From favourite places to visit to hidden gems, Bedford Borough Council is shouting about what’s great where we all live in a regular feature.
Every councillor is being invited to answer questions about their ward, to reveal the best places to shop, socialise or spend a lazy Sunday, and to share facts that you might not know or dates that you should put in your diary.
This week it’s Councillor Caroline White, who represents Kempston Central and East ward.
Describe Kempston Central & East in five words.
A kind and caring community.
What’s your favourite place to shop in Kempston Central and East ward and why?
Wood Green Charity Shop; you will always find me popping into our local charity shops, we have so many brilliant ones in Kempston. I have previously rehomed a dog from Wood Green Animal shelter so have a soft spot for this charity. The managers, staff and volunteers are amazing, always extremely friendly, and helpful.
Where is your favourite place to eat in Kempston Central and East Ward?
My favourite place and a great new addition to my ward is Samosa Corner. which opened last year at 88 Bedford Road. Dine-in, takeaway or delivery, they have a vast menu of street food, traditional dishes, sweets, and drink. I would highly recommend trying their massive range of colourful and delicious sweets as a treat or as a gift.
What has been your favourite change that you have seen in Kempston Central & East in recent years?
Both as a ward councillor and as a resident it has to be the coming together of established and new charities and individuals making a difference in my ward.
This is what makes Kempston Central and East so special - from the warm space and cafe held weekly at the Transfiguration Church, the Road Victims Trust, Everyone’s Gang, Kempston Branch of the Royal British Legion, Creating memories and Kara from Costa raising money for charities with her monthly bingo events. So many are making a difference not only to our community but beyond.
What is the highlight of the calendrer year in Kempston Central and East ward?
Having worked with Bedford Creative Arts and local artists since 2024 as part of the steering group on the River, Flow, Connect project, this year sees a celebration of Nature Together in Kempston on 13 September from 11am-4pm alongside the Kempston riverside. A final celebration after months of workshops held, bringing the community made artworks together to create a beautiful Art Trail along the Riverbank.
Tell us something most people won’t know about Kempston Central & East ward.
Kempston Central & East is the first ward in Bedford and Kempston to have a ‘Legend on The Bench’ suicide prevention bench installed, in the Peace Garden at the Transfiguration Church which is open to the community and was dedicated in memory of local young man Aidan Marrow. QR Codes on the bench connect directly to crisis support services, ensuring that help is only a scan away, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. At night the built-in light transforms the bench into a beacon of hope that is always accessible and visible.
Name one thing you’d like to see come to Kempston Central and East ward.
I would love to see a new Neighbourhood Health Centre for Kempston. Having worked alongside Bedford Borough Council and other Kempston borough councillors to ensure this has progressed to the point we are currently at - whatever the outcome, this is something I will always campaign for in Kempston until we have one.