Cowbridge Library Engagement sessions

📅 Dates: 13 March & 20 March 2024

📍 Location: Cowbridge Library

🙋 Type of engagement:

  • Drop-in engagement during library community classes (Toddler group, Knitting group etc).

  • Activities included:

    • Map exercise (mapping what you like/dislike about places).
    • Informal questionnaires and conversations.
    • “Hopes and Dreams” tree mapping with parents/carers.
    • Distribution of QR codes and hardcopy surveys for the placemaking questionnaire.

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Around 60 people across both sessions.

Facilitators: Vale of Glamorgan Coucil Placemaking Officers


🚀 Emerging Themes

  • Youth & Toddler Provision: More playgroups 0-3, new soft play equipment, and youth centres.
  • Connectivity & Safety: Safer crossings, active travel paths, better bus services, better Wi-Fi .
  • Community & Culture: Save High Street, support local businesses, more social events.
  • Infrastructure: Affordable housing, improved leisure centre, improved transport links.


💬 Comments

“Lovely place to live – but nothing for 0–3 years compared to other areas.”

“We need a swimming pool and better leisure facilities.”

“Waitrose entrance and car park need addressing.”

“Families first activities get booked up straight away – need more provision for children activities.”

“Connectivity is poor – better paths and transport links needed.”

“Support independent businesses and advertise local markets.”


📢 Summary

What Residents Value in Cowbridge

The people we spoke to told us they love Cowbridge’s strong community spirit, its welcoming library, beautiful green spaces, and vibrant shops.

Opportunities to Improve Cowbridge:

At the same time, residents highlighted areas where change is needed:

  • Facilities for toddlers, young people, and families could be expanded and improved.
  • Pedestrian access to Waitrose was described as unsafe.
  • Connectivity across the town remains poor.
  • There is a shortage of affordable housing.
  • Activities for all ages are limited.
  • Parking challenges continue to frustrate visitors and locals.
  • The closure of banks has left empty buildings in the town centre.
  • New housing developments are placing additional strain on local services.