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£2 million bid for bus improvements

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A BID for £2.65 million of funding for bus service improvements in Luton, Dunstable and Houghton Regis has been submitted to the government.

Led by Luton Borough Council, the bid to the government’s Better Bus Area fund includes plans for two ‘travel information centres’ and the upgrade of bus stops to provide level boarding, real time passenger information and CCTV.

The money would also be spent on changes to specific road junctions to improve journey times and reliability, and on installing Smartcard readers on buses.

The council says congestion in some parts of Luton, including Bury Park and Bushmead, is so bad that some bus operators are considering withdrawing services.

And it says the proposals, coupled with the Luton Dunstable Busway, present a real opportunity to get people to use public transport rather than cars.

If secured, the bid would see 40 bus stops in Luton and 120 in Dunstable upgraded with real time passenger information. The council says this, along with CCTV, would encourage people concerned about safety to use the bus.

One travel information centre would be constructed in Luton and one in Dunstable, to make sure quality information about bus services was easily available to the public. These would open in spring 2013.

The Smartcard machines for Centrebus and Grant Palmer buses would mean a ‘conurbation-wide cashless card’ could be used with different bus operators, to boost bus use. Arriva has already spent £250,000 on ordering Smartcard machines for its buses.

The council also wants to send out bespoke bus timetables to all homes in the area to equip everyone with all the information they need to start using public transport and “make the choice between using the car and taking the bus”.

Arriva, Grant Palmer and Centrebus have all written to the Department for Transport in support of the ‘Connecting Communities’ bid.

> For more information visit {www.luton.gov.uk/bbf|www.luton.gov.uk/bbf|Click here for some more information}


Richard’s leap for a champion charity

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HERALD&POST reporter Richard Redman last week ‘zip-lined’ into Old Trafford to help raise £15,000 for terminally ill children.

Richard, who raised £610.28 for the charity, was one of 200 fundraisers to complete the zip for Francis House Children’s Hospice in Didsbury on Saturday (March 3).

Also among those daring the 190m descent from the top of Manchester United’s Stretford End were Chris Gascoyne (Coronation Street’s Peter Barlow) and Kelvin Fletcher (Emmerdale’s Andy Sugden).

Manchester-born Richard said: “The point from which we jumped was near where my season ticket seat used to be – I never thought that one day I’d be jumping from it.

“It was a very fun way to raise money for a very good cause – thank you to everyone who donated.”

A zip-line – also known as a ‘death slide’ – involves a pulley that participants use to propell down an inclined cable from one point to another.

Francis House care for ill children for whom a cure is unlikely and offer them a better quality of life and the chance of a dignified death.

You can still make donations towards Richard’s total at www.justgiving.com/rickredman.

VIDEO: Around the world – in just one day!

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CHILDREN and staff at Eaton Bray Academy celebrated World Book Day last week by coming into school dressed in clothes from around the world.

Everyone was asked to bring a book with them that explained the origins of their attire, and a parade was held to show off their costumes.

The celebration was part of the School Lane lower school’s current theme of ‘Sharing the Planet’.

The youngsters heard stories and information about different countries as well as taking part in a variety of activities.

They included making clay pots, tasting exotic fruits, writing poems in Chinese and Scottish dancing.

Headteacher Sue Hounslow said: “The children had a great time. The world was covered in an instant!”

World Book Day is a charity launched in the UK in 1998, encouraging children to read and providing millions of schoolchildren a year with £1 book tokens.

> See this week’s edition of the Gazette’s sister paper, the Leighton Buzzard Observer, for more pictures of the Eaton Bray Academy pupils.

Defiant nine-man Hatters keep Trophy tie alive with narrow York defeat

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FA Trophy semi-finals, first leg: York City 1 (1) Luton Town 0 (0)

MANFUL nine-man Hatters put in a brave and dogged performance to limit York City to a 1-0 victory at Bootham Crescent today in their FA Trophy semi-final first leg, writes Mark Wood.

