Waitrose Engagement Session

📅 Date: 02 February 2024

📍Location: Waitrose, Cowbridge

🗣️ Who we spoke to: We heard from around 80 shoppers views on the town.

🙋 Type of engagement: We asked shoppers to take part in map activities and priority voting for emerging themes.

Facilitators: Cllr Malcolm Wilson, Cllr Heather Weddell, and Vale of Glamorgan Council Placemaking Officers

🚀 Emerging themes:

• Connectivity was voted the highest priority emerging theme
• Youth Provision was voted second
• Recreational and Cultural Facilities was voted third

People loved green spaces and community spots like the Physic Garden, Old Hall, and leisure centre, but concerns included poor mobile signal, flooding on paths, lack of safe crossings, and closed premises.

💬 Comments:

“Connectivity is the biggest priority – better walking routes, crossings, and transport.”
“We value the Physic Garden, Old Hall, and leisure facilities.”
“Youth facilities need improvement – more spaces and activities.”

📢 Summary:

Today's engagement confirmed that Cowbridge is loved for its character and heritage, but residents want better links to surrounding villages, safer routes, and more for young people.