2026 Minutes

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held at 6.30 pm Tuesday 7th July 2026 in the Village Hall

Present: Cllr L Hughes (Chair), Cllr R Brabbin, Cllr M Clayphan, Cllr M Kinning, Cllr J Oldfield, Cllr F Parish, Cllr H White, Cllr C van Straubenzee, Cllr C Ashton and Cllr A White.

In attendance: Mrs S Phillips (Clerk)

Apologies from LCCllr C Vernon and DCllr B Green, DCllr D Bellamy

26/27-25.           Welcome by the Chair

The meeting was declared open at 6.30pm with all welcomed.  It was noted that there are two people interested in becoming a councillor who will be invited to attend the next meeting.

26/27-26.           Apologies for absence

None.

26/27-27.           Declarations of interest for items on the agenda

None.

26/27-28.           Reports from County/District Councillors

The following report was received from DCllr Green.

Waste policy and missed bins:

• At the recent Environment Committee, an updated waste policy was voted through. I did not support it.
• My principal concern is that the time residents have to report a missed bin is being reduced from five working days to two working days. The draft policy states that missed bin and sack reports made more than two working days after the scheduled collection day “will not be accepted”, though individual cases may be reviewed as needed.
• I also asked whether residents would receive any rebate or compensation where bins are missed. The Leader confirmed that there will be no rebate for missed bins. I find that disappointing, particularly where residents are paying for a service, such as garden waste. The 2026/27 garden waste service costs £55 per year.

Local Government Reorganisation:

• Local Government Reorganisation remains a major issue for South Kesteven. SKDC has been asked to respond to Government questions on the future structure of local government in Greater Lincolnshire, including future warding, elections, implementation arrangements and the creation of new unitary authorities.
• The Council has said there will be no immediate changes and that services should continue as normal during the transition, though the final decision timeline may now run close to the May 2027 elections.
• I have tabled a motion that, if the new council is formed of South Kesteven, North Kesteven, and South Holland, it be called 'Kesteven and Holland Council', retaining the thousand-year-old Kesteven name, rather than the dull compass-point alternative of 'South Lincolnshire Council'. 

Community funding:

• Parish and community groups may wish to note SKDC’s community grant offer. The expanded Large Grant Fund can provide up to £20,000 for projects supporting parish and community assets, with up to £10,000 available for community events. Small grants of up to £2,000 remain available for newly formed and smaller groups.

Charity walk for the Royal British Legion:

• Finally, I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to everyone who kindly supported my charity walk for the Royal British Legion – over 30 miles tracing the border of the Isaac Newton ward as closely as possible. I am pleased to report that I raised £365. I am very grateful for all donations, encouragement and good wishes.

Ongoing casework:

• As ever, please do continue to raise any local issues with me and I will do my best to assist.

26/27-29.           To approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 2nd June 2026

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 2nd June 2026 be approved as a true and accurate record.

It was noted that the public enquiry was relating to AD Plant

26/27-30.           Financial matters (Clerk)

• Monthly Accounts (see financial statement)

The clerk presented the financial statement and it was noted that all is in order.Fireworks are still to be ring fenced on the report.

• To approve payments

RESOLVED: That the payments presented for approval be authorised.

• To approve reconciled accounts

Will be dealt with at the next meeting due to printer issues.

26/27-31.           Operational matters

• All councillors to complete DPI Form

All were reminded to complete their DPI forms.

26/27-32. Village Hall Update

a) PAT Testing

Cllr V. Straubenzee reported that the PAT testing had been completed. A copy of the report will be retained on file and forwarded to the Clerk.

b) Removal of Vegetation Bordering Residential Properties on Tollemache Road

Members were advised that a quote has been received to remove vegetation bordering the residential properties for £300.00 plus VAT, this does not include the trees.RESOLVED: to accept the quote received for removal of the vegetation.

It was proposed by Cllr Oldfield and seconded by Cllr Brabbin that a second quote should be sought for the removal of the trees with the maximum being approved at £600.00.All in agreement.

Members discussed the hedge adjacent to Bungalow 1, Rutland Close, which is restricting visibility for vehicles exiting onto the High Street.

It was agreed that Cllrs Parish and Cllr White (or alternatively Cllr Brabbin) would speak with the residents in the first instance regarding the maintenance of the hedge.

Members noted concerns regarding overgrown hedges opposite the Blue Cow. Cllr Brabbin reported that he had raised the matter with CCllr Vernon. Cllr Parish will also speak with the relevant residents.

Members discussed ongoing issues with vehicles parking on double yellow lines. It was noted that photographic evidence would be required before the matter could be reported to the Police.

• Cllr Brabbin to obtain photographic evidence. The Parish Council will then consider what further action can be taken.

Members received an update regarding arrangements for the Village Fete. A meeting with the YMCA was scheduled for Monday to confirm responsibilities and ensure all necessary arrangements were in place by 17 July.

The Clerk confirmed that clarification had been sought from the Parish Council's insurers regarding the extent of the insurance cover.

26/27-33. Play Areas

Members noted that the annual RoSPA inspection is scheduled for August. It was agreed to await the inspection report before considering any further works.

The existing play area inspection report prepared by Cllr Oldfield will be forwarded to Cllr Brabbin.

A resident has reported that birds are making a mess on the swings and suggested that cable ties were used as a way to prevent this.

Action: Cllr Hughes to obtain the required cable ties. Cllrs Kinning and Cllr Hughes to arrange for these to be fitted where appropriate.

It has been reported that graffiti has been used on the skate park.It was agreed that a letter should be sent to the person responsible for causing the damage requesting that the graffiti be removed under supervision.

26/27-34. Planning Matters

Members noted that the AD Plant meeting would take place on 14 July and would be attended by Cllrs Brabbin, Parish and Cllr White.

Members received an update regarding the Padley’s and Bulllimore’s developments. It was noted that these applications are progressing through the planning process and that, at the current outline planning stage, the Parish Council is unable to influence the planning authority's decision-making process.

The date of the next meeting will be held on Tuesday 1 September 2026

The meeting was declared closed at 7.45pm