Families and firefighters rallied together to raise funds for a little-known Luton children’s charity.

Charlotte Stark and Katie Doke, both 30, organised a coffee morning and family activity day on October 29 at Dunstable Community Fire Station, Brewers Hill Lane, collecting £361 for Rett UK.

The charity, based on Mill Street, help families of children with Rett Syndrome, a lifelong neurological disorder which can cause severe physical and mental disability.

Charlotte said: “Everyone loved it. It was a really fun morning and we’re still doing little bits to raise money, like taking cakes to work and running a JustGiving page.

“The firefighters gave guests a tour of the engines – I don’t know who it was for, the children or the mums! The kids got to have a go at squirting a hose.”

The pair hope to run future events for the charity and would like to thank Donna Tinch, Rett UK office manager, for attending with her family.

Visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Rettukcoffeemorning.

The RSPCA is preparing for another busy fireworks season by issuing advice for pet owners and those planning displays.

As Diwali, Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year are celebrated, Luton residents can help both wild animals and pets stay safe.

Organisers should ensure there are no farm animals close by or wildlife in the area, and bonfire heaps should be checked for animal nests.

RSPCA welfare expert Lisa Richards said: “Make sure dogs and cats are kept indoors when fireworks are likely to go off. Try to mask the noise of the fireworks by turning on the TV or music, and provide pets with a safe place to hide.

“Small animals that live outside should have lots of extra bedding so they can burrow and some of their enclosure could be covered by a blanket for extra insulation and sound-proofing.”

Animals can be also be victims of cruelty during firework season.

Contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 to report animals in distress.

Food hygiene standards at Luton & Dunstable Hospital were slammed in an inspection by Environmental Health which graded it ONE out of five.

The shock ranking places the hospital among just three in the country to have the poor score.

According to the report, there were poor systems in place to check whether food served was safe to eat, or evidence that staff knew about food safety.

The hospital was graded ‘generally satisfactory’ for food handling and the cleanliness of facilities.

An L&D spokesman said: “It is important to stress that there were no immediate concerns regarding the safety of the food being served. However, it outlined a requirement for management procedures to be improved.

“An action plan to ensure a fully compliant service has already been put in place with the service provider, Engie.

“Engie and the Trust would like to reassure patients, the public, visitors and employees that food safety is of paramount importance and that all food prepared at the hospital is safe and of good quality.”

A man has been charged in connection with the death of Kevin Kelly earlier this year.

Richard Wood, 23, of London Road, Bognor Regis, was charged on Tuesday with the manslaughter of Kevin Kelly.

He has been bailed to appear at Luton Magistrates’ Court on November 21.

Mr Kelly, who was 27, died in hospital following an altercation in Upper George Street on May 1.

Directional CIC, an organisation that aims to inspire young people, is holding a showcase of talented people on Thursday, November 10.

The showcase, which aims to inspire the next generation, will be performed at Luton Library Theatre at 7pm.

Singer Mia Sylvester, a contestant on this year’s The Voice, award winning dance crew Rhythm Junkies and former Hollyoaks actor Aaron Fontaine, are the headline acts at the show.

Jermaine Hall, director of Directional CIC, said: “We are holding our second annual showcase to help inspire people to be as successful as they can be!

“We use inspirational stories and have inspirational acts from local people to help raise aspirations.

“This year we are also including four awards to recognise young people who have achieved well and older people who have helped our young people to succeed in whatever it is they choose to do.”

There will be awards for Young Academic Achiever Of The Year, Young Sports Achiever Of The Year, Supporting Role Of The Year and Role Model Of The Year.

Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for under 16’s, they can be bought from The Hat Factory.

Britain First leader Jayda Fransen was yesterday (Thursday) found guilty of public order offences following a trial at Luton Magistrates’ Court.

Fransen, 30, was convicted of wearing a uniform for a political purpose and a religiously aggravated charge of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour. The offences are in connection with an incident in Bury Park, Luton, in January.

