2025 minutes

25/94

Welcome by the Chair

The meeting was declared open with everyone welcomed.  All were reminded to send apologies if unable

to attend a meeting.

25/95

Apologies for absence

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Oldfield, Cllr Kinning.

25/96

Declarations of Interest

Cllr A White declared an interest in agenda item 25/106 Planning.

25/97

Reports from County/District Councillors

District Councillor

Cllr Bellamy reported the following:

• There are still concerns with pylons being installed and the knock-on impact of more large solar farms.Between South Witham and Bourne are ancient woodlands so it would be requested that cables go underground.In Lincolnshire alone there are 51 large projects and concerns on what this means for the countryside and food growing.
• The local plan consultation has taken place but will be another 2 years before a new plan will be adopted.There is a risk that planning applications can be made and be successful without the plan in place.
• AD Plant have appealed the decision and put forward changed plans which will go back to planning and be part of a public enquiry.The council had a private session with legal advice and decided not to contest the appeal; the local protest group have already logged their objections.It is still not known where the satellite site will be.

25/98

To consider appointing Co-opting Councillors

Thanks were given to Millie Clayphan for attending the meeting and Millie was given the opportunity to give information on her experiences.  Her co-option was proposed by Cllr Parish, seconded by Cllr H White and all were in favour of her co-option.

25/99

To approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 2nd September 2025

Minutes of the meeting held on 2nd September 2025 were approved as a true and accurate record and signed as such by Cllr Parish.

25/100

Outstanding Items

• A discussion took place on the parking issues of Thistleton Road, and a suggestion was made to cut into the grass verge which would make the road wider.Cllr H White agreed to discuss the options with Cllr Green and Cllr Bellamy.In the meantime, another letter would be sent to the residents.
• Letters to the industrial estate have been sent.
• The drain issue on Church Street has been chased.
• Concerns were raised by Cllr Parish about comments made that the parish council will be responsible for pathways once the quarry closes.It was explained that it was not expected to close anytime soon, and it was unclear if it was meant when the whole quarry closes.

25/101

Financial Matters

a)

Payment approval

British Gas                                          £235.16

David Warden                                   £370.00

Eon                                                        £42.32

Garden Angels                                £375.00

Janine Costello                                £308.00

HMRC                                                   £38.98

HMRC                                                   £199.57

Monthly Accounts

Total income received for firework donations was £675.00, second part of the precept has been received.

Account balances as of 5th September

Main account                                     £22842.78

Play project                                        £13716.76

Full account details to be sent to councillors.

c)

To consider a donation request for the fireworks event

It was proposed by Cllr van Straubenzee, seconded by Cllr Ashton to donate £750.00, all in favour.

An agenda item was requested for the next meeting for any further donations that were required.

25/102

Operational matters

a)

To consider moving clerk and councillor email addresses to gov.uk

It was proposed by Cllr Brabbin, seconded by Cllr Ashton and all in favour to move councillor email addresses to gov.uk.  It was agreed to go with Cloudnext with their premium package costing £99.00 plus VAT.

b)

To consider internal audit provider

It was proposed by Cllr Parish and seconded by Cllr Hughes with all in favour to appoint LALC as the internal auditor for 2025/26.

25/103

Village Hall Matters

a)

CCTV

The CCTV monitor has been replaced and is now working.

25/104

Village upkeep

a)

To discuss the annual clean of the war memorial

The annual clean always takes place this time of year.  Cllr van Straubenzee will also organise 6 wreaths and 4 trays of poppies.

25/105

Play Areas update

Cllr Hughes reported that 101 responses have been received which is very positive, Cllr Hughes will now be going through them and look at funding available.

As encouragement to complete the survey it was agreed that 2 x £20 vouchers would be offered.  Cllr Parish confirmed to add another £20 voucher from the Community Group.

25/106

St John the Baptist Church, South Witham update

Remembrance service will take place on Tuesday 11th November.

25/107

Planning Applications

b)

For comment

25/108

Correspondence

• Further planning applications have been received which are to be distributed to councillors.

A street sign has fallen down, Cllr Brabbin will report.

• Village hall keyholder information is out of date.

The meeting was declared closed at 7.44pm.