Temporary Changes To Boost Bridgend Shoppers

With the Welsh housing market re-open, alongside a wide range of non-essential shops and businesses, things are moving forward for many of us. Of course, it is far from “normal” and people should be prepared for many changes to the way they live their daily lives.

At Hunters Bridgend, like most businesses, we are undertaking reasonable measures to comply with social distancing, to protect ourselves and our customers. We’ve experienced a lot of good work being carried out across Bridgend of late, and there are temporary changes you should be aware of.

Get used to changes in the town centre

These changes are aimed at helping people to remain safe, but they have also been introduced to help shops and shoppers. Bridgend County Borough Council has introduced barriers and street markings at several locations to assist people in maintaining social distancing.

Talbot Street in Maesteg was one of the first locations to see change, with an expansion of pavements. This provided more space for pedestrians, and many locals have welcomed these changes.

The Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Richard Young, spoke about the measures and said they are being trialled in the interests of public safety.

Richard said; “The pavement in that particular part of town is very narrow, and pedestrians going into the businesses there would otherwise struggle to find room to pass each other under the required social distancing guidelines. In order to provide the extra necessary space for pedestrians in this part of town, barriers will be placed through the adjacent on-street parking bays to enable the width of the footway to be extended.”

Richard continued by saying; “Other parking will continue to be available while these temporary measures are in place, and space will be maintained to enable the loading and unloading of deliveries. We will monitor the scheme carefully and, if successful, will look to introduce similar measures in areas such as Nolton Street, Bridgend, and Lias Road in Porthcawl. We may also introduce additional measures as further pandemic developments emerge or in line with whatever new national guidelines we may see in coming weeks and months.”

The council website has guidance on changes

Any store or business owner looking for guidance on how to change their shop layout will find online training available on the council website. This is also useful information for consumers who want to know what to expect when they shop. The council has also provided sneeze-guards at no cost, window stickers and certificates, in addition to close to £30m in business support grants.

Until the end of July, council-maintained town centre car parking will be available for free. This move has been taken in the hope it encourages people to shop in the town centre, and to aid the professionals working in the area.

At Hunters Bridgend, we are proud to play a part in supporting a thriving and friendly local community. If you would like information or guidance on how we can assist you, or you just want to stay in touch with the latest housing industry news, please contact us today.