Jake Howells was dismissed after just 13 minutes as he was penalised for handball on the line, while Keith Keane was given his marching early in the second half as he was shown two yellow cards in as many minutes.

But despite dominating, all City had to show for their efforts was Jamie Reed’s 14th-minute penalty, as resolute Luton kept the tie alive for when it returns to Kenilworth Road a week today.

Such was Town’s brave defiance that the 1-0 defeat must have felt like victory to Luton’s players and travelling fans alike.

Town made two changes to the side that were well beaten 2-0 at Wrexham on Wednesday night. Knocks ruled out Robbie Willmott and Aaron O’Connor, while Andre Boucaud, Craig McAllister and Godfrey Poku were all suspended as into the starting XI came Charlie Henry and Adam Watkins.

Luton included just five players who played in the 3-0 defeat at Bootham Crescent in September, while former Hatter Jason Walker was missing for York through injury.

City threatened in the opening moments before an awful lunging challenge by Moses Ashikodi left Henry writhing on the floor, but the Minstermen striker was shown just a yellow card.

Keane dragged a tame effort wide and Watkins whizzed over as Town looked to shoot at every opportunity early on.

But Luton’s hopes of progressing to a Wembley final were dealt a hammer blow on 13 minutes when a dangerous corner was flicked on to the back post and Reed’s sliding effort hit Howells’ arm on the line and referee Paul Tierney immediately pointed to the spot and red-carded the somewhat unfortunate Howells.

Reed then stepped up to take the penalty and sent Mark Tyler the wrong way as he calmly slotted the Minstermen ahead.

A hooked Henry effort was no trouble for Michael Ingham, while a George Pilkington error almost let York in, only for Ed Asafu-Adjaye to get in a telling interception.

Nice play from Henry and Watkins ended in a pointless cross the far post before York almost doubled their lead on 24 minutes when Matthew Blinkhorn somewhat controversially outmuscled Kovacs and lobbed over Pilkington and into the path of Reed who took a touch before hammering too close to Tyler who was able to parry the ball behind.

Looking to play on the break Henry led the charge on 26 minutes and Watkins teed up Greg Taylor, but his angled drive from a tight angle flew just over.

An opportunistic Henry shot flew well over, while Scott Kerr’s dipping volley was never going to trouble Tyler at the other end.

Janos Kovacs won a great header to flick on Asafu-Adjaye’s 31st-minute throw but no-one was lurking at the far post to turn home as Luton showed plenty of endeavour despite their reduced numbers.

At the back, Pilkington was struggling for the Hatters, while Blinkhorn spiralled a very presentable chance well over the bar.

And York almost made it two with a spectacular effort on 36 minutes. Town again struggled to clear their lines and Lanre Oyebanjo’s brilliant overhead kick drew a fingertip save from Tyler. Ashikodi seem certain to score the rebound at the far post, but Asafu-Adjaye did just enough to put him off and he prodded wide of the mark as Luton cleared their lines.

Some beautiful play by Watkins created space on the edge of City’s box on 38 minutes and Danny Crow’s delightful cross found Kovacs at the back post who, almost having the shirt ripped from his back, could only send his header inches wide.

On a booking and having taken a knock, Ashikodi made way for Ashley Chambers three minutes into the second half.

Robbed in possession, Keane was booked on 53 minutes for a silly foul on Scott Kerr and Reed’s long range freek-kick had to be tipped over the bar by Tyler.

And things went from bad to worse when Keane was shown his second yellow card in a matter of minutes for a challenge on Jamal Fyfield and he too was dismissed by Tierney.

Henry was also booked for his protestations and was promptly replaced by Shane Blackett as Luton looked to preserve what numbers they had.

In complete control against nine men, York dominated. Good work by Chambers ended in Kerr stroking at Tyler before Jon Challinor tested the keeper from the edge of the area.

