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 Nesreen Akhtar, who represents Queens Park ward.
Describe Queens Park in five words.
Diverse, caring, supportive, welcoming, safe.
What’s your favourite place to shop in Queens Park and why?
There are a wonderful variety of shops I purchase items from in Queens Park, shops that sell food to fabrics, laces, dresses to cakes and sweets. There is also a variety of Eastern European food available.
Where is your favourite place to eat in Queens Park and why?
We have a variety of delicious food shops here. My favourite ones are Royal Grill, who make the most amazing grilled chicken, and Top Slice who make the most delicious pizzas and have received a five-star hygiene rating once again. The service is amazing in both places.
Tell us a great place for a family to visit in Queens Park?
There are a lot of open spaces for activities in Queens Park, such as tennis, football and cricket. There are two huge parks for children to play in, Allen Park and the Westbourne Road Park. Zesty Foundation seed swaps are an amazing initiative that strengthen wellbeing and community connection, where all ages can get involved.
What is a hidden gem in Queens Park?
I would have to say the River Great Ouse. The green space is so beautiful with lovely trees that provide shade from the sun.
What’s your favourite way to spend a lazy Sunday in Queens Park?
I spend my free time with my grandchildren, I like to take them to the parks and have an occasional picnic by the river - we love the tranquillity.
What has been your favourite change that you have seen in Queens Park in recent years?
This vibrant community now boasts an array of international shops, businesses and various places of worship, making it a melting pot of cultures.
What is the highlight of the calendar year in Queens Park?
There are too many to choose only one highlight! We have many cultural events throughout the year including Diwali, Christmas, Eid to mention a few.
Tell us something most people won’t know about Queens Park.
Religion plays an important role in in people’s lives, we are blessed to have a church, a mosque and a gurdwara, within walking distance of each other. I commend the work of Faith In Queens Park, who have undertaken faith tours and bought the community closer together through educating children about different faiths.