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Hello Subscriber,
The world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, Waverly, is returning to cruise the Bristol Channel this June.
Waverley Excursions will offer a wide variety of cruises from locations across the South Wales coast, including trips from Porthcawl to:
- Ilfracombe
- Lundy Island
- Lynton, Barnstaple and Ilfracombe
- Penarth
- Holm Islands
This year marks the 45th anniversary since Waverley first visited the Bristol Channel and South Wales back in 1979.
To launch her sailings on the Bristol Channel there are several special offers to take advantage of.
Please visit the Waverley website to book your tickets. Tickets can also be booked by phone: 0141 243 2224.
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We are changing the way we process card payments over the phone!
We are dedicated to keeping your payment card information safe, therefore we are changing the way we take payments over the phone.
As of 1 April 2024, if you contact the council to make a payment over the telephone, you will no longer be asked to provide your 16 digit card number and other card information.
Instead, you will be directed to a secure line where you will be prompted to key in your card information using your telephone keypad. This method of payment is to ensure your sensitive card details are kept secure.
We would also like to take this opportunity to remind you of all the other ways you can pay:
- Go online. Navigate to our webpage and select Pay It to make an online payment for services such as council tax.
- Make a payment through your bank via BACS or CHAPS, quoting sort code 201258, account number 13415198 and invoice number or relevant reference.
- Use our automated telephone payment line by calling 01656 642088, and inputting the details using your telephone keypad.
- Contact us on 01656 643643 to set up a Direct Debit so you never miss a payment.
- Head to your local Post Office or retail outlet displaying the PayPoint or PayZone sign and present the barcode found on the top of your invoice to pay over the counter.
- Or you can post cheques and postal orders to our Civic Offices, Angel Street, Bridgend, CF31 4WB. All cheques and postal orders must be made payable to Bridgend County Borough Council. If paying by cheque, please write the invoice number and your address on the reverse side.
Visit our website to explore online payment options.
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New ‘Tap on, Tap off’ First Cymru service set to launch
Starting March 31, First Cymru are introducing Tap On, Tap Off (TOTO) technology across all services in Wales.
Just tap your card and pay the lowest fare based on your journeys.
Even if customers make multiple trips over several days, the system will automatically calculate the cheapest way to travel providing the same payment method is used.
Please visit the First Cymru website for more information to view the latest timetable changes.
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Aberkenfig by-election result
Following the by-election in Aberkenfig, Gary Haines has been elected as the area’s new county borough councillor.
The results were:
- Gary Haines (Welsh Labour)- 291 (E)
- Luke Richards (Independent)- 236
The turn out for the election was 27.0%, while three votes were rejected for being unmarked or wholly void for uncertainty.
Please visit our website to view the official declaration of result record.
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Have your say on Porthcawl‘s future!
We are looking for residents and businesses based in Porthcawl to share their views and ideas on how the town centre can develop, thrive and enjoy a prosperous future.
The views and ideas gathered will be carefully analysed and used to support the development of a Porthcawl Town Centre Placemaking Strategy.
Councillor Rhys Goode, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Regeneration, said: “Placemaking enables organisations, businesses and communities to work closely together to identify the strengths, weaknesses and unique qualities that help to define an area, and to look at how this can all be used to draw up a strategy that will protect and enhance it while delivering future prosperity.
“We want to work alongside local people and businesses to develop a Porthcawl Town Centre Placemaking Strategy that can act as a conceptual layout for growth and development, but to achieve this, we need to hear from as many people as possible.”
The survey is now available to complete on our website.
Deadline: Thursday 4 April.
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Two schools from Bridgend County Borough reach the UK Formula 1 STEM Challenge finals!
Pupils from Afon Y Felin and Ysgol Cynwyd Sant have recently navigated their way through to the UK finals of the Formula 1 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Challenge.
Encouraging the use of cross curricular skills, the Formula One (F1) STEM engineering project is based on building and modifying a model F1 car.
This was the first time for Afon y Felin to enter the competition and the school was praised by organisers for its inclusivity.
Please visit our website to read more about this fantastic achievement.
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Business rates support to continue in Bridgend County Borough
Nearly 900 local businesses will once again be eligible for business rates support after Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet agreed to adopt Welsh Government’s Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Rates Relief Scheme for the next financial year.
Eligible businesses will benefit from a reduction of 40% off their business rates bill. The total amount of relief available is £110,000 across all properties occupied by the same business throughout Wales.
Businesses must be in the retail, leisure, hospitality or tourism sectors. For example shops, markets, pharmacies, restaurants, gyms and hotels all fit the criteria amongst others. Businesses that aren’t eligible include casinos, kennels and catteries, day nurseries and medical and financial services. A detailed eligibility criteria is available on the Welsh Government website.
The scheme is fully funded by Welsh Government and will be available from 1 April 2024 until 31 March 2025.
Applications can be made by visiting the council’s website from 1 April 2024.
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 Have you thought about becoming a local authority governor?
Local authority governors play a key role in local schools across the county borough by making decisions that improve children’s lives and their prospects for the future.
Governors consider, discuss, and make decisions on a range of subjects, including:
- performance of pupils and school
- school inspection reports
- budgets
- recruitment
- disciplinary issues
- general maintenance
If you would like to find out more information about becoming a governor, 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:
- 25 March- Tesco Extra Bridgend (CF31 3SQ)
- 18 April- Tesco Maesteg (CF34 9DS)
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:
- Relief Cleaner - Corporate Cleaning Services
- Forensic Social Worker - Mental Health
- Carpenter
- Principal Strategic Regeneration Officer
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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