Cowbridge: Making the Plan

📅 Date: 11 March 2025 - 10:00 -20:00

📍Location: Old Hall Cowbridge, History Room

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Local residents, Old Hall learners and Tutors, Community Groups, Visitors to Old Hall

Facilitators: The Creative Communities team, adult education colleagues and the Architects 'Initiate'

🙋 Type of engagement: Drop in session

📢 What we did

We showcased concept designs and shared outcomes from recent focused consultations with local residents and community groups.

🚀 Emerging themes:

📅 Date: 11 March 2024

📍Location: Farmers Arms, Aberthin Cowbridge

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Local residents - 3 participants.

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

🙋 Type of engagement: Resident drop-in session (17:30–20:00).

Activities included:

• Map exercise.
• Set questions and questionnaires.
• Hardcopy surveys and QR flyers for online survey.

🚀 Emerging themes:

• Connectivity: Concerns about speeding in Aberthin and poor transport links to Cowbridge.
• Facilities: Desire for better leisure facilities, especially for children and families.
• Community Spaces: Suggestions for art and cultural spaces and improved walking routes.

💬 Comments:

“If I had enough money, I’d turn the old girls’ school into an art centre for all ages.”

“Please don’t build on market land (car park) – it’s vital for parking and the town’s survival.”

“The muddy footpath behind Arthur John could have boardwalks and horticultural areas for schools.”

📢 Summary

Even though attendance was low, but those who came shared valuable insights. Key themes included concerns about speeding in Aberthin, poor transport links, and the need for better leisure facilities. People also suggested creating cultural spaces and improving walking routes.

📅 Date: 05 March 2024

📍Location: Welsh St Donat’s Community Hall

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Welsh St Donat’s Community Council members - 5 participants.

Facilitators: Cllr Malcolm Wilson.

🙋 Type of engagement:

• Presentation to the Community Council and a Vale Councilor on Placemaking and ongoing work in Cowbridge with Llanblethian.
• Aim: Raise awareness of engagement activities and surveys.

🚀 Emerging themes:

• High Street vitality and visitor numbers.
• Learning from other towns (e.g., Narberth) for inclusive regeneration strategies

📢 Summary

The meeting was primarily informative and promotional, but two notable comments were recorded:

• Concern that Cowbridge High Street is in decline, with fewer visitors.
• Suggestion to visit Narberth as an example of successfully revitalizing a high street for all age groups.

Overall, feedback reflects awareness of economic challenges on the High Street and interest in learning from best practice elsewhere.

📅 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 cafés, 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.

📅 Date: 26 February 2024

📍Location: Horse & Groom, Cowbridge

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Local Residents

Facilitators: Mayor Malcolm Wilson, Deputy Mayor Heather Weddell, Cowbridge Town Councillors, Placemaking Officers.

🙋 Type of engagement: Residential drop-in session (17:00–20:00) – Activities included: Map exercise. Set questions and questionnaire. Hardcopy surveys and QR flyers for online survey.

🚀 Emerging themes:

Residents emphasized connectivity, heritage preservation, and community vibrancy as priorities.

People stressed the importance of safe walking routes, reliable buses, and protecting historic sites like the Town Hall, Physic Garden, and Old Hall Gardens. There were calls for affordable housing, a cheaper supermarket, and bringing back the community cinema. Concerns included refuse collection changes and accessibility for those with mobility issues.

💬 Comments:

• “The heritage and history of Cowbridge are vitally important - we must keep the Town Hall, Church, Physic Garden, and Old Hall Gardens.”
• “Would like one of the cheaper supermarkets in Cowbridge.”
• “Bus timetable looks fine, but buses are very unreliable.”
• “Miss the community cinema; a new projector would enable this to restart.”

📢 Summary

Overall, feedback reflects a community proud of its heritage and green spaces, seeking better connectivity, affordable living, and inclusive facilities while maintaining its historic unique character.

📅 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.

📅 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.

📅 Date: 15 January 2024

📍Location: Cross Inn PH Cowbridge

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Residents from Clare Garden Village, Llanblethian, and Cowbridge joined a community session to share ideas about local identity, travel, and facilities.

Facilitators: Placemaking Officers

🙋 Type of engagement:

• Question sheets on local identity, travel habits, and facility priorities

• Map-based exercise on walking routes, pavements, lighting, and signage.

