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Hello Subscriber,
We would like to praise the front-line emergency services for their fast response to an incident which saw a light aircraft crash in shallow waters just off Town Beach in Porthcawl.
Witnesses to the incident have described how they saw the plane ‘swoop into the water’ and overturn while the tide was still incoming at around 9.20am on Tuesday.
The pilot, who was travelling alone, was supported by crews from RLNI lifeboats which launched from both Porthcawl and Port Talbot as South Wales Police, the Welsh Ambulance Service and South Wales Fire And Rescue also all arrived at the scene.
Council Leader Huw David said: “I’d like to recognise and thank our frontline emergency services for their swift response to this morning’s incident in which a light aircraft crashed in shallow waters off the coast of Porthcawl.
“Thankfully, the pilot was safely recovered from the wreckage and is now receiving care and support.
“The scene of the crash has been secured to prevent it from becoming a danger to navigation, and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch is currently investigating the cause of the incident.
“While accidents such as this are thankfully rare, our emergency front-line services can always be relied upon to act quickly, and to provide effective help and support.”
Please visit our website for further details about the fantastic work of RNLI and the emergency services.
Image: RNLI
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 Bridgend to honour its Armed Forces community in town centre parade
Residents across Bridgend County Borough are invited to attend a celebratory event in support of the Armed Forces community, on Armed Forces Day, Saturday 24 June.
The event will take place on Wyndham Street and Dunraven Place in Bridgend town centre and will feature a parade in honour of the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, from currently serving troops and service families to cadets and veterans.
The South Wales Police Band will lead the parade from Carnegie House at 11am and the event will close with a Drumhead Service at 1.45pm. Military vehicles, musical entertainment, activities, and stalls representing Armed Forces organisations and charities will also be taking part in the event, which is being organised by Bridgend Town Council.
Armed Forces Champion Cllr Martyn Jones said: “We are proud to reinforce our commitment to supporting our existing servicemen and women and their families, reservists and veterans across Bridgend County Borough who have all made a significant contribution to our communities.
“Over the last ten years we have proactively developed relationships with the Armed Forces community and other local organisations, providing support with education, health and wellbeing, housing, financial assistance, careers and discounted services, and we will continue to help make it easier to access help and support in the local community.”
Please visit our website for more information about the plans for Armed Forces Day.
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 Reminder: Free Wi-Fi available in town centres
We would like to remind residents that free Wi-Fi is available in town centres across Bridgend County Borough with the aim of increasing connectivity among residents, businesses and visitors.
Since the service was introduced seven months ago, the Wi-Fi has received nearly 60,000 visitors.
We would like to reiterate that the free service is available in the four town centres of Bridgend, Porthcawl, Maesteg and Pencoed.
In order to connect, individuals will need to search their Wi-Fi network settings for “BCBC free Wi-Fi” and will then need to enter their email address to begin.
The homepage will be presented in Welsh and there will be a toggle at the top right of the screen for those residents who want to switch to English if needed.
Please visit our website for information about the free Wi-Fi service.
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 Awards pay tribute to dedication of local authority foster carers
During Foster Care Fortnight, our fostering team held their inaugural ‘Fostering Recognition Awards’ ceremony at The Atlantic Hotel in Porthcawl.
Local authority foster carers were joined by the fostering team and senior officers from the council to celebrate the hard work and commitment of the county borough’s amazing foster caring community.
During the event, foster carers and connected persons carers were presented with long-service certificates, recognising how many years Bridgend’s local authority fostering cohort have been providing quality care for children across the county borough.
Attendees were treated to a celebratory meal, and the entertainment was provided by singer Gareth Taylor and Maesteg Male Voice Choir, whilst Toby the Foster Bear mascot arrived for photo opportunities.
Council Leader Huw David, and Deputy Leader, and Cabinet Member for Social Services and Health, Councillor Jane Gebbie attended the awards to present to some very deserved winners, who were recognised for their commitment to fostering.
Councillor Jane Gebbie, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Social Services praised the foster carers, by saying: “We are extremely grateful to you all for offering a happy and stable environment for our care experienced children and young people. Thanks to your ongoing dedication and nurturing, you provide the best experience for the children you foster, with the opportunity to maintain links with their local networks, family, friends, and communities.
If you’ve been inspired by the dedication of our award-winning foster carers, and are wondering whether fostering could be for you, please visit the Foster Wales Bridgend website.
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 Reminder of new interactive roadworks map
We have recently launched a new roadworks webpage to ensure residents are kept up to date with the very latest works on our roads.
Residents are able to view any works throughout the county borough as a whole as well as having the ability to focus on certain specific areas.
The page contains an interactive One Network map which allows users to select specific periods of time, so they have plenty of notice to plan their journeys around any works.
Please visit our website to view the new roadworks webpage.
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 Join our Citizen’s Panel!
People of all ages, races and genders are invited to join our Citizen’s Panel and the we are particularly interested in hearing from younger people aged 16 to 30 years old.
The Citizens’ Panel is made up of a group of people who live in Bridgend County Borough and are regularly consulted on services run by the council.
Some recent consultations include Public Spaces Protection Orders, annual council budget consultation, Net Zero Carbon consultation, town centre masterplan and more.
Members of the panel can receive up to three surveys per year on a range of topics, services, and issues, as well as receiving regular newsletters to keep them updated.
By becoming a member of the panel, you will have the opportunity to share your thoughts on matters surrounding Bridgend County Borough and help to make a difference in our community.
Find out more and join our Citizen’s Panel on our website.
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 School Essentials Grant available for eligible families
Parents of children who are eligible for free school meals are reminded that they could be entitled to further help for school essentials.
The Welsh Government grant is designed to help with the costs of school essentials like uniforms and equipment, to make sure your child is ready for the school day.
Parents/carers could be entitled to support for:
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School uniform: including sports kit and footwear
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School activities: this could include learning a musical instrument, sports equipment and other items needed for after school clubs
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Classroom essentials: this could include pens, pencils and school bags
Please visit Welsh Government’s website for more information.
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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:
Tesco Extra Bridgend on:
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:
- Project Officer - Transformation and Customer Services
- Learning Support Officer - Litchard Primary School
- Principal Regeneration Officer
- Social Care Worker and Night Care Worker
- Team Leader- Building Control
Find out more about current vacancies and apply online today.
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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