Every Luton touch began to be cheered by Town’s travelling fans before the Minstermen twice went close again on 73 minutes. Chambers had the beating of Asafu-Adjaye and his driven cross was beaten away by Tyler with the Luton keeper recovering well to save at the feet of Blinkhorn.

Wave-after-wave of City attacks foundered on deep-lying Hatters and Chambers’ driven cross-cum-shot was just beyond Blinkhorn on 75 minutes.

Gutsy Luton kept going and made an extremely rare attack on 77 minutes when Crow got in behind to win a corner, but despite putting a large numbers of players forward it came to nothing.

Michael Potts lashed an effort well over with 11 minutes to go and Curtis Osano was brought on to replace the exhausted Watkins as Town defiantly clung on.

Tyler was to the rescue again on 85 minutes when Pilkington’s clearance rebounded off Osano a few yards from goal and the Luton keeper adjusted well to save.

Diving tackle after diving tackle was thrown in by brave Town as a shattered Crow was withdrawn for young Jake Woolley with three minutes to go.

A shocking five minutes of stoppage time was added as another late Luton corner came to nothing but a brilliant rearguard action from Luton kept the Minstermen out as they ensured the tie remained alive for the second leg at Kenilworth Road a week today.

Minstermen (4-3-3): Michael Ingham, Lanre Oyebanjo (Michael Potts 53), James Meredith, Chris Smith (C), Daniel Parslow, Jamie Reed, Scott Kerr, Jamal Fyfield (Danny Pilkington 62), Jon Challinor, Matthew Blinkhorn, Moses Ashikodi (Ashley Chambers 48). Substitutes not used: Matty Blair, Patrick McLaughlin.

Hatters (4-3-3): Mark Tyler, Greg Taylor, Keith Keane, George Pilkington (C), Alex Lawless, Danny Crow (Jake Woolley 87), Jake Howells, Ed Asafu-Adjaye, Charlie Henry (Shane Blackett 58), Adam Watkins (Curtis Osano 82), Janos Kovacs. Substitutes not used: JJ O’Donnell, Lewis Kidd.

Bookings: Ashikodi 3; Reed 50; Keane 53; Keane 55; Henry 57; Potts 78; Blackett 90+2.

Sent Off: Howells 13; Keane 55.

Referee: Paul Tierney.

Assistant Referees: Alix Pashley and Geoff Liddle.

Fourth Official: Karl Evans.

Attendance: 3,365 (Luton 457).

Star Hatter: Mark Tyler. Some fantastic stops kept Luton in the tie.

Beds U14s enjoy Corby win

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THE Bedfordshire U14 girls emerged victorious from their age group at the annual regional team event at Corby over the weekend.

The girls took on Norfolk first with Luton’s Shanice Marshall, Lara McCormack and Claudia Johnson all winning, while Dunstable’s Kirsten Dickens lost in a third set tie-break.

Beds then beat Suffolk 4-0 to set up a decider with Leicestershire and all four girls raised their games to produce victories.

In total, the quartet won emphatically, dropping just three sets out of 26 played.

For a picture of the winning team, see this weeks Luton News/Dunstable Gazette on sale now.

Early bird businesses

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Companies will learn how to have a better chance at winning business from Central Beds Council at a breakfast seminar on March 14.

The council’s emergency planner Iain Berry willl speak about the importance of local businesses having a plan in case of emergencies, as contracts with the council are worth about £80million a year to businesses in Central Beds.

Councillor Ken Matthews, member for stretegic planning and economic development, said: “As a pro-business council we want to ensure companies know how they can obtain valuable public sector contracts.”

If you would like a place at the breakfast email business@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or events@chamber-business.com.

LDSC teach Uni a lesson

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THE Beds County Squash League moved into a new era with the start of the new play-off system for 2012.

Having qualified in the top five Luton and Dunstable Squash Club’s first team saw off Open University firsts, 13-7, while LDSC IIs went down 15-5 to the University’s seconds.

