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:

Contacting the council

The Customer Service Centre at the Civic Offices in Angel Street, Bridgend is currently open. To limit risk, residents are being urged not to visit in person, but to use the online My Account and Oggie webchat facilities, or to email talktous@bridgend.gov.uk or call 01656 643643.

Libraries

All libraries in the county borough will close at 5pm on Friday 20 March due to pressures on staffing and to limit the risk of exposure. The library facilities which are part of the Garw Valley Life Centre and Ogmore Valley Life Centre remain open for now.

Schools

Schools in Bridgend County Borough will be closed from Friday 20 March. Arrangements are being put in place to ensure that eligible children can continue to receive free school meals.

A range of technology such as Google Classroom, Hwb and more will be used to deliver lessons, and plans are being made to support children with additional learning needs and to ensure that childcare is in place to support key workers.

Social care

Visits to council-run care homes have been temporarily suspended, and contact with family and friends is being carried out via telephone, video link and social media. Guidance has been issued to independent care homes to support a consistent approach, while for domiciliary care, risk assessments are being carried out to protect vulnerable residents.

Centres and buildings used for day services will close by Friday 20 March, and people are being offered alternative support based on their personal circumstances and needs.

The council’s B-Leaf and Wood-B work-based facilities for adults with disabilities are temporarily closed, and the needs of trainees are being assessed so they can take part in alternative activities.

Recycling and waste

Recycling and waste collections are currently going ahead as normal currently, and community recycling centres remain open. The council is working closely alongside its waste partner, Kier.

Leisure facilities and swimming pools

Leisure facilities and swimming pools are currently open, and are being reviewed on a regular basis. The council’s partner Halo Leisure are monitoring the situation closely.

Sports pitches and pavilions

All football, rugby and cricket matches have been postponed, as have regular Park Run activities.

Bridgend Register Office

Bridgend Register Office is currently open. Temporary restrictions are in place for attendees at ceremonies, and non-essential appointments are being postponed and rearranged.

Coychurch Crematorium and cemeteries

All council-run cemeteries are currently open. Coychurch Crematorium is open, and temporary arrangements are under development to reduce the risk of exposure for staff and mourners.

Assia Suite

Domestic violence support offered by the Calan DVS Assia Suite at the civic offices 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.

Bridgend Bus Station

Bridgend Bus Station will close at 6pm instead of 8pm. Buses using the station can still be accessed by passengers.

Venues and open spaces

The Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl is closed. Bryngarw Country Park is currently open.