22 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:

Valley volunteers wanted

Volunteers are being sought in the Garw and Ogmore Valley to help those in need during the coronavirus pandemic. People are being asked to sign up with the Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations (BAVO) to befriend and check on the welfare of residents, go shopping for those who need it, take patients home from hospital, collect prescriptions or help out in community kitchens and foodbanks. Despite hundreds of people coming forward, more volunteers are still needed to cover specific parts of the Garw and Ogmore Valleys, including the Evanstown area. Anyone interested in helping to volunteer can register online at the BAVO website, email volunteering@bavo.org.uk or call 01656 810400.

Food parcel deliveries set to begin

Weekly food parcels for pupils eligible for free school meals will begin delivery next week. Each parcel will contain sufficient food items to provide both breakfast and lunch for a child for five days. Pupils with special dietary requirements will receive a five-day frozen meal option. The food parcels will replace the current packed lunch provision, and around 5,000 will be delivered each week to support families whose children would otherwise benefit from a free school meal.

Maximise your recycling

Residents are being urged to maximise their recycling during the pandemic to help maintain the two-bag waste limit. With Kier currently operating with up to 25 per cent of their normal work-force and many staff self-isolating due to the pandemic, the bag limit is necessary to ensure that daily rounds can be completed. There are no limits on how much recycling can be put out, and while the council’s bulk waste collection service continues to be available, households also have the option of storing larger items until the community recycling centres can safely reopen.                         

£21.1m support for businesses

Business grant funding issued by Bridgend County Borough Council as part of Welsh Government’s Covid-19 business support package has topped more than £21.1m. With 1,665 applications from local firms processed to date, the support is being made available to businesses who are 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. Applications can be made by completing the online form. Please note that to avoid delays in processing claims, it is vital for all applicants to provide accurate, essential information, including copies of bank statements showing bank details.

No lifeguard cover at local beaches

Residents are reminded that RNLI lifeguard patrols have been suspended at beaches in Bridgend County Borough while the coronavirus pandemic is in effect. This means that there will are no patrols covering Coney Beach, Rest Bay, Pink Bay or Trecco Bay until further notice.

Help is available

A range of emergency support continues to be available throughout the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. Domestic violence support offered by the Calan DVS Assia Suite is focusing mainly on telephone contact, with personal appointments taking place where it is safe to do so. Refuge accommodation is continuing, as is on-call support – you can access help or find out more by calling 01656 815919 or emailing mailto:assia@calandvs.org.uk. The Bridgend Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub is continuing to provide safeguarding services for vulnerable children and adults. You can report concerns about a child to 01656 642320 or mailto:mashcentra@bridgend.gov.uk. Concerns about adults can be directed to 01656 642477 or adultsafeguardingMASH@bridgend.gov.uk, and you can visit the MASH page for more information.

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.