Assistant Chief Constable Mike Colbourne said: “We have a duty to protect our communities and will always act in their best interests, and would seek to prosecute anyone who breaks laws under the Public Order Act.”

Fransen was ordered to pay a total of £1,920 in fines and court costs and was issued a restraining order against the main witness in the case.

A serious road traffic collision has occurred on the A5 in Markyate, close to the junction with London Road.

The collision took place at approximately 9.20pm on Thursday, November 4, after a large red Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV), pulling a trailer, was in collision with a white Ford Connect Van.

The driver of the van – a man in his 40s - had to be airlifted to Addenbrooks hospital and is in a critical condition. The driver of the HGV – a man in his 30s - was not injured and has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He currently remains in police custody at this time.

The road remains closed in both directions while emergency services deal with the incident. It is expected to remain closed for a further few hours and motorists are advised to avoid the area as delays are expected.

Investigating officer PC Andy Ralph of the Road Crash Investigation Team said: “I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to please get in touch as soon as possible. I’d also like to speak to anyone who may have seen the HGV in the area during the evening before the collision happened. Any information you provide could help us to piece together the circumstances of this incident.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the non-emergency number 101.

There were moving stories of good deeds and community involvement at the annual Pride in Bedfordshire awards yesterday.

Groups and individuals were celebrated at the event, at Bedford’s Corn Exchange.

Kickstarting the evening was host Jon Moses, a finalist from Andrew Lloyd Webber;s Superstar contest who told the audience: “If it wasn’t for people like you, change wouldn’t happen.”

The awards went to

>Care in the Community, sponsored by The Harpur Trust, Pauline Capell, fundraiser for St John’s Hospice, a bereavement visitor and founder member of Good Neighbours who also is a reader for the talking newspaper for the visually impaired.

>Excellence in Education, sponsored by Costa, Harrison Dowling in his first year as a full time student in Sport at Bedford College, has achieved distinctions in every subject and won the department’s academic student of the year award and the employability award.

>Fundraiser of the Year, sponsored by the Bedford Times & Citizen, Andrew Lake, treasurer of the Bedfordshire group of Sporting Bears which has raised mor than £1,750,000 for childrens charities.

>Volunteer of the Year sponsored by BPHA, Trevor Pocock a counselling volunteer for the Roads Victims Trust. He has worked for the trust, which operates in Bedfordshire, for 12 years. and is passionate about supporting people whose lives have been devastated by road death.

>Unsung hero, sponsored by Keens Shay Keens, Valery Rose Rapley, chairwoman of the Northill and Ickwell drama group and chairwoman of the village hall committee which raises funds each year for a Christmas dinner held in the village hall for every pensioner in the two villages.

Raising the Profile of the Town, sponsored by Charles Wells, James Pharoah who brought Bedfringe to Bedford and has promoted the arts in the town.

>Courage and Kindness, sponsored by the Luton News, Sam Wiggins, who saved his father’s life after he had been taken ill at the wheel of his car and crashed into a tree. Sam performed five cycles of CPR before help arrived. His father has made a full recovery.

>Winner of Winners, sponsored by The Harpur Trust, Trevor Pocock.

The event was organised by The Bedford Times and Citizen, Luton News, Leighton Buzzard Observer, Dunstable Gazette, Biggleswade Chronicle and our sister papers.

Two years of very low house price growth and sales are being predicted as a result of economic uncertainty in the wake of the Brexit vote.

Post-referendum economic uncertainty and weaker consumer sentiment will signal a period of low house price growth and significantly lower transaction levels, says international real estate adviser, Savills, which today issued its five-year forecasts.

Lucian Cook, Savills UK head of residential research, said: “There is no precedent for the current market, and the Brexit vote makes forecasting more challenging than perhaps ever before.

“The effect of Brexit is complicating a natural shift towards the later stages of the housing market cycle, when the strongest growth is seen beyond London and the South-East. What is clear is that the housing market does not like political and economic uncertainty, and this points to lower growth and lower transaction markets across the board.”

