28 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.

£650,000 funding bid for active travel routes
The council has submitted a £650,000 funding bid to Welsh Government for temporary and permanent active travel routes as part of transportation measures to improve the safety and conditions of walking and cycling paths both during and following the Covid-19 crisis. If successful, it would enable firstly, the completion of the Porthcawl coastal path along the front of Trecco Bay allowing walkers and cyclists to go from Newton all the way to Rest Bay. It would also enable part of the road space between Coychurch Roundabout and Bridgend town centre to become a temporary active travel route. The 2.5km section would include Kingsway Avenue on the Bridgend Industrial Estate, York Road to Cowbridge Road. Finally, the funding would help create more than 150 pedestrian and cycle crossing points in communities across the county borough. The tactile crossings enable a more defined space for pedestrians and cyclists to cross roads.

Stay active at home
Free activities ranging from lessons on playing the ukulele and story-writing to photography and more are helping older people to avoid feeling like they are stuck at home during the Covid-19 coronavirus lockdown. Awen Cultural Trust and Bridgend County Borough Council are sharing a new programme called Stronger, Together to support the mental health and well-being of older people while lockdown is in place. It supports and encourages them to take up a new activity or share an existing interest with others. Accompanying workbooks and videos are available as part of the service, and you can find out more by visiting www.StrongerTogetherBridgend.co.uk

Choose the right recycling day
People who are planning an essential trip to a community recycling centre are being reminded to check the ‘odds and evens’ number plate schedule at the council website to make sure they are selecting the right day for access.  

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.

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. You can find out more and submit an application online at the council website.

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.

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.