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.

Responding to the coronavirus
Bridgend County Borough Council has revealed new statistics on how it has supported local residents and businesses during the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. With more than £28m provided to 2,256 businesses, customer services staff have handled 34,351 calls from members of the public since 23 March. Information issued via the council’s social media accounts reached more than 3m people, and the council provided 10,373 hours of vital domiciliary care with 1,000 people supported within their own homes. More than 500 children were supported at emergency childcare hubs for keyworkers, and 2,600 people received Telecare support at home. Vulnerable children received 750 laptops to enable them to continue to study while schools were closed, 1,553 people signed up as volunteers, and a 14 per cent increase in recycling was recorded compared to the same period last year. Almost 170 council workers were also redeployed during the crisis to help ensure that services could continue.

Changes to domestic abuse service
Calan DVS will re-open their offices at Derwen House in Bridgend town centre on 29 June to offer a range of advice and support on domestic abuse. Social distancing procedures will be in place and the service will initially be available between 9am-1pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 1pm-5pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The service has continued to be available throughout the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, mainly via telephone contact, and plans are in place for a drop-in service as lockdown restrictions continue to ease. You can access help or find out more by calling 01656 815919 or emailing assia@calandvs.org.uk.

Pandemic support for taxis
Welsh Government guidance is available for the taxi and private hire vehicle trade on operating safely during the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. The council is also offering its support by offering a six-month extension on licences which were due to expire between 8 April and 30 June.

Protecting the vulnerable
The Bridgend Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub is continuing to provide safeguarding services for vulnerable children and adults. You can report concerns about a child to 01656 642320 or mashcentra@bridgend.gov.uk. Concerns about adults can be directed to 01656 642477 or adultsafeguardingMASH@bridgend.gov.uk, and you can visit the MASH page for more information.

Summer break for 2020
Parents, carers and guardians are being reminded that all schools will close for the 2020 summer break on 17 July. While schools will provide emergency childcare for the children of eligible key workers 8.30am-4.30pm between 22 June-17 July, the emergency childcare will not be available during the summer break (20 July–31 August) and families will need to make alternative childcare arrangements. You can find out more at the council website.

Dogs on beaches
With lockdown restrictions starting to ease, dogs are welcome at Sker Beach and Newton Beach, but cannot be exercised at Rest Bay, Town Beach, Coney Beach or Trecco Bay between now and 30 September. More information on local beaches and seasonal restrictions on dogs is available at the council’s website. 

Please park responsibly
With free parking available at council-maintained town centre car parks between now and the end of July, drivers are being reminded that enforcement officers are patrolling the county borough, including at weekends, and that they must park responsibly. In Bridgend town centre, it is available at the Rhiw and Brackla Street multi storeys as well as the open air car park behind Wilkinsons. In Porthcawl, it will be available at the Hilsboro and John Street car parks. Charges are being levied at Rest Bay car park, while free parking continues to be available at Pencoed and Maesteg.

The police have the power to seize vehicles that are used inappropriately, and the penalties for such an offence could include a fine or court appearance.

Off road bikes have recently been seized and a number of notices were issues as part of a successful operation in Garw Valley and surrounding areas.

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.