Media Centre

Bridgend Business of the Year 2012

The search has started to find outstanding examples of local businesses with the launch of the Bridgend Business of the Year Award 2012.

Enjoy days out on the Beacons Bus

With this year’s seasonal Beacons Bus service set to begin next month, Bridgend County Borough Council is inviting local people to enjoy a day trip to Wales’ world-famous national park.

Praise for PRU pupils’ paint project

Students from the Pupil Referral Unit have given a local walkway a colourful facelift as part of a scheme to raise awareness of the effects of anti-social behaviour in the community.

Election results available online

The results of the recent Bridgend County Borough Council and town and community council elections are available to view online.

New scam jumps on Olympic bandwagon

Bridgend County Borough Council’s Trading Standards team is warning the public to be on their guard against a scam which claims to be promoted by the ‘Olympic Online Lottery’.

Solve your family history

Bridgend County Borough Council’s libraries have made the Ancestry Library Edition service free to all members - a service which normally would cost up to £155.40 a year for a home subscription.

River gets a spring clean at Bryngarw

Members of Bryngarw Country Park’s volunteer scheme have given the River Garw a spring clean.

Turn over a new leaf with your local library

As National Gardening Week is here, Bridgend County Borough libraries are a great source of free information on how to get the most out of your garden.

Maesteg pupils hope for national success

Fifty pupils from Ysgol Cynwyd Sant in Maesteg will be representing Bridgend County Borough at the Urdd National Eisteddfod in Caernarfon this summer.

Titanic display at Maesteg Library

Maesteg Library has hosted a Titanic display to commemorate the centenary of the ship sinking during its maiden voyage.

Tin Shops at Caerau transformed

A joint regeneration project led by Bridgend County Borough Council has transformed the former ‘tin shops’ at Caerau.

Townscape heritage scheme planned

Bridgend County Borough Council is developing proposals for launching a townscape heritage initiative in Porthcawl.

Grand Slam surprise for Junior Games

Fresh from their Grand Slam win, Wales coach Warren Gatland and former scrum-half Rob Howley came along as surprise guests to support the opening of the Bridgend Junior Games 2012.

Joint new service helps keeps you safe

Health and council partners have joined forces to help keep people safer and more independent in their own homes.

Superfast broadband coverage

Network upgrades are providing Bridgend County Borough with some of the highest superfast broadband coverage in Wales.

Suggestions wanted for rights of way

Local residents are being asked to contact the council with suggestions for projects that could be included in the Rights of Way Improvement Plan for 2012-13.

Former Budelpack COSi site is sold

Bridgend County Borough Council has received official notification that the former Budelpack COSi site in Maesteg has been sold to a new owner, the Pontardawe Coal and Metals Company.

Road safety sessions for local children

Almost 1,000 local children aged between five and seven are benefitting from this year’s round of Kerbcraft road safety sessions in Bridgend County Borough.

Plan ahead for building work

Planners from Bridgend County Borough Council are reminding people about the importance of making sure that the relevant permission is in place before carrying out any building work.

Chief executive to leave authority

The Chief Executive of Bridgend County Borough Council, Dr Jo Farrar, has announced that she is leaving the authority after five years to take up a new role.

A new look for Litchard Primary School

The newly refurbished Litchard Primary School received its official opening on Friday on 16 March 2012 – with one of its very first pupils leading the celebrations.

Purchasing partnership makes savings

New figures have revealed that Bridgend County Borough Council has saved more than a quarter of a million pounds thanks to a purchasing agreement with other local authorities.

Refit to help people with dementia

Work is going ahead on developing new and improved services for people with dementia at Glan yr Afon residential care home in Ynysawdre.

Building Excellence awards 2012

The winners of Bridgend County Borough Council’s seventh annual Building Excellence Awards have been revealed.

Street route revealed for Olympic Flame

The London Olympic Games Organising Committee has announced which streets in Bridgend County Borough the iconic flame will pass through on Saturday 26 May 2012.

NHS warning over seed bracelet

An urgent?warning has been issued to people who may have bought a seed bracelet from the Eden Project in Cornwall and other UK retailers.

