Clapham Parish Council

08/06/2026

🚆 East West Rail Consultation Response Published

Clapham Parish Council has now submitted its formal response to the latest East West Rail public consultation.

The response sets out the Council's views on the proposals and highlights a number of issues that could affect our village, residents, local infrastructure and environment.

In the interests of transparency, the full response is now available to read on the Parish Council website.

📄 Read the full response here:
https://clapham-pc.gov.uk/east-west-rail-3/

The Parish Council would like to thank all residents who took the time to engage with the consultation and share their views.

8 JUNE 2026 - EWR SPRING 2026 CONSULTATION -clapham PARISH COUNCIL RESPONSE Throughout the Spring 2026 EWR consultation period, Clapham Parish Council has carefully reviewed the published information, considered feedback received from residents, and assessed the potential implications for our commun...

08/06/2026

Looking for a truly unique prize this summer?

Clapham Village Hall's Summer Raffle gives you the chance to win an incredible LEGO Technic Liebherr Crawler Crane worth over £600!

✅ Fully app-controlled
✅ Over 3,000 pieces
✅ Fully assembled
✅ Over 1 metre tall
✅ A fantastic prize for LEGO enthusiasts, collectors and families alike

🎟 Tickets are just £5 each

All proceeds will help support Clapham Village Hall and the valuable role it plays at the heart of our community.

The raffle will be drawn at the Clapham Village Fete on Saturday 22 August at 4.00pm.

📱 Scan the QR code on the poster to enter.

Good luck, and thank you for supporting your Village Hall!

01/06/2026

🌳Please be aware the tree that has fallen and is blocking the path between Miller Close and Oakley Road has been reported to the Bedford Borough Council for clearance. They will get to it as soon as they are able.

⛔️For your own safety, please do not attempt to squeeze past the tree or to move it.

01/06/2026

⚽🌞 Shared Spaces = Shared Responsibility 🌞⚽

The playing field has been buzzing with activity recently, from youth football and family gatherings to children enjoying the warmer evenings. It’s fantastic to see our public spaces so well used and appreciated 👏

Unfortunately, the fun sometimes leaves an unwanted afterparty behind:
🥤 Drinks bottles
🍔 Food packaging
🍾 Broken glass
🎈 Balloon fragments scattered across the grass

While our caretakers work hard to keep these areas tidy, they shouldn’t have to spend time clearing up avoidable mess after every busy weekend.

Please help us keep Clapham clean and safe by leaving public spaces exactly as you would hope to find them.

Nobody wants a football match interrupted by broken glass or a toddler discovering a confetti field of popped balloon pieces hidden in the grass. Nature already provides enough surprises without adding “mystery shards” into the mix 😅

Thank you to the many residents who already do the right thing. Your care for the village genuinely shows 💚

29/05/2026

🌿✨ Love Where You Live ✨🌿

Riverside Gardens and the King George V Playing Field are some of Clapham’s greatest community assets. They belong to all of us and are enjoyed by residents of every age, every single day.

Recently however, there has been an increase in:
❌ Litter left after gatherings
❌ Broken bottles and glass
❌ Balloon debris after parties and celebrations

Please remember that these areas are not self-cleaning fairylands powered by woodland magic 🧚‍♀️ Sadly, real people have to tidy them, often early in the morning and in all weathers.

The Parish Council funds caretaking and maintenance from public money, which ultimately comes from local taxpayers. Every unnecessary clean-up is time and money that could be spent improving village facilities elsewhere.

So here’s our simple plea:
💚 Enjoy the parks
💚 Celebrate responsibly
💚 Respect other users
💚 Leave no trace behind

A cleaner, safer and friendlier village starts with all of us.
Thank you Clapham 🙌

28/05/2026

Ever wondered what’s living in the grass beneath your feet? 🌱🐜

Step into a hidden world this 31st May with our Insect Safari Adventure!

Guided by expert entomologist Tim Newton, you’ll:
🔍 Discover fascinating insects in their natural habitat
🔬 Examine them under a microscope
🌿 Learn how these tiny creatures shape our ecosystem

📍 Twinwood Aviation Museum, Clapham
⏰ 10:30am | 12:30pm | 2pm
💷 £5 adults | Kids FREE

Perfect for nature lovers, budding scientists, and curious explorers of all ages.

Come see the wild side of the small world! 🐞✨

All children must be accompanied by an adult. Indoor option if weather turns. Sensible footwear advised.

26/05/2026

♻️ Early Waste & Recycling Collections During Hot Weather ☀️

With temperatures across Bedford Borough reaching well into the 30s this week, waste, recycling and food waste collections may start earlier than usual to help protect frontline crews working in extremely challenging conditions.

Please help collection teams by:

🗑 Putting bins out the night before collection
🪢 Tying food waste bags securely and keeping lids closed
🚗 Parking considerately to allow access for collection vehicles

While every effort will be made to complete all scheduled collections, there may occasionally be delays due to vehicle issues or staffing pressures. If your bin is not collected, please leave it out overnight as crews will aim to return the following day.

Thank you for your patience and support for crews continuing to deliver this essential service during the hot weather. 🌡️

24/05/2026

🌟 Supporting Young Talent in Clapham 🌟

There’s something special happening in our village… and it starts here.

Local artist Dylan Gilbert is stepping onto the stage for his first ever live performance – and you’re invited to be part of the moment 🎸

📅 30th May
⏰ Doors open 6:30pm
📍 Clapham Village Hall
💷 £5 per head

This isn’t just a gig. It’s the beginning of a journey. No filters, no second takes… just raw, live music and the kind of energy you only get when someone takes that first big leap.

🎶 You’ll either say “I was there”… or wish you were.

Even better, it’s all for a fantastic cause, supporting Cancer Research UK ❤️

🍻 Bar open | All welcome

Let’s show up for our young talent and give Dylan the crowd he deserves. The future of music might just be starting right here in Clapham.

16/05/2026

🚆 Reminder: East West Rail Community Event – Tomorrow 📍

A quick reminder that our East West Rail information and feedback session is taking place tomorrow.

🗓 Sunday 17th May
⏰ 3:30pm – 5:30pm
📍 Village Hall

To find out how the proposals will affect Clapham, this is your chance to take a closer look and have your say.

🗺️ We’ll have plans and maps available to help bring the proposals to life, and we’re keen to hear your feedback. Your input will directly inform the Parish Council’s consultation response.

👥 You’ll also be able to speak with:

Cllr. Phillipa Simms
Cllr. Eric Cooper

Drop in at any time during the session—we look forward to seeing you there.

16/05/2026

🌱🥔 Allotment Association AGM – You’re Invited! 🥔🌱

Pull on your wellies (optional) and bring your ideas… it’s time for our annual get-together at the heart of the growing community 🌿

🗓 Sunday 17th May
⏰ 1:00pm
📍 Trading Hut

Join us for the Allotment Association AGM, where we’ll chat about the past year, share plans for the seasons ahead, and most importantly, hear from you.

💬 This is your chance to:

Raise any issues, suggestions or concerns
Help shape the future of the allotments
Take part in electing the new committee and key officers

🥔 Free lunch provided!
Enjoy jacket potatoes with a choice of toppings (including vegetarian & gluten-free options), plus hot and cold drinks. Good food, good company, and plenty of growing inspiration.

🌼 Interested in joining the committee?
We’d love to have you involved—just drop us an email beforehand or simply put your hand up on the day. No long speeches required!

Come along, have your say, and dig into what’s next 🌱