Latest news from Bridgend County Borough

Litter and dog enforcement returns

Enforcement staff from 3GS are on the beat once more to tackle littering and dog fouling. The officers are patrolling areas known hotspots for such offences, and carry the power to issue fixed penalty notices to anyone caught dropping rubbish or failing to clean up after their pet. While the service was impacted by Covid-19, it resumed in April and has already issued 85 fixed penalty notices. Between April 2019 – March 2020, the service helped cut littering and dog fouling by issuing more than 760 fixed penalty notices.

Walk-in vaccinations announced

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board has announced that from Monday 5 July, residents aged 18 and over who have yet to receive their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine will be able to take advantage of new ‘walk-in’ appointments. With no prior booking required, the walk-in appointments will be available at the majority of community vaccination centres within the region. While this includes Ravens Court in Bridgend town centre (CF31 4AP) between 9:15am-4:30pm Monday through to Saturday, it does not include Maesteg Sports Centre, where the first-dose schedule has been completed and activities are winding down to enable preparations for the third phase of the vaccination programme to take place. Anyone wishing to take advantage of a first dose walk-in appointment will need to bring along a passport, drivers licence or a utility bill for proof of address. Bookings for second-dose appointments are continuing and will run alongside the walk-in vaccinations as normal.

Make sure you are fully vaccinated

Research by Public Health England has confirmed that the UK’s two main vaccines, the AstraZeneca and the Pfizer, are 33 per cent effective against coronavirus after one dose, but 80 per cent effective after two doses. To protect as many people as possible, residents are being urged to ensure they are fully vaccinated. Second-dose appointment letters are currently being issued to people aged 40-49, but anyone over the age of 18 who has not had their first dose can book themselves an appointment at a local vaccination centre. To arrange this, call 01443 281163 and select option three. Alternatively, visit the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board’s website and fill in the first dose form, or take advantage of the new ‘walk-in’ appointments for people who are yet to receive their first shot.

Latest update on free school meal food parcels

Pupils in years 11 and 13 who are eligible for free school meals and who are not required to attend school will receive revised food parcels between 1-16 July. The temporary changes to the system reflect latest guidance from Welsh Government on providing free school meals during term time. Because some of the parcels will need to be supplied retrospectively from 7 June, the contents will feature more goods that can be safely stored at room temperature. Limited fresh food items will also be included, but the parcels will not contain recipe cards. Once the temporary changes are over, normal weekly food parcel provision will resume for all pupils entitled to free school meals from 19 July.

Marking National Registrar’s Day

The UK’s first-ever National Registrar’s Day has taken place to celebrate the work of staff during the coronavirus pandemic. In Bridgend County Borough, the outbreak coincided with the opening of all-new premises for Bridgend Register Office at the Civic Offices in Angel Street. Over the last year, staff have performed more than 250 weddings while also overseeing civil partnerships and the registration of new births and deaths. They have also been providing support for the EU Settlement Scheme. With up to 15 marriages taking place a week, the team is continuing to receive bookings and expects the next few months to be some of their busiest so far.

Swim sensibly – swim safely

If you are planning a trip to the beach this summer, remember that lifeguard patrols are in place at Trecco Bay, Sandy Bay / Coney Beach and Rest Bay between 10am-6pm up until 5 September. Only swim between red and yellow flags on lifeguard-patrolled beaches, and if you get into trouble, lay on your back in the ‘Float To Live’ position instead of thrashing about. Anyone who spots a swimmer in trouble should call 999 or 112 in an emergency and ask for the Coastguard. For more details, visit the RNLI website.

Tell us what you think

Public consultation is underway on a draft masterplan which will be used to determine what kinds of development can take place throughout Bridgend County Borough between now and 2033. The Replacement Local Development Plan features all of the policies that the authority will use when determining future planning applications. It sets out how land can be used, and which parts of the county borough will be maintained as open space or designated for residential, employment, retail, waste, mineral development, community and tourism purposes. The consultation ends on Tuesday 27 July and you can find out more about how you can take part at the council website.

Help save lives – donate blood

Blood donation sessions will take place at the Heronston Hotel on 6, 27 and 28 July. You can find out how to take part at the Welsh Blood Service website.                                                                               

Be aware of vaccination scams

Residents are being warned to look out for scam text messages and emails claiming to be from the NHS which invite you to confirm your identity by entering your bank details. While the NHS may invite you for a vaccine by text, they will never ask for your bank details. Pay close attention to any texts and emails you receive, and forward suspicious texts to 7726 free of charge.

Mobile testing update

A walk-in mobile testing facility continues to be available at the Awel-Y-Mor Community Centre in Porthcawl (CF36 5TP) between 9am-6pm daily with no appointment needed. A walk-through testing facility remains available at the Bowls Hall car park in Angel Street, Bridgend (CF31 4AH) between 2pm-8pm – booking is essential. To arrange an appointment for either the Bowls Hall car park, visit the Welsh Government website or call 119. People with hearing or speech difficulties can book an appointment by calling 18001119. You can also collect lateral flow tests for home use from the Bowls Hall car park facility between 8am-1pm, seven days a week.

Ordering Covid-19 tests online

Did you know you can order a free lateral flow self-test kit to be delivered? For more information or to order a test kit, visit Welsh Government’s lateral flow Covid-19 testing webpage

Love 2 Walk Festival 2021

Walkers of all ages and abilities are being invited to pick up some historic tales while exploring their local area as part of the annual Love2Walk Festival. With treks to explore Porthcawl’s picturesque seafront, Merthyr Mawr and Kenfig Nature Reserve, the walks vary from easy to challenging – remember to dress appropriately, follow the Countryside Code and keep hydrated. Booking is essential, and you can find out more at the Love 2 Walk Facebook page or email love2walk@bridgend.gov.uk.

Adopting a child – your questions answered

The Western Bay Adoption Service supports people from the moment first contact is made. Investment in adoption support has been increased massively, allowing them to be there for every stage and to even provide life-time help. Enquiries are welcomed from all people, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, employment or income. Find out more at the Western Bay adoption website.