Bedford Winter Wonderland event in doubt over planning delay

The event, which includes an ice rink, is being set up in Bedford Park

A town's winter wonderland event is in doubt after its organisers failed to submit planning permission in time.

The event is being set up in Bedford Park and is due to open on 25 November.

In previous years it has been held at Everard Meadow, but work by the Environment Agency means a different location was needed.

A decision on whether the council will grant or refuse the planning application will be made on 8 December following a consultation period.

If it does go ahead, the council said it would make a "commitment" to "preserving the beauty of Bedford Park" after the event, which includes an observation wheel, ice rink, fair rides, Christmas grotto and maze.

Conservative councillor Andrea Spice, said: "We are disappointed that the correct timeframes for seeking planning permission were not complied with by the event organisers, but we will ensure that all of the usual processes are followed in determining the application that has now been made.

"Further to this, the grassed areas of the park will be returned to their former glory following the event".