Praise for the PRU

Bridgend’s Pupil Referral Unit has been praised by inspectors for the way it builds its pupils’ self esteem and self confidence.

Llys Ton opens its doors

A special Saint David’s Day celebration has been held to mark the official opening of the new £5m Llys Ton Extra Care facility in Kenfig Hill.

Coed Parc sold to housing association

Bridgend County Borough Council has sold its former Coed Parc library headquarters at Parc Street to Wales and West Housing Association.

Mayor’s Citizenship Awards 2012

Winners of the Mayor's Citizenship Awards 2012 have been announced during a ceremony held in the council chamber at Civic Offices.

Campaign cracks down on hate crime

Residents have been urged to stand up to hate crime as part of a new campaign.

The elements for success!

Bryntirion Comprehensive’s new science block has proved a winning formula for pupils.

Students try out the Media Machine

Year 12 media students from Brynteg and Bryntirion comprehensive schools spent February half-term undertaking the ‘Media Machine’ project, implemented by BCBC in partnership with Bridgend College.

Caerau landmark is transformed

A credit to the community and the council! That’s the verdict of Councillor Phil White, Cabinet Member for Communities, after inspecting the final stages of a six-month improvement project to transform one of Caerau’s most well-known landmarks.

£45m investment for local schools

Schools in Bridgend County Borough are set to benefit from new capital investment totalling almost £45m following a successful joint funding bid to the Welsh Government.

Plans for health and social care services

The Cabinet of Bridgend County Borough Council has received an update on plans for integrating more health and social care services in the area.

£3.7m for Families First programme

The first phase of a new initiative that aims to improve the lives of young people and their families has been awarded more than £3.7m of Welsh Government funding.

Cabinet considers school performance

Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet has received an update on school performance for academic year 2010-11, as well as progress on the reorganisation of school improvement services across Wales.

New-look Blue Badge to be launched

A new-style ‘Blue Badge’ entitling eligible people to free car parking is set to be launched in Bridgend County Borough on 1 April 2012.

Connecting generations – be safe online

To mark Safer Internet Day, Maesteg Comprehensive School is offering local parents an opportunity to become more familiar with current and emerging online technologies and how to use them safely and responsibly.

EU delegates praise local housing seminar

Delegates from across Europe have thanked Bridgend County Borough Council for a seminar aimed at sharing ideas to improve social housing.

Keep warm this winter

Residents throughout Bridgend County Borough are being reminded to look after vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours this winter.

PayByPhone launches in Bridgend

Drivers can now pay for their parking by phone or text as part of Bridgend County Borough Council’s new PayByPhone parking service.

Extra help might save you a ‘trip to the tip’

Residents visiting the borough’s four household recycling centres will be offered free help and advice in a special pilot project running throughout February and March.

Holocaust Memorial Day

Bridgend County Borough Council has again marked Holocaust Memorial Day with a special event in the council chamber to remember the victims of 20th century genocides.

Christmas trees are recycled for charity

A pilot to encourage households in Bridgend County Borough to recycle their real Christmas trees has raised over £1500 for local charities.

Thumbs up for Fairtrade

Pupils from Nottage Primary School are celebrating after being awarded Fairtrade status.

Warning for online shoppers

Bridgend County Borough Council’s Trading Standards team is warning consumers to beware of bogus websites when shopping online.

Employment Routes funding approved

The Cabinet of Bridgend County Borough Council has agreed to accept Welsh Government funding to put the next phase of the Employment Routes programme in to place.

Positive progress for primary school

BCBC’s Cabinet has acknowledged the improvements made by Archdeacon John Lewis Church in Wales Primary School, following a positive report from a recent Estyn monitoring visit.

New traffic and road safety schemes

The Cabinet of Bridgend County Borough Council has agreed which traffic management and road safety schemes will be carried out in 2012-13.

Exciting new era for local leisure services

An exciting new era for local leisure centres and swimming pools has been signalled after partnership plans were agreed by Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet.

Shared audit service is a first for Wales

Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend County Borough councils have become the first local authorities in Wales to implement a shared internal audit service.

Recycle your Christmas tree for charity

Bridgend County Borough Council is inviting residents to have their Christmas trees recycled in exchange for a small donation to charity.

