To receive apologies for absence from Members.

To receive declarations of personal and prejudicial interest from Members/Officers in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct adopted by Council from 1 September 2008. 

To receive for approval the minutes of 25/06/2025

(i) Mayor (or person presiding)

(ii) Chief Executive

Councillor Colin Davies to the Cabinet Member – Education and Youth Services

Can the Cabinet Member update the Council on the latest phase of the roll-out of the Welsh Government-funded Flying Start provision in the Bridgend County Borough Council area?

This council recognises the challenges we face in recruiting operatives to cut grass following the decision to bring it in house and the impact it is having on our communities.

Under the One Council ethos of working collaboratively we therefore resolve to ask the cabinet to consider contacting all town & community councils at the earliest opportunity and offer to pay them to carry out the service in their areas as an interim measure if they are willing and able.

This month marks the ninth anniversary of the tragic loss of Rhys Rubery on the A48 at the junctions of Merthyr Mawr road. Rhys was crossing the road on his way home from celebrating the end of his exams with friends, he was a keen sportsman and a member of the Air Cadets. The blue ribbons tied to the bridge at the River Ogmore are an ongoing reminder for all of us in this chamber of that tragic day.

Merthyr Mawr and the dipping bridge remain a go to spot for youngsters, in the last few weeks the weather has meant more children crossing the A48, celebrating the end of their exams in the same way Rhys did nine years ago.

The current footpath and cycle path runs from the Broadlands roundabout, to Newbridge Fields over the River Ogmore bridge. Meaning children walking/cycling on their way to school from Broadlands to Brynteg comprehensive school need to cross the A48 twice.

The Newbridge field extension was acquired by Bridgend County Borough Council under the s106 agreement for Broadlands on 23rd May 1997, which runs from the end of the current cycle/footpath to Merthyr Mawr road. The freehold from Merthyr Mawr road to Ewenny roundabout is also owned by Bridgend County Borough Council (Title number CYM481820), meaning the entire length of the highway verge is under this authorities control.

Following the adoption of the new Bridgend Local Development Plan, and the consultation between officers and members, this council has committed to plan under PLA8 (8) which includes provision for improvements at the Ewenny and Broadlands roundabouts on the A48. The major development at Island Farm (land south of Bridgend) and Craig y Parcau will mean the A48 materially changes, and the speed limit will be lowered to reflect this.

I would therefore move that this council requests that cabinet resolves to ensure that active travel routes linking Broadlands with Brynteg are prioritised and designed. To include safe crossing points at between Pandy Farm/Newbridge fields, at Broadlands, and at Merthyr Mawr road. Furthermore, that as the no right turn signs are frequently ignored that consideration is given to a physical barrier at Merthyr Mawr road to ensure that the traffic order is enforced to protect vulnerable road users.

This Council:

1. Notes the recent U-turn announced by the UK Government regarding proposed welfare reforms that would have adversely affected disabled residents across the country, including within Bridgend County Borough.

2. Recognises the significant and disproportionate negative impact these welfare changes would have had on the wellbeing, financial security, and dignity of local disabled people and their families.

3. Welcomes the Government’s decision to reverse these welfare reforms as a positive step in protecting the rights and livelihoods of disabled residents in Bridgend.

4. Acknowledges the hard work of disability advocacy groups, campaigners, and residents who have voiced their concerns and influenced this decision.

5. Calls on the Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council to write to the Prime Minister to:

Welcome the U-turn on welfare policy.

Emphasise the importance of continued support and protection for disabled residents.

Urge the Government to engage closely with local councils, disabled people’s organisations, and communities in developing future welfare policies.

6 Reaffirms the Council’s

commitment to supporting disabled residents by ensuring local services are accessible, inclusive, and adequately resourced.

To consider any item(s) of business in respect of which notice has been given in accordance with Part 4 (paragraph 4) of the Council Procedure Rules and which the person presiding at the meeting is of the opinion should by reason of special circumstances be transacted at the meeting as a matter of urgency.