Waste and recycling vehicles to reduce CO2 emissions by 90%
Bridgend County Borough Council’s waste and recycling contractor, Kier, are now using 40 vehicles powered by Hydrogenised Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel, this will help to reduce co2 emissions by 90%.
The move is in line with Bridgend County Borough Council’s 2030 Net Zero Carbon Strategy and it’s thought that by switching to an alternative fuel method such as Hydrogenised Vegetable Oil, the service could reduce CO2 emissions by around 800 tonnes per annum.
This will represent around a 90 per cent carbon reduction from the current waste and recycling operation’s carbon footprint.
The council and Kier have agreed to share the additional costs for implementing the new initiative, which represents a very positive change at a relatively low cost.
Cllr John Spanswick, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “It’s really encouraging to see Kier looking at ways to make their operation as sustainable as possible for the environment.
“We recognise that in the medium to long term, the highest environmental benefit in terms of fleet provision will be a change to ULEV Electric/Hydrogen powered vehicles that produce zero emissions in use and the result is phenomenal.
“When fuelled by a renewable energy supply, these vehicles represent the cleanest possible method of collecting recycling and waste. Going forward, we will also consider a wide range of options, which will not only help reduce our carbon footprint but will also be cost-effective to implement.”
Bridgend indoor market to host half term children’s sessions
Bridgend Indoor Market will be a hub of activity this autumn half term, hosting children’s arts and crafts sessions throughout the week.
Taking place between 11am to 2pm, the activities will begin on 31 October with Halloween themed crafts led by Alison Moger and on the 2 and 4 of November, children will be invited to create autumn inspired art with Tanio.
While the events are free, children must be accompanied by an adult and it is also advisable to book, since spaces are limited.
Whilst visiting the market, accompanying adults are being encouraged to enjoy the diversity of stalls that are on offer, as well as the series of new pop-up businesses that will be showcasing their products.
The new businesses are part of the Pop-Up Wales initiative – a project which provides new enterprises with business space and wraparound support, including access to funding and grants.
Cllr Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “Bridgend Indoor Market has recently benefitted from refurbishment and is now able to host a variety of schemes, including the children’s autumn craft sessions – echoing the popular Kids’ Club that was held here during the summer months – as well as a range of pop-up businesses.
“We would really like it if people could come to visit and see for themselves the rich range of stalls available, as well as how the investment into the market has benefitted the space, by providing a new market square, baby changing facilities, wheelchair accessible toilets and more.”
Funding for both the Kids Club activities and pop-up business stalls is being provided as part of the £120,000 funding that the council has received from the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund for delivering the Bridgend Elevate and Prosper Project.
An additional £11,800 match funding has been received via the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns initiative, which is a Welsh Government programme providing support for the revitalisation of town centres in Wales.
Bridgend town centre’s Shopmobility temporarily unavailable due to maintenance works
Bridgend town centre’s Shopmobility service based in the Brackla Street 1 car park will be temporarily unavailable for a few weeks while essential maintenance works are carried out on site.