Keep warm this winter

Useful tips for helping vulnerable members of the community to remain warm this winter.

Royal Welsh return to town centre

Soldiers from the Royal Welsh will reaffirm their Freedom of the County Borough of Bridgend next year in another spectacular parade through Bridgend town centre.

New coroner is appointed

The new coroner for Bridgend and the Glamorgan Valleys has been announced.

Thousands enjoy Victorian festivities

The recent Victorian Christmas-themed weekend at Bryngarw House and Country Park has seen more than a thousand visitors enjoying the festivities.

Staff spend more than a penny on new loo

A council loo has been ‘twinned’ with a public toilet in Cambodia to highlight the need for safer sanitation in the world’s poorest countries.

Students study leading sport stars

Following the Flame project coordinator Phil Cope is delivering educational workshops for local students in preparation for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games.

Time called on antisocial drinking

A successful council-police partnership designed to tackle anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol is being extended to Porthcawl.

Community views to help shape area

A plan to create more opportunities for residents to pass on feedback has been approved by Cabinet members at Bridgend County Borough Council.

Compromise reached for catchment area

The catchment area for the borough’s largest primary school is to change to help ease pressure for pupil places.

Cabinet pledges sensible spending

Cabinet Members at Bridgend County Borough Council have said that all council services will need to continuously review their spending in order to keep within increasingly tight budgets.

‘Bling’ your bike to school

Pupils at Maes Yr Haul Primary in Broadlands, Bridgend have decorated their bicycles with tinsel, baubles and fairy lights to help launch a new initiative with a spot of festive fun.

Boost for learning disability fleet

People with a learning disability in the Pyle and Porthcawl area will benefit from a new adapted vehicle thanks to a £29k donation to Bridgend County Borough Council.

On a roll after loo success

When it comes to the standard of its public conveniences, Bridgend County Borough Council is on a roll after being honoured at the Loo of the Year Awards.

Elves bells!

Bridgend County Borough has beaten off competition from America and topped its own record for staging the world’s largest gathering of elves.

Councils warms up its winter plans

Bridgend County Borough Council has plans in place for dealing with severe weather this winter.

New home for Bridgend Care and Repair

Bridgend County Care and Repair is celebrating a new home and additional funding which will mean it can expand its growing and much loved service.

New scheme for safer pubs and clubs

An innovative ‘traffic light’ scheme aimed at promoting a safe approach to alcohol in the county borough’s pubs and clubs has been launched.

£45m investment for local schools

Schools in Bridgend County Borough are set to benefit from new capital investment totalling almost £45m following a successful council bid to the Welsh Government for joint funding.

‘Crash’ course for Welsh ‘A’ level students

More than 100 ‘A’ Level Welsh students from comprehensive schools throughout Bridgend County Borough have benefitted from a unique play that is touring Wales.

Llys Ton ready to welcome first tenants

Bridgend County Borough’s first Extra Care facility is preparing to welcome its first tenants.

Praise for new landmark school

Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School, Bridgend County Borough’s latest landmark school, has been officially opened.

Enjoy a Victorian Christmas at Bryngarw

During the Victorian Christmas event at Bryngarw House and Country Park, storytellers will re-enact how a Victorian Christmas would have played out in the house during this time and how they would have prepared for a festive season.

Funding bid to help Kiera’s cause

A bid for funding to help improve pedestrian safety around Bridgend College has been submitted by Bridgend County Borough Council. If successful it will release £100k to spend on a red light camera, an additional pedestrian crossing and a proposed footpath widening scheme.

Double success for consumer champs

Pupils from St Clare’s School have been named Bridgend County Borough’s Young Consumers of the Year for the second year in a row.

Christmas in Harmony concert

Bridgend County Borough Youth Music is marking the end of another successful year by performing a Christmas in Harmony concert at Bridgend Recreation Centre on Sunday 4 December at 4pm.

Victorian entertainers at Bryngarw

Francis and Phineas, Victorian characters from the Pick ‘n’ Mix Circus, will be joining in the festive celebrations at Bryngarw House and Country Park’s Victorian Christmas themed event.

