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Hello Subscriber,
The Bridgend Indoor Market at the Rhiw Shopping Centre in Bridgend town centre has been closed with immediate effect.
The closure has been deemed necessary in the interests of public safety after a specialist inspection confirmed that there may be a potential issue involving the use of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) within the structure’s roof.
As a result, we have taken swift action to close the indoor market to allow further in-depth assessments and surveys to be carried out, and for next steps to be agreed.
Traders have been informed, and the council will keep them fully up to date on the situation as it develops. The closure of the market hall does not affect the adjacent Rhiw Shopping Centre, which remains open as normal.
We recognise the inconvenience and potential hardship this will cause to traders and the impact the loss of the market will have as a popular and busy place where people shop, meet and socialise.
Bridgend Indoor Market remains at the heart of the town centre, and every effort is being made to ensure that this closure causes as little inconvenience as possible. Further updates will follow.
Please visit our website for information on the closure of the market.
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 Preparations underway for Porthcawl’s Elvis Festival
With the Elvis Festival due to begin this week, please take note of any road access changes.
An all-day road closure will be in place along the esplanade between Porthcawl Marina and the Seabank Hotel on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September.
Temporary diversions will be in place and drivers are asked to pay close attention to signage when driving in and around the town over the festival weekend.
One-way systems will also be in place at Victoria Avenue, Doddridge Way, Park Avenue and Dock Street, in order to minimise congestion on the diversion routes.
Please visit our website to find out more about the measures that we’re putting in place to keep everyone safe.
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 Miss school, miss out!
A new, short film has been released by the council this week, to launch its school attendance campaign.
Working with primary and secondary schools across the county borough, the film focuses on the benefits of schools beyond learning, and features pupils discussing the reasons why regular school attendance is vital in terms of their mental health and wellbeing, and overall development.
Using the key messages ‘Attend to Achieve’ and ‘Miss School, Miss Out’, the film encourages pupils, parents, and carers to consider the negative impact that missing school regularly can have on their future grades, education, and job opportunities, and highlights the resources available from schools and the local authority to families who may be struggling to attend.
If your child is struggling to attend school on a regular basis, help and support is available.
Please speak to a member of staff at your school or visit our website for further information and guidance.
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Group leaders unite to tackle abuse of councillors
The leaders of all political groups at Bridgend County Borough Council have joined forces to make a stand against abuse, threats, and intimidation towards elected members.
The joint message below has been endorsed by Cllr Huw David, Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council and the Labour group, Cllr Amanda Williams, Leader of Bridgend County Independents and Cllr Ross Penhale-Thomas, Leader of the Democratic Alliance group.
The statement reads:
“Regardless of what our varied political views may be, all councillors have the right to feel safe while representing the communities that we are elected to serve.
“We always try our best to do what’s right for the local community but there is a fine line between healthy democratic debate and abuse and intimidation.
“Unfortunately, a small minority of people appear to believe that they are entitled to abuse and intimidate councillors, this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated, and South Wales Police will be informed immediately.
“We all have the right to feel safe when holding public surgeries and communicating with residents both in person and online and those responsible should understand that their actions will have negative consequences not just for councillors but for local communities who require our support.
“The support of Democratic Services staff is much appreciated, and they are always available to advise any members who unfortunately experience abuse.
“It is worth reiterating that the vast majority of residents are a pleasure to deal with, but we are determined to put an end to the unacceptable actions of a minority.”
Please visit our website to read more about this joint statement on abuse aimed at councillors.
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 Cwm Taf Morgannwg PSB Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee vacancy!!
We’re looking for a committed and enthusiastic resident of Bridgend County Borough to join the committee as a publicly appointed Independent Co-opted Member until May 2027.
The committee will scrutinise the new PSB up to four times a year and with particular focus as a statutory consultee for the Well-being Assessment, Well-being Plan and the Annual Wellbeing Report.
There is no salary for the role, however reasonable expenses can be covered.
Please visit our website for information about how to register an interest.
Deadline: 13 October 2023
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 Budget pressures force council to withdraw its financial support from Hybont project
We have confirmed that the authority intends to ‘reluctantly withdraw’ its financial support for the Hybont green fuel project in the face of a predicted multi-million pound deficit for 2024-25 and significant new budget pressures.
Senior politicians at the council have stressed that the decision is ‘purely financial’ and that while the authority still recognises the importance of developing new, cheaper, cleaner sources of fuel and energy, they are being increasingly forced to choose between supporting such projects, and protecting essential services.
Please visit our website for information on the Hybont decision.
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 Become a Litter Picking Champion!
Lots of volunteers in Bridgend County Borough have been helping to keep their communities tidy and litter free.
Keep Wales Tidy are encouraging people to keep up the good work, providing a range of equipment and support to volunteers, including health and safety guidance.
Litter picking gadgets, hi-vis vests, bin bags and hoops can all be borrowed from litter picking hubs across the county borough where volunteers are also able to record exactly where and when a litter pick took place and how many bags of rubbish were collected online, helping to give an overall picture of the work going on.
For more information on how to become a litter champion, please visit the Keep Wales Tidy website.
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Virtual Learning courses available!
Our Adult Community Learning team have a variety of Virtual Learning courses available.
This range of e-learning courses allows you to access and study at your own pace, anywhere.
Current courses include:
• Understanding Diabetes
• Hospitality Customer Service Skills
• Warehouse and Logistics – an introduction
• Small Acts of Confidence
• Raising Resiliency
• Mindful Self-Compassion
• Dealing With and Accepting Failure
• The New Manager – Choosing Your Management Style
To view a full list of courses and to register, please visit our website.
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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:
- 26 September- Princess of Wales Hospital (CF31 1RQ)
- 27 September- Bridgend Masonic Hall (CF31 2AP)
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:
- Assistant Cook - Bridgend Resource Centre
- Administrative Officer - Tynyrheol Primary School
- Team Leader- Building Control
- Educational Psychologist
- Senior Children’s Residential Workers Hillsboro House
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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