Minutes:
The Leader commenced his report by drawing Members’ attention to a number of commemorative military events marking the World War One Centenary and the recent D-Day Remembrance. On Sunday, 28th June, the Council and its partners have organised an Armed Forces Day Parade through Bridgend town centre, featuring soldiers from the Welsh Guards and the Welsh Transport Regiment as well as veterans, cadets and scouts. The event will incorporate military vehicles, information stalls, and displays from the Hut Nine Preservation Group, as well as an inflatable assault course and more. It will take place between 10.00am and 3.00pm and there will be an opportunity for people to show their support for our veterans and serving troops alike by signing the Armed Forces Community Covenant, which will be made available at Carnegie House – the former home of Bridgend Library. The Leader hoped that Members would encourage their constituents to come and support the event, and show their appreciation for our Armed Forces community here in the Borough.
The Leader requested Members to spread the message amongst constituents on the importance of making sure that recycling items are placed inside the correct container
or bag. He explained that mixed or contaminated loads are rejected by the recycling plants, and it was therefore important to get this right. Paper waste, such as newspapers, magazines, mail, catalogues and white envelopes should go in one black box, whilst the other black box is to be used for cardboard, thick brown packaging paper, coloured scrapbook paper and glass. Food waste can be disposed of using the brown food caddy and the blue bag is for foil, cans, tins, punnets, plastic bottles, cartons and tubs. For further information contact the Recycling Team, or visit the recycling pages at www.bridgend.gov.uk. He reported that the WLGA figures had revealed that last year the Authority had scored a 57% recycling rate against a national average of 52%, and commented that if everyone took extra care not to mix materials, we could do even better.
The Leader was pleased to report the excellent news of the reopening of the boardwalk at Rest Bay, Porthcawl, following the battering it took during the severe storm weather earlier in the year. The boardwalk, which is part of the Wales Coast Path, was left unsafe to use after the storms wrecked large sections and washed away much of the footings. Using funding from the Welsh Government, the damaged parts of the boardwalk were removed and replaced with a flat concrete and stone path. He advised that this meant the boardwalk is up and running again in time for the start of the summer season and events, such as the forthcoming Senior Open Golf Tournament due to take place at the end of the month.
Finally, the Leader reported that the Property Team would like to hear from organisations who may be interested in using the all-new public square at Maesteg Market to stage events. It has already hosted the likes of Maesteg Food and Craft Market, visiting Italian markets, choirs and a ‘flash mob’ dance as part of the Maesteg Festival. Forthcoming events include performances by the Elevate Dance Company, Cor Merched Cwm Llynfi choir and a fete from the Maesteg Hospital League of Friends. The Leader pointed out that the square is suitable for all manner of events, ranging from record fairs to career days, and if Members knew anyone who may be interested, to contact the Council’s Property Team for more details.