Covid-19 update from Bridgend County Borough
Poster information
Posted on: Friday 17 April 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:
Fire in Bridgend town centre
Nolton Street in Bridgend town centre has reopened to traffic following a fire at a vacant three-storey commercial property. Before the road reopened the building, which is privately owned and is not maintained by the council, was inspected by local authority structural engineers and made safe. This included the removal of loose roofing tiles, damaged guttering and other debris which could have potentially fallen to the street below, and a section of pavement remains closed to pedestrians immediately outside the building. The council had previously served a section 215 notice on the Swansea-based owners of the premises requiring them to undertake urgent work at the property. As this was not carried out, the authority is in the process of pursuing further action against them.
Former care home back in use
Abergarw Manor in Brynmenyn has received its first group of patients to help keep hospital beds free for the treatment of people with coronavirus. Owned by the Caron Group, the home has been refurbished to provide additional beds to support the Princess of Wales Hospital. The council is also working with the owners of the former Hyfrydol care home in Maesteg to provide additional bed capacity.
Support for sports clubs
Local sports clubs are being invited to apply for grants of up to £1,000 to help them with day-to-day operating costs during the coronavirus pandemic. The council has reconfigured its £75,000 Bridgend Sports Support Fund - part of the community asset transfer process - to provide immediate financial aid during the outbreak. As part of the grant application, sports clubs will need to submit copies of relevant proof of payments such as invoices, receipts and / or bank statements showing expenditure for the period after 31 March 2020. For more details on the fund or for an application form, email the council’s community asset transfer officer at guy.smith@bridgend.gov.uk - the deadline for submitting applications is May 15.
Easter eggs for vulnerable children
Two hundred Easter eggs have been delivered to vulnerable children in Bridgend County Borough following donations from Poundland, Bridgend College and Bridge FM Radio. Family support workers and staff from the Youth Justice Team helped deliver the eggs on Good Friday, with eggs also being presented to the children of keyworkers attending emergency childcare hubs – thanks to all who made this possible.
£18m business grant funding
Local businesses are benefitting from more than £18m of business grant funding issued by Bridgend County Borough Council as part of Welsh Government’s Covid-19 business support package. The council has processed 1,418 applications from local firms and is continuing to process many more. The support is being made available to businesses who are eligible for small business rates relief in Wales and who occupy premises with a rateable value of £12,000 or less. It also includes those who fall under small business rates relief but who do not currently pay business rates, and retail, leisure or hospitality businesses with a rateable value of £12,001 to £51,000. Applications can be made by completing the online form. Please note that to avoid delays in processing claims, it is vital for all applicants to provide accurate, essential information, including copies of bank statements showing bank details.
Recycling and refuse
Don’t forget that following the recent bank holiday, recycling and refuse collections will be one day later than normal up until and including Saturday 18 April. Deliveries of blue waste bags and green food recycling bags have been slightly delayed due to the pandemic, but are expected to be back on schedule very soon.
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.