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Hello Subscriber,
Pencoed Library has undergone a major transformation in the largest investment the building has seen since it opened 50 years ago.
The library was closed for a short period to undergo refurbishment works to transform it into a more inviting and modern space for local people to enjoy.
Funded by the Welsh Government’s Transformation Capital Grant Programme, the makeover included updated furniture with extra mobility to allow for a multi-purpose space to hold various events and activities; new work pods for those who need quiet areas to concentrate on their school or studies; and a new community meeting room on the ground floor for local groups and support services to hire.
Awen Cultural Trust, which manages library services on behalf of Bridgend County Borough Council, provided match funding to install solar panels on the south-facing roof, contributing to creating a more sustainable building.
Council Leader Huw David said: “This substantial investment has created a bright, modern, and versatile space for all members of the community to enjoy, with the additional benefits of solar panels to generate clean, green electricity and a large first floor area dedicated to activities and events aimed at children and young people.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved in this redevelopment, especially Welsh Government, our colleagues at Awen and Pencoed Town Council – who kindly provided a temporary home at Salem Chapel to allow our much-needed library service to continue during the refurbishment period.”
For more information on the refurbishment, please visit our website.
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 Siderise open new £1million innovation centre to put Maesteg on the world stage
Siderise Insulation have opened a new £1million innovation centre at their Maesteg site which reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to the county borough as well as creating more employment opportunities for local residents.
The business first moved to Maesteg in 1991 and the new centre was recently opened by First Minister Mark Drakeford.
Siderise have a global presence in the design, manufacture and supply of fire protection solutions which help to deliver safer buildings all over the world.
Their purpose-built facilities feature a specialist fire test furnace, which will help to put Bridgend County Borough on the world stage as a hub of safety innovation.
Chris Mort, Research and Development Director at Siderise commented: “Opening the doors of our Innovation Centre marks a huge step forward for Siderise, raising our global profile as a diligent and dedicated manufacturer of crucial life safety products.
“Our core guiding principle is ‘integrity in all we do’— this means that the products we create and the services we provide are underpinned by clear research and proven results.
“It is also our hope to eventually offer out its use to the wider industry to support high fire safety standards across the sector and we are seeking the appropriate accreditations to enable us to do this.”
Please visit our website for more information about this important investment.
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 Details confirmed for Easter waste and recycling collections
We confirm that waste and recycling collections will go ahead as normal on Good Friday (Friday 07 April).
There will be no collections on Easter Monday (Monday 10 April) and all waste and recycling will be collected one day later than usual until Saturday 15 April.
Residents are reminded that Easter egg packaging, cardboard boxes, plastic holders and foil wrapping can all be recycled. Leftovers and any food waste can be placed in your brown food caddy.
Find out more about waste and recycling on our website.
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Have your say: Open space consultation for Porthcawl Waterfront
The open space consultation for Porthcawl Waterfront is an opportunity for businesses and residents to express their views on proposals for the space.
Although drop-in sessions for the consultation have now taken place, electronic copies of the exhibition boards are still available to view and ideas are welcomed until 6pm Friday 7 April, when the consultation ends.
We are committed to listening and responding to residents’ views and want to give opportunities for local people to contribute to decision making.
Comments can be submitted via email to porthcawlplacemaking@bridgend.gov.uk, through the council’s suggestion box or sent to Civic Offices, Angel Street, Bridgend, CF31 4WB and marked for the attention of BCBC Regeneration.
To have your say on the regeneration plans please visit our website.
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School pupil’s winning poster to spearhead anti-littering campaign
A pupil from Plasnewydd Primary School will see his poster design turned into signs on bins and lamp posts throughout Maesteg as part of a new anti-littering campaign.
Harri Evans created the winning poster as part of the ‘Maesteg, Love It, Don’t Trash It’ campaign, a project that has taken place among eight schools in the local area.
The nine-year-old’s poster features the Grade II listed Maesteg Town Hall and the Llynfi River with a clear message not to discard litter but to place it in one of the town’s bins. Thirteen new ‘dual recycling’ bins have been placed in the town as part of a trial to increase recycling.
