Bedfordshire Police have reassured the public that property searches in Luton are not terror-related, they are part of an ongoing investigation into the the supply of Class A drugs.

Officers are carrying out warrants in Luton as part of the on-going investigation into the possession of offensive weapons and the supply of Class A drugs.

A property in Strathmore Avenue and a property in Latimer Road are being searched as part of an operation supported by local policing teams and firearms officers.

Police are reassuring the public that the increased police presence in the area is due to the planned operation.

Community officers will provide increased patrols on the area for community reassurance.

Anyone with concerns about drugs activity in their area is asked to call the police on 101.

Three brothers from Luton took part in a 220km cycle in Canada to raise money for The Cancer Trust in memory of their dad.

They wanted to raise money for the Canadian charity to help beat cancer, the disease that took their dad in 2016.

Martin Roe, 47, of Luton, Dave Roe, 52, of Canada, and Andrew Roe, 49, of Dorset, were joined by Andrew’s son Joshua, 20, for the challenge, organised by Enbridge.

The brothers, former Putteridge High School pupils, and Joshua, travelled to Calgary in Canada, on Saturday, August 12, to take on the challenge.

Tracy Roe, Andrew’s wife, said: “I’m very proud of them all for taking on the challenge together in memory of their father, and also the fact that they all crossed the finishing line together, it was very emotional. They were told by other cyclists that they were the first foreigners, as they called them, to come to Canada specifically to take on the 220km in Calgary.

“I think they would do a challenge like this again, they said it was fantastic and they loved it, the organisation was incredible. They all wore Luton Town coloured shirts as they are all die-hard Hatters and they became known as the British boys at the challenge.”

A Transport for London licensed private hire driver who was operating in Luton has been prosecuted by Luton Borough Council licensing service.

On 15 August at Luton Magistrates Court, Mohammed Baho of Wimbourne Road, Luton pleaded guilty to two separate offences of Touting for Hire and No Insurance at London Luton Airport on 26 October 2016 and 5 December 2016, where he picked up passengers from the Drop off/Pick up zone of the airport, that had not been booked through an operator.

Both Hackney Carriage and Private Hire drivers are only allowed to pick up passengers from the airport that have been pre-booked.

For the offence of Touting for Hire on 21 October 2016, the magistrates disqualified Mr Baho from driving for 6 months, and imposed a Band C fine of £245 based on his weekly income.

For the offence of No Insurance on 21 October 2016, he was given 6 points on his licence, but there was no separate penalty fine.

For the offence on 5 December 2016 of Touting for Hire, Mr Baho was disqualified for 12 months from driving and a band C fine of £245 was imposed, based on his weekly income. For the offence of No Insurance, his licence was endorsed with a further 6 points and he was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £30 plus costs £600.

The total fine imposed was £1,120.

Mr Baho was informed that he now had a total of 18 points on his licence (including previous points), which therefore disqualified him from driving for a minimum period of 12 months.

Mr Baho was told that if he drives, he will commit a serious offence and would face further prosecution.

He will be required to apply to the DVLA for new licence at the end of the disqualification period, as his current licence no longer valid.

Mr Baho offered to pay £100 a month towards his fine and total costs, with the first payment to start on September 1.

Service Director for Public Protection at Luton Borough Council, Sarah Hall, said “The licensing service actively works to protect the safety of customers and supports legitimate and local businesses.

“This enforcement operation found a Transport for London driver operating illegally at London Luton Airport with no insurance and no bookings, therefore putting the public at significant risk and this was reflected in the Magistrates decision.”

Revoluton Arts, in partnership with Luton Culture, delivered another free outdoor extravaganza in Luton town centre.

International artists Compagnie Off’s electro parade, Colour of Light, was enjoyed by the crowds from Market Hill on Saturday, August 12.

Compagnie Off have toured the world and brought a specially adapted version of the show to Luton, which had new scenes, music composed by Shri Shrium and over 50 performers from Luton.

The show featured dancers, huge coloured wheels, sound systems, lighting and pyrotechnics.

Groundwork Luton and Bedfordshire are looking for volunteering for two of their projects, Luton Water Wardens and RiverLUTiON.

