2025 Minutes

North Somercotes Parish Council

Minutes of the meeting of the North Somercotes Parish Council

held in the Village Hall on Monday 28th July 2025 at 7.00 pm

There were 6 members of the public present.  District Cllr Rickett and County Cllr Robinson were in attendance.

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and opened the meeting at 7pm

 

Public Session 

a. Comments/Updates from members of the public on agenda items or issues for consideration for future agenda:

i. Line markings not replaced after recent road dressing – see also 7b below. Representatives of, and residents from, Brown’s Lane (9) described the problems now being experienced by those living on the lane since the no parking road marking was not replaced, and parking bays were marked nearer to the junction, following the recent road resurfacing and the impact of this on the residents, especially the elderly and disabled residents of the lane.  Cllr Robinson noted that there are now different rules for road markings and problems would need to be reported via the website. The Chairman noted that he could see no reason why the markings had not been reinstated as before, and Cllr Robinson said that the LCC policy for getting the markings agreed would have to be gone through as there was no apparent evidence of them being agreed previously. The ‘Keep Clear’ marking outside the Travellers Joy was also discussed, as that had been agreed between Highways and the owners over 20 years ago, and been continuously marked as evidenced from the 2003 Google images since then.

 

ii. Speeding vehicles on School Lane – see also 7a vi below. A member of the public asked for an update on the speed data recording from School Lane, and the Clerk noted that this had been done independently by the Road Safety Partnership without prior notification to the Parish Council and no results have been received to date. It was felt that the sign bought by the parish council and placed directly outside the nursery was not in the right place as it needed to be further away to alert drivers before they reached the nursery.  The Clerk noted that she had asked LCC about a ‘SLOW SCHOOL’ road marking, but LCC have said they do not do these. A request has also been made for some signs showing Children walking on the roadway at each end of the lane as there is no footway. Speed humps can only be considered where specific criteria are met, and this was not the case for this area according to LCC. An assessment by LCC of whether a metal railing can be put up outside of the nursery entrance has been requested. Further discussion took place, and Cllr Robinson undertook to come back to the next meeting to discuss what options LCC are proposing to implement in response to concerns.

 

iii. Mirrors to assist with emerging onto the highway – following a query it was confirmed that LCC have stated in the past that new mirrors are no longer permitted.

 

iv. Keeling St – complaint made to Lincs County Council (LCC) about items for sale on pavement – this has been dealt with by LCC -see 7d below.

 

v. Amount of weeds and rubbish in road edges around the village – the Clerk noted that she had been and removed broken glass and weeds from the roadside kerb on Bank End following a specific complaint about this (that had been reported on FixMyStreet but not actioned), and other general comments about the amount of weeds growing in the kerbside at various locations around the village.

 

vi. Bank End – individual alleging the Private Road to Porters Marsh is a public right of way/Green Lane - sign painted over – criminal damage matter reported to the police and any further instances to be dealt with by Police with ELDC/ASB team.  The Clerk noted that she has confirmed that there is no public right of way on the Definitive Map at this location.

 

vii. Thistles/Ragwort and dead seal – in Realignment site/fenced areas – This will be reported to the Lincs Wildlife Trust.

 

viii. Thistles – Clarke's Court – reported to Platform, along with the weeds/lack of visibility from overgrown shrubs in the Amenity area on the corner of School Lane (which has now been done).

 

ix. Dog Bin – School Lane – asking Cllr McNally to ascertain if ELDC will replace this broken bin and the parish council have already replaced a number of broken bins around the parish.

 

b. Comments/Updates from Lincs County Cllr Bayleigh Robinson: 

Cllr Robinson briefly recapped on the Highways issues as noted above, and the forthcoming proposals for the creation of a Unitary authority, for which there will be an Engagement Event on 11 September in Louth Library between 10am-2pm and there is also a web survey for comments.  The North Somercotes Fire Station ‘have a go day’ took place on 26th July to encourage people to join the fire service, which Cllr Robinson attended.

 

c. Comments/Updates from East Lindsey District Councillor Paul Rickett

Cllr Rickett noted that the ELDC event on the proposals for a Unitary authority would take place at 6.30pm at the Hub in Horncastle on 28th August, with a virtual event on 15th September (to be confirmed), and another virtual event on 20th August for parish clerks.

