Kempston Rural Ward, ENG - Postcode - MK43 8SW

Kempston Rural Ward Geographical Description

Kempston Rural Ward is an electoral ward in the Borough of Bedford, in the county of Bedfordshire, England, UK. It is located to the south-west of the town of Bedford and covers a largely rural area, including the villages of Kempston Rural, Elstow, Wilstead, and Wixams.

The ward is situated on the edge of the Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge and includes parts of the Marston Vale, a low-lying area of farmland and woodland which is designated as a Country Park. The River Great Ouse also runs through the ward, providing a natural boundary to the south-east.

Kempston Rural Ward is bordered by other wards within the Borough of Bedford, including Kempston Central and East, Wootton, and Cranfield and Marston Moretaine. The ward is served by a number of roads, including the A421, which provides connections to the nearby towns of Milton Keynes and Northampton.

The ward is also home to a number of historic landmarks, including the 11th-century Elstow Abbey and the 17th-century Wixams Great Barn.

Kempston Rural Ward Economy

Kempston Rural Ward is predominantly a rural area with a mix of agricultural and small business activities. Agriculture is an important industry in the ward, with farms producing a variety of crops, including wheat, barley, and oilseed rape. Some of the farms in the area also rear livestock, such as cows and sheep.

Small businesses are also an important part of the economy in Kempston Rural Ward, particularly those in the retail and service sectors. The villages of Kempston Rural, Elstow, Wilstead, and Wixams have a range of shops, cafes, and other local services, which cater to the needs of the local community.

Tourism is also an emerging industry in the ward, particularly in the Wixams area where new developments have been built in recent years. The ward's location on the edge of the Bedfordshire Greensand Ridge and the Marston Vale, as well as its proximity to nearby attractions such as Woburn Abbey and Safari Park, make it an attractive destination for visitors.

Overall, the economy of Kempston Rural Ward is largely based on traditional industries such as agriculture, with a growing number of small businesses and an emerging tourism sector. The ward's proximity to the town of Bedford and other nearby urban centres also provides opportunities for local businesses to access a wider customer base.