26 05 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.

Volunteers put Bridgend among ‘best in Wales’

Figures from the Wales Council for Voluntary Action have revealed that Bridgend County Borough is among the best in Wales for the number of volunteers supporting local communities during the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. With 5,000 volunteers in Cardiff and 2,500 in Swansea, a total of 1,553 people have been recorded as registering as official volunteers between 1 March and 21 May with the Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations (BAVO). They have performed important support work such as befriending and checking on the welfare of vulnerable residents, going shopping for those who need it, taking patients to and from hospital, collecting prescriptions, helping out in community kitchens and foodbanks, and much more. The council and BAVO have expressed sincere thanks to all concerned.

Recycling centres reopen

Community recycling centres have marked their first day of operation since temporarily closing as part of the fight against Covid-19. Reopening for essential use only to anticipated long queues, an even / odd car number plate system and traffic management is helping to limit the amount of time drivers have to wait. Access on Wednesday 27 May will be permitted for cars where the last digit of the number plate is even i.e. 2, 4, 6 or 8. Please note that at Tythegston, access is only available to vehicles travelling in from the A48 with no site access from the A4106 Bridgend Road. At Brynmenyn, vehicles are using a diversion to approach the site, and access routes to the site at Maesteg are as per normal. Check the council website for a schedule and more details about when and how sites can be used.

Free sanitary products

School-aged pupils who are self-isolating or shielding can claim free sanitary products during the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. With more than a hundred children already signed up to the scheme, the council is using funding from Welsh Government to provide a range of both single use and reusable menstrual products. To take advantage of the free offer, send your name, school and address to PeriodDignity@bridgend.gov.uk       

Businesses urged to remain vigilant

Businesses are being urged to remain alert for attempts to gain information which could be used by fraudsters to try and obtain money intended to provide financial support during the pandemic. The warning follows reports of fraudulent attempts being made against national firms such as Greggs, Lloyds Pharmacy, Boots and more. Each attempt has been in the name of a company associated with or known to the targeted businesses, and has used the closure of a workplace or homeworking restrictions to justify a fake request for information relating to premises, reference numbers, extended retail discounts and more. Targeted businesses have been able to confirm the scam by making direct contact prior to responding to the enquiries, and are being reminded of the importance of ensuring such information remains confidential.

Remain alert for scammers 

If you meet the criteria, you can request a testing appointment by calling 01656 752993 (lines open 7 days a week, 9am-5pm).

Scammers have also been sending fake emails pretending to be from UK Government (GOV.UK) inviting people to claim online council tax reductions. If you receive one of these emails, do not click the link, never give out your bank account details, and delete the email.

Mental health support

A range of support is available for anyone who may be suffering from poor mental health during the pandemic. Visit the council website for links to help and support such as Samaritans Cymru (116 123), Mind Charity (0300 1233393), Welsh Womens Aid (0808 8010800), Calan DVS (01656 766139), Childline (0800 1111), NHS Direct Wales (0845 4647) and more.

Recycling and waste

Don’t forget that waste and recycling collections will be one day later than normal this week following the recent bank holiday.

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.