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 Mohammed Masud, who represents Queens Park ward.
Describe Queens Park in five words.
Respectful, friendly, compassionate, welcoming, caring.
Where is your favourite place to eat in Queens Park and why?
It has to be Royals because they serve great food, the staff are friendly, the service is fast, and the food always tastes amazing.
Where is your favourite place to go for a drink in Queens Park and why?
Nafees is a fairly new shop that offers a wide variety of teas, biscuits, cakes etc. The staff are always polite, and I always have a great experience there.
Tell us a great place for a family to visit in Queens Park?
Allen Park is a great place to visit. The open field is perfect for picnics and sporting activities. The park is beautiful and has tennis courts. On weekends, Allen Park is usually packed with many different sports taking place.
What is a hidden gem in Queens Park?
In Queens Park we have a gurdwara, a church and a mosque located just a few yards apart. It’s not spoken about enough, but it’s special to see these three places of worship standing side by side. It’s amazing how they contribute to making the community a more welcoming place to live.
What’s your favourite way to spend a lazy Sunday in Queens Park?
My favourite way to spend a lazy Sunday in my ward is going for a walk down the River Great Ouse grabbing something nice to eat and just enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
What is a great club or group in Queens Park?
Queens Park Crescents Football Team has come a long way. It is a great club that supports children as young as six all the way through to adults. They are very supportive of local people and help build a lot of confidence in young players.
What has been your favourite change that you have seen in Queens Park in recent years?
There has been more activism in litter-picking. Our community has recognised the need for it and we are coming together and increasing our efforts to tackle this problem.
Name one thing that you’d like to see come to Queens Park.
I would like to see more community events and activities that bring people together and exclude young people to get involved.