30 06 20 Covid-19 update

As the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic continues, Bridgend County Borough Council is focusing its resources on providing essential services and protecting vulnerable residents. The following information provides a summary of latest developments.

New economic taskforce

A new post-pandemic economic taskforce is being created in Bridgend County Borough to help the area emerge from the current restrictions. Featuring a new economic engagement programme and with a £1.6m budget, the Economic Futures Fund, in place, the taskforce will assess the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the local economy and develop an economic plan which will help businesses adapt to the changing economic landscape, improve their resilience and deliver new opportunities for training, skills and employment as well as new business. With significant input from the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal, the taskforce will identify the needs of local businesses in an efficient, co-ordinated manner, and will feature business leaders, local public sector organisations, representatives from business sectors and trade bodies, and other key stakeholders.

Bowling greens and tennis courts

Bowling greens and tennis courts are now able to reopen across Wales, but bowling clubs in Bridgend County Borough, which are independently provided, are being asked to email the local council if they intend to reopen in line with strict guidance that has been issued by Bowls Wales. While the council is continuing to maintain sites, the public open-air tennis courts at Griffin Park in Porthcawl remain closed at this time.

Pandemic blood donors thanked

Figures produced by the Welsh Blood Service have revealed that as the coronavirus pandemic spread and lockdown procedures began to take hold, more than 6,800 people came forward to donate blood at regional hubs, 466 of whom were from Bridgend County Borough. Of this number, 74 were also donating for the first time. The service has issued its thanks to everyone who offered their support, and will be announcing details of further opportunities for donation soon.

Grants to support new businesses

Start-up firms which fall outside the UK Government’s Self Employment Income Support Scheme can now apply for new Welsh Government funding of up to £2,500. The grant will be administered by local authorities, and businesses can check eligibility by visiting the Business Wales website.

Watch out for rogue traders

The council is reminding local residents to always check that they are using a licensed waste carrier before paying for any services. If a business is not properly licensed, your waste could end up being fly-tipped and lead to potential prosecution. You can find out more at the Natural Resources Wales website.

Helping the homeless

Support for homeless people continues to be available during the coronavirus outbreak. The council’s Jigsaw facility is assessing people’s needs to either prevent them from becoming homeless or help provide emergency accommodation. Advice regarding homelessness, the housing register and housing benefit is available online, and people can also contact the council via talktous@bridgend.gov.uk or 01656 643643.

Staying one step ahead of Covid-19

The Test, Trace and Protect service is working to help people access support and contain the spread of the coronavirus in Wales. It works by tracing people who have been in close contact with residents and key workers who have tested positive for Covid-19, and ensuring they also have support while working out who else they might have been in contact with to stay one step ahead of the virus. Visit the council’s coronavirus page for more details.

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.