News bulletin for councillors

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Huge clean-up operation underway across the county borough following the impact of Storm Darragh

A huge clean-up operation is currently underway across Bridgend County Borough following major damage and disruption caused by Storm Darragh over the weekend.

The council’s highways teams are out clearing debris caused by fallen trees from routes and highways across the county borough, with the focus on clearing main routes initially and then working towards smaller roads and lanes.

Power outages have also taken place at various locations throughout the county borough and residents are advised that they may be entitled to compensation. The amount they can potentially claim depends on whether the cut was planned, how long it lasted, or if it was the network company’s fault. More information is available on the Ofgem website.

Residents can check the most up to date status of their power supply on the National Grid live power supply map online. while anyone who requires priority assistance can call 0800 6783105. 

All community recycling centres which had to temporarily close during the storm are now open as normal.

Councillor Paul Davies, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, said: “I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to all council staff, teams and contractors for their monumental efforts over the weekend to ensure main routes were kept open for those that needed to travel and properties and businesses made safe and secure.

“It has been one of the worst severe weather incidents we have experienced in the county borough in recent years, and we are extremely gratefully to all our council teams for their dedication and tireless efforts to ensure the safety of everyone in our local communities.”

For more information on how the council deals with extreme weather, visit the winter weather pages at www.bridgend.gov.uk.

Ticket offers available for the prestigious AIG Women’s Open golf tournament

Porthcawl will host Wales’ biggest ever women's sporting event when the prestigious AIG Women’s Open golf tournament heads to Royal Porthcawl Golf Club next summer.

Don’t miss out on a range of ticket deals including free tickets for under 16’s, £5 off your transaction when you use a valid Mastercard and savings by buying multi-day tickets.

The event will attract the best golfers from around the world and will take place from 30 July to 3 August 2025. Previously, Porthcawl successfully hosted the Senior Open Championship in 2014, 2017 and 2023.

Visit the AIG Women’s Open website to secure your tickets.

All welcome at Coychurch Crematorium’s Christmas service

Coychurch Crematorium’s annual Christmas service will be taking place next week on Thursday 12 December at 7pm.

Bridgend Male Choir will be on hand to perform some festive favourites and complimentary wine and mince pies will be served at the end of the service.

Considerate Parking in Bridgend County Borough

As the festive season soon approaches, residents are reminded about the importance of considerate parking across Bridgend County Borough .

It has recently been highlighted of the challenges posed by inconsiderate parking, which can lead to ‘lock outs’ for essential services like waste services, ambulances, and fire engines.

With more friends and family visiting during the holidays, please be mindful of where you park to allow smooth waste collections and keep our roads clear for emergency services.

Budget 2025: Quick poll

Ahead of the upcoming full budget consultation, the council is currently running a quick poll to gather views from members of the local community. 

The poll asks:

1️. Protect as many Council services as possible by increasing Council Tax.

2. Reduce service levels to close the budget gap and keep any increase in Council Tax to a minimum.

Visit the council’s website to take part. 

St Robert’s Catholic Primary School praised for thoughtful and inclusive culture

During an Estyn inspection earlier this year, the many strengths of St Robert’s Catholic Primary School were recognised, not least its inclusive culture and ability to nurture a secure sense of belonging amongst its learners.

Commended by Estyn inspectors for creating a vibrant learning community reflecting an understanding of the needs of pupils and the local community, leaders and staff also offer valuable support for pupils’ emotional health and social needs according to the Estyn report.

Staff know pupils and their families well, and the wellbeing of learners is prioritised at the school.  Inspectors noted how the positive relationships forged between staff and pupils enable the learners to flourish; to develop the confidence to engage positively with their learning experiences.

Headteacher, Carmen Beveridge, said: “We are delighted with the outcomes and are so happy that the Estyn team recognised all the excellent work that goes on each day at St Robert’s Catholic Primary School. The report captured the ethos of our school, as a caring, supportive environment for its pupils and their families.

“The inspection report acknowledged how staff work with dedication to create a vibrant learning community and were impressed with the pupils’ behaviour, their care and concern for each other and others in the wider world.

“An enormous thank you goes to the pupils, staff, parents and governors that make St Robert’s a truly special place.”

Closing this Friday: Make Christmas a happier time by donating to the Santa Appeal

The council's social services and wellbeing teams are encouraging people to donate to the Santa Appeal 2024 to bring some joy to vulnerable children and young people this Christmas.

Cash donations are preferred for the purchase of suitable presents for children and young people from birth to 21 years of age.

Donating is easy, you can give online at Awen’s Just Giving page, which is open until Friday 13 December 2024.

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:

• 30 December- Asda Bridgend
• 8 January- Bridgend Designer Outlet

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.

Emergency support is available

We would also like to remind residents that a range of emergency support continues to be available:

• Domestic abuse support – Assia Domestic Abuse Service call 01656 815919 or email assia@bridgend.gov.uk
• Bridgend Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub - report concerns about a child to 01656 642320 or mashcentra@bridgend.gov.uk. Report concerns about adults to 01656 642477 or adultsafeguardingMASH@bridgend.gov.uk
• Mental Health telephone advice and guidance is available as an alternative to the drop-in clinics at ARC in Bridgend County Borough 9.00am – 4.30pm Monday – Friday. Call 01656 763176, email ARCInformationandAdvice@bridgend.gov.uk or visit Assisting Recovery in the Community (ARC) webpage for more information.

Contacting the council

Residents are asked to use the online My Account and use the webchat on our homepage by clicking the Oggie icon, complete an online contact us form or call 01656 643643.