Kempston Central & East Labour

06/09/2026

Out in the community this afternoon Beatrice Street & Marne Street

This afternoon, I was out speaking with residents of Beatrice Street and Marne Street regarding the ongoing parking issues in the area and asking residents to support a petition requesting the introduction of a Controlled Parking Zone(CPZ) scheme.

Over the past month, a number of residents have raised concerns about the increasing parking difficulties, including vehicles belonging to staff from the Dallas Road construction works parking in the surrounding streets. Residents have also highlighted a number of other local issues that need attention.

Following last week’s rain, concerns were also raised about drainage overflow, as well as fly-tipping at the rear of properties on the land in Beatrice Street land in the Kempston Central & East Ward. I will be reporting these issues to the relevant Bedford Borough Council departments and following them up with the appropriate teams.

A large number of residents have already signed the petition, and I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has taken the time to support it. Your engagement and willingness to raise local concerns are extremely important in helping us make sure residents’ voices are heard.

I would also like to thank MP Mohammad Yasin, Councillor Carl Meader, Councillor Warwick and Mohammad Bashir for joining me this afternoon and supporting our efforts to listen to residents and address these concerns.

Thank you once again to everyone who came out to speak with us and signed the petition. Together, we will continue to raise these issues and work towards practical solutions for our local community.

26/08/2026

Bedford Borough Council’s annual tulip bulb giveaway is back!

Blooming great news for nature-lovers – the Council’s popular tulip bulb giveaway is back next month, with 38,000 tulip bulbs available for community groups across the Borough.

Every autumn Bedford Borough Council offers bulbs from the stunning floral displays along The Embankment earlier in the year to community groups. And whether you’re part of a parish council, school, religious group, community garden, nature group, Scout or Brownie pack, care homes, hospice, or residents’ association, we’re inviting you to sign up.

Councillor Nicola Gribble, Portfolio Holder for Environment said; “This is always a big hit every year, so if you’ve never taken part before make sure you do in 2026.

“The tulip bulb giveaway helps to beautify our Borough, lets us put down the roots of community spirit, and adds a touch of colour for everybody to enjoy.

“But remember: Numbers are limited, with bulbs given out on a first-come, first-served basis to approved applicants, so make sure you sign up now to make sure you don’t miss out!”

Community groups interested in receiving tulip bulbs should contact [email protected] by Monday 7 September. When making a request, please specify the group you represent and the intended location for planting the tulip bulbs.

21/08/2026

21/08/2026

Bedford Borough Council warns residents not to bin batteries or vapes after fire at Elstow depot

Bedford Borough Council is reminding residents to dispose of batteries and vapes safely after a fire broke out recently at the materials recovery depot in Elstow. This comes just 12 months after a serious fire resulted in the total loss of this essential facility, which is now in the initial stages of rebuilding.

The fire was noticed by staff while a bulker was being loaded and was quickly put out. No one was injured, but the incident has highlighted the serious risks caused when batteries and vapes are placed in the wrong bin.

Batteries and vapes can ignite when they are damaged, crushed or overheated inside collection vehicles and waste facilities, putting staff at risk, disrupting collections and causing expensive damage to vehicles and infrastructure.

Bedford Borough Council reminds residents that household batteries can be recycled from home. Accepted household batteries include 6V, D, C, AA, AAA, 9V and button batteries. These should be placed in a small, clear plastic bag, sealed once full, and put on top of the black bin or orange-lidded recycling bin on collection day. The collection crew then places these in a separate container on the vehicle. Batteries should never be put inside any bin.
Vapes should also never go in household or street litter bins. Retailers that sell vapes must provide a take-back service, it is also possible to take vapes to the Household Waste Recycling Centre on Barkers Lane, Bedford. Further information for recycling vapes and other electrical items is available from www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk

Councillor Nicky Gribble, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said, “This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers caused by batteries and vapes being put in the wrong bin. Even one small item can lead to a fire, putting staff in danger, disrupting collections and damaging expensive waste infrastructure. National figures show this is a growing problem across the UK, and we are asking all residents to do their bit by recycling batteries and vapes correctly and never throwing them away with general waste or mixed recycling.”

Residents can find further guidance on what can go in each of their bins at www.bedford.gov.uk/MyBins and details of the Household Waste Recycling Centre at www.bedford.gov.uk/HWRC

21/08/2026

This afternoon I was in Westdale Walk delivering Street letters to inform the residents regarding the overgrown trees branches in the area.

20/08/2026

This winter, everyone sleeping rough in England will be offered a route off the streets, backed by £442 million of investment from this Labour Government.

The programme will provide accommodation alongside wider support to help people move towards a more secure and settled future, including new homes for those experiencing long-term homelessness.

Nobody should have to sleep rough. This commitment is about more than providing a bed for the night. It is about offering people a route off the streets, alongside the support they need to move towards a safe and settled future.

There is much more to do to tackle homelessness, but this is an important commitment to giving people greater security, dignity and hope for the future.

20/08/2026

Update Regarding Queens Bridge

we would like to provide an update following our meeting with officers from Bedford Borough Council today regarding Queens Bridge.

We have been informed that the planning application has now been submitted and is expected to be considered by the Planning Committee at its September 2026 meeting.

We would like to thank everyone for their continued patience, support and understanding while this process moves forward.

We will continue to keep everyone updated as soon as further information becomes available.

Thank you all for your patience and support.

20/08/2026

Dear All

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 - SECTION 14(2)

Emergency Temporary Lane Closures of Woburn Road, and Bunyan Road Kempston 2026 - 125

These emergency temporary lane closures are anticipated to be in operation from 19th August 2026 to 25th August 2026 24 hours onwards until the works are complete. These temporary lane closures are required to facilitate a Network Operations Faults: Essential and immediate repair to Low Voltage mains cable affecting customers supply. Additional work may be required to safeguard supplies: EXCAVATION WORKS CARRIED OUT FOR MAINS FAULT and is required for the safety of the public and workforce while UK Power Networks undertakes repairs and shall apply to such extent as may from time to time be indicated by the appropriate traffic signs.

The signed alternative route for vehicles affected by the order is available via

Bunyan Road, Woburn Road, St Johns Street, High Street, Ridge Road, The Branston Way, Walford Grove, A421 Slip Off To Marsh Leys Roundabout W, A421 Marsh Leys Junction From Elstow Junction Off Slip

The reverse route applies

Please click on the following link https://one.network/?tm=GB152026514 to view details of the closures

Contact TMO Highways on behalf of UK Power Networks, Tel: 01379 676462

17/08/2026

12/08/2026

We are proud to sponsor the British Pakistani Welfare Association Culture & Heritage Festival this Sunday (16 August), at 1pm, at Great Denham Community Hall. The festival aims to bring people from all backgrounds together to celebrate the rich heritage of Pakistan and the diversity that makes Bedford such a vibrant community.

Experience Pakistani culture, share food and enjoy live Qawwali at this special event, which BPWA describes as an afternoon dedicated to building friendships, encouraging understanding and strengthening community connections.

Everyone is welcome. Bring your family and friends and join in the celebrations!