Bus routes restored for Pen‑y‑Fai, Kenfig Pool and Mawdlam after deal struck

The changes come into force from Monday 23 February, with the long‑running Number 71 service once again diverting through Pen‑y‑Fai on its hourly run between Bridgend and Cymmer via Maesteg.

The diversion will operate Monday to Saturday between roughly 7.44am and 6.17pm. But the tweak means the 71 will no longer head directly to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet or the Princess of Wales Hospital — a move the council says is covered by the Number 70, which continues to serve both stops on its usual route.

Passengers using day tickets, concessionary passes or Tap On Tap Off will be able to switch between services at Bridgend Bus Station without paying extra. Those travelling on single or return tickets may need to stay on the bus as it changes service number, or pay an additional fare to continue.

Meanwhile, Kenfig Pool and Mawdlam will regain a regular service under a new 63B route, running as part of the existing Bridgend–Porthcawl Number 63. The 63B will operate hourly between 9.41am and 3.39pm, Monday to Saturday. The council says more journeys could be added “subject to funding”.

Cllr Neelo Farr, Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing, said the return of the routes was “very welcome news” for communities that rely on buses for work, healthcare and daily travel.

She added that the outcome “reflects the importance of partnership working”, praising residents, ward members, council officers and First Cymru for their “continued engagement”.

The new timetables will be published by First Cymru closer to the launch date.

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Bridgend couple hit fundraising target for hospital that saved their baby’s life

When it comes to saying thank you, Jade and Gareth James quite literally hit the bullseye.

The couple from Bridgend organised a 12 hour dart-a-thon as part of raising £1,600 for Swansea’s Singleton Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after its staff helped save their baby daughter’s life.

Daisy James was born in the Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend, on the 26th of June 2024 but required specialist care and was immediately transferred to Singleton Hospital.

Jade explained: “I went into Princess of Wales Hospital to be induced but they realised that there was something going on with the heart monitor on Daisy. Then I was rushed into surgery for an emergency C-section because they only had a certain amount of time to get her out.

“It took them 10 minutes to revive her with CPR.

“She was diagnosed with a condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – a genetic disease of your heart muscle where the muscle wall of your heart becomes thickened.

“They transferred her to Singleton Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit because her heart was too big.”

The couple faced an anxious wait.

Jade said: “They had to sedate her and she didn’t wake up until the twelfth day.

“We spent three-and-a-half weeks in NICU and then two weeks and two days back in Princess of Wales before Daisy was able to come home.”

Daisy has been left with several obstacles to overcome but her loving parents are with her every step of the way.

Jade said: “The issue she has is persistent pulmonary hypertension and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, which is a common condition, where acid from the stomach leaks up into the oesophagus (gullet).

“And she’s at risk from neuro development issues.

“We will need support with her mobility and her feeding.

“But she’s doing well. She’s just going to take time to get over it all.”

As well as the dart-a-thon the couple held a raffle and organised some fundraising as a thank you.

Jade said: “We decided to raise the money to say thank you for saving her life basically.

“Everyone in NICU, I just cannot fault them whatsoever. They were all absolutely amazing.

“The care they give is absolutely phenomenal. We felt so comfortable and relaxed there, and what they did for Daisy was absolutely amazing.”

The couple presented a cheque to staff during a special Christmas party, organised by Swansea Bay’s neonatal outreach team for babies and their parents who have been through NICU during the past 12 months.

Dr Joanna Webb, Consultant Neonatologist and Clinical Lead for Neonatal Services SBUHB, said: “On behalf of the team at Singleton NICU we want to thank Jade and Gareth for their fantastic donation and for their commitment to supporting us as a service following on from their stay on our unit with Daisy.

“We are so pleased to hear Daisy is doing well and look forward to hearing how she continues to progress in the future.”

(Lead image: Swansea Bay NHS)

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