Covid-19 update 03 04 2020

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, with the most recent additions at the top:

Support for shoppers and food stores

Bridgend County Borough Council is making it easier for people to buy essential goods and for food retailers to receive deliveries, fill shelves and meet the needs of customers during the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak. The authority will not seek to undertake planning enforcement action which unnecessarily restricts the delivery of food and other essential items while the outbreak is ongoing, although all complaints received will still be investigated. The move acknowledges that stores may also need to vary their opening hours in order to accommodate social distancing requirements, or to avoid shoppers gathering in large numbers.

Warning over rights of way

Following reports of social gatherings and groups of walkers not adhering to government guidance on social distancing, the council is warning that it will take further action to prevent and restrict access if this continues while the coronavirus outbreak is ongoing. Residents are urged to be responsible while using public footpaths and rights of way for their daily exercise.

Cemetery access

To help combat the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus and limit the risk of exposure, all council-run cemeteries and the grounds at Coychurch Crematorium will be temporarily closed to the public from Friday 3 April. Funeral services will still take place, but attendance will be limited to a maximum of 10 close family members. Gates will be locked at all other times until further notice.

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.

Free school meals

Parents and guardians of school-age children are being reminded that they can claim daily free school meals if they receive income support, income-based jobseeker's allowance, support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, income-related employment and support allowance, child tax credit (where annual income as assessed by tax credits does not exceed £16,190), the guarantee element of pension credit, working tax credit 'run-on', universal credit, or universal credit where the award is based on net annual earnings of under £7,400 from your employment or self-employment. Further details are available from the council website, by calling 01656 643396 or emailing fsm@bridgend.gov.uk

Lifeguard cover suspended

Residents are being reminded that the RNLI has suspended all lifeguard patrols in Bridgend County Borough until further notice. Visitors to Coney Beach, Rest Bay, Pink Bay and Trecco Bay should avoid the water during this time.

Volunteers wanted

People who are interested in volunteering to help during the Covid-19 outbreak can do so by contacting the Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations (BAVO) where they will be matched to a role according to their skills, interests and experience. Free training will be provided along with DBS checks where necessary – visit the BAVO website 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 please visit our social care vacancies, contact the recruitment team on 01656 643205 or email recruitment@bridgend.gov.uk