The firsts were at full strength and Scot Adam and Matt Mulara took to the court first at fourth and third strings.

Adam struggled with his opponent’s unusual style and eventually went down 3-1.

After surprisingly losing the first game, Mulara turned up the pressure on Dave Gibson and was ultimately too quick for him, claiming victory.

The next two matches still failed to separate the sides, as Marc Woolhead comfortably won the second string encounter against Ben Shakespear, while Dean Pike lost out 3-0 to the in-form Lorrie Collick.

Favourite in the top seed match Steve Davies then lived up to his billing as he eased to a 3-0 victory over Wayne James.

LDSC now face matches against Silsoe, Bunyan and Biggleswade.

Meanwhile, the seconds lost to basement rivals Open University IIs.

Kachinga Kabwe duly delivered a victory at first string, while Graham Cook came close to making a dream debut at five.

Nervous Cook tensed up to lose the first game after being level at 13-13 and seized up to lose the second 16-14 after being 14-8 up,

He went even closer in the third before going down again in the tie-break to ultimately lose 3-0.

Fourth string John Stevens lost 3-2 to Denzil De Souza, while Chris Ridgway and Paul Main lost meekly.

OU 7 LDSC 13: Steve Davies 3 Wayne James 0; Marc Woolhead 3 Ben Shakespear 0; Matt Mulara 3 Dave Gibson 1; Scot Adam 1 Terry Saunders 3; Dean Pike 0 Laurie Collick 3.

LDSC II 5 OU II 15: Kachinga Kabwe 3 Simon Percival 0; Chris Ridgway 0 Joe Elfasi 3; Paul Main 0 Alberto Elfasie 3; John Stevens 2 Denzil De Souza 3; Graham Cook 0 Ed Smith 3.

Questions for council

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A CENTRAL Beds councillor will be holding a ‘help and advice’ surgery in Dunstable this weekend to answer questions from members of the public.

Cllr Julian Murray will host the event at Beecroft Community Centre, Westfield Road, on Saturday (March 10) from 10.30am until noon.

He is inviting residents that want to raise any issues of concern to come along and have their say.

will answer questions from residents and discuss issues of concern.

> For further information please contact Cllr Murray on 0300 300 8546 or julian.murray@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk, or alternatively contact the members support team on 0300 300 6090.


Smith suffers first round loss

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LUTON fighter James Smith suffered a first round knockout against Elliott Matthews at The Troxy in Limehouse, London on Friday.

Smith, 23, was stopped after just 1.46mins and, after winning on his pro debut, the Lutonian has now lost his last four bouts.

Although unable to be there, trainer Graham Earl felt the referee had stepped in too early.

He said: “He went in there doing his job and he will have a good fight with anyone

“He is happy and will dust himself off and will be back out in April and fighting in Glasgow.”

Earl was in fact looking after another of his fighters, Jay Morris, who was finally stopped in the fifth round by Tommy Coward at Doncaster Dome, despite having fought from the first round with a burst eardrum.

It was Coward’s sixth win, while Morris has now won 15, lost 24 and drawn three.

Earl said: “He couldn’t really throw anything back so it was the right stoppage.”

Brabin notices a change in Poku’s attitude

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A CHANGE of attitude in Godfrey Poku could finally see him challenge for a place in Town’s first team, writes Mark Wood.

The 21-year-old combative midfielder scored a great goal in Luton Town reserves’ 3-3 draw at Oxford United on Wednesday and Brabin believes now is the time for Poku to make the most of his new-found maturity.

Brabin said: “Godfrey is starting to show what we know he is capable of.

“We sent him on loan to Southport, and I think it’s been a fantastic experience for him, so much so that Southport loved having him.

“It’s been well-documented they would love to have him back but he is certainly one that we’ve looked for, for the future.

“He’s developing the way we want him to develop.

“He’s come back here and probably been a bit frustrated now, which is a change in attitude if you like because Godfrey’s been in and around the place for a couple of years and never really expected to play.

