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NEWSLETTER Cowbridge (Ancient Borough) With Llanblethian Town Council
Welcome to Cowbridge with Llanblethian Town Council's first Newsletter. We aim to bring Council news, details of stories around Cowbridge and information of changes and improvements around town.
Armed Forces Day Cowbridge flew the flag for Armed Forces Day 2026 on the Town Hall on Saturday 27th June to honour the courage, dedication and sacrifice of the men and women who serve, and have served, in the Armed Forces. We thank the Armed Forces community, including serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets and military families and recognise the sacrifices they make in protecting our values, freedoms and way of life.
Improving Cowbridge Streets We are preparing to launch our new 'Love Cowbridge' campaign as we work together with our community to help us to keep it a wonderful area to live, work and visit. Look out for our new stickers around on Town Council bins, which include a QR code to contact us directly to report any issues. In addition, as part of Placemaking, we are working with the Vale of Glamorgan Council on Street Cleansing and our Street Scene to enhance the visual appearance of the town. The new teams will be focusing on giving the town centre some extra attention, carrying out a range of improvements to help keep Cowbridge looking its best.
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Your Mayor Your Mayor Councillor Malcolm Wilson became Mayor of Cowbridge with Llanblethian for the forthcoming municipal year at the Mayor Making Ceremony on 26th May with his wife, Councillor Ruth Chapman, as his Mayoress. Councillor Charles Champion
Welcome to Cowbridge with
became the Deputy Mayor and his wife became
Llanblethian Town Council's
Deputy Mayoress Julia Champion.
first Newsletter. We aim to bring Council news, details
Mayor Councillor Wilson is commited to
of stories around Cowbridge
improving Cowbridge with Llanblethian and
and information of changes
Aberthin for its residents, employees and visitors,
and improvements around
working hard in partnership with the Vale of
town.
Glamorgan Council on Placemaking, focusing on the future whilst respecting and preserving the heritage and history of the town.
Mayor’s Charity The Mayor’s Charity Mayor Councillor Wilson's charity is Dementia Friendly Cowbridge, who work to understand better the needs of those living with Dementia, to empower them and recognise their contribution, to help eliminate the stigma that is often attached to the disease and to help provide safe social inclusive activities. The Mayor’s Cowbridge Pride themed Coffee Morning raised £416 for Dementia Friendly, while the Plans for the Town Coffee Morning raised £218.
Civic Sunday The annual Civic Sunday Parade took place on Sunday 12 July and is a longstanding tradition that celebrates the town's civic heritage, community spirit, and the dedication of those who serve our local area.
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Your Mayor Placemaking What is the Placemaking Plan? A community-driven 10-year strategy led by the Vale of Glamorgan Council working collaboratively with Cowbridge with Llanblethian Town Council to shape the future of Cowbridge by making it a vibrant, Welcome to Cowbridge with well-connected place that reflects local needs and identity. The plan Town Council's Llanblethian was published in June 2025. How has the Placemaking Plan been developed?
first Newsletter. We aim to bring Council news, details
of stories around Cowbridge The plan was developed throughout 2024-2025 throughand extensive information of changes public engagement —surveys, workshops, and events — to ensure its and improvements around projects reflect residents’ aspirations.
town.
The plan categorises initiatives into those that can be delivered immediately, ones needing medium planning, and longer-term projects requiring investment and partnerships. What are Charity the planned objectives? Mayor’s The design is people-centred, enhancing public spaces, amenities, cultural life, and local services— places where residents feel connected and proud. Town Centre & Heritage Focusing on Cowbridge’s historic character, including the medieval town wall and heritage sites, to strengthen local identity. Movement & Accessibility Prioritising walking, cycling, public transport, and safe routes — especially around schools — to promote healthier, sustainable travel. Re-imagining Old Hall & Gardens Exploring adaptive reuse of the Old Hall — including gallery, learning, and business spaces — with evolving community consultations. How is the Placemaking Plan funded? Placemaking is funded through a range of sources, including Welsh Government schemes such as Transforming Towns and the Active Travel Fund, Section 106 funds, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Cowbridge Town Council funding. The Plan is flexible to enable future funding opportunities as new investment sources become available.
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Your Mayor
Where can I find a copy of the Placemaking Plan? The Placemaking Plan can be found on our website under the tab “Placemaking”. A paper copy for reference can also be read in the Town Hall Office and at our Councillor Surgeries. Skate Park
Welcome to Cowbridge with Llanblethian Town Council's first Newsletter. We aim to
Following extensive public consultation, one of the biggest messages
bring Council news, details
received was that there are not enough good places for teenagers and
of stories around Cowbridge
young people to be active, have fun and feel safe. Bear Field, next to
and information of changes
Cowbridge Leisure Centre came up again and again as a space with lots of potential.
and improvements around town.
A new multi-level skate park has been built, which is inclusive and accessible, as well as a multi-use games area (“MUGA”) on Bear Fields. The park opened in June with the Official Opening Launch Event on Saturday 11 July.