 

The Chairman closed the public session and started the meeting at 7.45 pm

 

28/7/25-1 a. Present:  Cllr Stephen Brooks – Chairman, Cllr John Kennedy, Cllr Roger Maidens, Cllr McNally (Parish and District) from 8.15pm, Cllr Shaun Smalley, Cllr David Wallis, Cllr Paul Walmsley, Sheila Pearce – Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer.  In attendance Cllr Paul Rickett – District Cllr until 7.45pm.

b. Apologies for Absence – it was RESOLVED to accept Cllr Plater’s, Cllr Kennedy’s, Cllr Newman’s and Cllr Drewery’s (Vice Chairman) absences for the individual reasons given.

 

28/7/25-2 To receive any declarations of pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest on any item on the agenda in accordance with the Localism Act and the Council’s Code of Conduct and Standing Orders – None.

 

28/7/25-3 Minutes of Annual Meeting and monthly meeting held on 23rd June 2025 – it was RESOLVED to adopt and sign the notes as accurate minutes, and they were duly dated and signed by the Chairman.

 

28/7/25-4 Clerk’s Report on matters outstanding – for information only

a. Cemetery - Chapel Doors – work scheduled for End Augus/Sept 2025 b. .gov work Email Addresses – technical issue resolved, Clerk using and Chair/cllrs to trial .gov.uk address c. Chapel Field Future Use/Disposal – see 12 below  

d. Defib Maps for each location in the village – requested prices from GRS e. Orchard area – mowed and strimmed, replacement trees to be sourced f. Dog Fouling/Public Space Protection Order – bag dispensers installed at playing Field and Bank End, no response from ELDC re warden visits despite several emails/messages  g. National Grid Grimsby to Walpole – objection drafted h. Policies and Procedures – schedule of updates to be prepared 

i. Cemetery/other Title deeds –address change to be actioned when other property matters resolved  j. Additional Flower Planter – highways have agreed location, paperwork to be completed  k. Memorial Bench on Marsh Lane –LCC highways unable to agree proposed location owing to safety concerns, Clerk to speak to DIOI about alternative location at Donna Nook car park l. Biodiversity Action Plan – audit was done by under very dry conditions so  LWT might try again to get more species recorded m. Cemetery Statutory Records – digital input ongoing n. Cemetery historic paper records – historic burial ledger and plans now repaired, burial plots book to be done next o. Records Management – archiving, shredding and recycling ongoing p. Flagpole – emails in support received, note regarding funding put in Communication for Aug/Sept   q. Defib Training – details of costings received, dates to be identified and organised r. Annual Cemetery Meeting –see 5 below s. Breach of Planning Permission South Rd – comments made to Enforcement Officer – see 6 below t. Complaints re speeding vehicles- sign ordered and given to nursery, see 7 below u. alleged report of shooting at Playing Field/rear of Somercotes House in the early hours of the morning – no further details provided v. Hedges – Jubilee Rd – remainder to be done end of August, Evison Way – done and Locksley Way – ELDC Pride Team to do at the end of August though householder reports someone has cut it back this week w. Laptop repair – recovered from backup, further intermittent failures of RAM, established as non-repairable x. Donna Nook Car Parking – LCC liaising direct  with staff at the Range re signposting y. Formal complaint made to LCC Highways re lack of professionalism of staff, chaotic and misleading road signage, state of road, absence of road markings, amount of chippings in drain – response has been circulated to councillors – see also 7b below re road markings z. Memorial checks – note put in Communication and placed on gates at Cemetery, unsafe memorials cordoned off or laid down/marked with orange paint a1. Toilets and Cemetery Water – to note contract changed from Wave to Water Plus at a saving of approx £50 per annum across both contracts for next 3 years for retail charges.

 

28/7/25-5 Annual Cemetery Inspection 21st July 2025 

a. After discussion it was RESOLVED to proceed with the quinquennial inspection at a cost of £780 plus vat with the same architect as previous, once the doors have been replaced.

