Temporary restrictions at Royal Glamorgan Hospital
Significant temporary service restrictions have been put in place at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant, as increased action is taken to contain a Covid-19 outbreak within the hospital. Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board has published a list of Frequently Asked Questions on the service restrictions. It includes information on the suspension of elective surgery, the diversion of emergency admissions and 999 patients to other hospitals. There will be no change to the self-contained paediatric wards at Royal Glamorgan Hospital, which will remain open.
£140m to support Welsh businesses
The Welsh Government is making an additional £140m available to businesses to help them deal with the economic challenges of coronavirus and the UK’s impending exit from the EU. The funding from the third phase of the Welsh Government’s Economic Resilience Fund (ERF) will see wider support being provided to secure jobs and help businesses develop, as well as additional help for firms affected by local lockdowns. More than £80m will support businesses across Wales with projects to help them transition into a post-pandemic economy. Of the funding, £20 million will be ring-fenced to support tourism and hospitality businesses facing particular challenges as they enter the winter months. An additional £60m will be allocated to support businesses impacted by local lockdown restrictions. Micro businesses employing up to nine people will be able to apply for up to £10,000, and small-to-medium sized enterprises employing between 10 and 249 people will be able to apply for up to £150,000. Large businesses employing more than 250 people will be able to apply for up to £200,000. These will be on the condition that they also match this with their own investment. Welsh Government is preparing an online eligibility checker – visit the Welsh Government website for more details.
Blue Badge online renewal
Did you know you can apply online for a Blue Badge? The applicant can be either a driver or passenger, and a parking permit makes it easier for people with walking difficulties, cognitive impairment or other mobility problems to park closer to their destination. In Wales, there is currently no charge for an individual application, although a charge of £10 is made for replacement or organisational badges.
Changes confirmed for Cabinet
New changes to the Cabinet of Bridgend County Borough Council have been confirmed at the Annual Meeting of Council. Cllr Phil White has stepped down from the position of Cabinet Member for Social Services and Early Help, and will be succeeded by Cllr Nicole Burnett. At the same meeting, Cllr Ken Watts was appointed as the Mayor of Bridgend County Borough for the year ahead, Cllr John Spanswick as Deputy Mayor, and Megan Stone as Youth Mayor. The Annual Meeting of Council was held on Wednesday 30 September and minutes will be uploaded to www.bridgend.gov.uk
Work starts on 120 crossing points
To help encourage more people to walk and cycle, 122 new crossing points are being created around the county borough. The scheme forms part of £620,000 active travel funding provided by Welsh Government to improve safety conditions on walking and cycle paths during the Covid-19 crisis. As well as the 122 new uncontrolled crossing points, around 30 more are being improved. The tactile crossings enable a more defined space for pedestrians and cyclists to cross roads and will be set up in areas such as Cefn Glas, Wildmill, Porthcawl, Pencoed, Maesteg, Aberkenfig, Caerau, Litchard, Coity, Bryntirion, North Cornelly, Laleston, Newcastle, Brackla, Waterton, Bryncethin, Bridgend town centre and Pyle. The active travel funding is also being used to enable part of the road space between Coychurch Roundabout and Bridgend town centre to become a temporary active travel route, while the route along the Kingsway is already in use with work planned for Cowbridge Road.
Mobile testing centre now available
Following the recent announcement of Covid-19 restrictions in Bridgend County Borough, a walk-in mobile testing centre is available for public use at the Bowls Hall car park of Bridgend Life Centre. Open seven days a week between 9am-5pm, the mobile facility is available to anyone who is displaying coronavirus symptoms of a high temperature, a new, persistent cough, or a loss or change in their sense of taste or smell. As the facility is likely to be very busy, it is important that only people who are exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus attend to have a test. Health personnel will be on hand to ensure that social distancing and other precautions are in place, and parking is available at the site. Please remember to wear a mask or appropriate face covering – find out more by reading frequently asked questions at the council website.
Info on new restrictions
For detailed answers to frequently asked questions about the latest coronavirus restrictions and a map of the county borough, please visit the Welsh Government website.
Recycling centres move to winter hours
From Thursday 1 October, community recycling centres at Tythegston, Maesteg and Brynmenyn will be available 9am-4pm seven days a week as winter operating hours begin. As well as non-recyclable materials, you can recycle bikes, books, scrap metal, cardboard, electrical items, fridges and freezers, textiles, wood and more. Please remember to pre-sort all materials before visiting one of the centres – for more details, visit the council website.
Alcohol sales clarified
Welsh Government has provided further clarification around temporary restrictions on the same of alcohol. Off-licenses, including supermarkets, and pubs, cafes, restaurants and casinos cannot sell alcohol after 10pm. If licensed to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises, they must also close by 10.20pm, and offer table service only. This also applies to businesses which offer deliveries of alcohol through e.g. a home delivery app. To find out more, visit the Welsh Government website at Gov.Wales.
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.
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.