Pubs and clubs to reopen
The latest lockdown changes from Welsh Government have confirmed that pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes, bowling alleys, auction houses and bingo halls will all be able to will be able to re-open indoors from Monday 3 August. Up to 30 people will also be able to meet outdoors, and in line with the latest scientific evidence on lower transmission rates, children under 11 will no longer have to maintain a two-metre distance from each other or from adults.
Leisure centres and swimming pools
Following latest lockdown guidance from Welsh Government, the council is making arrangements for the safe, phased reopening of local leisure facilities. Our leisure partners, Halo, are introducing new measures to help keep people safe so that life centres can reopen in stages starting from 10 August and swimming pools can reopen in early September. Full details of the opening dates will be announced as soon as they have been confirmed.
Pandemic survey on town centres
It has been a month since town centres reopened and many businesses have been working hard to adapt to new Welsh Government guidance and changes to help restrict the spread of the coronavirus. The council wants to know how residents have adapted to these new measures, and how the lockdown has changed the way people shop and visit local town centres. You can find out more and complete a short online survey at the council website.
Keeping people safe at work
Employers are being asked to follow five key steps to help keep people safe at work. The steps – which are to carry out a Covid-19 risk assessment, to take practical measures to work safely and actively, to implement Test, Trace, Protect in the workplace, to help staff to work from home whenever possible, to maintain two-metre physical distancing in premises open to the public and where work is being carried out, and to manage the risk of exposure to Covid-19 where people cannot be apart – are being promoted by Welsh Government and you can find out more at the Healthy Working Wales website.
Swimming off Porthcawl
If you take a dip in the waters off Porthcawl this summer, remember to always swim within your limitations, and to avoid swimming alone. If swimming over any distance, tell someone on shore where you are swimming, and when you expect to return. To avoid collisions and accidents, consider what you will wear to make sure that other users and vessels can see you, or whether a tow-buoy is required. Never dive or jump from a structure into water of an unknown depth, and avoid swimming in strong currents and tides or after consuming alcohol and food. Never swim near a moving boat or around a vessel which is moored with its engine running, and always avoid swimming across the access channel to Porthcawl Marina.
Beach car park closed
While the Portobello car park at Ogmore-By-Sea is often assumed to be within the boundaries of Bridgend County Borough, it is actually located within the Vale of Glamorgan. The car park has been closed until further notice due to concerns from the Vale of Glamorgan Council and South Wales Police about large gatherings of people who are not following social distancing requirements. All council-maintained car parks in Bridgend County Borough currently remain open.
Celebrating children’s right to play
To mark Play Day 2020 on Wednesday 5 August which celebrates children’s right to play, Play Wales are putting together an e-book of children’s best play ideas and games. Children from Bridgend County Borough can get involved by writing about or drawing their favourite games to be featured in the e-book. More details are available at the Play Wales website.
Blood donors needed at field hospital
The Welsh Blood Service will be visiting Bridgend Field Hospital, which has been established on Bridgend Industrial Estate, on 7, 10, 11, 19, 20 and 21 August. They are appealing for people who are fit and well to donate blood – you can book an appointment by visiting their website.
Watch out for rogue traders
The council is reminding local residents to always check that they are using a licensed waste carrier before paying for any services. If a business is not properly licensed, your waste could end up being fly-tipped and lead to potential prosecution. You can find out more at the Natural Resources Wales website.
Keep up to date with govDelivery service
Residents can receive tailored council news and information thanks to govDelivery, a safe, secure information platform where you can select updates on the subjects and news which interest you most. The free platform is proving to be especially useful during the ongoing pandemic, and you can join up, change your selections or sign out at any time – find out more about how it could help you.
Help for carers
Anyone who acts as a carer for a relative, neighbour or friend can access help and support during the coronavirus pandemic. The Carers Wellbeing Service is operating a 24/7 helpline advising people where they can access community resources, while the council’s website offers information and links on support and keeping yourself safe. For more information, visit the council’s carers page or the Carers Trust South East Wales website. You can also call the Bridgend Carers Wellbeing Service 24/7 helpline on 01656 336969.