27 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.

Deadline confirmed for business funding

Businesses in Bridgend County Borough have until 5pm on 30 June 2020 to apply for Welsh Government grant funding support. Designed to help traders meet lockdown challenges during the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, the support is 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 includes those who fall under the small business rates relief threshold of £6,000 and who do not currently pay business rates. Grants are also available to businesses in the retail, leisure or hospitality sector with a rateable value between £12,001 and £51,000. Applications can be made by completing an online form. 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.

Over 2,200 businesses supported so far

Since the launch of the £1.4bn financial rescue package, the council has processed 2,204 applications and has awarded more than £27.3m to local firms to help them meet the ongoing challenges of the coronavirus pandemic lockdown. Find out more at the council website.

‘Odd’ numbers at recycling centres

Cars where the last digit of the number plate is odd will be able to access community recycling centres on Thursday 28 May. The centres, which have opened for essential use only, are using an even / odd car number plate system to limit the amount of time drivers have to wait. 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 drivers are being asked not to block entrances to local businesses. Access routes to the site at Maesteg are as per normal. Check the council’s recycling page for a schedule and more details about when and how sites can be used.

Support for older people

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

Lifeguard cover suspended

With good weather and high temperatures forecast for the rest of the week, 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.

Don’t suffer in silence
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 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 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.

Accessing foodbanks
You can keep up to date with details of which foodbanks are open and how they can be accessed during the ongoing outbreak by visiting the Bridgend Foodbank website or checking their social media pages.

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.