Interest rates set to remain low

Negotiations to leave the EU are expected to take two years, during which time buyer sentiment will remain fragile. Interest rates are now forecast to stay low for longer, which will prevent a market correction. At the same time, buyers will be reluctant or unable to stretch their borrowing, leaving little or no capacity for house price growth depending on location.

However, Savills are predicting consumer confidence will improve and create

greater capacity for house price growth from 2019, although this will be constrained by inevitable interest rate rises, particularly in the higher value markets.

As a result, UK mainstream house price growth is forecast to be marginal over the next two years and total just 13 per cent in the next five.

House price growth - the regional picture

Savills say UK average house prices are set to remain flat over the next year to 18 months, growing by just two per cent by the end of 2018, and a total of 13 per cent by the end of 2021.

London will have less capacity for growth than its neighbours, following the inflation-busting house price rises of the post credit crunch year. The more affordable markets of the Midlands, Wales and the North of England will theoretically have more capacity for price growth, but may lack the economic catalyst needed to unlock this potential. The weakest five-year price growth - at nine per cent - will be in the North East and Scotland, where Aberdeen (which showed the strongest post credit crunch growth) will continue to be a drag on the national average as long as oil prices remain low.

The value gap between London and the rest of the UK suggests the commuter belt (+20%) and wider South of England (+17%) will outperform prime outer London. Prime central London will see a bounce in values from 2019 and 21 per cent five year growth, assuming London’s global city status remains relatively unchanged.

Ongoing challenges for first-time buyers

First time buyers are also set to face ongoing challenges in raising a deposit, and numbers are expected to drop by 15 per cent from 325,000 this year to 275,000 in 2018. Schemes such as Help to Buy will remain important if volumes are to recover by 2021.

Mortgaged home owners who are looking to trade up will be constrained by tougher lending criteria, while cash buyer numbers, who currently make up 35 per cent of the market, may be discouraged by increased stamp duty.

Buy to let investors with a mortgage, some 10 per cent of the market and therefore an important source of housing, face tax disincentives and impending mortgage regulation. Their transactions are expected to fall from 120,000 to 90,000 in 2021, and hit a low of 80,000 in 2018. The additional stamp duty for investment and second home buyers will also continue to have an impact.

Demand for rental properties set to rise

However, demand for rental properties looks set to increase as first time and second stepper buyers struggle to access or trade up the market. This means rental growth will be stronger than house price growth both in the short term and over the five-year forecast period. Average rents are forecast to rise by a total of 19 per cent, and 24.5 per cent in London, where access to home ownership is most difficult.

Festive families are invited to witness the Luton Fireworks Spectacular display at Popes Meadow.

The show will take place on Saturday, November 5, and entry is free, with gates opening at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start.

LLA Ltd, the company which owns London Luton Airport, are this year’s sponsor.

Cllr Andy Malcolm, chair of London Luton Airport Limited, said: “We really value the support from the people of Luton and are always looking for ways to say thank you.

“The Popes Meadow fireworks display has always been popular and this is why we are happy to support Luton Borough Council to make it happen again this year.”

The following roads will be closed between 5-9pm on Saturday: New Bedford Road, Bowling Green Lane, Greenside Park, Wardown Crescent Alwyn Close, Havelock Road (including Wensleydale, Havelock Rise and Arden Place).

Car parking will be available in all town centre car parks and disabled parking will be located in the tennis courts car park in Wardown Park (via Old Bedford Road), with paved footpaths to the firework site.

To promote your company via sponsorship of the fireworks night, contact Luton Borough Council on 01582 54 73 25 or email: marketing@luton.gov.uk.

Other nearby events also look to give families a chilly evening of colour.

Dunstable Town Council Fireworks Spectacular will take place on Friday, November 4, at Creasey Park Community Football Centre at 7pm (gates open 5pm).

Meanwhile, Houghton Regis Town Council will be holding its first ever fireworks display on Tithe Farm Recreation Ground, on Sunday, November 6, starting at 7pm.