The charity is based at Stockwood Park and delivers sustainable projects for the local community, they are holding a training day at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Catsbrook Road, on Friday, September 22, if anyone is interested in volunteering.

The water warden’s mission is to talk to at least 20 people in Luton about how they can do things differently in order to use less water, saving them energy and water. Volunteers for the river monitoring project will help improve the health of the River Lea in Luton and learn how to take scientific measurements.

Rosie Cliffe, of Groundwork Luton and Bedfordshire will be sharing tips for water saving in the morning of Friday, September 22, and then volunteers will learn about how to monitor and care for the River Lea. If you are interested in the training day, call 01582 720147.

Police have issued a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in relation to a sexual assault in Luton.

A woman was walking along the underpass in the New Bedford Road at approximately 9.10am on Wednesday, July 19, when she was approached by a man who sexually assaulted her before leaving the scene when she challenged him.

Officers have now released a photo of a man who they believe has information that could help their investigation.

PC Matt Watson, of Bedfordshire Police, investigating, said: “We’re releasing a CCTV image of a man we would like to speak to in connection with this incident and I would urge anyone who could help us identify the man, as well as anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information that could help, to get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting reference number C/30835/2017 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Luton Borough Council has reassured residents that it is undertaking a baiting programme in the town after a resident complained about the amount of rats he saw running along the streets.

The man, who does not wish to be named, said: “I have seen an increase in the number of rats n the town centre.

“I have seen them running along the streets in broad daylight, one was right outside the Town Hall and I saw others on the side street.

“This is disgusting and the council really needs to do something about it, people, particularly children, should not have to see rats running through the streets in broad daylight, something needs to be done.”

The council and Luton BID are carrying out the programme and Thames Water has responded to requests for mainline sewer baiting.

A spokesman for the council said: “While we understand that seeing rats during the day can be distressing, this is usually a positive sign that the bait is having an effect in the location since it decreases their natural fear of humans, which in turn makes them likely to venture into the public view far more than is normal.

“It is not unusual for rats to be found in a busy area with lots of food premises nearby.

“Unfortunately, when people drop unwanted food and litter on the ground, they are providing a constant source of food for the rodents. We would urge residents to dispose of their waste responsibly in the bins provided at all times.

“All businesses also have a duty with regards to the waste they produce, the Council has also brought a successful prosecution against an individual who was feeding pigeons.

“These pests, along with rats, forage for food, whether discarded deliberately or otherwise, which is why our officers respond decisively to antisocial behaviour that not only makes the town unattractive, but encourages vermin.”

The council provides free treatment for rats in residential/owner occupied premises.

Angry Luton taxi drivers are arguing that nothing has been done to stop their Dunstable counterparts from “invading” their territory without sitting the same knowledge test.

A year ago, taxi drivers complained that drivers from Dunstable, registered with Central Bedfordshire Council, were able to transfer their licences over to Luton without sitting the same test.

The frustrated drivers claimed that the Luton knowledge test was lengthy, the businessmen having to study hard to know Luton routes, yet Luton Borough Council “just let the other drivers transfer over”, having sat a Dunstable test.

As Luton private hire drivers fear loss of work, one disheartened taxi driver claimed: “It is unfair to Luton drivers and a slap in our faces!

“People need to ask Luton Borough Council how they issue private hire licences to Dunstable taxis without a knowledge test? This is jungle law!

“They are also letting Go Cars Luton have Dunstable drivers.

“This is annoying; work is very low and on top of that, Uber is working here!”

A protest was held in March outside the Town Hall to complain that Uber cars were taking trade away, as non-Luton Uber taxis dropped outsiders into the town but picked up new Luton clients.

A Luton Borough Council spokesman, said: ”To demonstrate our ongoing commitment to supporting the local licence holders we organised a trade seminar with one of the sector’s leading solicitors which all local drivers were invited to attend free of charge, in addition Luton has a representative that sits on a national working group which is looking to develop a national drivers’ database. Once developed this will help to stop drivers being able to move from one local authority to another if their licence has been revoked.