 

b. The Clerk was also asked to:

i. proceed with obtaining quotes for the repairs to the unsafe memorials including moving those memorials from the chapel wall/fence back to their plots where it is possible to identify the relevant plot.

ii. send a reminder letter to those identified as allegedly not having paid for memorial vases/plaques in the Garden of Remembrance and move vase/plaque to chapel until clarified, if this has not already been dealt with. 

iii. to send a note to those who still have wooden crosses/temp grave markers and ask for them to be removed as per rules, and place these in the chapel if they are not removed from the grave plot.

iv. When updating the Cemetery Rules, review and amend (reduce) the maximum size of double graves.

v. investigate cost of pre-seeded wildflower turf for the area between the twin chapels and put a note in Communication/at cemetery that this is being done deliberately and therefore not mown as regularly as the rest. Investigate cost of decorative fencing to mark the area.

vi. Jubilee Bench – arrange for cleaning with warm water, dishwasher soap and scrubbing brush as recommended by supplier.

vii. proceed with obtaining inspection on trees and quote for any works required to ensure safety.

viii. proceed to organise annual electric safety check and pat test of hoover, once replacement obtained.

ix. arrange for GOR sign to be moved to grass inside the Garden, rather than outside (may affect lime render if put on wall, whereas plaques are put on the concrete plinth)

 

28/7/25-6 To consider any Planning applications received and RESOLVE the way forward on these and other Planning matters 

a.  Planning applications for consideration: none

b. To note planning applications approved: none

c. To note planning applications refused: none

d. Planning Applications appealed: none

e. Enforcement Issues/Actions: Any update on reported issues/new issues:

i. Two Static Caravans on land/stables on Common Lane – Notice for removal has been served.

ii. Land at South Road – Planning Officer to update and respond to various issues raised on return from leave.

iii. Grimsby to Walpole – The Parish Council’s objection to the Stage 2 consultation drafted and will be submitted before the deadline of Wednesday 6 August 2025 as agreed at the June meeting. 

iv. Grimsby to Walpole pylon/substation proposals – to note the ELDC response has been circulated, and any further update on LCC/ELDC challenge to financial process and potential for Judicial Review will be circulated when available.

f. Any other urgent planning matters/applications: none.

 

28/7/25-7 Highways, Paths and Lighting: To consider outstanding/new issues and RESOLVE the way forward

a. verbal update on problem log/outstanding issues which have been queried with LCC Highways, including:

i. Warren Rd drainage problems – works commence 29th July – LCC contact name for issues is Dave Burton or Ian Ward (Clerk has contact details) as noted in the public session.

iii. Parking opposite Warren Road Track to Oasis/Warren Farm near primary school – outcome awaited of request for road marking to prevent parking to ensure safe access/exit during school drop off/pick up times

iii. Bench on Marsh Lane/possible locations – Highways unable to approve as too close to road/safety issues

iv. Principle of having a flagpole on the corner of Jubilee Rd/Conisholme Rd – LCC have provided utilities maps, comments requested via Communication magazine for discussion at next meeting.

v. Additional planter – Highways have approved location subject to submitting application with plan

vi. Speeding vehicles – School Lane – Child Sign obtained and provided to the Nursery Manager.  Request for speed hump was made – LCC Highways email response rejecting that request circulated to councillors, road marking was also vetoed.  Recording device placed on lamppost on School Lane, results awaited.  Other methods - including warning signs, and metal barrier outside nursery gate are being investigated. Other problems areas in the village – locations for Speed Indicator  device - to be discussed.  Police attended as requested to conduct speed checks owing to complaints about speeding; someone then posted on the Village Facebook page warning of this.

Cllr McNally joined the meeting at 8.15 pm.

b. Failure of LCC Highways to reinstate several road marking lines following recent road dressing – following on from the lengthy discussion that took place in the public session, and Cllr Robinson’s email, it was noted that the parish council’s role is to raise these issues on behalf of its residents, rather than individuals have to separately raise these matters.

 

c. Amount of rubbish/weeds in gutters around the parish – Clerk to  flag specific areas on  FixMyStreet.

