10 07 20 Covid-19 update

As the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic continues, Bridgend County Borough Council is focusing its resources on providing essential services and protecting vulnerable residents. The following information provides a summary of latest developments.

Babies born during lockdown

Appointments are available at Bridgend Register Office for parents who have been unable to register the birth of babies born during the Covid-19 coronavirus as well as couples who wish to give notice of a forthcoming marriage or civil partnership. The appointments will be available from Monday 13 July at Bridgend Register Office’s all-new premises within the Civic Offices at Angel Street, Bridgend, and can be booked by calling 01656 642391 or emailing registrar@bridgend.gov.uk. Please note that while the pandemic is in effect, Bridgend Register Office will only be accessible via appointment and there is no drop-in service available at this time. Once an appointment has been made, access to Bridgend Register Office will be available via the ceremony entrance, which is located at the side of the Civic Offices.

New premises for Bridgend Register Office

Work has continued throughout the pandemic to establish the all-new Bridgend Register Office at its new premises within the Civic Offices. As well as being the main point of call for registering births and deaths, the register office has been adapted to host bilingual marriages, civil partnerships, citizenship ceremonies, vow renewals, baby-naming celebrations and more. It includes a ceremony room capable of accommodating up to 50 guests, and is equipped with a new sound and lighting system, improved wi-fi, a hearing loop and more. The council anticipates that marriages and other ceremonies will be able to take place at the new premises from 24 August – look for more details soon.

Recycling your cardboard waste

Due to delays in the manufacture of new orange recycling sacks caused by the coronavirus pandemic, residents who need to order a new sack for their cardboard waste are being asked to temporarily use a suitable cardboard box or an alternative bag of their own which can be left open so that crews can see the contents. Larger pieces of cardboard can be placed next to your bag or box for collection, and replacement sacks are expected to arrive by September.

Latest changes on lockdown restrictions

Welsh Government has confirmed the latest changes to lockdown restrictions. Self-contained accommodation that does not include shared facilities can reopen from Saturday 11 July, while from Monday 13 July, hairdressing salons, barbershops and mobile hairdressers can open as long as they observe all requirements on social distancing and hand-hygiene. The outdoor areas of pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants can also open, and it will be possible for outdoor cinema to take place. Indoor visitor attractions remain closed for the time being, but with risk assessments and social distancing in place, churches and places of worship can resume services, while outdoor gatherings of up to 30 people will be allowed for activities such as fitness classes or collective worship as long as they are organised safely. Visit the Gov.uk website for more details.

Options for reopening playgrounds

Welsh Government has confirmed that councils can seek to reopen playgrounds in coming weeks once they are satisfied that it is safe to do so and that there is limited potential for exposure to the coronavirus. Options for their reopening in Bridgend County Borough are currently being explored, but residents are reminded that while this is being considered, playgrounds must remain closed until further notice.

Trecco Bay reopens

With the Trecco Bay Holiday Park at Porthcawl set to reopen on Monday 13 July, some temporary traffic delays may be experienced while vehicles are queuing to enter the park. The council has provided the park operators with advice to help alleviate this, but other drivers may want to take the park’s reopening into account if planning a local journey. RNLI patrols have already resumed off Trecco Bay and Sandy Bay, and pandemic restrictions are in place to limit the potential of exposure.

Social care opportunities

More people are being sought to help support the county borough’s most vulnerable residents. A number of employment opportunities are available, and anyone who has previously worked in social care or who has transferable skills is invited to apply. A fast-tracked application process and rapid refresher training course are available. To apply or find out more, visit the job pages at the council’s website.          

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.