Left to rot and forgotten: Bedford’s abandoned house crisis
Across Bedford there is a major crisis of abandoned homes, many of which have been sitting empty for years. Across the town, houses plastered with graffiti, windows smashed and ivy growing all over the houses are being left without any care. A concerned local who volunteers with the local council to clean the streets shared their views on this crisis and stated that “with all the funding the council receives these houses have the potential to be reconstructed.” They further stated that these abandoned houses “causes people to get up to no good” referring to vandalism and anti-social behaviour which can leave locals feeling distressed. Another local who has spoken to Bedford Brough council explained how this town is facing “a lot of homelessness” and that these abandoned houses should be made liveable to help house those in need. According to Bedford Today, over 1904 people were homeless in June 2025 which illustrates the severity of the housing issue in Bedford
The Phoenix Pub- Picture from facebook by Abandoned Bedford
Bedford is also facing streets littered with rubbish, abandoned houses being vandalised and countless incidents of trespassing where items are being stolen from properties. The crisis sheds lights on a major issue including the housing shortage and homelessness crisis. According to Bedford Today over 800 children were documented as homeless which emphasises how bad the situation has become. However, renovating an abandoned house i not simple due to issues such as land ownership and ethical issues. The council must notify the respected landowner and seek permission before demolishing or modifying the old property. Issues also arrive when it comes to public interest because some locals care for other issues Bedford is facing. Many residents have expressed concerns about how abandoned houses can encourage anti-social behaviour. For example, Harry Bennington, a local who lives close to an abandoned house has said that he doesn’t feel “safe to leave his house during the night” and that sometimes he can “hear screams and thuds” causing a disturbance of peace in the town.
Picture inside an abandoned house within Bedford. Picture taken by Heijiro Rao
Bedford Borough Council has responded to these issues related abandoned properties and have implemented and suggested multiple strategies to combat the problem. For example, the Bedford Council has spoken to landowners about ways to secure their properties to deter trespassers, such as installing surveillance cameras as well as motion sensor alarm systems. Also, advising landowners on the appropriate steps to report incidents regarding trespassing, vandalism and theft. The council has made efforts to maintain contact with property owners to encourage them to allow the renovation to take place. However, many properties remain empty which leads to the council potentially applying serious measures such as an increase in property tax which is meant to deter landowners from leaving properties left unused for a long time so these old properties can be redeveloped and become habitable again.
Picture showcasing how these properties are left abandoned. Picture taken by Heijiro Rao
The sheer number of abandoned houses across the town of Bedford has proven the magnitude of the crisis referring to the safety of the locals as well as making sure everyone has a place to live. The data presented by Bedford Today related to homeless people in Bedford shows the urgency of acting and renovating the properties since it will better the lives of everyone. Bedford Brough Council however have made efforts to encourage landowners to allow construction to take place.