Covid-19 update from Bridgend County Borough 13 07 2020

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.

Do summer differently

The council is inviting organisers, businesses and promoters to submit proposals for innovative and creative cultural events and activities which could be safely staged at Salt Lake or Rest Bay in Porthcawl as part of the ‘Do Summer Differently’ campaign. Working within pandemic requirements, this seeks to stage activities such as drive-in discos, concerts held under starlight or special open-air screenings of cinema films. If you are interested in submitting a proposal to the Do Summer Differently campaign, send a request for an expression of interest form and a single short paragraph outlining your idea to events@bridgend.gov.uk – the deadline for submissions is Friday 24 July.

Appointments at Bridgend Register Office

People who wish to give notice of a forthcoming marriage or civil partnership and parents wanting to register a new baby can now book appointments to do so. To arrange an appointment, call 01656 642391 or email registrar@bridgend.gov.uk. Please note that there is no drop-in service available at this time, and access to Bridgend Register Office will be available via the ceremony entrance, which is at the side of its new location at the Civic Offices in Angel Street.

£4m fund for sports clubs

Sport Wales has launched a new £4m fund enabling clubs to apply for grants of between £300 and £50,000 to support ongoing costs and encourage greater participation, growth and improvement. The new initiative is in addition to the council’s own Bridgend Sports Support Fund, which is providing clubs with grants of up to £1,000, and the recent decision to waive fees for the 2019-20 season. The council is also providing clubs that are developing asset transfers with additional support such as pitch, green and wicket surveys, drainage improvements, capital grants to purchase maintenance equipment for green spaces and more. Full details about the Be Active Wales Fund is available at the Sport Wales website.

Free online library resources

While libraries remain closed to help slow the spread of coronavirus, a wide range of free services are available to access via your mobile, tablet, laptop or home computer. These include e-books, audio books, digital magazines and e-comics as well as resources to help you pass your driving theory test, explore historic photographs, trace your family ancestry, access research materials and more. Visit the Awen Libraries website for further details.

More changes at Bryngarw

Bryngarw Country Park has introduced further changes in line with national guidance as pandemic condition continue to ease. With the park open to visitors, public toilets, baby changing facilities and a Changing Places disabled toilet have all been made available. The children’s play area, outdoor gym, barbeque area, visitor centre classroom and café remain closed until further notice. Social distancing and hand-hygiene procedures remain in place throughout the park, and car parking charges have been reintroduced via a machine which accepts contactless payment.

Help for school leavers

Teenagers who have left school while the pandemic is in effect can contact the council’s Inspire To Work team for expert advice on training opportunities, developing new skills and finding work. You can chat online, email youthsupport@bridgend.gov.uk or call 01656 815146 for more details

Accessing foodbanks

Keep up to date with details of which foodbanks are open and how they can be accessed during the ongoing outbreak by visiting the Bridgend Foodbank website or checking their social media pages.

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.