During the 10-week project, children took part in interactive workshops delivered by ADA Recycling in addition to litter picks and science-based workshops facilitated by NatureQuest.
Tony Davies from ADA Recycling said: “The Love It, Don’t Trash It campaign has been tremendously successful in the county borough with it going a long way to helping meet the recycling targets.
“It’s very well received by the schools which are excited to take part, there’s always a very good response throughout the county.”
The schools involved in the latest project were Caerau, Cwmfelin, Garth, Llangynwyd, Nantyffyllon, Plasnewydd, St Mary’s & St Patrick’s and Ysgol Cynwyd Sant.
The campaign is a joint project run by Bridgend County Borough Council with funding by Keep Wales Tidy from the Caru Cymru Grant with contributions from Maesteg Town Council and Llangynwyd Middle Community Council.
Please visit our website for more information on the campaign.
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Bailey Bridge re-opens following refurbishment works
We are pleased to confirm that Bailey Bridge in Newbridge Fields has now re-opened following essential works.
The decking on the bridge has been replaced and we would like to thank residents and visitors for their patience during the closure period.
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Uplifting graffiti project inspires the community!
Recent art work colours the subways at Brackla and Merthyr Mawr Road, in a bid to inspire and uplift the local community.
Part of the Cohesion Positive Messages Campaign, the aim of the project is to replace hateful and divisive aerosol art with uplifting, welcoming and positive expressions that reflect the true warmth of the community.
‘Hope’ is the theme that has been chosen by Bridgend Writers’ Circle for the subway at Merthyr Mawr Road. Artists from Another Day Another Spray and THEW Creative have used their artistic talents to create incredible imagery at the site, as well as at the Brackla subway.
Cllr Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “What a sight to behold! The images have a direct impact on residents, transforming the potentially barren environment into one which is vibrant, energising and inviting!
“This is such an inspirational and valuable project, which is the result of the close collaboration of the Western Bay Community Cohesion Team and Bridgend Community Safety Partnership Team.
“Anti-graffiti paint will be coated onto all of the street art projects, ensuring that our strong, positive community ethos will not be stamped out.
“Well done to all those involved – you should be very proud of what you have collectively accomplished!”
For more information on the art works please visit our website.
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Healthy hedgehogs are set to be released at local nature reserves
We are working in partnership with Glamorgan Hedgehog Rescue to identify suitable local nature reserves where hedgehogs can be released safely.
The nature reserves are being assessed according to the quality, variety, size and safety of the habitats that they offer.
Before any hedgehogs are released at any of the given sites, they will be deemed as free of disease, fit and healthy. They will also have been originally rescued from the area surrounding the reserve.
Visit our website for further information on the Cwm Taf Nature Network. To find out more about protecting hedgehogs, visit Glamorgan Hedgehog Rescue.
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 Give blood and save lives!
The need for blood has never been more important. Can you help? Welsh Blood Service need more people from the Bridgend area to sign up as donors to help patients across Wales.
Appointments are available at:
- Heronston Hotel- 6 and 12 April 2023
- Trinity Church (Porthcawl)- 21 April 2023
Please be advised that if you have recently had a Covid-19 vaccination, then you must wait two days before making a blood donation.
Book your appointment to help save lives today.
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 We are recruiting!
We have several exciting job opportunities available and are currently recruiting for the following positions:
- E-Learning Tutor - Adult Community Learning
- General Kitchen Assistant (positions available at several schools)
- Coaching Assistant - Prevention and Wellbeing
- Fostering Support Officer – Social Services and Wellbeing
- Highway & Land Drainage Engineer - Flood & Coastal Management
- Business and Workforce Information Officer
Sign up to our new weekly jobs bulletin to be the first to know about our latest job opportunities.
The bulletin will be sent straight to your inbox, all you need to do is sign up online.
Find out more and sign up online today!
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Emergency support is available
We would also like to remind residents that a range of emergency support continues to be available:
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