“We’ve had a few chats with him and told him he’s got to start knuckling down now, stepping it up and show us what he can do day in, day out.

“If he can do more of that he will certainly be getting more chances in the first team.”

You can all have a say in your own community

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Central Beds councillor Richard Stay, executive member for external affairs and councillor for Caddington, on why he thinks decisions on how taxpayer cash is spent should be made locally...

WE spend more than £4 billion of taxpayers’ cash in Bedfordshire every year!

The Government has talked about strengthening local communities and transferring powers away from Whitehall for some time, but in reality what will change?

I believe decisions should be made as locally as possible. That means shifting real power away from Government – the UK is one of the most centralised democracies anywhere in Europe and the Localism Act commits Government to acting and acting quickly.

The potential for Bedfordshire is tremendous and I want to see postcode choice, not a postcode lottery. Different decisions will be made in e.g. Manchester and in Luton – priorities are different and what might be right for Bedford may differ for Leighton Buzzard.

Major services such as Public Health are coming back to Local Government, business rates will be retained locally and choices made around stimulating business and the economy.

Planning decisions are becoming a matter for greater local involvement. In my own area (Caddington and Slip End) a Neighbourhood Plan in under way and this is a hugely positive exercise, where everyone can have their say on what their communities should look in 10 or 15 years.

We have seen the establishment of an elected Mayor in Bedford – one person publicly accountable for how decisions are made.

In November Bedfordshire sees the arrival of a directly Police and Crime Commissioner, who will be the people’s voice to ensure that what the Police do is in line with local priorities. Elected by you and answerable to you, but not making operational decisions – this has the potential to make decisions made by the police visible and accountable.

Councillors are becoming local leaders with influence across a wide range of public services. Local communities are developing their own priorities and elected local politicians should be there to champion their communities along with the voluntary sector.

I am optimistic and I believe we can continue to develop more efficient and more effective public services locally and Bedfordshire police are a good example – they have absorbed a £20 million budget cut and still made a serious impact on cutting crime.

>> Would you like to be a guest columnist in your favourite local newspaper? We’d love to hear from you. Submit up to 400 words on a subject of your choice (but preferably of local relevance) via email to editorial@lutonnews.co.uk. Attach a jpeg head and shoulders photograph of yourself and include a short biography to inform readers who you are.

Dale Hardiman’s BAMMA diary - part four

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AS another week draws to a close, it is evident from my appearance that fight time is rapidly approaching.

My physique is steadily changing as the days pass, and as the fat diminishes, muscle is revealed in its absence.

Clothes that once fitted tightly have now become loose items of cloth which I can only compare to a parachute. The scales are being good to me, and giving me all the right responses. Fight time is nearing and there is no doubt it my mind, I am ready.

Unfortunately a fight camp never runs as smoothly as one would hope. Many obstacles and hoops have to be steadily negotiated and carefully approached to ensure that come fight time, one is in the healthiest state possible, both mentally and physically.

This week I received news that my opponent had been changed.

Chris Fishgold was injured during a training session and I am now scheduled to fight Antanas Jazbutis. This news was tough to handle at first.

I had my sights on Chris Fishgold as an opponent since BAMMA 7 in September when I defeated Scott Jansen. We were scheduled to fight at BAMMA 8 but due to injury, we were both removed from the card.

Almost five months of mental preparation, I had my mindset in a perfect place as my bout with Fishgold approached. I had visualised every possible and probable scenario the fight would present but then the news came and it felt like my world had been turned upside down.

As I put down the phone to my coach, I could feel my adrenaline building up.

My body was shaking, butterflies were attacking my stomach, and my mind was working at a million miles per hour.

The feeling was horrible, but my body was adjusting, developing and preparing itself for a different challenge. I spent the next few hours, watching every Jazbutis fight I could find, breaking down his style, identifying his weaknesses, and formulating my strategy of attack.

