Latest news from Bridgend County Borough

Pubs, cafes, bowling alleys and more to reopen

The latest lockdown changes from Welsh Government have confirmed that pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes, bowling alleys, auction houses and bingo hallsI will all be able to will be able to re-open indoors from Monday 3 August. Up to 30 people will also be able to meet outdoors, and in line with the latest scientific evidence on lower transmission rates, children under 11 will no longer have to maintain a two-metre distance from each other or from adults. More details on the latest changes on Welsh Government's website.

Leisure centres and swimming pools

Following latest lockdown guidance from Welsh Government, the council is making arrangements for the safe, phased reopening of local leisure facilities. Our leisure partners, Halo, are introducing new measures to help keep people safe so that life centres can reopen in stages starting from 10 August and swimming pools can reopen in early September. Full details of the opening dates will be announced as soon as they have been confirmed.

Latest advice on coronavirus

Anyone who tests positive for coronavirus must now self-isolate for 10 days instead of seven days. The change follows new evidence which suggests that coronavirus could potentially be transmitted more than seven days after symptoms first appear. The 10-day period begins from the first day that symptoms start. For people who are asymptomatic – i.e. those who have tested positive, but are showing no symptoms – the 10-day period must begin from the day the test is taken. As before, a test should be arranged within five days of any symptoms appearing, and this will also apply to health and social care workers.

Pandemic survey on town centres

It has been a month since town centres reopened and many businesses have been working hard to adapt to new Welsh Government guidance and changes to help restrict the spread of the coronavirus. The council wants to know how residents have adapted to these new measures, and how the lockdown has changed the way people shop and visit local town centres. You can find out more about the town centre survey and complete a short online survey.

Keeping people safe at work

Employers are being asked to follow five key steps to help keep people safe at work. The steps – which are to carry out a Covid-19 risk assessment, to take practical measures to work safely and actively, to implement Test, Trace, Protect in the workplace, to help staff to work from home whenever possible, to maintain two-metre physical distancing in premises open to the public and where work is being carried out, and to manage the risk of exposure to Covid-19 where people cannot be apart – are being promoted by Welsh Government and you can find out more at the Healthy Working Wales website.

Swimming off Porthcawl

If you take a dip in the waters off Porthcawl this summer, remember to always swim within your limitations, and to avoid swimming alone. If swimming over any distance, tell someone on shore where you are swimming, and when you expect to return. To avoid collisions and accidents, consider what you will wear to make sure that other users and vessels can see you, or whether a tow-buoy is required. Never dive or jump from a structure into water of an unknown depth, and avoid swimming in strong currents and tides or after consuming alcohol and food. Never swim near a moving boat or around a vessel which is moored with its engine running, and always avoid swimming across the access channel to Porthcawl Marina.

Beach car park closed

While the Portobello car park at Ogmore-By-Sea is often assumed to be within the boundaries of Bridgend County Borough, it is actually located within the Vale of Glamorgan. The car park has been closed until further notice due to concerns from the local authority and South Wales Police about large gatherings of people who are not following social distancing requirements. All council-maintained car parks in Bridgend County Borough currently remain open.

Celebrating children’s right to play

To mark Play Day 2020 on Wednesday 5 August which celebrates children’s right to play, Play Wales are putting together an e-book of children’s best play ideas and games. Children from Bridgend County Borough can get involved by writing about or drawing their favourite games to be featured in the e-book. More details are available at the Play Wales website.

Blood donors needed at field hospital

The Welsh Blood Service will be visiting Bridgend Field Hospital, which has been established on Bridgend Industrial Estate, on 7, 10, 11, 19, 20 and 21 August. They are appealing for people who are fit and well to donate blood – you can book an appointment by visiting the Welsh Blood Service website.

Watch out for rogue traders

The council is reminding local residents to always check that they are using a licensed waste carrier before paying for any services. If a business is not properly licensed, your waste could end up being fly-tipped and lead to potential prosecution. You can find out more at the Natural Resources Wales website.

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 Gov Delivery email bulletins 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 our carers webpage 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 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. Apply or find out more about social care vacancies at Bridgend County Borough Council.

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.