Latest news from Bridgend County Borough – 10 September
Update on local schools
A number of schools have experienced cases of Covid-19 since the start of the new term. At Ysgol Bryn Castell, one member of staff has tested positive, and a further 17 members of staff and 39 pupils are self-isolating. In Maesteg School, one member of staff has tested positive and five members of staff are self-isolating, but no pupils have been affected. One member of staff has tested positive at Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School and is self-isolating, but no further staff or pupils are affected. At Bryntirion Comprehensive School, one pupil has tested positive. The entire Year Seven intake of 215 pupils are self-isolating as a result, as well as one member of staff. In Pencoed Primary School, one pupil tested has positive, and seven pupils and two members of staff are self-isolating.
Residents reminded to remain alert
The five cases of coronavirus recorded at local schools has resulted in a further 285 people having to self-isolate for 14 days. This precautionary measure is in line with advice from Public Health Wales, and is designed to reduce the possible spread of the virus to family, friends and the wider community. Residents are being reminded of the need to remain alert for symptoms of Covid-19, and to ensure that all national guidance is followed to help combat the spread of the virus. All schools have a full range of measures in place to reduce risk, limit contact and maintain high standards of hygiene, and unaffected pupils should continue to attend lessons as normal. Pupils who are self-isolating are also continuing to receive lessons thanks to online access, virtual classrooms and blended learning facilities. Parents, carers and guardians can support these efforts by remaining vigilant, and not sending children to school if they exhibit any of the symptoms related to the coronavirus.
Breakfast clubs to be relaunched
Free primary school breakfast clubs are set to be relaunched at all primary schools in Bridgend County Borough from Monday 14 September. The news follows a pilot scheme which the council has been running in order to test whether the clubs can be provided safely during the ongoing pandemic. Using lessons learned from the pilot and following a series of risk assessments, specific control measures are being put in place that will allow children to benefit from the service while also maintaining their health and well-being. Parents, carers and guardians will now be contacted by individual schools regarding specific details, opening dates, new procedures and more.
Huge rise in recycling
Residents in Bridgend County Borough recycled 1,470 tonnes of cardboard during the lockdown period between April and July – an increase of 284 tonnes when compared to the same period in 2019. Many of them also needed to find a temporary arrangement for storing their cardboard waste due to a short manufacturing delay in new orange recycling sacks. This has now been resolved and deliveries are underway to households which have requested a replacement sack.
Regeneration report goes before Cabinet
The Cabinet of Bridgend County Borough Council will meet next week to discuss plans designed to bring the regeneration of Porthcawl’s waterfront area a step closer. The council took action in late 2017 to remove a development deadlock on vacant land at Salt Lake in order to take control and make it available for residential, leisure, retail and commercial use. Cabinet members will now be asked to consider proposals for marketing part of the Salt Lake site, which also features a mix of open space, car parking and active travel routes, for the development of a new food store to support the town. The report also outlines how the council intends to acquire other land needed for future phases of the regeneration within the Coney Beach and Sand Bay areas. The Cabinet will discuss the report at 3pm on Tuesday 15 September.
Plans for improving air quality
The Cabinet meeting of 15 September will also consider mitigation measures for dealing with air quality concerns in Park Street. In January 2019, the local authority officially implemented the area’s first Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) Order in Park Street after tests showed nitrogen dioxide levels were above national air quality objectives. Following public engagement sessions, proposals for managing and improving traffic flows have been developed which include stopping access onto St. Leonard’s Road, introducing a four-phase junction at the Heol-y-Nant turning and improving the road junction between Park Street, Angel Street and Tondu Road. Cabinet will meet to discuss the report at 3pm.
New careers in social care
Interest in careers within social care have soared as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. People from a wide range of different backgrounds have found new work supporting the county borough’s most vulnerable residents, while others who have previously worked in this area have also come forward to offer their skills and experience. With a fast-tracked application process and rapid refresher training course available, the council is keen to hear from anyone who might be interested in finding out more. Further details are available at the job pages on the council’s website.
Remain alert during track and trace
Residents are reminded that official callers from the free Test, Trace, Protect service will never ask you to make a payment or to disclose your personal banking details. Please remain alert for scammers, and report any suspicions to 101 or the Shared Regulatory Service on 0300 123 6696. You can find out more on preventing fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk, while info about track and trace is available at www.bridgend.gov.uk/coronavirus
Accessing foodbanks
Keep up to date with details of which foodbanks are open and how they can be accessed during the ongoing outbreak by visiting the Bridgend Foodbank website or checking their social media pages.
Free menstrual products
Pupils who are self-isolating or shielding can claim free menstrual products during the pandemic. The council is using funding from Welsh Government to provide a range of both single-use and reusable menstrual products. To take advantage of the free offer, send your name, school and address to PeriodDignity@bridgend.gov.uk