The event is free and the gates at Hillborough Crescent will be open from 6pm.

Call 01582 708540 for more Houghton Regis details.

For Dunstable ticket prices, visit: http://www.dunstable.gov.uk/dunstable-fireworks-.htm.

Luton Borough Council has won a case regarding a disputed council tax liability and debt of £9,475.49.

The appeal was brought by Mr Guzenfar Iqbal of Woodland Avenue, who disputed the fact that the council tax bill was his.

He claimed he had tenants in the property for the period of the dispute.

Officers from the Council’s appeal team argued that Mr Iqbal was the owner of the property and liable for the council tax charge from 28 January 2008.

The valuation tribunal dismissed his appeal and considered that the evidence he provided was inconclusive. The tribunal found that he had not provided consistent, reliable, verifiable documentary evidence to demonstrate that he lived elsewhere throughout this period.

Cllr Andy Malcolm, Portfolio Holder for finance, said: “This is a great result for the Council and for the hard working officers of the appeals team. Paying council tax is not an optional extra.

“It is the responsibility of all those who are liable. We are committed to ensuring everyone pays what they owe to the authority so we can channel the money into the services this town deserves.”

A 90 year old Luton woman woke to find a man in her bedroom before he ransacked her flat, a court heard.

David Kerrigan, also known as David Brown, 36, from Wellow Road, Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, was jailed for seven years at Harrow Crown Court today (Friday) after pleading guilty to seven offences of stealing from the elderly across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Thames Valley.

All of the offences happened between June and July this year.

Two of these occurred at a sheltered housing complex in Tring on 6 July.

At around 9.50pm, Kerrigan entered the building and knocked at two flats, stating he was carrying out security checks following a spate of robberies and thefts. He asked the victims, aged 89 and 75, where their valuables were so he could check them, before making off with jewellery and cash.

Kerrigan also used a similar method to target three victims in the Thames Valley area in July, including an 86-year-old woman and an 84-year-old woman from Aylesbury and a 101-year-old woman from Thame.

On June 10, the Luton woman woke to find Kerrigan in her bedroom. After he left, she found her flat had been ransacked and cash and jewellery had been taken.

The burglary series was investigated by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Operation Manhunt* unit and a search for Kerrigan was launched. An appeal to trace him was also featured on BBC’s Crimewatch programme in September.

He was later arrested in Nottingham on 21 September.

Detective Constable Sam Casey, from Operation Manhunt, said: “David Kerrigan preyed on elderly, vulnerable women in their own homes and his despicable actions have had a devastating effect on his victims and their families.

“Sadly, one of his victims has since passed away and was never able to recover from her ordeal.

“I hope today’s sentence can at least provide some small comfort to everyone who has been affected by Kerrigan’s callous behaviour.

“The majority of the jewellery stolen from victims has not yet been recovered and I am appealing for any jewellers or pawn shops that may have been sold items by David Kerrigan to please get in touch on the non-emergency number 101.”

Love Luton’s fourth half marathon was a runaway success with a record number of competitors.

On Sunday, October 30, runners began their journey at 9am in Stockwood Park Athletics Track, heading towards the iconic Luton-Hoo estate and finishing in the town centre.

The determined participants battled two very challenging hills in the estate, but were rewarded when they were met with cheering crowds at the finish line.

Christopher Oddy, of Serpentine Running Club, took 1st place with an impressive time of one hour, 12 minutes and 17 seconds.

Meanwhile Natasha Peters-Cooper, of Bedford and County AC, took 1st place for the females with a time of one hour, 23 minutes and 49 seconds.

Linsey Frostick, chairperson for Love Luton, said: “Sunday’s half marathon was a huge success for the town and an event that is putting Luton on the map for all the right reasons.

“We had record entries, so it is a boost to the local economy. It also promotes a healthy image and encourages people to sign up to participate in a local sporting event - our young people seeing runners pass their house inspires them to take up sport.

