Government backtracks on Bedford lockdown after causing confusion in Biggleswade

The Government has backtracked on its advice for people in Bedford to not travel following widespread confusion.

Yesterday, our sister title Bedford Today revealed how Bedford Borough Council wasn't even told about the changes which were updated on the Government's website on Friday nightThe guidance originally said people should avoid travelling in and out of the areas most affected by the Indian variant - Bedford, Blackburn, Bolton, Burnley, Kirklees, Leicester, North Tyneside and Hounslow - unless absolutely necessary.

But last night (Tuesday, May 25) that guidance was withdrawn following concerns local lockdowns were being imposed by stealth.

Now, the Government website has been amended to say people should minimise travel in and out of BedfordIn a statement by Bedford Borough Council, it said: "Following the national coverage of recently revised guidance we have met with national officials and confirmed there are no restrictions on travel in or out of Bedford borough: There are no local lockdowns.

"In areas where the new Covid variant is spreading we are all working together to boost testing and vaccination and to support self-isolation.

"There are sensible public health precautions people can take as individuals in line with the sorts of advice we have all been following throughout the pandemic.

"We will keep sharing that and working with national officials to make sure people understand what they need to think about as they go about their daily lives."

People living in the worst affected areas in Bedford - Kingsbrook, Cauldwell, Queens Park and Wixams - are being advised to get a PCR test.