Story perspectives

Council Opposes Eight Home Demolitions for East West Rail

6/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Julia Virdee says eight houses on Chesterton Mues will be demolished for the £6 billion East West Rail Oxford-Cambridge line.
Bedford Borough Council opposes the demolition while local homeowners fear years of construction will make their neighbourhoods unlivable.
The final public consultation closes on 9 June.
The Need to Sell scheme has processed 22 applications and completed six purchases worth £2.37 million, though some residents say the criteria exclude many families.

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Story summary

Julia Virdee says eight houses on Chesterton Mues will be demolished for the £6 billion East West Rail Oxford-Cambridge line.
Bedford Borough Council opposes the demolition while local homeowners fear years of construction will make their neighbourhoods unlivable.
The final public consultation closes on 9 June.
The Need to Sell scheme has processed 22 applications and completed six purchases worth £2.37 million, though some residents say the criteria exclude many families.