Jazbutis is a more well-rounded opponent than Fishgold and presents a danger from whereever the fight takes place.

He has been in the cage with the best fighters that Britain has to offer and has taken most of those fights to decision.

His style is fast paced, and his durability and toughness make him a challenge to finish. He is a completely different fighter to Fishgold and hence the approach to the fight will have to be slightly adjusted.

However I am not going to worry too much about his strong points, instead I will look to utilise all the weapons at my disposal and exploit his weaknesses.

I am honestly expecting an all out war from start to finish, knowing full well that this fight could easily be the first time I am taken to a decision.

I am going into the fight looking for the finish and I am going to do my best to ensure this happens. However 15 minutes in the cage and a fight to remember might just be the way it has to be.

I am preparing myself for war, and my mind and body are ready for whatever Jazbutis has for me. Bring on the 24th March!

Matt Adcock’s film review: John Carter

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“When I saw you, I believed it was a sign... that something new can come into this world.”

What do you get if you cross Star Wars, Flash Gordon and Avatar?

Well, John Carter would be one answer and it’s easy to see the influences of these sci-fi epics in this new big budget otherworld opus.

The thing is John Carter’s story was first written in the early 1900s by Tarzan creater Edgar Rice Burroughs and the influences of his books can be seen in many sci-fi films down the years, including the aforementioned.

So John Carter – played by Taylor ‘soon to be seen in Battleship’ Kitsch – finally hits the big screen, a bit late to his own party but eager to please.

Carter is a cavalryman from our little part of the universe, mysteriously transported to Mars where he becomes a pivotal element in a civil war.

The plot is join the dots goodies versus baddies, princess in peril, lovable ‘doglike’ creature that becomes Carter’s sidekick, alien race that adopt Carter, who he will call on to fight for the right side?

It’s pick and mix sci-fi bingo all the way, even if this is a look at the original source, but at least director Andrew ‘Finding Nemo’ Stanton manages to inject the macho nonsense with some heart.

Disney has stumped up the cash for this and the special effects are suitably impressive.

As a result this a decent enough slice of heroic spectacle pumped up with some tasty action sequences.

Kitsch is pretty convincing in the lead role, looking for all the world like a Conan-lite hero, handy with a sword and blessed with the ability to pull off Hulk-scale jumps due to the gravity imbalance.

Lynn Collins is Carter’s love interest, the Martian Princess ‘Dejah Thoris, and she looks the part in some skimpy Princess Leia alike outfits.

The rest of the cast are good, too, making full use of their licence to over act.

That means we get Willem Dafoe as Tars Tarkas and Samantha Morton as Sola from the four armed green skinned aliens camp, along with Mark Strong as the main villain of piece who rejoices with the marvellous name of Matai Shang.

John Carter isn’t the classic that it would have been if it had been made before George Lucas conjured up the original Star Wars stories, but it offers solid entertainment for anyone who likes their action space bound and who isn’t put off by odd alien names.

In space nobody can hear you scream: ‘Haven’t I seen this somewhere before?’

Miles of smiles with Sport Relief

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LACE up your trainers for the town’s second Sport Relief run this month.

Bedford is set to host Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile on Sunday, March 25, to raise money for vulnerable people, both across the UK and in some of the world’s poorest countries.

Setting off from the bandstand in Bedford Park, entrants can chose to run one, three or six miles around the park’s grounds.

Councillor Doug McMurdo, portfolio holder for leisure and culture at Bedford Borough Council, said: “The Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile is back in Bedford and there’s something for everyone, young and old, to enjoy on the big day.

“Last year, the Bedford Mile had over 450 participants and raised a staggering £14,872.24.

“This year we want to make the day even bigger and better so come on Bedford, pull up your Sport Relief socks, enter the Mile and do something amazing.”

Entry costs £6 for adults, £3 for children, and £15 for a family of four.

