Kempston Town Council

09/06/2026

Keeping Bedford safe with series of knife sweeps

A series of knife sweeps were carried out across parks in the Borough by Bedford Borough Council’s Community Safety Team.
Council officers carefully searched areas in Bedford Park, Russell Park and Addison Howard Park in Kempston during three afternoons in May.

The recent knife sweeps help to keep parks and open spaces in the Borough free from hidden or discarded weapons, and continue to keep them a safe space for everyone to enjoy.

During the latest searches, Council officers did not find any concealed weapons or hazardous items.

This latest initiative is part of the Council’s commitment to tackle serious violence together with community partner, the Bedfordshire Violence and Exploitation Prevention Partnership (VEPP).
The knife sweeps also formed part of Operation Sceptre; a biannual national campaign aimed at reducing knife crime and serious violence across the UK.

Find out more about how Bedford Borough Council works with its partners to tackle violence and exploitation at https://bedsvepp.org/

Councillor Andrea Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Prosperity, Planning, Housing and Regulatory Services said; “To help minimise and combat serious violence in our Borough, our officers coordinated three knife sweeps in our parks to keep our well-loved green spaces free from weapons and dangerous items.
“We are determined to keep Bedford Borough safe for all and I am pleased to say that our officers did not find any targeted objects in the latest searches.
“We will continue to work closely with our community partners to ensure everyone across the Borough, young and old, is supported and continues to feel safe.”

29/05/2026

15/05/2026

Update from Bedford Borough Council:-

Design plans are being finalised for a new Queens Bridge linking Bedford and Kempston.

Demolition work on the old bridge, which started in the spring, has now been completed.

The Engineering Services team at Bedford Borough Council will submit new design proposals and seek committee approval over the summer, and aim to start work on the installation of the new bridge in spring 2027.

The previous bridge was constructed in 1984 from ekki hardwood, with an expected serviceable life of 40-50 years. It was regularly maintained, but Bedford Borough Councillors voted to replace it last year after an intrusive inspection revealed critical decay and rot in the laminated timber arches, which posed a significant safety risk.

During the demolition phase, some of the wood which was salvaged during the demolition will be repurposed for future use in local arts projects, new public benches and repurposed into marker posts for footpaths and bridleways by Council teams.

The iron work and sculpture at the works entrance of Ford End Road, which was taken down for storage at the start of the demolition works has now been reinstated.

Councillor Nicola Gribble, Portfolio Holder for Environment said; “We are busy moving forward with our plans for the replacement bridge, and I am delighted that our teams are currently working hard on submitting new design proposals to meet planning submission and committee approval over the next few months.
“The replacement bridge will be in the same location, and I look forward to announcing when the installation works will begin.
“In the meantime, the reclaimed wood that was salvaged during the demolition will be reused to give back to the community in the Borough for use in new projects, such as new posts for footways and benches for people to rest.”

Image – L-R front row: Cllr Sue Oliver, Cllr Mohammed Nawaz, Cllr Nicky Gribble and Matt Soper, Bedford Borough Council engineer for the project, and back row: Breheny representative, contractor partner.

13/05/2026

Due to unforeseen circumstances Kempston Town Council offices are closed today.
Apologies for any inconvenience

28/04/2026

All welcome

21/04/2026

Bedford Borough residents are already making a big difference with the new food waste service - with over 170 tonnes collected in just two weeks!

If something’s not quite right with your bins, reporting it online is the fastest and easiest way to get it sorted. It goes straight to the right team, gives you a reference number for any follow ups, and helps resolve issues more quickly - saving you time and reducing phone waiting times for those less digitally able.

Bins are collected by different vehicles, so they may arrive at different times between 6am-5pm on collection day. If your bin is missed, report it within two working days.

Check your collection day or report a missed collection with the online calendar at: www.bedford.gov.uk/bins

Request a replacement or missing bin here: www.bedford.gov.uk/RequestBins

The website also includes translation, audio, and other accessibilty tools, making it easier for everyone to use.

21/04/2026

Community Surgery : Wed 22 Apr 13:00

Your local Police Safer Neighbourhood Team will be at parade of shops on Williamson Road, Kempston on 22/04/2026 at 13:00.

Please take this opportunity to raise any concerns you may have and to find out what we are doing to tackle the issues that matter to you.

Everyone is welcome and it would be great to see you there.

02/04/2026

Kempston residents enjoyed a lovely afternoon with the Mayor of Kempston Cllr Ali Akbor Mayor of Kempston

They enjoyed Easter treats, a game of
Easter Bingo, 'Guess the mini eggs in the Jar' and an Easter raffle.

All money raised will be added to the Mayor’s chosen Charties:-
The Royal British Legion Kempston branch & the Peace Garden at the Transfiguration Church Kempston.

Thank you to all for your support and to Cllr Ali Akbor and Cllr Caroline White for helping out today 🥰