Y Bont Faen School Council

📅 Date: 22 January 2024

📍Location: Cowbridge Town Hall

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Years 3 & 4 school council - Approx. 20–30 pupils

Facilitators: Mayor Malcolm Wilson, Deputy Mayor Heather Weddell, Teachers, and Placemaking Officers

🙋 Type of engagement:

• Map exercise (blue stickers for liked areas, red stickers for disliked areas)

• A3 sheets to list likes, dislikes, and ideas for improvement.

• “One thing you would improve” exercise.

🚀 Emerging themes

• Better Parks & Activities

  • New play equipment and well-maintained parks
  • More leisure options: swimming pool, football pitch, cinema, gaming arcade, water park, trampoline clubs

• Shops & Services

  • More variety: gaming store, McDonald’s, Primark, bubble tea, art and sweet shops
  • Bigger library with more books

• Cleaner Environment

  • Less litter, dog mess, vaping and smoking
  • More bins, recycling points, and a clean-up team

• Transport & Infrastructure

  • Better buses and taxis
  • Safer cycle paths and footpaths
  • More lighting, benches, and electric car charging points

• Other Ideas

  • Plant more trees, fix roads, improve drainage
  • Celebrate Cowbridge’s history and symbols

💬 Comments:

“We love the Physic Garden, Old Hall, & Twt Park but parks need better maintenance.”

“Cycle paths and recycling points should be a priority.”

“More places for older kids to hang out; skate park, dirt track, gaming arcade.”

📢 Summary

It was Y Bont Faen School Council time to get involved in Placemaking plan!

The pupils expressed value their green spaces, parks, and community amenities like the Physic Garden, Old Hall, and seasonal events. They want better-maintained parks, more outdoor activities, and new leisure facilities (swimming pool, cinema, gaming arcade, sports courts). Concerns include litter, dog mess, vaping, and poor maintenance of parks. Suggestions included cycle paths, recycling points, diverse shops for children, more food places and improved transport options.