Cowbridge Drop-in 2

📅 Date: 04 March 2024

📍Location: Duke of Wellington, Cowbridge

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Local residents, including older community members (some from De Clare Lodge) - 12 participants.

Facilitators: Cllr Malcolm Wilson, Cllr Heather Weddell, Cowbridge Town Councillors, Vale of Glamorgan Council Placemaking Officers

🙋 Type of engagement:

  1. Residents drop-in session (17:30–20:00).
  2. Activities included:
    • Map exercise.
    • Set questions and questionnaires.
    • Hardcopy surveys and QR flyers for online survey.

🚀 Emerging themes:

  • Better pavements, footpaths, and bus services.
  • Youth facilities and leisure centre upgrades.
  • Social spaces and cultural events.
  • Affordable housing and improved car parks.
  • Protect heritage and maintain Cowbridge’s character.

💬 Comments:

“Keep our historic buildings in good repair and maintain individuality of shops.”

“Car parks are in a disgusting state—Old Market space needs urgent attention.”

“We need a youth club—nothing for them to do.”

“Cowbridge needs a really good restaurant—nowhere to take family for celebrations.”

“Improve pavements and zebra crossing near Harry’s for De Clare Lodge residents.”

“Bring back community cinema and add more festivals—Jazz, Folk, Pop.”

“Feels like an older person town—need more for younger people.”

📢 Summary

This session gathered rich insights from older residents and highlighted priorities across age groups.

Key themes:

  • Connectivity & Access:
    1. Pavements in poor condition; zebra crossing near Harry’s needs repair.
    2. Desire for improved footpaths (e.g., Mount surfaced for pushchairs).
    3. Calls for better bus services, including a fast evening bus to Cardiff for concerts.
    4. Car parks in poor condition (Old Market space, Scout Hall area).
  • Community & Social Spaces:
    1. Residents want places to socialise and revive community activities.
    2. Suggestions for drop-in hubs, memory cafĂŠs, and cultural events.
    3. Interest in restarting community cinema and adding festivals (Jazz, Folk, Pop).
  • Facilities & Services:
    1. Strong emphasis on youth provision: youth clubs, sports teams, climbing wall, updated leisure centre.
    2. Affordable housing and cheaper supermarkets requested.
    3. Need for better restaurants—loss of Huddart’s noted.
  • Heritage & Identity:
    1. Protect historic buildings and maintain individuality of High Street shops.
    2. Avoid chain shops and preserve Cowbridge’s character.
  • Other Issues:
    1. Concerns about refuse collection changes (4-week cycle).
    2. Accessibility for people with disabilities and older residents.
    3. Interest in sustainable landscaping and planning around schools.

Overall, feedback reflects a community proud of its heritage, seeking improved connectivity, inclusive facilities, and vibrant cultural life while maintaining Cowbridge’s unique identity.