the unfair dismissal look like a very much like a vindictive and discriminatory action.”

The Luton News contacted Mr Steer who said: “I cannot comment on the ongoing Employment Tribunal but I can confirm that I have taken the mover and seconder of the motion to sack me to the tribunal and Hazel Simmons, the leader of the Labour Group.”

Cllr Simmons declined to comment. Neither of the MPs was available for comment as the Luton News went to press.

A supermarket giant has recalled a batch of cereal which it fears could contain small pieces of plastic.

Sainsbury’s is recalling its 1kg box of own-brand Wholegrain Bran Flakes with a best before date of August 2016 due to a production fault which has left some containing small pieces of plastic.

The official recall notice reads: “It has been brought to our attention that a limited number of packets may contain small pieces of plastic.

“As a precautionary measure, we are asking all customers who have bought this product to return it to the nearest Sainsbury’s store, where they will receive a full refund.”

No other products or date codes are affected by this issue and Sainsbury’s apologies for the inconvenience caused to shoppers.

Bedfordshire Police is reminding returning holidaymakers that crime does not respect international borders, and that offences which take place abroad should still be reported to police.

The message – while applicable to all crimes – comes especially from the force’s rape investigation team, who want to urge young tourists heading home from breaks in party destinations over the summer that serious sexual offences should not go unreported.

Scores of young people may now be back after their getaways to sunnier climes over the holiday break or to celebrate exam results.

But holiday hotspots which often hit the headlines can be damaging to public understanding of rape and sexual assault, argues Detective Inspector Jenni McIntyre-Smith.

Det Insp McIntyre-Smith, who heads up the Rape Investigation Unit, said: “The often heady combinations of sun, sea and alcohol can sometimes fuel rowdy behaviour in nightclub strips, and what should be classified as a serious offence can worryingly be seen as the norm.

“In Bedfordshire we are committed to dispelling misconceptions about what constitutes legal consent, and we will thoroughly investigate all reports of rape and sexual assault made to us.

“However, it seems that when people go on holiday to so-called party destinations, the boundaries can become blurred and people – of any age or gender – could feel pressured into behaving in a way in which they aren’t comfortable.

“If you have been raped or sexually assaulted it is vital you report this to the authorities wherever you are staying, and when you come home we still want to hear from you to provide help and support.”

Those who have been victims of rape or sexual assault while abroad or in other parts of the country are being urged to report their attacks once they come home, as their crimes will still be investigated.

Victims of rape and sexual assault will be given care, support and guidance from the Bedfordshire force and partner agencies, while officers will liaise with the relevant force under which the crime took place to bring offenders to justice.

The force is also reminding people that there is no excuse for sexual abuse, and if someone is incapacitated due to drink or drugs, they are not capable of consenting to sexual activity. If you pursue it, you are committing a crime.

To report a crime, call Bedfordshire Police on 101, text 07786 200 011, or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Do you, or anyone you know, have a ‘Horror Home’? If so Channel 5 want to hear from you about featuring in the next series of a TV hit show.

The channel is currently casting for series two of Horror Homes, a hugely successful show by Crackit Productions.

The programme reveals the stories of people whose lives have been turned upside-down when their home becomes a living nightmare.

From houses left swimming in raw sewage to homes about to fall into the sea, properties destroyed by acts of God to new-build nightmares and holiday home hellholes.

A spokesman for the TV show said: “Did you have the perfect home until something out of your control ruined it? Have you once felt the force of Mother Nature damaging the house you love so much?

“Perhaps you have had someone ruin your home and you are trying to put it back together. Or is there something paranormal in your home that is ruining your life? If so we here at Horror Homes wants to hear from you.”

If you or someone you know has a horror story to share and would like to apply to feature in the new series email horrorhomes2@crackitproductions.co.uk or call Jade on 0203 761 4714.

Feline Cat Rescue is offering cat owners a special offer on neutering due to the high cases of unwanted and abandoned kittens this year.

