Ysgol Gymraeg Dewi Sant PTA Engagement

📅 Date: 11 April 2024

📍 Location: Ysgol Dewi Sant Llantwit Major (school-based engagement)

🗣️ Who we spoke to: Parents and PTA members

Facilitators: School PTA in collaboration with Llantwit Major Town Council

🙋 Type of engagement: Written survey responses

This engagement gathered views from parents at Ysgol Gymraeg Dewi Sant to understand what they value about Llantwit Major, what concerns they have, and what improvements they would like to see in the next five years. The feedback reflects family priorities around safety, infrastructure, and community facilities.

🚀 Emerging Themes

  • What people like:
    • Safe community where children can explore freely.
    • Strong village atmosphere and sense of belonging.
    • Access to emergency services, good internet, and library/warm spaces.
    • Natural assets like the beach and historic sites (St Illtyd’s Church).
    • Train services, two supermarkets, and good playgrounds.
    • Active community life with clubs, organisations, and CF61 community space.
    • Variety of pubs and restaurants.
  • What people dislike:
    • Parking issues near Dewi Sant Primary and Learning Hub (Ham Lane East).
    • Concern about losing school crossing patrols (lollipop ladies).
    • Limited public transport – need more frequent trains and buses.
    • Lack of youth services for teenagers.
    • Leisure Centre needs major refurbishment and better cleanliness.
    • High supermarket prices, no children’s clothing shop, and no petrol station.
    • Beach area underdeveloped – need investment in café and access improvements.
    • Healthcare pressures – long waits for doctors/dentists as population grows.
    • Litter and dog fouling – not enough bins across town.
  • Future priorities (next 5 years):
    • Shuttle buses from railway station to the beach.
    • More frequent and reliable public transport routes.
    • A modern Health and Wellbeing Centre (upgrade Leisure Centre).
    • Establish a Western Vale Welsh Comprehensive School in town.
    • Improve roads and infrastructure, fill potholes, address flooding, and dredge ditches.
    • Protect the historic old town and provide safe paths that respect heritage.

💬 Comments:

“We need better transport links and shuttle buses to the beach.”

“The Leisure Centre needs a major upgrade.”

“Please protect the old part of town and keep its historic character.”

“We’d like to see more bins and cleaner streets.”

Summary:

Parents appreciate Llantwit Major’s safe, family‑friendly atmosphere, rich heritage, and strong community facilities. At the same time, they highlighted an urgent need for better transport links, improved healthcare access, and enhanced leisure provision.

There is strong support for improved beach access, more affordable shopping options, and continued efforts to protect the town’s historic character. The PTA also expressed enthusiasm for contributing to future surveys, including helping to gather children’s views to ensure younger voices are heard.