A Labour councillor seeking re-election in May said living in her ward means she can keep in regular contact with local people, which is the “most important part of the job”.
Cllr Sue Oliver said: “I walk the Kempston North Ward daily with my dog, and I try to knock on the doors weekly whether it’s election time or not.
“That way you get to hear what people’s issues are, and that’s the most important part of the job really.
“You listen to what people say to you, and you try to do something about it.
“You try to find a solution if it’s in the councillors’ remit to do that, and sometimes, even if it’s not.
“And whether you can solve it or not you go back and tell them ‘I can do this’ or ‘I’ve tried to do this’ or ‘I can’t do this’. People appreciate that you’ve made the effort, even if you can’t solve the problem.
“That’s my favourite bit of the job – talking to people,” she said.
After being a councillor for over 20 years, why is councillor Oliver running again?
“There are some major projects that I probably won’t see through in my lifetime, but I want to see some progress on them,” she said.
This list includes Halsey Road drainage and road surface, the special school at the former Robert Bruce site, and Kempston Grange in Addison Howard Park.
“It’s a lovely old building and was given to the people of Kempston along with the park by the Howard family,” she said.
“We’re looking for funding to make the main building a community venue and the six flats at the back for key workers, that will happen and it ought to happen soon.
“Kempston desperately needs a health hub and it’s been promised for years.
“It’s still on the [BLMK ICB] list unlike some areas, but that’ll be a major plus for us if we can get that.
“Also, Kempston is like the poor neighbour of Bedford – there are two towns in this borough and we don’t think we get our fair share.
“So we’re after proper funding for at least a centre based around the Saxon Centre.
“We’ve tried as a town council to make it look a bit better with the planters, the benches and so on. But it could be a lot better in that area.”
Locals can follow councillor Oliver’s campaign on Facebook, can call her on 01234 303029 or email sue@bedfordlabour.org.uk.
Also on councillor Oliver’s to-do list is a café.
“We want a café in Addison Howard Park, it’s the only sizeable park in Bedford borough that hasn’t got a cafe in it,” she said.
“We asked a few years ago ‘would you like to see a café?’ and got a massive response, a huge response.
“We’ve become a coffee culture, we don’t mind having a drink outdoors.
“People will use it, but I think it will take a long time to get it set up in the Grange, which is what I’d eventually like to see.
“In the short term, I’d like a franchise van or something because it will be very, very popular with residents,” she said.
by John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