“We have been concerned for some time about the issue of cross-border hiring, and the number of drivers that have been licensed in neighbouring authorities to operate out of Luton bases. It is in everyone’s interest to have these drivers licenced by Luton Borough Council and operating under our conditions; we are then able to enforce these conditions, ensuring that all drivers are operating to the same standards. We actively work with licence holders from neighbouring authorities operating in Luton, encouraging them into the Luton Borough Council licensing regime.

“All applications require an enhanced DBS, DVSA and medical checks plus a knowledge test.

“Only a LBC Certificate of Compliance is accepted for vehicles.

“It should be noted that out-of-district booked private hire vehicles, including Uber, are entitled in the UK to pick up a passenger from anywhere, travel anywhere and drop off anywhere. They can also park or wait anywhere that a private vehicle can in accordance with any parking restrictions.”

Tyler Pickford, operations manager at Go Cars Luton, said: “From the end of October, only Luton drivers will be able to pick up in Luton.

“All our Dunstable drivers are getting a Luton badge. To get a badge transferred over and when people renew their badge (every three years), they will have to sit a Luton knowledge test.”

An Uber spokeswoman, said; “Private hire operates on a triple licensing requirement meaning that the operator (Uber), the driver and the vehicle must all hold the same licence for a booking.

“In order to be able to join the Uber app under our Luton licence a private hire driver must hold a valid licence from the Luton Borough Council (including a local knowledge exam) for both themselves and the vehicle.”

A determined Luton skateboarder rode from Big Ben to the Eiffel Tower to raise money in memory of a dear friend.

George Laird, 26, of Leagrave, began his week long skateathon on July 31, hoping to raise money for the charity Brake, after his friend, Ryan Green, passed away in 2016 in a road accident.

George has paid for the trip out of his own pocket, and with all donations going to Brake, he has so far raised a staggering £1,060.

George said: “I knew Ryan for 13 years and when we used to skate together we would joke about skating to Paris.

“It’s my passion and the method behind my madness also plays into Ryan’s personality; he almost had no boundaries for his skating!”

Ryan died at the age of 23 and Brake work with communities and organisations across the UK to stop road deaths and injuries.

With this spurring him on, George travelled to East Grinstead, Newhaven, Bures-en-bray, Roncherolls-en-bray, Amécourt, and Ennery, before reaching the Eiffel Tower.

George said: “On day five, I really started to believe that I wouldn’t be able to finish. I was in a country lane with no sign of life around me so I was forced to keep going!

“Upon finishing, I was ecstatic that I had achieved what a lot of people would not even think or dream of doing.”

>www.justgiving.com/fundraising/skateathon-london-to-paris

Cancer Research UK Relay for Life Luton is coming to the town to celebrate surviving, party with Mary Poppins, and promote ongoing research.

On September 16 and 17 the charity’s landmark event will offer remembrance, colour and fun, as teams from Luton and its neighbouring villages and towns get ready to complete a 24 hour relay at Stockwood Park Athletics Centre.

The teams ranging from large groups of families and friends to just one person, complete laps around the athletics track, and there must always be one person from each team on the track during the 24 hours.

The Luton VIP team chair and volunteer spokesman, said: “We also have cancer survivors - or VIPs as we call them - whom arrive at about half past 11 for drinks and then complete an honourary survivors lap to start the event.

“They then go to the VIP tent for coffees and food - we’ve got a Mary Poppins theme this year and people are dressing up as Mary Poppins, chimney sweeps, and old fashioned waitresses with black dresses and white caps !

“At 8pm on the Saturday we have the Candle of Hope ceremony. It gets very emotional, so we have some quiet time before the music goes on again.

“ The whole reason we do it is because of the survivors and the more survivors we have means the fundraising must be working - there are more people who survive nowadays than ten years ago.”

The CRUK volunteers are keen to emphasise that teams can walk round the track - no 24 running sessions are required - and that the survivors lap goes slowly, as some people will of course be poorly or still going through treatment; there is no requirement for survivors to complete 24 hour team laps.

