24 04 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, with the most recent additions at the top:

Garden waste collections

Garden waste collections are set to start again in Bridgend County Borough following the appointment of a new composting contractor by the council and its waste partner, Kier. Running from Monday 4 May to Friday 13 November 2020, the new service will be available initially to existing customers of the scheme before being reviewed. To make up for inconvenience caused by the loss of the previous scheme, the existing customers will also be able to receive it free of charge for the rest of the year - more details soon.

Classroom construction resumes

After pausing due to the coronavirus outbreak, work on the construction of new classrooms at Cefn Cribwr Primary will begin again early next month. The project will recommence in early May with new procedures in place to ensure the safety of workers. It will involve replacing an unsuitable double mobile classroom with two new observation classrooms specially designed for supporting pupils with additional learning needs. Featuring new toilets, cloakroom areas and storage as well as a safe space for interventions, the £513,000 project will also provide a state of the art external soft-play area.

Business funding reaches £22.9m

With 1,812 applications from local firms processed to date, business grant funding issued by Bridgend County Borough Council has topped more than £22.9m. The support, which is part of Welsh Government’s Covid-19 business support package, 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.

Parks and cemeteries remain closed

All council-maintained parks and cemeteries in Bridgend County Borough remain temporarily closed to the public as a result of the ongoing pandemic. Following new advice from Welsh Government the situation is under review, but the cemeteries, which include the grounds of Coychurch Crematorium, and Maesteg Welfare Park and Griffin Park in Porthcawl all continue to be locked until further notice.

Helping hand

Bridgend County Care and Repair is offering a free ‘helping hand’ service for older people who are self-isolating and are unable to pick up food, medicine and other essential items. To find out more, call 01656 646755 or visit www.careandrepair.org.uk

Support for ASD learners

Extensive support for vulnerable pupils with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) during the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic is in place. ASD pupils are receiving daily contact from staff and are using work packs compiled by language and speech therapists which meet the individual needs of each learner. Secure video links are enabling teachers to keep in touch with pupils, and support materials have been distributed by the Communications and Relationship Team and Educational Psychology Service. Counselling and play therapy sessions continue to be available, and staff at learning resource centres have provided support, guidance and ‘social stories’ resources. Panel autistic diagnosis is continuing for early years and school-age pupils, and parents have been contacted about offers of specialist placements ready for September 2020.

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.