Luton

About Luton

Luton is a liberal town in Bedfordshire, England. It lies along England’s main superhighway (M1), 48 km northwest of London. Luton town has a population nearly around 216,800. Citizens of Luton city are recognised as Lutonians. Luton town is famous for manufacturing of hats. The hat industry still prospers, with felt hats as the principal product. The city has expanded into an industrial town dominated by the motor vehicle industry. A Large plant of Vauxhall Motors factory situated in Luton. In 1905, production of the car started at the plant, and it continued until 2002. Vauxhall Motors head office is still in the Luton town. The town is hometown to the headquarters of the well-known firms including Monarch Airlines, Easy Jet, Vauxhall Motors and Impellam Group.

In 1938, London Luton Airport was inaugurated. It considered as one of Britain’s major airports. The Bedfordshire’s University situated in the Luton. Luton Borough Council is regarded as the principal employer with more than 8,000 employees.

Transport

Luton town is connected to the A6, A505 and the M1 motorway. Grant Palmer, Arriva the Shires and Essex and Centrebus are the primary operators who are rendering bus service in the Luton. In 2013, a bus rapid transit route was opened. It connects Luton, Dunstable and Houghton Regis with Luton Airport.

A comprehensive taxi network serves Luton town. Luton Borough Council has the responsibility for licensing of taxis. It is also responsible for public transport and the local highways in the Borough. Leagrave, Luton Airport Parkway and Luton are the three railway stations on the Midland Main Line.

After Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, Luton Airport is the 4th largest airport serving the area of London. Along with London Southend Airport and London City Airport, the airport of Luton town is one of the six international airports.

Education

For education in Luton town, there are several schools and colleges. There are 56 primary schools, 13 secondary schools and four further educational institutes. Barnfield College and Luton Sixth Form College are the two higher education colleges in the town. Department for Children, Schools and Families awarded a status of Learning & Skills Beacon to these colleges. The University of Bedfordshire has its main campus situated in the city centre of Luton. Another main campus founded in Bedford. University also has some campus located on the border of town in Putteridge Bury. Kings House Preparatory School, Mehria School and Oakwood Primary School are some of the independent school in the city.

Attractions

• Stockwood Discovery Centre – It is a free admission museum displaying collections of archaeology, rural crafts, local social history and geology. It is also known with the name of Stockwood Craft Museum. It also offers facilities and services like venue hire for weddings and corporate events.
• Wardown Park Museum – Situated on the outskirts of the Luton town, it is a large Victorian mansion. Also known with the name of Luton Museum and Art Gallery, it focuses on the hat making and lace making which are the traditional crafts of Bedfordshire.
• Someries Castle – It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and considered as the first brick building in England. The brickwork of the castle can be seen in the remains of the gatehouse, integrating the lodge and chapel. In the 18th century, the castle was demolished partly.

Climate

The climate of Luton town is a temperate marine. It is changeable from day to day. The average annual rainfall in the city is nearly around 698 mm. Due to the position of the town in the Chiltern Hills, the local climate of Luton is varied from South East England. It is 1 or 2 degrees cooler than the neighbouring cities.