Mayor’s Citizenship Awards 2011/12

Each year Bridgend County Borough Council honours the county borough’s most outstanding citizens in the annual Mayor's Citizenship Awards. Once again, we are asking residents to nominate the most deserving members of their community.

Olympic chief praises 2012 spirit

The Chief Executive of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games has visited Bridgend County Borough to see how the area is embracing the build-up to next summer’s iconic sporting event.

Positive performance for Social Services

An annual review of Bridgend County Borough Council’s social services has found many positive improvements in the way adults and children in need are supported.

Green light for waste strategy

An ambitious 14 year plan which builds on Bridgend County Borough Council’s award-winning recycling record has been approved by Cabinet Members.

Council bites into Green Apple awards

Bridgend County Borough Council’s award-winning recycling service has picked up another prestigious prize.

Healthy Living Partnership proposals

The Cabinet of Bridgend County Borough Council has agreed proposals for the management of the Healthy Living Partnership contract and the future role of the council’s Sport and Physical Activity service.

Extra time called for football club

Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet has agreed a request from Bridgend Town AFC to extend an agreement relating to the funding of its new facilities for a period of twelve months.

Work starts on ‘world class’ school

First Minister Carwyn Jones has attended a ground breaking ceremony to mark start of work on the new flagship community college in Bridgend County Borough.

Cash voucher scam warning to residents

Bridgend County Borough Council’s Trading Standards Service is warning residents of a new scam involving cash vouchers.

Putting families first

A five year programme aimed at helping disadvantaged local children, young people and families, particularly those in or at risk of poverty, will be launched by Bridgend’s Children and Young People’s Partnership, next year.

Clean bill of health for new guidelines

New guidelines governing how medication is given to adults and older people receiving BCBC care services have been approved.

Flying Start expands in Cornelly and Pyle

The highly successful ‘Flying Start’ Programme is being extended to include children and their families in additional streets of North Cornelly and Pyle.

More Quest success at the Rec

Bridgend Recreation Centre recently undertook a rigorous assessment by external benchmarking and quality assessors Quest.

Fresh new look for industrial estate

Spelter Industrial Estate in Maesteg is the latest success story in Bridgend County Borough Council’s industrial estate improvement programme.

Septic tank owners urged to sign up

The Environment Agency is preparing to ask householders to register their septic tanks.?

A Victorian Christmas at Bryngarw

With winter fast approaching, Bryngarw House and Country Park in Brynmenyn, Bridgend is celebrating the beginning of the festive season with a Victorian Christmas themed weekend.

Alternative development sites revealed

A register of alternative sites that local people and organisations think should be included in the council’s Local Development Plan has been compiled.

Tell us what you think

A number of important new reports and public consultations have been produced for the benefit of local residents in Bridgend County Borough.

‘Recycle For Victory’ with new handbook

A new handbook has been launched with the aim of helping residents recycle even more of their waste.

State of the art new support centre opens

A £5million centre designed to support adults with profound learning and physical disabilities has been officially opened by First Minister Carwyn Jones.

Information point moves into library

Porthcawl’s council information point has been relocated inside Porthcawl Library to make it more convenient for local people to use.

Following the Flame

A special exhibition to celebrate Wales’s contribution to the Olympic and Paralympic games has opened at Bridgend Recreation Centre.

Festive fun and free car parking

The council’s mobile library service is moving further into Caerau, Blaengarw and Nantymoel.

Award for police partnership

Bridgend County Borough Council has received a prestigious award for its close partnership working with South Wales Police to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Visitors flock to Feastival

Thousands of visitors got a taste of local and Welsh produce and a flavour of Bridgend itself when they visited the town’s alternative food festival.

Businesses develop a taste for Bridgend

Bridgend’s alternative food festival gave businesses from across the UK a taste of what Bridgend town centre could offer if they decided to relocate or expand into the area.

‘Tell Us Once’ to help local people

A major new service has launched in Bridgend County Borough to make it easier for residents to report changes in their circumstances following a birth or bereavement.

Behind the scenes at the council

Potential candidates and people interested in becoming councillors have taken part in free information sessions at Bridgend County Borough Council.

Living at home for longer

The Cabinet of Bridgend County Borough Council has today agreed to enter into a partnership to improve and develop the way in which its Integrated Community Equipment Service is run.

