Council services and some schools affected by snow and heavy ice

Snow and thick ice are continuing to cause disruption in Bridgend County Borough, with some services affected.

Highways staff have been working around the clock throughout the severe weather to keep the county borough moving. Primary routes remain clear, and the workers will be focusing their resources on clearing and treating secondary routes.

Recycling and waste collections are taking place, but many side streets remain inaccessible to the collection vehicles and cannot be used safely. Crews are currently focusing on main roads and will look to clear side streets as conditions improve.

The situation is being monitored and further updates will be issued throughout the day. Meanwhile, the three community recycling centres at Tythegston, Brynmenyn and Maesteg are currently open and can be used with care.

Several schools, including some which have been supporting the children of critical workers, have also been unable to open safely:

• Trelales Primary School.
• Ysgol Bryn Castell.
• St Mary’s and St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School.
• Nantyffyllon Primary School.
• Betws Primary School

Other schools have indicated that while they are making every attempt to open, they may also have to remain closed.

Essential social care services such as residential, domiciliary as supported living are continuing to operate as normal, and staff are ensuring that vulnerable residents are safe and well.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board has confirmed that all four of its community vaccination centres are open, and that appointments are taking place as normal.

A large number of appointments were brought forward so they could be completed before the severe weather began, but anyone whose appointment has been rearranged and who may have further queries can contact the number provided as part of their appointment letter.

The health board website also features a dedicated section within the Frequently Asked Questions page on its corporate website, https://cwmtafmorgannwg.wales/covid-19-vaccine/

However, as the severe weather has impacted upon mobile testing arrangements within the county borough, residents are being advised to refer to the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board website for latest developments and up to date information.

Council Leader Huw David said: “The after-effects of severe weather can be as disruptive as the snowfall itself, but we are making every effort to keep services running as smoothly as possible.

“I’d like to thank the council staff whose efforts during severe weather always ensure that we can continue to maintain essential services, and that our most vulnerable residents remain protected.

“We will be issuing further updates throughout the day, but if you would like to learn more about how the council deals with severe weather, please visit our website.”

• For more details visit the council’s winter weather pages at www.bridgend.gov.uk