To book a place go online and visit www.sportrelief.com

Blind football challenge for Sports Relief

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Sainsbury’s workers will gather at Luton’s Bramingham Park store on Wednesday, March 14 to show what good sports they are.

Employees from branches across the region will be taking part in a blind football challenge outside the front of the store located off Quantock Rise to raise money for Sports Relief.

The action kicks off at 9am and runs for two hours.

The blind football ties in with Sainsbury’s sponsorship of the Paralympic Games this summer.

Sainsbury’s regional operations manager Nick Smith said: “All of the money we raise will be going to a worthy cause and we hope our customers can join in the fun and support our colleagues as we go the extra mile in our fundraising efforts.”


Brabin proud of his side as Trophy semi-final remains in the balance

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HATTERS boss Gary Brabin paid tribute to his side for keeping their FA Trophy semi-final tie with York City alive after a 1-0 defeat at Bootham Crescent on Saturday, writes Mike Simmonds.

After Jake Howells was sent off in the 13th minute for a handball on the goal-line, which saw the penalty converted by Jason Reed, midfielder Keith Keane also saw red on 55 minutes for his second yellow in quick succession.

But try as they might, City couldn’t break down a superb Town rearguard, leaving the tie evenly poised for Saturday’s second leg.

Brabin said: “We’re still in the tie. That’s the big thing for us.

“Once the decision has gone against us and we’re down to nine men, we not only shown a spirited performance, but the tie is still alive. We take them to our place and can get back into the game.”

The boss was clearly unhappy with referee Paul Tierney’s performance as he continued: “I’m proud of all the lads with the way they’ve performed from minute one.

“We played nine against 12, sorry 11 and I’m proud of all the lads.

“We keep wanting a little bit of consistency and I and feel like everyone’s right on the button when it comes to us and some of the decisions are going against us.”

At the final whistle, while the Town players were given a fine ovation by the 450 plus travelling fans, there was the odd boo from the home supporters, clearly disgruntled with their side for not capitalising on their numerical superiority.

Flabbergasted Minsterman boss Gary Mills added: “We’ve worked hard and got a one nil lead in the semi-final and we’re getting booed.

“If I put nine men behind the ball in a training session on Monday, we’ll see how many times we score.

“I can’t believe what I’m hearing. Fair play to them. They’ve defended well.

“We could have done better in situations, of course we know that but to get booed is beyond me.”

For all the latest Luton Town FC news, reports, stats, player profiles, live match updates, prediction table and a complete fixture list, visit our {http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/hatters-microsite|Hatters Microsite|Click here for the Hatters Microsite}.

Buy-to-let fund

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A BEDFORDSHIRE-based estate agency group will be helping a new investment fund to decide where to buy up to 10,000 properties across the country.

Connells, which has branches in George Street, Hitchin Road and Marsh Road, in Luton and High Street North, Dunstable, has teamed up with fund managers Hearthstone Investments in a buy-to-let partnership.

The fund will, subject to regulatory approval, allow people to invest in buy-to-let to do so through a managed fund rather than buying a home and letting it out themselves.

Hearthstone’s initial fund will be the UK’s first PAIF (Property Authorised Investment Fund) to specialise in residential property. Individuals will be able to invest their pensions and ISAs in the fund to benefit from rental income and the long term growth in the housing market.

Connells, based in Leighton Buzzard, will advise on all property purchases made by the fund through its specialist Investor Sales Division. Stuart Flavell, chief executive of Connells, said: “The UK’s love affair with property ownership is as strong as ever but until now there hasn’t been a way of investing in residential property other than direct property ownership

“Connells’ investment in Hearthstone marks an innovative new approach to property investment. Property is a lucrative asset class and we believe many people will be interested in investing in this new fund when it launches.” The launch is expected to be in the second quarter of this year.

As part of the partnership, Connells estate agency will play a leading role in advising Hearthstone where it should be investing the fund to get the best yield. Hearthstone will be acquiring up to 10,000 properties across the UK, from new homes developments to second-hand across a range of property types.