Opportunities for older people

Socially isolated older people in Bridgend County Borough are set to benefit after proposals to alter the catchment areas for local day care services were approved by Cabinet.

Positive performance for social care

Social care services are improving and people in need are better supported - that’s the message from Bridgend County Borough Council’s Director of Social Services in her annual report.

Go-ahead for town centre conservation

A plan setting out the council’s proposals for protecting and enhancing the historic core of Bridgend town centre has been approved.

Contractor for ‘world class’ new school

The contractor to build the new multi-million pound Gateway to the Valleys secondary school and community campus at Tondu has been formally approved.

Llynfi BMX track opens

Wales’ first BMX track which has been built to national standards has opened in Caerau.

Excellence award for Bryngarw House

Bryngarw House and Country Park has once again been recognised as one of the country’s finest green spaces with a prestigious Green Flag award for Excellence.

Look out for advertising scam

Trading Standard officers are urging local businesses to be alert for scammers who have already tried to target the local council.

Improvements needed for online trading

Local online retailers are being urged to improve the way they sell their goods to internet shoppers.

Carer of the Year

A Bridgend County Borough Council carer has been awarded ‘Carer of the Year’ at Bridge FM’s annual Local Hero Awards.

Learning about nature at Family Fun Days

More than 100 children have taken part in fun-filled activities over the summer school holidays that have been designed to keep them entertained while educating them about nature.

Flexible funding for social enterprises

A new flexible grant scheme which supports social enterprise projects is set to be launched in Bridgend County Borough.

Work begins at Merthyr Mawr Road North

Work has started on Merthyr Mawr Road North as part of a £9m regeneration boost to improve key locations throughout Bridgend town centre.

£500,000 boost for new family project

A Bridgend Local Service Board (LSB) project aimed at improving outcomes for local families and reducing longer term costs to public services is being boosted by £500,000 of Welsh Government and European Social Funding (ESF).

Locks Common’s new cycle and footpath

A £216,000 new combined cycleway and footpath has been officially opened at Locks Common in Porthcawl.

New guide to civil ceremonies

Bridgend County Borough Council has produced new information that will help anyone who is interested in organising a civil ceremony in the county borough.

Council to keep Bryngarw House

The Cabinet of Bridgend County Borough Council has agreed to continue to run Bryngarw House as an in-house service.

New subsidy criteria for bus routes

New guidelines for deciding how the council provides subsidised support for bus routes in future have been approved.

Helping people live independently

A new model of care aimed at supporting older people to live as independently as possible has been approved by Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet.

Children catch the Zumba craze

Local children are being given the chance to try Zumba , the high energy dance, Latin-based exercise class.

Hi-ho silver!

Just six months after securing the bronze level of the Welsh Government’s Corporate Health Standard, Bridgend County Borough Council has clinched the silver award.

JPs mark 650th anniversary

Local magistrates, councillors, police and council officers have gathered to mark the 650th anniversary of the office of the Justice of the Peace.

Don’t get duped on your doorstep

Residents are being warned to be on their guard against rogue traders knocking at their door offering ‘home improvement’ work this summer.

Consumers still unsure of legal rights

A survey by the council’s Trading Standards department has revealed that many consumers are still unsure of their legal rights.

New centres are set for success

Two new centres designed to support adults with a learning disability have opened their doors.

Improving council services

Bridgend County Borough Council has published details of how it intends to improve services over the next two years.

Southern Cross care homes

Information about recent announcements by Southern Cross.

Park ‘n’ ride at Sarn and Pencoed

New, extended park and ride facilities are now fully up and running at two local railway stations.

New look for Oldcastle

Oldcastle Primary’s new £2m extension and classrooms have been officially opened by First Minister and Bridgend AM Carwyn Jones.

Cefn Glas Infant School invests in success

Cefn Glas Infants School has become the first school in Bridgend County Borough to achieve the Investors in People bronze standard flag.

Sporting superstars visit Heronsbridge

Heronsbridge pupils got the chance to train with some real-life sporting superstars when Olympic athletes Jamie Baulch and Matt Elias paid them a visit.