• Group discussions to capture additional comments and ideas.

🚀 Emerging themes:

People said they feel part of Cowbridge and love their schools, amenities, and community spirit. But there were clear priorities raised for improvement: safer crossings, better lighting, and cycle paths to surrounding villages and town; stronger bus services; and more leisure options. Residents also called for youth spaces, a convenience shop in Clare Garden village and cultural activities such as cinema and arts events.

Concerns included poor mobile signal, muddy lanes, drainage issues, and speeding near Cross Inn. Many want more trees, wildlife areas, and a revival of Cowbridge Week to bring generations together.

💬 Comments:

“Affordable and available housing. Nice place to live, good schools and Cowbridge has a lot of amenities.”

“Lighting and safe crossing from CGV to Llanblethian are essential.”

“Bring back Cowbridge Week – it brought all generations together.”

“Cycle paths and safe routes for children should be a priority.”

“Better Wi-Fi and mobile signal – essential for working age people.”

📢 Summary

Overall, the feedback shows a community proud of its setting but keen to improve connectivity, leisure, and youth engagement while keeping Cowbridge’s character.

📅 Date: 02 February 2024

📍Location: The Duke of Wellington, Cowbridge

🗣️ Who we spoke to: 19 local business owners (retail, hospitality, services) + 3 Principality representatives.

Facilitators: Vale of Glamorgan Council Placemaking Officers

🙋 Type of engagement:

• Targeted session for local business owners.
• Purpose: Share information on Placemaking principles and gather feedback on business experience and town assets/deficits.
• Included presentations on:
  • Principality’s Open Banking Kiosk pilot.
  • Economic Regeneration team’s SPF Business Grants and small grant scheme.

🚀 Emerging themes:

• Connectivity & Infrastructure: Wi-Fi, mobile signal, transport, parking, signage.
• Business Support & Promotion: Marketing, event promotion, tackling empty buildings.
• Public Realm & Environment: Weeds, public toilets, bus shelter, pavements, car park safety.
• Leisure & Activities: Swimming pool, cycle paths, basketball court, outdoor lido.
• Culture & Identity: Protect heritage, strengthen sense of place, revive evening economy.

💬 Comments:

“Lucky to be mainly independents, not corporates – still buzzy!”

“Wi-Fi and mobile signal on High Street are terrible.”

“Parking permits for businesses would help.”

“Restaurants all closing – town very quiet at night.”

“We need better promotion of events – Tour of Britain had zero publicity.”

“Sense of place seems lost – a Welsh town in Wales should feel like it.”

📢 Summary

Challenges Facing the Town

• Poor Wi-Fi and mobile signal on the High Street

• Parking difficulties for visitors and businesses

• Declining access to banking services

• Limited public transport options

• Infrastructure struggling to keep pace with housing growth

• Concerns about losing Cowbridge’s unique sense of place

• A quieter evening economy as restaurants close

Opportunities for Improvement

• Better signage to guide visitors

• Stronger promotion of local events

• Enhanced leisure facilities to support community life

Strengths to Build On

• A vibrant and welcoming High Street

• Friendly atmosphere and strong community spirit

• Historic buildings and charming architecture

• Beautiful green spaces

• Cultural highlights such as the Cowbridge Music Festival and Walking Festival

Key takeaway

Cowbridge businesses are united in their vision: to protect the town’s unique character while investing in better connectivity, stronger infrastructure, and richer opportunities for social and cultural life.

📅 Date: 06 July 2023

📍Location: Cowbridge School

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Secondary school Council representatives (Years 7–13) 15 students

Facilitators: Cllr Malcolm Wilson.

🙋 Type of engagement:

• Awareness-raising session introducing the Placemaking Plan project.
• Short talk focused on why young people’s views matter and how they can influence the plan.

💬 Comments:

• “We didn’t know about Placemaking before – sounds interesting.”
• “Good to have a say in what happens in Cowbridge.”
• “We’d like to be involved.”

📢 Summary

This was not a feedback-gathering session; its purpose was to inform and inspire involvement. Students had not previously heard of Placemaking, so the emphasis was on explaining the concept and encouraging participation in future activities.

Overall, the session sparked awareness and secured ongoing involvement and their voices will play a key role in upcoming consultations!