Abu Sultan

03/11/2026

🚧 AMPTHILL ROAD – OVERNIGHT ROADWORKS UPDATE

A heads-up for residents and anyone travelling along Ampthill Road.

Bedford Borough Council has confirmed that planned road improvements will take place between 16–23 November 2026, with works scheduled overnight from 8 pm to 6 am on weekdays.

The improvements include new road markings, signage and footway resurfacing.

⚠️ There will be lane closures and some overnight noise and disruption, so please plan your journeys accordingly.

We appreciate the inconvenience this may cause and thank everyone for their patience.

📢 Please share this update so that other residents and road users are aware.

Your Cauldwell Labour Ward Councillors
Abu Sultan | Fouzia Atiq | Harish Thapar

01/11/2026

“Abu, don't you have a life outside politics?” 😂

Of course I do! Although, looking at my social media, I can understand why you'd ask! 😂

Lovely Sunday morning here at Bedford Park. Came down to support my son's football team and managed to squeeze in a nice walk and some fresh air too.

Having been through cancer, I've learnt to appreciate these little moments in life. Family, friends, good health and simply being around the people who matter.

Anyway, enough politics for one day! 😂

Hope you're all having a lovely Sunday. What are you up to?

01/11/2026

BEDFORD BOROUGH LOCAL PLAN 2050 – WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR CAULDWELL?

Dear Residents,

Bedford Borough Council is preparing a new Local Plan 2050, which will shape where new homes, businesses, roads, schools and other essential infrastructure are developed over the coming decades.

I wanted to share a brief update, particularly about the future of Moor Lane Green Space.

Why do we need a new Local Plan?

We need an up-to-date plan that delivers much-needed housing, protects our green spaces and ensures schools, healthcare, roads and other infrastructure keep pace with development.

Why was Local Plan 2040 withdrawn?

The Council withdrew the proposed plan in October 2025 following serious concerns about infrastructure funding, the deliverability of proposed development and the implications of the Universal theme park.

Is Local Plan 2030 still valid?

Yes. The adopted Local Plan 2030 remains in force, alongside relevant older planning policies. However, existing policies and land allocations can be reviewed through the new Local Plan 2050.

What about Moor Lane Green Space?

Following a determined campaign by residents, supported by your Cauldwell ward councillors and extensive engagement with stakeholders, we saw three important developments:

✅ Full Council passed a motion opposing the disposal of the green space.

✅ The Mayor publicly committed that the Council would not sell the land.

✅ bpha withdrew its development proposals for the site.

These were significant developments for our community, and I sincerely thank everyone who contributed.

But is Moor Lane permanently protected?

Not yet.

Although the previous development proposals were withdrawn, part of Moor Lane remains allocated for housing under Local Plan 2030.

It is important to understand that a commitment not to sell Council-owned land is different from removing its housing allocation.

The new Local Plan 2050 provides an opportunity to review that allocation and consider stronger long-term protection.

Could development proposals return?

Potentially, yes. However, this does not mean any new development has been approved or that a decision has been made to include Moor Lane as a housing allocation in the new plan.

What happens next?

My fellow Cauldwell ward councillors and I remain committed to protecting Moor Lane Green Space for future generations.

We will continue engaging with residents, planning officers and stakeholders, including exploring Local Green Space designation and other appropriate planning safeguards.

HAVE YOUR SAY – DEADLINE 23 NOVEMBER 2026

Residents can contribute to the Local Plan consultation and nominate valued community green spaces for consideration.

https://localplan.bedford.gov.uk

We worked together to stop the previous Moor Lane development proposals. Now we must work together to secure its long-term future.

Cllr Abu Sultan
Labour Group Leader
Cauldwell Ward Councillor

Cllr Fouzia Atiq
Cauldwell Ward Councillor

Cllr Harish Thapar
Cauldwell Ward Councillor

31/10/2026

🌳 MOOR LANE GREEN SPACE – HAVE YOUR SAY!

The previous development proposals were withdrawn, but part of Moor Lane remains allocated for housing under Local Plan 2030.

With Bedford Borough Council consulting on Local Plan 2050, residents have an opportunity to make the case for long-term protection.

📝 Submit your comments:
https://localplan.bedford.gov.uk

Ask the Council to remove the housing allocation, consider stronger protection for the green space, and explain why Moor Lane matters to you.

📅 Deadline: 23 November 2026

Thank you to Kim for raising her concerns.

Together, we can make our voices heard.