Mayor’s Charity
Cattle Market Car Park Improvement works have been carried out to the Cattle Market Car Park to make this safer and less-resistant to wet weather, enhancing driving and walking experiences throughout the autumn and winter months. Cross Inn Footpath Lights Lighting has been installed on the footpath to Cross Inn, making the area safer for all. The lights have multi-use sensors to protect bats in the ongoing endeavour towards biodiversity and protecting wildlife. Footway across Cowbridge Police Fields A community public consultation was carried out on a proposed footway across Cowbridge Police Fields, for which there was overwhelming support. The route will be made safer, cleaner and usable all year round. The proposal includes a new 3‑metre-wide resin‑bound rubber footpath, which is permeable to allow rainwater to soak through, designed to protect tree roots and suitable for use in all weather conditions. The existing steps leading to Geraint’s Way will be replaced to be safer and more accessible. Following consultation, it is approved that the footway will extend into Geraint’s Way.
5 Amenities, Assets & and Services This content is designed to help residents understand which facilities and services are the responsibility of Cowbridge with Llanblethian Town Council and which are managed by the Vale of Glamorgan Council. Cowbridge Town Council is responsible for managing the following principal assets and services: Cowbridge Town Hall (Grade II* Listed Building) The Limes Cemetery Southgate Park Twt Park Llanblethian Playing Fields The Limes Shed Cowbridge War Memorial Land by the Ford, Factory Road, Llanblethian Emms Cottage, Llanblethian Village Green, Piccadilly, Llanblethian Holy Cross Churchyard Bins in Limes Cemetery, Southgate Park, Twt Park and Llanblethian Playing Fields The Town Council is additionally responsible for: Supporting and funding community events (such as the May Fayre, Remembrance Sunday, Christmas Lights and Reindeer Parade) Championing local needs and lobbying authorities Commenting on local planning matters Ongoing maintenance of our local amenities, assets and services Managing Town Hall hires Supporting community wellbeing and biodiversity Publishing and managing financial reporting.
6 The Vale of Glamorgan Council and other public bodies are responsible for all remaining public assets and services. As your most local tier of government, Officers and Councillors of the Town Council raise community issues and champion local needs directly with the Vale of Glamorgan Council. Public areas within Cowbridge, Llanblethian and Aberthin that are not owned by Cowbridge Town Council are owned and managed by the Vale of Glamorgan County Borough Council and other public bodies directly. The Vale of Glamorgan Council owns and manages: Poplar Park Bear Fields Police Fields Cattle Market Car Park Town Hall Square Car Park Old Hall Cowbridge Library Physic Garden Roads throughout Cowbridge, Llanblethian and Aberthin All bins in Cowbridge except in The Limes Cemetery, Southgate Park, Twt Park and Llanblethian Playing Fields, which are managed by the Town Council
The Council holds monthly Committee Meetings on the third Tuesday of the month and Full Council Meetings on the fourth Tuesday of the month (with the exception of August, when the Council is in recess). The public or press can attend either within the Council Chamber or over Teams. To view the Agenda: scan the QR code or alternatively, visit our website at www.cowbridge-tc.gov.uk/category/agendas/ or drop-in to the Cowbridge Town Hall office (Town Hall, 21 High Street, Cowbridge, CF71 7AD) to request a copy Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 2pm.
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Councillor Surgeries Drop in to one of our Councillor Surgeries to meet face-to-face with your Town Councillors to talk about any concerns or issues, seek advice, highlight important areas for consideration or raise any ideas related to council services and local matters. The issues raised by the community are discussed further in Council Meetings and raised with stakeholders such as the Vale of Glamorgan Council and the Police. We have so far held Surgeries in the Town Hall, Old Hall, Waitrose Supermarket and the May Fayre on Police Fields. Councillor Surgeries are held every other month and are advertised on our website, social media sites and on our noticeboards. The next Councillor Surgery is on Saturday 19th September, 11-1pm in Lesser Hall of Town Hall.
Cowbridge Pride On Sunday 28 June 2026, Cowbridge Pride returned to the High Street, bringing together thousands of residents and visitors for a vibrant celebration, proudly organised by a dedicated team of local volunteers. The event continues to have a significant positive impact on the town, with footfall increasing by around 15% during the parade, providing a welcome boost for local businesses and helping showcase Cowbridge as a welcoming and inclusive destination. Throughout the years, the organisation has: Provided stage and sound equipment to Ysgol Iolo Morganwg and match funded those costs to Y Bont-Faen. Provided tablets and new reading resources for Cylch Funded creative learning projects such as songwriting workshops and filming music videos. Supported local schools with diversity training.
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The Next Mayor’s Coffee Morning is Saturday 5 September, with the theme of “Art”. All proceeds go to the Mayor’s Charity: Dementia Friendly Cowbridge Cowbridge Community Events Group organises a range of family friendly, affordable events throughout the year, including Community Cinema and annual May Fayre. To find out more visit the events tab on our website. Our Biodiversity page on our website is regularly updated with local and national opportunities to get involved in protecting nature and supporting the environment. Cowbridge Open Art: 2D Art, Prints and Applied Art (3D Work) at Old Hall, Cowbridge. 17–31 August 2026 Open daily, 10am–5pm Discover a wonderful selection of work from artists and creators. The Cowbridge Christmas Parade takes place on the last Sunday of November each year, bringing the town together to celebrate the start of the festive season. Cowbridge Panto is also back by popular demand.
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