The Rescue will neuter and microchip up to two cats in the household for £10 throughout October and November at Studley Road Veterinary Surgery.

Amanda Courtney, Feline Cat Rescue coordinator, said: “Our aim is to reduce the number of unwanted kittens born in the Luton and Dunstable area next year.

“At present we have around 30 cats looking for loving forever homes, many are abandoned in boxes. We want this to be a lot less next year and the best way to do this is to neuter as many cats as we can.”

For more information, visit: www.felinecatrescue.org.uk

A father and his two children escaped from a fierce house blaze in Luton on Tuesday evening.

The fire is believed to have started at around 8.30pm at the family’s semi-detached home in Austin Road. The family escaped through the back of the house.

Neighbours were alerted by the smell of burning and Beds Fire and Rescue Service were called.

One neighbour told the Herald: “We could smell burning and saw the man run out through the back with the children, as we came outside the street was full of fire engines.”

A fire service spokesman said: “At 20.33 we received a call about a fire at a property in Austin Road, Luton.

“The fire involved the whole of the first floor of the property and firefighters used three hoses and 
two jets to fight the blaze, needing six breathing apparatus to protect themselves from smoke during the incident.

“100% of the first floor was damaged by fire and 80% of whole house was damaged by smoke.”

It is understood that the Red Cross victim support unit attended to support the family.

One of the family with a pre-existing condition was taken to hospital suffering smoke inhalation, there were no other casualities.

A fire investigation was carried out, but the cause is unknown due to extensive damage. The incident was closed soon after 10pm.

Officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command yesterday arrested a 33-year-old woman at Luton Airport on suspicion of child abduction.

The woman was arrested at approximately 7.45pm as she was entering the UK, having just disembarked a flight from Istanbul, Turkey. Her four children with whom she was travelling were taken into police protection.

The woman and her four children were reported missing to police from their home in Waltham Forest last week and were last seen on Tuesday, 25 August boarding a flight to Amsterdam from London City Airport.

Due to concerns that she was intending to travel to Syria with the children, officers from SO15 issued a public appeal for information on their whereabouts over the weekend.

Officers subsequently received official confirmation on Tuesday, 1 September that they had been detained in Turkey by Turkish authorities.

Enquiries continue.

Anyone who is concerned that a family member may be contemplating travelling to Syria should contact police and partners so that we can intervene and help. For further information and advice, visit the Prevent Tragedies website at www.preventtragedies.co.uk.

Drivers were forced to avoid the A505 Leighton Buzzard bypass for several hours following a serious collision this morning.

At around 5.55am, a car left the road and landed into a ditch near Stanbridge.

One man in his 20s has been taken to Luton & Dunstable Hospital with serious injuries, although they are not thought to be life-threatening.

A Beds Police spokesman said: “Emergency services were at the scene and the road was closed in both directions between its junction with the A5 and first Eaton Bray junction.”

The road reopened at 12.56pm this afternoon.

The inquest into a man who died following an altercation at Club Cookies in Dunstable last month has been opened.

Tomas Juska, aged 24, of Medina Road, Luton, died in hospital following a verbal altercation inside and then outside the club on August 23.

Assistant Coroner for Bedfordshire and Luton Ian Pears opened the inquest at Ampthill on Thursday.

Mr Juska was struck in the face, causing him to fall and hit his head outside the club. He died the following day.

Cause of death was given as a head injury and the full inquest will be held on April 19, 2016.

A barrister has appeared at Northampton Crown Court and pleaded not guilty to charges of harassment and perverting the course of justice.

Sanjay Roy, aged 31,of Maidenhall Road, Luton is accused of harassing a woman between August 1, 2014 and January 31 this year and then perverting the course of justice between October 16, 2014 and January 31, this year.

The charges allege that Roy put the woman in fear of violence by making threats towards her and her unborn baby.

The perverting the course of justice charge states Roy is alleged to have asked the woman to contact police and say she had lied.