Tyler urges Hatters to cement a play-off place

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RESILIENT Hatters are set to come out all guns blazing when they travel to Darlington on Tuesday according to keeper Mark Tyler, writes Mark Wood.

On the back of their brave and battling display at York City on Saturday, the experienced Town stopper is in little doubt that the ‘bread and butter’ of the league remains their priority.

The 34-year-old keeper said: “We’ve got 13, 14 games in the league left and that’s the most important thing for us to do, cement our place in the play-offs.

“Don’t get me wrong, we still want to challenge for promotion, but Fleetwood have been magnificent this year.

“That’s (the league) our bread and butter. We want to have a good run-in and cement our place in the play-offs, that’s the most important thing at the moment.

“This (the FA Trophy) is a nice distraction, but the league points are the main thing.”

After such a tiring shift at the weekend, Tyler knows how important it will be for the Hatters to recover properly, saying: “We’ve got a good squad and will recover well and we will be all guns blazing Tuesday night.”

He’s hopeful a number of injured players will be in the frame to help the Hatters as Jake Howells and Keith Keane look set to be suspended following their dismissals at the weekend.

Tyler added: “They are only little niggles, they are not long term so hopefully we will have a few back Tuesday night.

“Young Jake (Woolley) and young Jerry (Nash) have come in as well and they have progressed through the youth team. We have a strong squad and the gaffer will have a difficult decision to make on Tuesday who to pick.”

For all the latest Luton Town FC news, reports, stats, player profiles, live match updates, prediction table and a complete fixture list, visit our {http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/hatters-microsite|Hatters Microsite|Click here for the Hatters Microsite}.

Wrong way chaos at roundabout

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A MOTORIST that collided with four other vehicles after driving the wrong way round a roundabout in Houghton Regis was taken to hospital on Sunday (March 11).

It is suspected that the driver who collided with two Vauxhall Corsas, a grey Vauxhall Safira and a blue Renault at the Wheatfield Road and Pointers Road roundabout fell ill behind the wheel of his black BMW at about 11am.

Police closed the road from 11am until about 12.30pm. No one else was injured.

Police celebrate operation success

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BEDS Police have been celebrating the success of a major crackdown on theft which resulted in more than 60 arrests in the Luton, Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard area.

Operation Denver targeted persistent criminals who committed robberies, burglaries and thefts from/or of motor vehicles over the Christmas period.

Final figures for the operation showed that 60 arrests were made as part of Operation Denver team between December 2011 and February 2012 following the execution of numerous warrants across the three towns as well as reacting to intelligence supplied by members of the public.

Of those arrested only four resulted in no further action being taken by the police while 14 were charged and remanded in custody, four were recalled to prison, nine were charged and bailed by the court, seven were released on police bail, four were charged and await court, three were cautioned, two were given warnings, one was detained under the Mental Health Act, one was arrested on behalf of the burglary team and one entered the Prolific and other Priority Offenders (PPO) scheme. Ten other people were handed over to the robbery team for further enquiries into their activities.

Detective Sergeant Maz Wheeler, who is responsible for co-ordinating the ongoing operation, said: “Operation Denver has helped to reduce crime in our area and severely disrupt criminals due to the hard work of officers, partners and members of the public,

“Offenders have been arrested on suspicion of a range of offences including burglary, robbery, handling stolen goods, criminal damage and possession of class A drugs. We will not tolerate crime in our county and we are working hard to reduce the number of offences as well as retrieving and returning property that has been taken.”

Detective Inspector Richard Wall added: “We have seen some fantastic results in the last three months and the fact that no further action was only taken against four individuals just proves that we have been targeting the right people.

“I hope that Operation Denver serves as a warning to criminals that Bedfordshire Police is taking the fight against crime to them and with the help of our partners and members of the public, we will continue to see great results.”

Anyone with information about crimes and criminals in their area can contact Bedfordshire Police, in confidence on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

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