Bedford Borough Ward Renamed

Following a long campaign by local Liberal Democrat Cllr Tim Hill and Stewartby Parish Council, Bedford Borough Council has approved the name change of Elstow Ward to Elstow and Stewartby Ward.

The newly named ward of Elstow and Stewartby encompasses both of these villages and has done since the last boundary changes in 2011.

Elstow and Stewartby are villages with unique histories, and it is important that they are both equally represented. Elstow is the birthplace of John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrims Progress, and he lived in Elstow for several years at Moot Hall in Elstow. This is now a museum about John Bunyan and wider 17th century life.

Stewartby was built and named after the Stewart family who transformed the former hamlet of Wootton Pillinge into Stewartby Model village, and provided good housing for the employees of the brickworks. Stewartby is still seen as a fine example of a 20th century model village.

Cllr Hill said: "This name change will help to ensure that all residents feel that they are truly represented. I am delighted that our proposal to right this historic wrong has received the support of Bedford Borough Council."