Kempston Central & East Labour

14/09/2026

GOOD NEWS FOR KEMPSTON & QUEEN’S PARK RESIDENTS!

I’m delighted to share some positive news with residents of Kempston and Queen’s Park regarding Queens Bridge.

The planning application submitted to Bedford Borough Council has now been approved by the Planning Committee. This is fantastic news for the many residents, families, pedestrians and cyclists who regularly use the bridge and rely on this important connection between our communities.

Queens Bridge is much more than just a crossing over the River Great Ouse it is a crucial link between Kempston and Queen’s Park, helping residents access local facilities, schools, shops, green spaces and connect with one another.

A big thank you also goes to the local councillors on both sides of the river who supported the application and recognised how important this bridge is to our communities. Their support has helped ensure that the needs of local residents were properly represented.

Planning application approved
An important link for our communities
Supporting pedestrians and cyclists
Councillors on both sides working in support of residents

This is a positive step forward for Kempston and Queen’s Park, and hopefully the beginning of a better and more accessible connection for everyone who uses Queens Bridge.

A great result for our local communities!

14/09/2026

Baliol Road Play Area Community Update

I wanted to provide residents with an update following a site visit earlier this afternoon with officers from Bedford Borough Council to discuss the much-needed improvements to the Baliol Road play area.

The play area is in desperate need of an upgrade, and I’m pleased that we have now had the opportunity to discuss how we can improve the space for local children and families.

During the visit, we discussed the following improvements:

New grass area – The existing wet-pour surface will be removed, with the area levelled and new grass laid to create a much more pleasant and usable space.

New play equipment The old swings and existing frames will be removed and replaced with new triple swings, including basket swings, along with upgraded play equipment.

Tree maintenance The trees around the play area will also be trimmed to improve the overall appearance and safety of the area.

Grass maintenance I’m also pleased to confirm that the grass was cut this morning as part of keeping the area maintained while we work towards the wider improvements.

I’m hoping that the planned works can be completed before the end of this year, although the exact timetable will depend on the council’s arrangements and the work required.

I will continue to keep residents updated as the plans progress and works begin, and I’ll share further information as soon as I have it.

Thank you to the residents who have raised concerns about the condition of the play area. I’m pleased that we are now moving forward with discussions to give this space the upgrade it urgently needs.

Together, we can make Baliol Road play area a better, safer and more enjoyable place for our local children and families.

13/09/2026

It was great to be out speaking with residents across the Stafford Road, Granville Street and Whitbread Avenue area.

Over the past week, I’ve been out delivering leaflets and keeping residents informed about some of the issues affecting the area, including parking concerns and other local matters. It was really valuable to hear directly from residents about their concerns, and I want to reassure everyone that I am already working on these issues and will continue to raise them on your behalf.

It was also fantastic to see so much support for the Labour Party and to have some really positive conversations on the doorsteps. Listening to residents and understanding what matters to them is such an important part of representing our community.

A big thank you to Councillor Atiq and Councillor Manzoor for joining me for the door knocking, and, most importantly, many thanks to all the residents who took the time to speak with us and share their views. Your support and feedback really do matter.

If you have a concern in your area or there is an issue you would like me to raise, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local Councillor, Mohammed Nawaz, via email:

📧 [email protected]

Together, by listening and working with our residents, we can continue to make a positive difference in our local community. ❤️

12/09/2026

Yesterday, I was out on Stafford Road, Granville Street and Whitbread Avenue, delivering letters to residents and speaking to people about the issues that are affecting our local community.

There are a number of concerns that residents have raised, including:

PARKING & CPZ Parking pressures continue to cause frustration for local residents. I am working towards introducing a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) scheme in the area, so that we can look at practical solutions that work for local people.

DRUG-RELATED ISSUES Residents have raised concerns about drug-related activity and the impact this is having on families and the wider community.

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR Anti-social behaviour is unacceptable and residents should not have to put up with behaviour that affects their quality of life or makes them feel unsafe in their own neighbourhood.

POLICE & REPORTING INCIDENTS Please continue to report incidents of anti-social behaviour, suspected drug activity and other concerns to the Police and the relevant authorities. Even when it feels like nothing is being done, every report helps build a picture of what is happening and provides evidence for further action.

Our communities deserve better. Residents should be able to park near their homes, feel safe walking around their neighbourhood and enjoy living in an area that is clean, safe and well-managed.

I will continue listening to residents, raising these concerns with the relevant organisations and working towards introducing a CPZ scheme, while also pushing for stronger action on drug-related issues and anti-social behaviour.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to speak to me and share your concerns. Your voice matters, and I will continue to stand up for our community.

Stafford Road, Granville Street, and Whitbread Avenue

07/09/2026

Today, I carried out a site visit with residents of Baliol Road following concerns they raised with me about the condition of the local children’s play area and equipment.

Unfortunately, the playground is currently in very poor condition. During the visit, we saw that some of the wooden structures have rotted away, the safety mats have become damaged and worn, and much of the play equipment has reached the end of its useful life.

As your Ward Councillor, I have reported these concerns to Bedford Borough Council and requested that the play area is properly assessed and that an upgrade and refurbishment is carried out as soon as possible. Our children deserve a safe, clean and enjoyable place to play, and I will continue to follow this up with the Council.

A big thank you to the residents of Baliol Road for getting in touch with me and bringing this issue to my attention. Your local knowledge and involvement are extremely important in helping us improve our neighbourhoods.

If you have any issues or concerns in your area that you would like me to raise, please do get in touch with me:
[email protected]

I’m always happy to listen and do what I can to support residents in our community.

Mohammed Nawaz
Ward Councillor.

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