 

d. Complaint re items outside shop – Keeling St – the Clerk noted the circumstances around the complaint which had been made, and that information had been sought from both the District Council and County Council. A site visit was made by an officer from Lincs County Council who confirmed that the items outside the shop were satisfactory from a highways perspective and that the matter was closed. No response had been received from ELDC Licensing, but ELDC information on street trading also indicated the items would be satisfactory if the highway is not being blocked, then there is no issue.

 

28/7/25-8 To receive reports from councillors who are representatives on Village Organisations/Committees                

a. Playing Fields Association - Cllr Walmsley – Party in the Park will be held on 16th August, tickets £10, primary school and younger children free of charge.

 

b. Police Panel – Cllr Newman – no report owing to absence

 

c. Emergency/Flood Planning – Cllr Newman/Clerk - the Clerk noted the EA notice that has been circulated re actions to take in a flood.

 

d. Village Hall Committee – In Cllr Pater’s absence the Clerk noted that the Village Hall have been successful in obtaining a grant for the new boiler and other works (as has the Snooker Club)

 

e. DTE Wildlife Group – Cllr Newman/Clerk - email to be sent to LWT re the amount of Ragwort and Thistles in the Realignment site to see what is planned.

 

f. Youth Club – Cllr David Wallis – Storage and other issues to be discussed and resolved at the next Playing Field Meeting.  An issue arose recently regarding the use of the playing field/play area being limited to Youth Club attendees on club nights, when an adult with children was abusive when this was politely pointed out.  It was confirmed that the facilities can be limited to Youth Club attendees only as a private function, and a sign could be displayed stating this.  The public footpath across the field can still be used. The extra cameras that have been put on the system may mean a larger monthly data allowance is now required.  It was noted that there were several younger age children in the Warren last week when the Youth Club was in session, and its not clear if parents realise that this may be where their children go to, rather than attend the Youth Club.

 

28/7/25-9 Finance and Annual Audit

a) the bank reconciliations for June/July 2025 will be circulated and put on the agenda for September.

b) the schedule of receipts and payments for June/July 2025 have been authorised by the Chairman and will be circulated and put on the agenda for September for approval

c) Investment of Reserves – the completed paperwork to open the savings account with Charity Bank will now be completed, with the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Clerk and Cllr McNally as the authorised signatories

d) Any other/urgent financial matters:

i. Annual Audit – it was noted that the Certificate of Satisfactory Completion has been returned by the auditors, and the Notice of Conclusion of Audit will now be displayed on the noticeboard and website as required and the invoice paid.

ii. Donation - It was RESOLVED to approve the request for a donation of £175 for a new bell rope for the St Mary’s volunteer Bell Ringers; PC to purchase and donate.

 

28/7/25-10 To receive/note general Correspondence for July, Website Updates and Communication

Items have been circulated, including successful bids by the NS Snooker Club and NS Village Hall from the ELDC Investment Fund GRASSroots Grant Scheme, and East Lindsey District Council Leader statement on the National Grid pylon consultation

 

28/7/25-11 Agenda items for the next meeting to be held on 22 September 2025 in the Village Hall

To include Flagpole consultation, Chapel Field disposal of residual land, Speed indicator Devices, arrangements for tender exercise for Cemetery, village, and footpath maintenance contracts for April 2026, Footpath Reviews.

County Councillor Bayleigh Robinson left the meeting at this point.

 

28/7/25-12 - Confidential Property Matters – it was RESOLVED that the Council would move into closed session by reason of the confidential property matters to be transacted – there were no members of the public/press present in the meeting at this point.

 

a. Confidential Minutes of the discussions on property matters on the 19th May 2025 – it was RESOLVED to sign and date the Confidential notes as an accurate minute of detailed discussion.

 

b. Confidential Minutes of the discussions on property matters on the 23rd June 2025 – to be tabled for the September meeting

 

c. To receive an update from the Clerk on the disposal of the residual land at Chapel Field

The Clerk provided an update on progress and confirmed that matters were proceeding, albeit a little slowly owing to the solicitor’s absence, and in accordance with the covenants required as discussed.  Cllr Walmsley and the Clerk to meet on site to establish boundary markers between the two plots being disposed of, and so that this can be agreed and some discussion over hedging/fencing take place.

 

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 8.46 pm

 

Sheila Pearce

Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer