Covid-19 update from Bridgend County Borough

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:

Food poverty
Bridgend County Borough Council has approved more than £44,000 funding towards a food poverty grant scheme administrated by the Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations. The scheme will enable food banks and other charities throughout the area to distribute food during the coronavirus outbreak, purchase equipment such as fridges, freezers and cookers, provide specialist training and food handling qualifications for volunteers, and more. Details of which Bridgend Foodbanks are open and how to access them are available on the Bridgend Foodbank website with updates posted on social media.

Support for the homeless
Support for homeless people during the coronavirus outbreak is in place, and the council’s Jigsaw facility is continuing to assess 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. Domestic violence support is also being offered by the Calan DVS Assia Suite – call them direct on 01656 766139.

Road closed at Rest Bay
The access road off Mallard Way leading down to Rest Bay beach in Porthcawl is to be temporarily closed during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Access will be strictly limited to residents who require use of the road to access their own properties. The council previously closed the car park following concerns about large numbers of people gathering at the beach during the outbreak. The latest moves follow concerns that some people are continuing to congregate there against public health advice.

Keep fit and active
Older residents can take advantage of online keep-fit classes while Halo-managed life centres and swimming pools remain closed. They’ve teamed up with fitness experts Shapemaster to produce multiple home exercise videos for older adults and people with limited mobility. Created by a specialist physiotherapy team, the videos are designed to help improve strength, balance and mobility while supporting overall health. All the exercises are gentle and low-impact. They last no longer than five minutes, and do not require any specialist equipment. To find out more, visit www.haloleisure.org.uk/halo-at-home

Bridgend Bus Station
As part of the measures designed to limit exposure to the coronavirus, Bridgend Bus Station is to close its doors until further notice. People will still be able to access bus bays, but will no longer be able to enter the station itself.

Council and committee meetings
All meetings of Council, scrutiny and other committees have been cancelled until further notice.

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.

Funerals and cremations
To protect against exposure to the coronavirus, all graveside funeral services at council-maintained cemeteries and cremations at Coychurch Crematorium are being restricted to a maximum of 10 close family members. To register a death during the pandemic outbreak, funeral directors can do so by contacting Bridgend Register Office via telephone. 

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.