Some laps even have special dress up themes for teams to join in with, for example, on Saturday at 2pm there will be ‘sun hats and shades’ to raise awareness for skin cancer, and at 9.45pm ‘pyjamas and onesies’ representing the fact that “cancer never sleeps”.

There will be music and entertainment on the main stage, while every team has a stall at the centre to raise money, with members running raffles and tombolas.

The relay starts at 12pm on September 16. To contact local relay chairs, Reece Lowen and Paul Rogers, call: 07923 234361 or email: relayforlifeluton@gmail.com.

The family of a mother-of-five from Luton who died in a collision in Hitchin have paid tribute to a ‘caring, beautiful and selfless woman’.

Linda Racca, 40, from Stopsley, was travelling to a car meet in Stevenage with friends when the crash happened on Saturday, August 12, at about 9.40pm.

Sadly, she died at the scene, her two friends were taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital where they remain in a serious but stable condition.

The 40-year-old, who worked as a lunchtime supervisor, has a ten-year-old daughter, Francesca, with her husband, and she was also mother to Louise, 24, Bethany, 19, Joshua, 17 and Ethan, 13.

Linda and her husband, Juliano, met through friends eleven years ago, they went on to get married and have their daughter.

He said: “Linda became a bit of a car addict after meeting me. I’ve always loved cars and I introduced her to the car meets. She would come along with me because she enjoyed the social side, talking to everyone and looking at all the cars.”

The father-of-one said his wife was devoted to her five children, and would do anything for them.

He said: “For Linda, her children came first. They were her whole world. She was a very loved person and she had a caring nature. I’m just trying to be strong for Francesca, and be the best dad I can be.”

Linda’s daughter Bethany McAllister, 19, has paid tribute to her mum on behalf of herself and her four siblings.

She said: “There are so many words I could use to describe our mum – it’s hard to just choose a few. My mum was my rock. She was always there to support us, and she put us first in everything. Our mum was the strongest woman we know, and a fantastic role model for us all.

“Mum was the most beautiful, caring, generous and selfless person you could ever meet. Words cannot express how our hearts are broken.

“We shall all forever cherish our memories of family holidays, birthday meals out, weekends away and nights out with her and her friends. Our mum was amazing and we will forever keep her in our hearts.”

Juliano fondly remembers a family holiday to Egypt two years ago – their first ever break abroad.

He said: “We always used to go on Haven holidays in the UK because it was too expensive to go other places when there were seven of us. But we saved up throughout the year and chose the fanciest hotel in Sharm El Sheikh – the kids thought it was brilliant.

“I remember Linda saying she was so happy that we had managed to take them abroad. The next year, we took them to Turkey and it started to become a tradition.

“Though we weren’t currently together, there was not a day that went by that I did not think of her. I’m gutted that an amazing woman is gone and that I will never have the chance to see her again. My promise to my wife is to help where I can and to make sure she has a lovely send off. I will make sure the kids will be okay and that our memories will never be forgotten.”

The worried family of a missing parrot who has been their grandmother’s “baby” for 20 years are appealing to Luton residents for help.

Seri Gurbuz, 78, of Wheatfield Road, has lost her beloved African Grey parrot, Tetley, after Tetley escaped through a gap in an open kitchen window.

Seri adopted the bird as a baby and named her after the tea brand because Tetley liked to finish off Seri’s cuppas.

Seri’s daughter, Abi Kalldani, said: “My daughter, also named Seri, was visiting her grandmother, and she saw Tetley push herself out of the little gap; it was really unusual.

“Normally Tetley goes into the kitchen and onto the side.

“Her wings aren’t clipped so she could be anywhere and Mum is feeling lost without her.

“Please check your back gardens. Tetley likes apples and sweetcorn. If you see her, please leave her some food and call me on: 07957 241 824.”

> A parrot visiting a garden in Luton’s Reginald Street has been reunited with its owner following last week’s Herald&Post appeal.

The Cancer Research UK spotty toilet is making its mark as Relay for Life Luton approaches.

The spotty toilet, which has been raising money in the run up to the event, will be heading to Luton Mall on Sunday for a fundraising stall with Team Serviteur and special guest Stuart - a 6ft ‘Minion’!

