Make a promise to help keep Wales safe this summer

Businesses in Bridgend are encouraging visitors and other businesses in Bridgend county borough to make a promise to help keep Wales safe.

The promise, or Addo in Welsh, is part of a Visit Wales initiative which asks people to care for each other, for the land and for our communities by doing the little things that together will make a big difference.

The steps include regularly washing hands or using sanitiser, keeping a safe distance from other groups by choosing open spaces and respecting local rules, sticking to paths in the countryside and keeping dogs on leads when needed, and enjoying the best Wales has to offer by supporting local businesses and buying Welsh produce.

Emma Lamport who provides outdoor activities to connect children and families to the coast via the Beach Academy at the Watersports Centre in Rest Bay, Porthcawl, said: “I think it’s really important for businesses to sign to help instil confidence – everyone wants to feel safe and we are certainly finding that parents want to know safety measures are in place.

“As a service provider, anything at the moment that can give confidence and shows to people that you care is important, it’s extremely simple to sign up to and only takes a moment.

“We’ve been open for a couple of weeks and are seeing more and more families venture out – at the watersports centre and on the beach, it’s easy to put all the safety measures in place.”

The Visit Wales scheme is free to join and anyone travelling around Wales is encouraged to get involved by signing the pledge online to ensure Wales is a safe place to visit.

Tracey Miles runs STEER - The Enterprise Academy in Tondu, a 37-acre community project incorporating a Resource and Wellbeing Centre, a forest school, sensory garden, outdoor gym, community café, 14-acre historical woodlands and more.

She said: “We would encourage businesses and visitors to sign up to the promise – with the Covid-19 pandemic, these safety measures are key and when it comes to caring for our environment and our communities – it’s exactly what we’re all about.”

Bridgend County Borough Council recently launched a new destination brand and website called Visit Bridgend, promoting places to visit in the area and providing information on activities and available accommodation.

The new platform was due to launch ahead of the Easter holidays but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Replacing the BridgendBites website, the new site promotes the sea, summits and scenery of the county borough, featuring a range of activities, accommodation and various places of interest.