Ben Foley - Councillor for Greyfriars Ward

03/11/2026

This evening I was able to quickly call in at the East West Rail drop-in.
They showed this plan of the station area. I repeated that the proposed demolitions of homes were unacceptable, that the proposed multi-storey carpark (while not as bad as originally proposed) was too big and too close to Braemar Court. I pointed out numerous other worries and asked a load of questions. They will be back at Trinity Arts and Leisure on Bromham Road (the old Girls' school) on Thursday 12 Nov, 6-9pm.

01/10/2026

In announcing revised car park plans, East West Rail also revealed they are *still* planning to demolish so many flats in Ashburnham Road. They've shown that they have been able to change their plans, but have chosen not to change them in a way to save the homes threatened with demolition.
I was shocked that nobody else seemed to notice this (not even EWR).

11/08/2026

So, we have an amber heat alert, again.
The council give some advice in their post if you're out-and-about. But what if you live in a flat that's too hot?

If you are suffering from heat in the daytime, after my request, the Harpur Centre have said that people are welcome to go to their basement, which is quite cool. There are comfy seats, free water fountains, WiFi and power points, and toilets handy. They say “sit down, relax and cool off for as long as you need. Pop in any time, you’re welcome here”.
Advice about your flats:
• Close curtains and windows in rooms that face the sun (open windows if it’s warmer inside than out, though, including at night if it cools down outside).
• Consider putting tin foil in windows that face the sun - it's more effective at keeping the heat out than curtains.
• Use electric fans if the air temperature is below 35°C, but avoid aiming the fan directly at the body as this can lead to dehydration. Try to have the flat door propped open on the chain to increase the chances of a draft. If you do manage to get a draft, consider hanging up damp towels inside - the evaporating water has a cooling effect (but make sure you've got bowls to catch any drips!).
• Check that heating is turned off, turn off lights and electrical equipment that are not in use to reduce heat generated indoors.
• Consider changing which room in your flat you spend time in, so you spend time in the least-hot room (can you sleep there?).

An amber heat health alert will be in effect from 9am on Tuesday (11 August) until 9pm on Friday (14 August).

Please look after yourself, your friends, your loved ones and your pets.

A gentle reminder to drink fluids regularly throughout the day especially if you are physically active. Water and diluted squash or lower fat milks are good choices, whereas fruit juice, smoothies and soft drinks can be high in sugar which dehydrates the body.

If you are going out, take a refillable bottle filled with water. Take extra water for journeys on public transport or by car.

Try to stay in the shade, between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are highest, wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothes, and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, eyes, head, ears and neck.

Cover up with suitable clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen liberally and re-apply frequently. The NHS recommends that this should be with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, and 4 or 5 star ultraviolet A (UVA) protection.

And keep an eye out for others. That especially goes for children, the vulnerable, and pets who can be walked earlier or later in the day.

08/07/2026

I know many people in Bedford were frustrated that a gambling licence was granted. But if they're going to use for gambling, they need to get planning permission, too. Follow Lucy's post for how to object...

For those who supported our efforts to stop the gambling licence for Future Leisure at one of the town centre’s prime, most visible locations (19 Silver Street), you may be interested in the planning change of use application from retail (former Clinton’s) to gambling premise. It’s now on the council’s planning portal where you can comment *by the 31st July deadline* .
We will be looking carefully and objecting as this is a different opportunity to try to prevent this.

https://publicaccess.bedford.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=THFXZICUKA600&activeTab=summary

01/07/2026

It was lovely to go along to Bedford market to buy some produce from the schools and home educators. It’s on until 2pm. Well done to the children, the educators, -Bedford.

26/06/2026

Today is forecast to be _even hotter_ than yesterday was, here in Bedford.
In case you're wondering, the red alert for extreme heat has lifted for Bedford because there is lower humidity (still applies to Ampthill and everywhere further south).
We still have an amber alert: "Population-wide adverse health effects are likely to be experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to potential serious illness or danger to life"

23/06/2026

This morning, to warn and give advice about the extreme heat red alert, I was out delivering letters (with help from Green Party colleagues) to residents of top floor and (some) south-facing BPHA flats in Greyfriars Ward.

23/06/2026

Too many die by jumping into water to cool down.

If you are going to go in the water, getting in slowly is _much_ safer: the gasp reflex won't happen when your mouth is underwater!

22/06/2026

RED warning for extreme heat. Wednesday and Thursday. Danger to life, not just for people who are the most vulnerable.

I'm very concerned for residents in properties that overheat, including top floor flats, south facing flats, and single aspect flats where it's almost impossible to get a through draft.
Advice - close windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun (open windows at night if you can - I know that's a problem for those of us in ground floor flats!). Also consider putting tin foil in windows that face the sun - it's more effective at keeping the heat out than curtains. If you do manage to get a draft, consider hanging up damp towels inside - the evaporating water has a cooling effect (but make sure you've got bowls to catch any drips!).
- drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake (water, soft drinks and alcohol-free drinks can be really helpful in the heat)
- Try to avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm - stay in the shade, perhaps visiting the park to sit under a tree.
- While trees near water are best for keeping cool, please don't be tempted to jump in the water - the temperature change makes you gasp, and too often that causes drowning.
I'm trying to get more info and options to get out of the heat for those in the properties most affected.