“Runners also raised much needed funds for local charities and taking on personal challenges was hugely inspiring to watch.”

The event was supported on the day by over 250 personnel as well as 25 local businesses.

Linsey said: “This allows both the local and business community to get actively involved and we have been delighted by the overall support the event received on Sunday”.

125 volunteers from across the town rallied together to marshal the event, manning water stations, setting up road blocks, registering entrants and cheering on the hard-working runners.

Love Luton would also like to thank the 25 local businesses for providing water, bananas, the lead car and the prizes for the runners.

Love Luton’s aim is to improve the image and perception of the town.

For more information visit the website: www.loveluton.org.uk/halfmarathon or email events@loveluton.org.uk.

Police are appealing for information after a woman was assaulted in Luton in the early hours of Monday, October 31.

Between 2am and 3am the woman was walking along Church Street when she was approached by a man who tried to engage in conversation with her. When the woman refused, he grabbed her before snatching her phone before making off.

The man is described as around 25 years old, slender and wearing a beige knitted top with the hood up and dark trousers.

PC Elliot Wright, investigating, said: “This unprovoked incident was a scary ordeal for the woman and such behaviour will not be tolerated. I would urge anyone who witnessed the incident or a man matching this description in the area to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Wright on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Bedfordshire Police is continuing to investigate two separate series of robberies in Dunstable and Leagrave.

A total of five arrests have been made in relation to the incidents, which took place around the busway near the White Lion Retail Park, Dunstable, and against taxi drivers in Leagrave.

The two series are not believed to be directly linked and so far three people have been arrested in relation to attacks against taxi drivers. Two people have been arrested in connection with the busway incidents.

All five have been released on bail while officers continue to investigate the robberies.

The force is developing helpful safety reminder cards for taxi drivers.

The frequency of the incidents has now dropped, but the police are urging the public to remain aware of their surroundings, keep valuables and other personal belongings close to them and out of sight, and to not attempt to intervene or fight back as they may put themselves at increased risk of harm.

Bedfordshire Police has offered these advice points to the public:

• Don’t make yourself a target. Keep your mobile and other valuables out of sight, and avoid carrying excessive amounts of cash.

• Avoid remote areas. Where possible, walk with friends or stick to well-lit areas.

• Carry handbags close to your body with the clasp facing inwards. If someone tries to grab your bag, let go, rather than risk getting hurt.

• Consider purchasing a personal attack alarm.

• Do not attempt to intervene or fight back, you may put yourself at increased risk of harm

• If you think someone is following you, go to the nearest well-lit or populated place and call police on 101 or if a crime is in progress, call 999.

An Olympic high jumper, energy industry editor-in-chief and award-winning film-maker were among an octet of professionals who passed on their wisdom to Luton Sixth Form College students during Black History Month celebrations.

They included qualified pilot and tech company co-founder Nathaniel Peat, The Voice sports editor Rodney Hinds, criminal law solicitor Krista Walters, ex Met officer David McFarlane and life coach Ella Emovan.

Each gave an insight into their respective backgrounds and offered inspirational advice to the 400 young people who attended the Black Professionals Conference.

The event was the largest work-related seminar the college has ever staged. It was organised by business teachers Marcia Reid-Thomas, Stephanie Morson-Thomas and Femy Lester.

Marcia said: “Being able to attend a conference where there were speakers from a diverse background was a superb opportunity and both students and staff felt the energy was extremely vibrant.”

Love and tolerance are celebrated in a new Culture Wall at Luton’s Marsh Farm.

Lea Manor School students worked with the community to create a series of art installations for the hoarding around Marsh Farm Estate, which is being redeveloped.

It draws inspiration from the various cultures, flags and national identities that are meaningful to its diverse residents.

The artwork – professionally printed on to aluminium sheets for outdoor use – will be a permanent display while the Estate is being refurbished, providing a colourful backdrop for the whole community.

There are plans to extend the Culture Wall with more schools being invited to take part in the scheme.