Helping the homeless

A new temporary supported housing unit has opened in Bridgend as part of BCBC’s drive to reduce the number of homeless people placed in bed and breakfast accommodation.

New primary planned for Mynydd Cynffig

A new amalgamated primary school will be developed on the site of Mynydd Cynffig Junior School once funding becomes available.

Contractor for ‘world class’ new school

The contractor to build the new multi-million pound Gateway to the Valleys secondary school and community campus at Tondu has been announced.

BCBC walkers rack up the miles

A challenge designed to encourage council employees to get more active has seen participants walk the equivalent of four times around the globe.

Cabinet to apply for parking powers

The Cabinet of Bridgend County Borough Council has agreed to introduce new measures for tackling illegal car parking throughout the area.

Services for children and young people

The Cabinet of Bridgend County Borough Council has agreed plans to improve the way in which services for children, young people and their families are integrated and delivered.

School celebrates third Green Flag

Pupils from Cefn Glas Infants School received their prestigious third Green Flag in style recently - celebrating the occasion dressed as fruit!

Children help design estate’s new sign

The entrance to Brynmenyn Industrial Estate has received a makeover thanks to Bridgend County Borough Council’s Economic Development and Countryside Teams.

Testing begins for college extension

Tests are set to be carried out at the site of the former Bridgend Football Club on Coychurch Road, Bridgend as part of a possible extension of Bridgend College.

Primary school children get ‘in the zone’

Pupils at St Roberts’ Primary School are about to take lunchtime to the next level with the introduction of their 'in the zone' scheme.

Funding boost for 14-19 skills project

A council-led regional project aimed at supporting young people and improving their basic skills and chances of finding a job is being boosted by millions of pounds of European funding.

First year of recycling doesn’t go to waste!

As the borough’s new weekly recycling collection scheme marks its first anniversary, latest figures show more than half of our household waste is now being recycled.

Flytipper pays ‘four times as much’

A flytipper who tried to ignore warnings from Bridgend County Borough Council and who didn’t turn up for court has ended up paying more than £400 for his offence.

Foster carer becomes regional advisor

A Resolutions foster carer has put his experiences, knowledge and skills to good use by becoming a regional adviser for the Fostering Network.

Councillors freeze mileage allowances

Councillors at Bridgend County Borough Council have agreed to freeze their mileage allowance rates.

Clean bill of health for Wellbeing projects

Frail and vulnerable adults are to benefit from a series of innovative projects delivered by Bridgend County Borough Council and its health partners to support independence, health and wellbeing.

Local plan for fighting floods

A report which looks at the chances of serious flooding in Bridgend County Borough has concluded there are no areas where a large number of properties or businesses are at risk of significant harm.

Cefn Cribwr pupils dig deep

Children from Cefn Cribwr Primary School have teamed up with their local Gardening Club and the Tidy Towns team of Bridgend County Borough Council to transform part of a former tennis court into a specially-designed school garden.

Changes to library opening hours

Bridgend County Borough Council would like to remind residents of changes to the opening hours of some libraries.

New centre to help Llynfi Valley residents

Bridgend County Borough residents living in Maesteg, Caerau, Nantyffyllon and other parts of the Llynfi Valley are set to benefit from a new health and well-being centre.

Shining example for Employment Routes

Twelve participants of the Bridgend Employment Routes initiative have been commended for their achievements whilst engaged on a Solar Panel Fitters Employment Route.

Pictures from the past

Did you know that there are now more than 3,500 photographs available on Bridgend County Borough Council’s website which capture the history and heritage of the area?

Look out for Broadlands wildlife

Residents of one of Bridgend County Borough’s largest estates are being asked to keep a watchful eye on the area’s wildlife.

Pupils on top in rowing challenge

Pupils from Brynteg Comprehensive School found themselves sharing first place on the leader board at a 14-19 Learning Pathways event.

Eco-school receives triple accolade

Nottage Primary School has become the second primary school in Bridgend County Borough to receive its third Green Flag.

Strategy for future of CCTV service

The Cabinet of Bridgend County Borough has agreed plans to develop the way in which CCTV services are delivered to local people by the Customer and Community Support Unit.

