Bridgend Town Council has been officially named the best large town council in Wales, winning five top prizes alongside a highly commended certificate and two commended certificates at a national ceremony. The accolades were awarded at the One Voice Wales Annual National Conference and Awards Ceremony at the Royal Showground in Builth Wells on July 1.
Independent Panels Recognise Excellence
Independent panels closely examined the work of more than 730 community councils across the country before selecting the winners. Bridgend Town Council was announced as the winner in the Best Governance Initiative, Best Tourism Initiative, Best Heritage and Culture Initiative, and Best Use of Digital Resources categories.
Top Prize: Caerwyn Roberts Award
The highest prize awarded to the team was the Caerwyn Roberts Award for Best Local Large Town Council in Wales, an award that councils could not even enter themselves but instead were selected for. The team also received a Highly Commended Certificate for their Cost of Living Crisis Initiative, a Commended Certificate for a Community Engagement Initiative, and a Commended Certificate for Youth Engagement Initiatives.
Winning Projects Include Town Centre Events and Digital Upgrades
Winning projects included town centre events to boost the economy, digital upgrades, and the innovative 'Craft and a Cuppa' scheme to support people through high living costs. The team was also praised for its Annual Report and a heritage celebration marking 600 years of the Old Stone Bridge.
Role of Town Council vs. Borough Council
Many people are unsure what a town council does compared to a county borough council. While the borough council looks after major services like education and roads, the town council focuses on improving daily life in the Morfa, Oldcastle, and Newcastle areas. The local team looks after community assets like benches, bins, and festive lights, whilst also running the Carnegie House arts centre. They also hand out grant funding to local charities and look after floral displays across the area.
Quotes from Council Leaders
Leanne Edwards, town clerk of Bridgend Town Council, said: "When I submitted our award entries, I hoped we might receive recognition in one or two categories. To receive five national awards, together with a Highly Commended and two Commended certificates, exceeded anything I could have imagined. Whilst these awards are presented in the Council's name, they are truly a reflection of the outstanding commitment and professionalism of our staff team. Every member of staff has played a part in delivering the projects, services and initiatives that have been recognised. I couldn't be prouder of what they have accomplished."
The Mayor of Bridgend Town Council added: "This is a proud moment not only for Bridgend Town Council but for our whole community. To receive this level of national recognition demonstrates what can be achieved when elected Members and officers work together with a shared commitment to improving our town. These awards recognise the countless hours of dedication shown by our staff, who consistently go above and beyond to deliver services, events and initiatives that enhance life in Bridgend. It is the Council’s ambition to continually improve our local area, celebrate our heritage, support our residents and invest in the future of Bridgend."
