Covid-19 update from Bridgend County Borough

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.

Deadline looms for funding support
Charity-run shops, sports premises and community centres have until 30 June to apply for a £10,000 Welsh Government business support grant. The Small Charities grant scheme is aimed at eligible organisations who have properties in the retail, leisure and hospitality sector with a rateable value of £12,000 or less – you can find full details about eligibility and how to apply at the council website.

Last chance for business grants
The 30 June deadline is also imminent for local businesses who wish to apply for financial support designed to help them meet the challenges of the pandemic. With more than £28m provided so far, the council has processed 2,256 applications from local traders. Businesses can apply to the fund using an online form.

Cut-off point for Sport Wales relief
Tuesday 30 June will also be the deadline for applications from sports clubs to the Sport Wales Emergency Relief Fund on the Sport Wales website. Designed to provide funding which will help keep sports clubs running during the coronavirus pandemic, application details are available at the Sport Wales website. The council has also made support available by providing clubs with £64,980 through its Bridgend Sports Support Fund, and suspending fees for using sport facilities for the rest of the year.

Virtual meeting of Cabinet
The Cabinet of Bridgend County Borough Council will meet virtually for the first time on Tuesday 30 June. They will consider reports on issues ranging from an economic recovery plan, all-new premises for Mynydd Cynffig Primary, work to prevent flooding and more. The meeting will be recorded and made available online, and you can see the agenda and find out more at the council’s website.

Helping to keep shoppers safe
Barriers and street markings are being installed at key locations keep shoppers safe and reduce potential exposure to coronavirus. Talbot Street in Maesteg will be the first area to benefit as narrow sections of pavement are expanded to provide more room for pedestrians and allow for social distancing. Barriers will be placed through adjacent on-street parking bays to enable the width of the footway to be extended. Other parking will continue to be available while these temporary measures are in place, and space will be maintained for loading and unloading. If successful, the scheme will be extended to areas such as Nolton Street in Bridgend, and Lias Road in Porthcawl, and additional measures may be introduced to take account of further pandemic developments or emerging new national guidelines.

Keep up to date with govDelivery service
Residents can receive tailored council news and information thanks to govDelivery, a safe, secure information platform where you can select updates on the subjects and news which interest you most. The free platform is proving to be especially useful during the ongoing pandemic, and you can join up, change your selections or sign out at any time - find out more about how it could help you.

Help for carers
Anyone who acts as a carer for a relative, neighbour or friend can access help and support during the coronavirus pandemic. The Carers Wellbeing Service is operating a 24/7 helpline advising people where they can access community resources, while the council’s website offers information and links on support and keeping yourself safe. For more information, visit the council’s carers page or the Carers Trust South East Wales website. You can also call the Bridgend Carers Wellbeing Service 24/7 helpline on 01656 336969.

Social care opportunities
More people are being sought to 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.