Kempston Levelling Up Fund

New landing stage and turnaround at Kempston Mill for the Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway Trust’s boat - The John Bunyan

It was learnt late last year that Bedford Borough Council’s bid for £14.9m from the government’s ‘Levelling Up Fund’ had been unsuccessful. The grant was to make major improvements in Kempston town centre; investing in regeneration and transport infrastructure to improve the economic vitality of Kempston. Cycle projects proposed in the bid had been:  Cycle improvements along the B531  New cycle parking facilities at Halsey Road and Saxon Centre (secure).  Kempston Mill Bridge to be replaced by a new wider and higher bridge for safe cycle use and increased clearance for river craft.  Back Channel Bridge to be made wider and ramps installed for cycle and disabled use.  E-bike charging hub at St John’s Street car park.  Resurfacing of Kempston riverside path to Kempston Mill.