It is also alleged Roy gained access to the woman’s email account and drafted an email that he wanted her to send to the police.

A trial will take place in May next year.

A group of Luton youths have been arrested following an altercation with another group in Flitwick.

Bedfordshire Police is investigating the incident which happened on Wednesday.

A group of youths were approached by a larger group of around 20 young people at the skate park in the recreation ground on Temple Way.

The confrontation took place at around 3pm and it was reported some of the larger group were carrying knives.

The offenders made off towards Flitwick railway station where they boarded a train, getting off at Harlington.

Seven youths aged between 14 and 15, all from Luton, were arrested at the scene but police would like to speak to anyone with information about the incident.

Detective Constable Paul Breed, investigating, said: “We have made a series of arrests in connection with this incident but would like to hear from anyone else who may have witnessed this event in Flitwick or Harlington on Wednesday afternoon who has not yet come forward.”

Anyone with any information should call DC Breed on the police non-emergency number 101, text information to 07786 200 011 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

A gang member who fled the country after murdering teenager Marcus Hall in Luton 14 years ago has finally been brought to justice.

Adebayo Ekun, 39, avoided arrest and fled to Nigeria, while five others were convicted between 2001 and 2002 for the part they played in the murder.

Eighteen-year-old Marcus was beaten and stabbed to death on 21 March 2001 outside Atmosphere nightclub in Luton. The student, from Peckham in South London, had been attending a gig by So Solid Crew.

Det Sgt Mark Devine said: “Despite the passing of 14 years, Bedfordshire Police has continued the hunt for the final outstanding offender to this vicious and brutal murder.

“His guilty plea today is a direct consequence of the strength of the evidence against him.”

Ekun was captured on CCTV in 2001 wearing a distinctive checked coat.

Appeals were made and information led detectives to a designer clothes store in London where it was discovered that the jacket was one of only nine sold in the UK. The store also had a list of all nine buyers – which included Ekun.

Detectives raided his London home and found a flyer for the shop. But Ekun had already left the UK.

He was eventually found and arrested in Nigeria in February this year in an operation involving the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Nigerian authorities.

The Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit worked with the NCA to extradite him back to the UK in March, where he was subsequently charged and remanded into custody.

Today, Ekun pleaded guilty at Luton Crown Court and was jailed for life with a minimum term of 10 years.

Det Sgt Devine added: “We are pleased that he has admitted his guilt and spared Marcus’ family the ordeal of revisiting the murder of their son and brother through another crown court trial. We sincerely hope that today’s conviction offers them some form of closure.

“This was a vicious attack that cost a young man his life. This group thought they were above the law but violence is not acceptable and we hope this gives a strong message that we are committed to do all in our power to catch those responsible no matter how long it takes.”

The horrors of images in the refugee camps in Calais has inspired a Luton activist.

A team of volunteers is heading to Calais next week with aid, which started with just an idea and a faith in humanity.

Luton activist, Atefeh Givian is travelling to the Calais’ refugee camps to deliver aid, following a fundraising page she started on Tuesday. Within hours, the initial fundraising target was reached, thanks to the help of local business owner, Mohammed Nadeem, owner of the Nadeem Plaza.

The support and contribution of Mohammed Nadeem has allowed additional funds to be collected, which has transformed Atefeh’s idea of one car, into a team of six volunteers with three cars filled with donations.

The local residents of Luton, and surrounding areas have generously donated clothing, food, sleeping bags and blankets. But the work of the #DriveToHumanity team has only just begun; the volunteers leave for Calais on the early morning of Friday, September 11 to deliver packages and donations, but will be returning and organising repeat journeys with more aid, and more vehicles.

Donate clothing, food, sleeping bags, blankets and shoes to help support this worthy cause, and to reinstate the team’s vision of #humanity.

Donations can be picked up, or dropped off to Atefeh Givian.

Contact details can be found on the fundraising page: https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/humanity