10 04 2020 Covid-19 update from Bridgend County Borough

As the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic continues, Bridgend County Borough Council is continuing to focus its resources on providing essential services and protecting vulnerable residents. The following information provides a summary of latest developments, with the most recent additions at the top:

Easter Bank holiday
With warm weather forecast over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, Bridgend County Borough Council is urging people to stay safe at home, prevent the risk of exposure and help protect the NHS. All cemeteries, parks and playgrounds remain closed, and car parks at Rest Bay and Salt Lake in Porthcawl have been shut with digital signage erected on routes into the town. Tannoy cars are patrolling the county borough, and South Wales Police will be monitoring the situation closely.

Foodbank access
Food bank opening times have been confirmed for the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. On Friday 10 April, only the Bridgend, Maesteg foodbanks (11am-1pm) and Pontcymmer (12pm-2pm) foodbanks will be open. None will be open on Monday 13 April, and on Tuesday 14 April, foodbanks at Bridgend, Caerau, Maesteg (11am-1pm) and Porthcawl (10am-12pm) will be available. For more information, visit the Bridgend Foodbank website.

Recycling and refuse collections
Recycling and refuse collections will be picked up as usual on Good Friday and one day later than normal following the Bank Holiday Monday, up to and including Saturday 18 April. Deliveries of blue waste bags and green food recycling bags are ongoing, but have been slightly delayed because of the effects of the pandemic. Additional delivery rounds are underway and the service is expected to be back on schedule very soon.

Protect yourself from rogue traders
With an increase in the number of waste removal businesses advertising services on social media, residents are being urged to check that they are licensed waste carriers before paying for any services. If a business is not properly licensed, your waste could end up being fly-tipped and lead to potential prosecution. You can find out more at the Natural Resources Wales website.   

Garden bonfires
The council and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service are warning residents about burning household rubbish and garden waste. Fires which get out of hand can result in firefighting resources being called away from frontline efforts to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic, and health concerns include the potential effect on neighbours with respiratory problems, especially those recovering from the coronavirus. Residents are being asked to maximise all recycling, compost garden waste and store any items that may need to go to the community recycling centres when they reopen.

School modernisation
The Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic has forced various school modernisation projects to temporarily stop construction. With issues surrounding the availability of building supplies, social distancing requirements and health and safety implications for staff, projects such as the East Hub and new classrooms at Cefn Cribwr Primary have paused, forcing an unavoidable delay in their anticipated completion. The council and its partners are monitoring the situation closely, and construction will resume as soon as it is safe to do so.

Community improvements
Funding totalling more than £90,000 has been agreed for town and community councils to enable a range of projects to go ahead throughout 2020-21. Cefn Cribwr Community Council will invest in the renovation of Cae Gof Pavilion in support of local rugby and football teams. Coity Higher will refurbish play areas in Litchard Park, and Cornelly will upgrade the local community centre. Garw Valley will carry out essential maintenance of Betws Life Centre, Laleston will refurbish the Bryntirion and Laleston community centre. Maesteg Town Council will establish a grant fund which can be used to support local clubs, and Newcastle Higher will provide new surfacing, lighting and an upgrade of the Penyfai playing fields. Pencoed will continue with an upgrade of Pencoed Pavilion, Porthcawl will refurbish the John Street toilets, and Pyle will provide new play equipment at Waun Cimla park.

Contacting the council
The Customer Service Centre at the Civic Offices in Angel Street, Bridgend remains closed to the public. Residents are asked to use the online My Account and Oggie webchat facilities, or to email talktous@bridgend.gov.uk or call 01656 643643.