Cllr Abu Sultan
Cauldwell Ward Councillor
Bedford Borough Labour Group Leader

31/10/2026

The Labour party's group leader at the council, Abu Sultan, added: "The Labour group has strongly endorsed the inspection's findings and supports the intervention needed to put the council back on track.

"We will work constructively with the government, commissioners, council officers and colleagues across the political divide."

The local authority says it will address the issues raised by government inspectors in their report.

29/10/2026

DEVOLUTION DEADLOCK: BEDFORD BOROUGH RESIDENTS DESERVE ANSWERS!

The Government set a deadline of 26 October 2026 for the decision by the four authorities of Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK) regarding setting up a Strategic BLMK Authority ie devolution.

Regrettably, the deadline passed without agreement on devolution. This is deeply disappointing and raises serious questions about Bedford Borough's future.

Without consulting with other political parties and disregarding the opportunity for cross-party discussion, Mayor Tom Wootton unilaterally rejected the proposed BLMK arrangement and sent his own decision to the Minister.

The Mayor did this as an Executive decision, on behalf of Bedford Borough Council, yet his was a minority view. The Mayor was well aware that the majority of Bedford Borough councillors all support the BLMK footprint.

Cllr Abu Sultan, Leader of Bedford Borough Labour Group, said:
“Bedford Borough Labour Group and I strongly support the BLMK footprint because we believe it offers a realistic opportunity to secure greater investment, better transport, jobs and more local decision-making powers. This is the view of Luton and Milton Keynes councils too.

“The Government had publicly indicated that BLMK was the only realistic option within the current timetable. Yet the Mayor continued to pursue an alternative six-authority model which included Northamptonshire and sent that as his decision to the Minister.

“The recent Best Value Inspection highlighted serious concerns about governance, leadership and cross-party working. Decisions of this significance deserve openness, proper scrutiny and meaningful engagement.

“I respect that different views exist, but residents need to know this has happened. They deserve answers and an urgent explanation of what happens next.

Cllr Sultan added: “I am calling on the Mayor to publish a clear plan setting out his next steps, the assurances received from Government and any relevant ministerial correspondence that can lawfully be disclosed.

“Bedford Borough's future is too important for uncertainty. Our residents deserve transparency, accountability and clear answers.

“The Labour Group will keep pressing that the opportunity is not lost.”

27/10/2026

Pleased to have joined colleagues from across the political parties in supporting BLMK devolution. We may not agree on everything, but we can agree on putting the interests of Bedford Borough residents first.

26/10/2026

The Bedford Borough Labour Group, alongside our Labour colleagues in neighbouring boroughs, are in support of the devolution arrangement covering Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK).

25/10/2026

22/10/2026

SAFER STREETS FOR CAULDWELL – WE NEED STRONGER ACTION!

Dangerous and unlawful use of e-bikes, e-scooters and mopeds is a growing concern in Cauldwell. Residents are rightly frustrated by the anti-social behaviour, nuisance and risks to public safety.

Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own neighbourhood.

As your Cauldwell Labour councillors, we believe more needs to be done. We want stronger enforcement, clearer legislation and greater powers for local authorities and the police to tackle dangerous and illegal riding.

We will be working with our MP, Mohammad Yasin, to raise these concerns directly with Government ministers and press for stronger laws and enforcement powers in Parliament.

Let me be clear: this is not about responsible riders. It is about tackling reckless behaviour that puts pedestrians, road users and our communities at risk.

📢 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Are e-bikes, e-scooters or mopeds causing problems in your neighbourhood? Are there particular streets or areas where you feel unsafe?

Please share your experiences in the comments or contact us directly. Your feedback will help us identify problem areas and strengthen the case for action.

👮 PLEASE REPORT INCIDENTS DIRECTLY

We also strongly encourage residents to report incidents to Bedfordshire Police. Every report helps build a clearer picture of where problems are occurring and supports the case for targeted enforcement.

🔗 Report anti-social behaviour to Bedfordshire Police:
https://www.beds.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour

🔗 Report persistent anti-social behaviour to Bedford Borough Council:
https://www.bedford.gov.uk/environmental-issues/community-safety/anti-social-behaviour/help-resolve-anti-social-behaviour-asb

📞 Call 101 for non-emergency police matters, or 999 if someone is in immediate danger.

Please don't assume someone else has reported it. Your report matters.

We are listening. We will speak up. And we will continue to push for action at both local and national levels.

Cllr Abu Sultan | Cllr Fouzia Atiq | Cllr Harish Thapar

Your Trust. Our Commitment. Delivering For Cauldwell.

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