‘Minions’ are yellow characters from the film Despicable Me and ‘Stuart’ wants you to ‘lift the lid and drop a quid’.

The spotty loo has recently been to Penrose Estate Agents, Stuart Street, and even had a visit to The Herald&Post!

A Cancer Research UK volunteer, said: “The toilet has been with Penrose and was a ‘toilet to-let’, while they held a cake sale in aid of cancer research. They are one of our sponsors and have a relay team!”

The relay starts at 12noon on Saturday, September 16, and teams of families and friends complete the 24-hour relay at Stockwood Park Athletics Centre. Local cancer survivors are invited to have a special tea and take part in an honourary track lap on Saturday.

3 234361 or email: relayforlifeluton@gmail.com

A Harlington woman whose husband passed away shortly after his brain tumour was declared as being ‘in remission’ has set up a special charity with their daughters.

Peter Barltrop, a BT electronic engineer, endured a series of seizures, a bleed on the brain and subsequent surgery before he was diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma multiforme brain tumour in 2015.

He passed away on August 27, 2016, soon after his 60th birthday, leaving his wife, Jane, and daughters Alice and Emma, heartbroken.

The three women have since set up The Fluffy Cloud and Co to raise vital funds for Brain Tumour Research, the group raising over £8,000 to date for the charity.

Jane, who works as an inclusion manager at William Austin Infant School, Luton, said: “On August 18, 2016, we finally got some good news: Pete was in remission! However, just a week or so later, I went into the bedroom and found Pete on the floor .

“Tragically, paramedics failed to resuscitate him.

“Whilst it is a mystery how Pete died, and whilst cancer most certainly had some part to play, we are all glad that he didn’t die of the tumour.

“...I tell myself we’ve been blessed; we were saved from the inevitable slow and agonising process, which sadly so many brain tumour patients have to endure.”

> www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Fluffycloudandco

Six determined Lutonians embarked on a mammoth ‘Big Pedal’ cycle trek with a mission of raising £15,000 for their local food bank.

The hardy team was comprised of Inspire FM’s Mohammed Tariq and Hassan Ahmed, Luton Sixth Form College teacher Sufian Sadiq, Luton Foodbank representatives Steve Taylor and Donata Rogozik, and Ali Khan of sponsors Mashwi.

The group were waved off at Luton Town Hall on Friday, August 18, ahead of a gruelling two days, with the finishing point over 200 miles away, in Manchester.

Inspire FM station manager, Mohammed Tariq, said: “The station is very supportive of the work of Luton Foodbank, and many of our listeners value its aims of alleviating poverty in the town.

“I am not a seasoned cyclist, but I worked very hard in preparation for this. It was a tough experience, but we worked great as a team and helped each other through.”

>http://lutonfoodbank.org.uk/pedal/ .

> Foodbank 01582 725838.

A resident has called for Luton Borough Council to remove piles of rubbish left behind by travellers.

The man, who does not wish to be named, complained to the council about travellers parking their caravans on Pondwicks Road, off Crawley Green Road. Within a week the visitors were gone but piles of rubbish were left.

He said: “They arrived at the end of June and the council removed them last month, but the rubbish is still there, three weeks on, it can be seen as your train comes in to Luton and it is starting to smell, what a great welcome. Given the council blocked the road, I think they have taken some responsibility.”

A Luton Borough Council spokesman said: “The council regrets that visually unpleasant and potentially harmful fly tipping is left anywhere in the town - not least in such a prominent position where it can give a negative impression. The land is privately owned. In such cases the landowners are advised of their responsibility to clear the mess.”

The owner of Greenfields Restaurant is celebrating 40 years at The Mall Luton this month.

Mahmut Niazi moved to Luton and began working for the restaurant on August 18, 1977, he now owns and runs the restaurant with his son, and his five daughters also work for him.

He said: “I remember standing outside Greenfields and looking at its beautiful arches and I wished that I could one day have a restaurant like this. Ten years later I bought it!”

Since the 65-year-old bought the restaurant he has seen it go from strength to strength.

He said: “Our aim at Greenfields is to give our diners more variety so we have a big menu with everything from pasta to pizza and paninis to pancakes and of course the English favourite brunch.

