Latest News from Bridgend County Borough
Join Aston’s Army & Help Save Lives!
Meet Aston Bevington, a 16-year-old from Bridgend who loves football and rugby. In December 2024, he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, a rare and aggressive cancer. Now, he urgently needs a stem cell transplant—and he needs your help.
Aston was initially diagnosed with glandular fever, but his condition continued to deteriorate. The family became increasingly concerned when Aston began to feel exhausted, nauseous and swelling spread to other parts of his body. Additional tests revealed the devastating diagnosis.
Sian, Aston’s mother, said: “He was blue-lighted into Noah’s Ark Hospital in Cardiff and started chemotherapy straight away, he also needed blood and platelets as part of his treatment too.
“His body isn’t reacting the way it should for chemotherapy treatment so we’re expecting Aston will need a stem cell transplant. The transplant will help cure him by switching his cells, which are causing the cancer, with healthy cells from a donor.”
Despite over 40 million people on Registries across the world who have signed up as willing donors to someone like Aston, three in ten patients still aren’t able to find a suitable match.
You can change that. Join the Welsh Blood Service stem cell registry today and help Aston and others like him.
Find out more & register here: www.wbs.wales/AstonsArmy
Watch Aston’s story: https://youtu.be/6tJXZLf_cd4
Road Closure Update: A4061 Bwlch Mountain Road
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the essential works to the Bridgend County Borough section of the Bwlch Mountain Road will now be extended by one week.
New anticipated completion date: 14 February 2025
Closure Period: 13 January – 14 February 2025
Times: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM (Monday – Friday)
The road remains closed for essential repairs to the culvert following recent storm damage. Diversion routes will be in place.
More info: https://www.bridgend.gov.uk/residents/roads-transport-and-parking/roadworks-and-road-closures/
Bridgend Register Office Open Day
Staff will be on hand to show people around the state-of-the-art ceremony room and to answer any questions about the booking process or any upcoming ceremonies.
The Open day will take place on Saturday 8 March, between 10am – 1pm at the Register Office (Civic Offices, Angel Street, Bridgend).
The Register Office includes:
- A modern surround sound system
- An outside garden area
- Ceremony room which can host up to 50 guests.
- Coloured lighting options
Visit the council’s website to for more details about our Register Office: https://www.bridgend.gov.uk/residents/births-deaths-and-marriages/bridgend-register-office/
Exciting news for Blaencaerau!!
Work is set to begin at the Valleys to Coast Blaencaerau estate to improve access to nature for the community while enhancing biodiversity!
This project will include:
- Woodland creation
- Native wildflower planting
- A wildlife garden
- A community growing space
- Artwork & seating areas
These improvements will help connect people with nature and create a greener, more vibrant space for everyone to enjoy.
Works begin on 10 February and will be completed by the end of March.
This is made possible by Welsh Government’s Local Places for Nature grant scheme, in partnership with Bridgend Local Nature Partnership and Valleys to Coast.
Libraries update!
Betws Library has reopened to the public following its refurbishment. Almost £150,000 has been invested in the project, thanks to a Welsh Government Transformation Capital Grant and match funding provided by Awen Cultural Trust.
The refurbishment has:
- Created a wider, more accessible entrance to the library
- Reconfigured the space to provide a flexible community space and vibrant children’s library
- Created energy efficiencies by:
- Installing efficient heating and lighting
- Insulating the training room
- Installing new windows and lighting
- Installing a battery for the existing solar panels
- Upgraded the Training Room with new furniture, flooring and mini kitchen to provide a suitable and sustainable room for the community to hire.
Sarn Library is also currently undergoing a refurbishment and will be closed until 10am on Monday 10 February.
Staff at Aberkenfig Library will be happy to help members of the public during this time, or alternatively online resources are available on Awen’s website: www.awen-libraries.com
Sarn Library is managed by Awen in partnership with Bridgend County Borough Council and with support from St Brides Minor Community Council.
