Why We Created We Are Dunstable & Leighton Buzzard
- Louise O'Riordan
- 23 hours ago
- 3 min read
Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many people across Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard and the surrounding villages — local businesses, residents, community groups, and volunteers.
What stood out wasn’t just the challenges we face as across our towns and villages…
it was the potential.
The ideas.
The passion.
The people quietly doing good things every single day.
But what was missing was something simple.
Connection. Unity.
The Reality
There are so many great things happening locally — but they’re often happening in isolation. I noticed this particularly in Dunstable.
Businesses trying to be seen.
Residents asking for recommendations or where to find support.
Events that people don’t hear about until they’ve already passed.
And too often, spaces that should bring people together can feel divided.
Different voices.
Different views.
Not always connected.
That doesn’t reflect the reality of our towns.
Because at its heart, a town should feel like a community.
And our whole area can feel like a community.
The Inspiration
During my time as Deputy Mayor and Dunstable Town Mayor, I saw first-hand just how much is happening beneath the surface.
I met people running businesses with real care and passion — often with very little support.
I saw community groups helping others quietly, without recognition or spotlight.
I spoke to residents who simply wanted to feel more connected to where they live — to feel seen and heard.
I met young people who didn’t fully understand local government or feel part of it.
And I also met a huge, welcoming community of people — residents and visitors — who didn’t reflect the negativity or division sometimes seen online.
And I kept coming back to the same thought:
👉 We don’t need more noise — we need something that brings people together.
A place that feels inclusive.
Supportive.
Open to everyone.
Accessible to all, without barriers.
What This Is About
After seeing the success of local community groups connecting with each other, I decided to apply the same model to local businesses.
We Are Dunstable & Leighton Buzzard was created to do exactly that. Dunstable CommUnity became We Are Dunstable then we expanded to Leighton Buzzard. The engine behind the We Are Dunstable & Leighton Buzzard is Dunstable & Leighton Buzzard Business CommUnity (was Dunstable Business CommUnity) which meets fortnightly and is also FREE.
✔️ A free space for businesses to be seen
✔️ A place to share what’s happening locally
✔️ A way for the community to connect and support each other
No catch.
No politics.
Just people.
Looking Ahead
This is just the beginning.
We’re building something together — not just a website, but a shared space for our towns and villages.
And we want it to reflect what you want to see.
👉 What’s missing in the Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard area?
👉 What would make our towns and villages better — shopping, leisure, food, experiences?
We’ll be asking this properly over the coming weeks, and we’d love you to be part of it.
Call to Action
If you’re a local business:
If you’re part of the community:
Because the more connected we are, the stronger our towns and villages become.
Closing
This isn’t about one person.
It’s about all of us.
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