Lea Manor artist in residence, Kirsten Jones, said: “The project is a creative initiative to celebrate diversity and promote love and tolerance in our schools.

“Our first events have been a great success and I look forward to seeing the campaign grow and start to pop up in schools all over the UK.”

Luton played host to fire minister Brandon Lewis today as he launched this year’s Fire Kills campaign.

Mr Lewis was at Luton Fire Station as he highlighted the importance of regularly testing smoke alarms in the home.

He was introduced to Kelly Gilbert, who was recently saved from a fire in her Potton home. Ms Gilbert and her daughter had been asleep upstairs when they were woken by the alarm to a fire that had started in a cupboard under the stairs.

Thanks to the alarm, they were able to leave the house quickly by the time the firefighters arrived.

“There were 229 fire related deaths in the home last year,” said Mr Lewis. “The Fire Kills campaign hopes that by encouraging everyone to test their smoke alarms at least once a month more deaths can be prevented. It couldn’t be any clearer, smoke alarms only save lives if they are working. Test it today.”

The Minister met Beds Fire and Rescue Service staff and was taken on a tour of the station’s home safety centre - a replica of a modern living room that shows everyday fire hazards.

Chief fire officer Paul Fuller stressed that home fire safety is something that people need to be aware of every day, all year round. He said: “Everyone needs to realise that a working smoke alarm can save your life, the same applies to carbon monoxide alarms.

“Our collaboration with the police and ambulance services means that we are now working even more widely as Team Bedfordshire to offer a range of community safety initiatives.”

Beds Police and Crime Commissioner Kathryn Holloway also attended the launch. She said: “It’s not just homeowners, landlords need to ensure that their properties are fitted with the necessary alarms and that they are working correctly. We have many people, including students, who live in rented accommodation in Bedfordshire and we need to ensure that these homes are properly protected.”

Police are investigating after jewellery was stolen from a house in Oakley Road, Luton, on Sunday, October 30.

The intruders forced a door and window open between 1.20pm and 7.40pm, while the occupants were out.

They searched the house and stole a number of items of jewellery and a large sum of cash.

Detective Constable Allan Taylor, investigating, said: “Some of the jewellery is of sentimental value, and we are keen to reunite it with its owners.

“If you recognise any of the items pictured, possibly because someone has approached you offering to sell them, I would urge you to come forward.

“Similarly if you know who is responsible for the burglary, please contact us.”

If you have any information about the burglary, contact DC Taylor, on 101 quoting reference number C/44519/2016.

Maisie Bates was a pillar of the local community and a lifelong member of The Square Methodist Church where she was involved in the choir, Sunday school and various guilds.

She was also an active member of Dunstable’s Inner Wheel for more than six decades.

In addition she was a much loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who will be sorely missed by her extended family and numerous friends.

Her daughter Jenny Smith said: “We’ve had so many lovely letters saying what a privilege it was to know her.

“Mum was a forthright lady who didn’t mind sharing her opinions. But she was generous with her time and was also a very gracious, sociable lady with many, many friends.

“We’re a very close family and she was the matriarch, our friend and mentor. Her granchildren, particularly, will miss her presence.”

Evelyn ‘Maisie’ Bates was the widow of late funeral director Norman Arthur Bates of S A Bates and Son. She died on October 31, aged 97.

Maisie, who lived latterly in Dukeminster Court, was born in Totternhoe and went to Luton High School. In her youth she was an accomplished, award-winning pianist who starred in local concerts. Her great love of music and art continued through her long involvement with U3A.

She was on the committees of both Action for Children and the South Beds National Trust.

She was also a keen member of the Dunstable History Society, especially as she had seen so many changes and developments in the town and surrounding over the years.

She leaves two daughters - Jenny, and Christine Schimmel, who lives in Woburn; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

> A memorial service for Maisie Bates will take place at The Square Methodist Church in Dunstable at 2pm on Thursday, November 17. All welcome.