Emergency childcare – important update

Significant changes are being made to emergency childcare provision in Bridgend County Borough following the recent Welsh Government announcement that schools are to start a phased return. On Friday 19 June, emergency childcare hubs will close to be replaced by emergency care provided at each child’s own school. This will be available 8.30am – 4.30pm between Monday 22 June – Friday 24 July. Places will be limited due to social distancing requirements, and will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. Online applications will need to be submitted at the council’s website by 12noon every Wednesday – please note that it will not be possible to process late applications, and anyone who has already applied for dates after 29 June will need to reapply.

Summer childcare

Parents, guardians and carers are being advised that the council is currently unable to confirm whether emergency childcare provision will be available during the school summer holiday (Monday 27 July – Tuesday 1 September). Further information will be provided as soon as possible.

Monday opening for Bridgend Indoor Market

Bridgend Indoor Market will partially reopen on 15 June to enable essential businesses to begin trading again. A one-way system and two-metre floor markings will be in place with to help maintain social distancing, and hand sanitiser stations have been installed. A full risk assessment has been carried out, and access has been agreed through the main entry doors next to WH Smiths. The council will monitor the situation closely to ensure that a safe shopping and working environment can be maintained.

Book-and-collect service starts

Awen Cultural trust and Bridgend County Borough Council are launching a new book and collect service on Monday 15 June. Initially available at Pyle Library, library members will be able to request and collect packages of books from a range of specific genres or interests, including crime novels, children’s books, young adult fiction and more. When returned, the books will be quarantined before being put back into circulation to prevent potential exposure to the coronavirus. If the Pyle service is successful, a second service will be launched at Aberkenfig Library on 22 June. To find out more, visit the Awen Libraries website.

Phased reopening at Bryngarw Park

Bryngarw Country Park has started a phased re-opening. No car parking charges will be applied until further notice, but please note that toilet facilities will not be available, and visitors are advised to avoid the playground and outdoor gym equipment areas of the park. B-leaf and the Cedars tearoom will remain closed until further notice. Visitors are urged to observe social distancing and hand hygiene procedures at all times. Awen cultural Trust will monitor the situation closely, and may make further changes as required.