Bedfordshire
Main towns: The population lives mainly in the urban areas of Bedford, Kempston, Dunstable, Leighton Linslade, Houghton Regis, Ampthill, Flitwick, Sandy and Biggleswade. Bedfordshire refers to the area administered by Bedfordshire County Council and does not include Luton.
Demographics: Although it is largely rural, 60% of the population live in the larger towns such as Bedford and Dunstable.
Almost 14.4 per cent of people are aged over 65.
The black and minority ethnic population is 11.1 per cent, slightly lower than the national average of 13 per cent, but higher than the regional average of 8.5 per cent.
Unemployment at 4 per cent is lower than both the national average of 4.9 per cent and the regional average 4 per cent.
The major employers for the region are the National Health Service, local authorities and the Police.
Population: Bedfordshire is located in the eastern region of England, with a population of 397,700. The total population of Bedfordshire and Luton combined was 610,800 in 2007. This is expected to grow by about 5.8% over the next decade reaching a total of 646,500 in 2017 (3,570 a year) and then 658,900 by 2021 (a further 3,100 per year), as planned increases in housing developments take place.
Places of Interest: The landscape ranges from the river Ouse valley in the north, to the chalk down land of the Chilterns. The rivers Ouse, Ivel and Flit, the woodland in the north and centre, and the chalk scarps in the south, add to Bedfordshire’s character and attractiveness.
As well as rural countryside, the area includes historic towns and villages. Visitors attractions include Woburn Estate, Dunstable Downs, Whipsnade Wild Animal Park, Bedford River Festival, the Shuttleworth Estate, Harrold-Odell and Stockgrove Country Parks, the Leighton Buzzard Canal Festival and Marston Vale Forest Centre.
House/Flat Prices: The average property price today, including flats and houses, is £240,000.
In 2003 it was around £150,000, almost 33 per cent lower.
Planning issues: A major consultation over plans for a bypass to relieve congestion in and around Luton finished in February. The proposed trunk road could take four possible routes to the north of Luton to link the M1 motorway with the A6 and the A505.
One route crosses the county border to the south of Lilley in Hertfordshire. Other plans include a proposal to improve public transport in Luton, including a major new bus route on a disused railway line.
The proposal is a joint one by Luton Borough Council, South Beds District Council and Beds County Council to ease congestion in Luton.
The improvements are required because of extensive housing development over the next 20 years in the area.