Filco Engagement Session

📅 Date: 22 March 2024

📍 Location: Filco, Cowbridge

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Filco shoppers (local residents, workers, families).Approx. 40–50 participants.

Facilitators: Vale of Glamorgan Council Placemaking Officers

🙋 Type of engagement:

    • Drop-in engagement in Filco foyer (12pm–6pm).
    • Activities included:
      • Map exercise (green/blue stickers for liked areas, red stickers for disliked areas).
      • Informal one-to-one conversations and questionnaires.
      • Distribution of QR codes and hardcopy surveys to promote the online placemaking questionnaire.

🚀 Emerging themes:

  • Connectivity: Safer crossings, active travel routes, reliable bus services.
  • Youth Provision: Better Park equipment and spaces for teenagers.
  • Heritage & Identity: Preserve historic features and individuality of shops.
  • Infrastructure: Address traffic, parking, drainage, and speed control (Aberthin).

💬 Comments

“Love the unique quality of the town and its heritage—keep it this way.”

“Storm drains need clearing before they clog up.”

“Aberthin traffic too fast—speed bumps needed.”

“The more you build up an area, the more it loses its identity and appeal.”

“Parks are for under 12s—need more for 12–16 year olds.”

📢 Summary

The session successfully raised awareness of the placemaking survey and gathered useful insights. Connectivity emerged as the top priority, followed by youth provision and cultural/recreational facilities.

Majority of feedback reflects a community proud of its heritage and green spaces but keen to improve connectivity, safety, youth facilities, and infrastructure while maintaining Cowbridge’s identity.