​Big step forward in battle to save the Bedford Arms in Toddington

A PUB has been branded an asset of community value following a long battle to prevent it being turned into housing.

The Bedford Arms in Toddington was granted the distinction last week, meaning the community has the opportunity to come together to purchase the pub as a group when it comes up for sale. But the owner can still refuse to sell it to the community group.

Alan Higgs, one of the campaigners who has been pushing for the building to remain a pub said: “It’s brilliant news that the Bedford Arms will stay as a pub.

“If the owners play ball it will be put on the market and I’m sure it will open as a going concern again.

“I’m sure local businesses will be interested along with the community in taking it over.”

Campaigners remain confident that it will again be used as a pub in the future, due to the number of rejected planning applications.

Marcel Coiffait, director of community services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “Planning permission to turn the Bedford Arms into a residential property was refused several times on the grounds that it is a valued community asset and should be retained as a pub. On this basis, I was happy to add it to the council’s list of assets of community value.”

LoS attempted to contact Pat Tattan of Kensworth Builders, who owns the pub, for a comment on what the future holds for the Bedford Arms, but he did not respond by our deadline.