Cowbridge Comprehensive Voting Engagement Part 1

📅 Date: 7 October 2024

📍 Location: Cowbridge Comprehensive School

🗣️ Who we spoke to:Years 7–13 students (144 participants)

🙋 Type of engagement: Interactive “Two Boxes” voting exercise using monopoly money to prioritise themes.

The aim was to identify young people’s priorities for community improvements in a fun and interactive way. Instead of surveys, students used “monopoly money” to vote on themes, making the process engaging and accessible.

👥 Facilitators: Vale of Glamorgan Council Placemaking Officers supported by the Vale Youth Team

🚀 Emerging Themes

Students voted on two main priorities:

Sports Facilities – 60% of votes (£34,400)

Requests included an upgraded MUGA, more football and rugby pitches, volleyball courts, astro pitch, swimming pool, and better equipment.
Students want spaces that are open to everyone and suitable for all ages.

Bad Weather Shelters – 40% of votes (£23,200)

Suggested locations included Bear Field, Police Fields, Waitrose Park, wooded areas by the river, school grounds, Clare Gardens, and Town Hall.

Other ideas mentioned: Wi-Fi improvements, active travel routes, public transport, and youth clubs or indoor spaces.

💬 Comments

“We need more space for football and rugby – Bear Fields should have pitches for all ages.”

“Shelters near Bear Fields and Police Field would make a big difference when it rains.”

“We’d like places to hang out and do fun stuff, not just sports.”

📢 Summary:
Young voices are clear: Cowbridge needs better sports facilities and safe, sheltered spaces for young people. Students also expressed interest in improved connectivity, indoor and outdoor social spaces, and more leisure options. This fun, interactive session allowed students to help shape the future of their town with more themes added next time.