11 06 20 Covid-19 update

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.

Work underway on catch-up sessions

The council is working closely with schools and governing bodies to implement the Welsh Government’s ‘Check In, Catch Up - Prepare for Summer and September’ sessions, which will begin on Monday 29 June. Designed to prepare pupils for a phased return to normal lessons later in September, the procedures are currently being agreed and schools will soon begin distributing details directly to parents on how these non-compulsory sessions will work.

Preparations for the reopening of schools

When pupils start to return to school on a phased basis from Monday 29 June, they will see a number of changes designed to protect their ongoing health and well-being, and covering areas such as school transport, social distancing, hygiene and cleansing, meals and breaks, childcare and more. With the summer term extended to end on 27 July, the autumn half-term break will be expanded to two weeks instead of one – watch out for more details soon.

Car parking

As pupils prepare to attend the catch-up sessions at local schools, on-street car parking enforcement will be reinstated in Bridgend County Borough ahead of 29 June. Drivers are being reminded of the importance of parking responsibly, especially around schools, in order to avoid being issued with fixed penalties.

Bridgend Indoor Market to partially reopen

From 15 June, Bridgend Indoor Market will partially reopen to enable businesses classed as essential to begin trading again. Work is underway to ensure that social distancing measures are introduced, and that a safe shopping and working environment can be maintained to limit the potential of exposure to the coronavirus.

Library services

In line with guidance from Welsh Government, Awen Cultural Trust and the council are developing plans for safely restoring the county borough’s library service. Under development are proposals for a book collection initiative, a books-on-wheels project, greater use of digital services and more – look out for more details soon.

Help prevent ‘no shows’

If you book a place at an emergency childcare hub but no longer require it, please let the council know in advance so that it can be offered to someone else. The hubs are staffed by volunteers, places are limited and each one costs around £50 a day to provide. People who book a place but do not turn up will have the offer of support withdrawn. 

Business support reaches £28m 

With 2,256 applications processed, more than £28m has now been provided to businesses in Bridgend County Borough. Any eligible business who has yet to apply must do so by 30 June - the support is available for businesses eligible for small business rates relief in Wales and who occupy premises with a rateable value of £12,000 or less. It also includes those who fall under small business rates relief but who do not currently pay business rates, and retail, leisure or hospitality businesses with a rateable value of £12,001 to £51,000. An additional £240,000 has been issued to charity-run shops, sports premises and community centres in the county borough via the Small Charities fund. Apply for business support grants.

Social care opportunities

More people are being sought to 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. Find out more or apply for social care roles online.

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 use the webchat on our homepage by clicking the Oggie icon, or to email talktous@bridgend.gov.uk or call 01656 643643.