A fresh new look for Caerau homes

Two hundred and twenty homes in the Bridgend County Borough ward of Caerau have been refurbished and improved in the last five years as part of the housing renewal scheme.

Council celebrates its young people

The achievements of more than 60 children and young people who have faced and overcome great adversity have been celebrated by Bridgend County Borough Council.

Bryngarw makes ‘people’s choice’ top 50

Bryngarw Country Park in Brynmenyn, Bridgend has been voted number 13 in a top 50 list of ‘people’s choice’ destinations.

Bridgend Junior Games

As Great Britain prepares for the forthcoming Olympics, more than 1,000 local children have taken part in their very own festival of sport and activity.

Skate park plan is on a roll

Land earmarked for development as a skate park is to be leased to Porthcawl Town Council.

Collaboration is key for kids

Councils should work together to deliver stronger education support services, BCBC Cabinet Members have agreed.

Cabinet prescribe new health team

A new team aimed at keeping the borough’s health in check is the remedy for success, Cabinet Members have agreed.

Quakers rejuvenate historic orchard

Bryngarw Country Park rangers and volunteers have received support from the Bridgend Quakers group to enhance the park’s historic orchard by donating and planting new fruit trees.

Everything in the Garden Room looks rosy

Bridgend register office’s new ceremony room has welcomed its first happy couple.

Why being green is easy as 1,2, 3!

The borough’s smallest primary has proved itself to be a green giant! Heol y Cyw Primary, which has just 47 pupils, has become the first primary school in Bridgend County Borough to receive its third Green Flag.

Maesteg leads on safe routes

A Safe Routes to School initiative launched by Maesteg Comprehensive could lead the way for schools around Wales to follow.

Stay smart to the scammers

Residents are being warned to stay smarter than the scammers following the success of the recent Scamnesty campaign.

Basic Skills praise for Bridgend PRU

Bridgend Pupil Referral Unit has been praised for its commitment to developing the literacy and numeracy of its learners and awarded the Basic Skills Quality Standard.

Clean up scheme is just tidy

Tidy Towns, a council-run clean up scheme which has transformed parts of Bridgend County Borough, is being extended.

Master plan for Bridgend town centre

Bridgend County Borough Council has produced a ‘master plan’ for overseeing development and inward investment in Bridgend town centre and its surrounding area.

‘Diana Award’ for Maesteg’s mediators

Maesteg Comprehensive pupils who have been specially trained as ‘peer mediators’ have become the first in the borough to receive a prestigious award aimed at tackling bullying.

Emergency card launched for carers

Carers do a fantastic job in Bridgend County Borough – but if they get ill or are caught up in an emergency, what happens to the people they look after?

Hat trick for the Local Investment Fund

The South East Wales Local Investment Fund in Bridgend is celebrating news that more than £1m local investment, 100 new jobs and 100 approved grants has been achieved.

Tourists told you can’t beat Bridgend!

An action plan to bring thousands more visitors to Bridgend County Borough over the next five years has received Cabinet approval.

The good, the bad and the ugly

Bridgend County Borough Council has lifted the lid on the weird and wonderful items left out to recycle around the borough since the new weekly collection scheme was introduced.

Fine over missing ‘best before’ dates

Deliberately removing the ‘best before’ dates from over 170 packets of crisps has resulted in a fine for a local retailer.

Allotment strategy digs deep

Bridgend County Borough Council has sewn seeds to safeguard the interests of green-fingered residents by producing the area’s first official strategy for the provision and management of local allotments

Changes for daytime community services

An innovative new approach to daytime community services for older people in the county borough is set to be launched.

Computer courses at your library

Did you know that that you can gain a computer qualification at your local library in Bridgend County Borough?

Low-cost car parking

A special Wednesday afternoon car parking rate of £1 is available for drivers visiting council-operated car parks in Bridgend and Porthcawl.

Show rogue traders the door

Rogue traders beware – Bridgend County Borough Council and its partners have made a strong pledge to work together to tackle doorstep crime.

Foster carers wanted

A local foster carer is urging people to find out more about how they can make a difference and change a child’s life.

Infobase offers local facts and figures

Bridgend Local Service Board has developed an ‘infobase’ which features interesting facts about communities throughout the county borough.