Cranfield Village
Cranfield lies midway between Bedford and Milton Keynes on an escarpment from which can be seen outstanding views along the Bedford Vale. The earliest recorded reference to Cranfield was in 998 when the manor of Cranfeldinga was passed to Ramsey Abbey. Over the ensuing years the village experienced a slow rural development with some local industry, such as the Stewartby brickworks having an impact on population growth. Possibly the most significant development was the establishment at the Wharley End location of a military airfield prior to the Second World War. This became the site of the College of Aeronautics in 1946 which was subsequently transformed into Cranfield University a leading, world renown, post-graduate university. Associated with the university is a technology park that houses a significant number of research based and advanced technology companies.
At the present time the village has a population of around 5000 persons and supports a good range of facilities including, doctors, dentists, schools, social and sports activities. Although close to Bedford and Milton Keynes the public services to these two locations are relatively poor - a car is a useful asset for a Cranfield villager. Despite the developments associated with Cranfield University and the many housing developments which the village has seen over the last three decades it still retains its, essentially, rural atmosphere
The Parish Council
The Parish Council is the lowest level of local government operating in the village of Cranfield. Currently there are two higher levels of local government; the District Council and the County Council. As of April 2009 these will be replaced by a unitary authority which will take all the responsibilities of these two bodies and will be known as Central Bedfordshire.
The Parish Council consists of 15 elected members who are voted into office at an election held every four years; the next election being spring 2011. It is mainly responsible for: local public buildings, local open spaces, burial grounds, footpath lighting and maintenance, bus shelters, litter bins, maintaining the war memorial and grants to voluntary bodies. On planning the Parish Council has the right to be consulted but cannot grant or withhold planning permission, this power currently rests with the District Council.
The Parish Council has two meetings each month at 20.00 in the Village Hall, Court Road. On the first Wednesday the committees of the Council (burial ground, environment, planning, finance and general purposes) meet and the full council takes place on the third Wednesday of the month. No meetings take place in August. Villagers are always welcome to all meetings and can address councillors with the chairperson's permission before the council sessions commence.
Contact: Mrs R.J. Davey-Hunt, Clerk of the Council, Tel (0560) 1534542. Email cranfieldpc@btconnect.com
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