“We’re on the first floor we’re in a lovely position away from the crowds, it’s so peaceful up here and we really take care of our customers.

“We had a refurbishment about five or six years ago but every year we’re always updating and making our customers feel welcome.”

The family run business will be passed down to his son. Mahmut added: “My son is my business partner and when it’s time, he will take over the business. The difference is I would do all of my books by hand but he uses the internet!”

Lavinia Douglass, marketing manager at The Mall, said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure having Mahmut with us at The Mall for forty years – what a milestone! He has seen the changes in The Mall over the years and has a wonderful business that is still striving.

“Greenfields Restaurant is an award-winning retailer which has been recognised in our annual Retailer Awards – in fact they were the winners of the Shoppers’ Award last year.

“It’s lovely to hear that the business will remain in Mahmut’s family and we welcome the next 40 years at The Mall with Greenfields Restaurant.”

It can’t have escaped your attention - the big day is here.

No, not GCSE results day - National Burger Day. Our intrepid duo Ben Raza and James Averill tackled Meatcure in the High Street for the burger challenge they have running all month: ‘A Good Day to Die Hard’.

Bedfordshire Police has issued CCTV images of a man officers would like to speak to in connection with a burglary in Luton on Thursday August, 10.

Between 4am and 5am, a property in Ludlow Avenue in Luton was burgled whilst the occupants were asleep. The offender made off with electrical items, a wallet and a handbag.

Detective Constable Jason Wheeler said: “I urge anybody with information about this offence to come forward. We are keen to speak to anyone who recognises the person pictured, as they may be able to assist with our enquiries. We would also be keen to hear from anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area at the time of the incident.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Wheeler on 101 quoting C/34072/17 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

It only takes one punch to ruin two lives - that’s the message that Bedfordshire Police is urging people to take note of ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend.

The force is launching its ‘one punch, two lives’ campaign today (Friday) to educate people on the deadly consequences that throwing just one punch can have.

This weekend will focus on educating those on a night out, with staff from licensed premises across the county donning ‘One punch, two lives’ t-shirts. Posters will also be displayed at various establishments to help discourage people from resorting to violence during their evening.

The force will then continue the campaign by visiting schools across the county to deliver a presentation on the issue of one punch killings and dangers of violence, and will also be attending fresher’s fairs this autumn to help educate students.

Detective Superintendent Liz Mead is the campaign lead. She said: “We want people to understand the serious consequences that throwing a punch can have. That split second decision to resort to violence could result in you not only taking the life of someone else, but also ruining your own life as you could face a substantial amount of time behind bars. Sadly it only takes one punch to ruins two lives.

“We know that alcohol can be a factor in leading people to resort to violence when they wouldn’t usually do so. We’re asking everyone who is planning on a night out over the Bank Holiday weekend to please think twice before turning to violence. Enjoy your evening, but drink responsibly and if faced with confrontation then walk away, that way everyone gets home safely.”

The force will be sharing messages on social media over the Bank Holiday weekend, you can follow them on Twitter and Facebook and look out for the hashtag #onepunchtwolives

Case study

On 23 August 2015, Tomas Juska, 24, was killed with a single punch outside a nightclub in Dunstable. His killer, Cortney Batchelor, then aged 21, was jailed in 2016 for four years after being found guilty of manslaughter.

In his victim personal statement, his brother Vaidas said: “I think about Tomas at different times of the day and sometimes find myself thinking about him in the middle of the night also.

“When I think about him I feel a mix of upset and anger. Not anger at who punched him but anger at the fact he is no longer with us.

“I do not blame the person who punched him because I realise that it takes two people to be involved in something like this but it doesn’t stop me thinking that what happened isn’t fair and that it isn’t fair that Tomas was killed in such a way.

“l sometimes think about whether I should have gone out with him that night and that if I did then this wouldn’t have happened and Tomas would still have been with us. But I know this is a silly thing to think as this could have happened at any time.”

Detective Inspector Fraser Wylie, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, who investigated the death of Tomas, has written a blog post on his experiences of one punch killings.