2025 Minutes

There was 1 member of the public present.  County Cllr Bayleigh Robinson was in attendance and District Cllr Paul Rickett had given his apologies.

 

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and opened the public session at 7.02pm

 

Public Session 

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

i. South Road – a number of concerns  have been raised with the parish council regarding the environmental impact of the unauthorised occupation of part of the site on South Road by 4 caravans, 5 as of last week, regarding the discharge of grey water into the land, as well as the negative impact on amenity of neighbours from both proximity and weekend working, as well as concerns regarding the fire safety implications of proximity of the caravans to each other. See 6 below.

 

ii. Privet Hedge on Conisholme Rd – the proximity and extent of this have led to safety concerns being raised about how narrow the footway has become at this point.  The lamppost at one end is now subsumed by the hedge when in 2008 it was standing on the edge of the grass strip at this point, when the hedge had already started to grow some distance from the property boundary.  This has now been referred to LCC Highways following two complaints the previous week.

 

iii. Overhanging Hedge on Jubilee Rd – the Clerk has followed up the previous request to trim the hedge back to the property line, so that vehicles can freely pass, now that nesting season has finished.

 

iv. Antisocial behaviour including obscene graffiti, drinking, littering and causing noise in the early hours of the morning (Jubilee Rd bench, and brick bench on Keeling St/Woolpack Meadows junction), riding quad bike across private land, verbal abuse of dog walker on Green Lane, criminal damage to private road sign - all these matters have been referred to the police.

 

v. Request to remove the brick bench on Keeling St owing to antisocial behaviour of users – confirmed that the police should be called regardless of what time this occurs to curtail behaviour. See 7 below,

 

vi. Parking on Pavement Bank End adjacent to Brooks Cottage - near-miss incident, when a mobility scooter user nearly tipped over as they tried to come off the kerb to go around the vehicle.  Photos of the vehicle and details of the incident have been referred to Police.

 

vii. Parking on grass verge near Axe and Cleaver – safety issue which home owner has raised with Cllr Robinson.  Previous concern led to plastic bollards being placed on wrong side of the road by LCC.

 

viii. Query re shooting heard in/near the Warren – confirmed that pigeon shooting can take place year-round and that 101 should be called if there are future concerns.

 

ix. Suggestion for a village library – a query has been raised re the potential locations/viability of a village library for no longer required books.  However, it was felt that this was unlikely to be viable if it needed space and administration.  Also noted that the Village Hall takes donated books that people can then take and give a donation for, and the primary school are often pleased to receive gifts of books.

 

x. Loose branch across footpath from Vicarage to Church End – landowner contacted to resolve.  Tree trunk/ivy at same location also needs checking when paths are next done. Clerk to speak with Alford Gardening Services.

 

xi. Overhanging Elderberry tree at bench near Noticeboard – some of the branches have been cut back and the bench cleaned of berries, but further work needs to be done to take the hedge back behind the pavement, along with pulling off ivy from the two cherry trees either side of the planter and removing low hanging branches.

 

xii. Road subsidence at Scupholme adjacent to Manor Farm – Clerk to report on Fixmystreet.

 

 

 

b. Comments/Updates from Lincs County Cllr Bayleigh Robinson

Cllr Robinson updated on the proposals to form 2 unitary authorities across North Lincs and North East Lincs, as a cheaper option with the least disruption going forward to move from 3 tiers of Government to 2.  A virtual meeting will take place on 26th September to explain this.  A scheme of work to deal with the unresolved drainage issues on Warren Road is being developed, to create capacity to take the water away rather than rely on soakaway. The request for the reinstatement of the road markings outside the Travellers’ Joy and Brown’s Lane will be done shortly and the parking bay markings removed.  A set of safety railings outside of the nursery entrance at the primary school on School Lane will be installed.  Discussion took place on the state of the overgrown hedge and crumbling road edge on Pear Tree Lane by the Covenham Reservoir, which led to the road being blocked by an overturned HGV recently when it had slipped off the very narrow  road edge when trying to avoid an oncoming vehicle that in turn was trying to avoid the overgrown hedge/trees on the other side of the road. 

 

c. Comments/Updates from East Lindsey District Councillors Danny McNally/Paul Rickett – not present

 

The Chairman closed the public session and commenced the formal meeting.

 

22/9/25-1 a. Present: Cllr Steve Brooks (Chairman), Cllr Neil Drewery (Vice Chairman), Cllr Stuart Arundel, Cllr John Kennedy, Cllr Roger Maidens, Cllr Trisha Newman, Cllr Lynda Plater, Cllr Shaun Smalley, Cllr Paul Walmsley, Sheila Pearce – Parish Clerk & RFO.  In attendance Cllr Bayleigh Robinson.

 

b. Apologies for Absence – it was RESOLVED to accept Cllr David Wallis absence for the reasons given. Cllr Danny McNally was also absent. 

 

22/9/25-2 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:

Cllr Walmsley had declared an interest in the planning application at 6a at 7.00 pm and signed the book accordingly.

 

22/9/25-3 Minutes of the meeting held on 28th July 2025 – it was RESOLVED to adopt the notes as accurate minutes, and they were signed and dated by the Chairman.

 

22/9/25-4 Clerk’s Report on matters outstanding – for information only

a. Cemetery - Chapel Doors – work commenced 16/9 with a temporary door put in place b. Chapel Field Future Use/Disposal – see 14 below  c. St Mary’s Bell Ringers – Rope ordered d. Defib Maps for each location in the village  – see 9 below e. Orchard area –replacement trees outstanding f. Dog Fouling/Public Space Protection Officers visits  - still no response from ELDC re warden visits despite several emails/messages left  g. National Grid Grimsby to Walpole – objection submitted  h. Policies and Procedures – schedule of updates drafted i. Cemetery/other Title deeds –address change pending  j. Additional Flower Planter – query re location has now arisen  k. Bench on marsh Lane – see 7 below l. Biodiversity Action Plan – LWT to schedule further audit  m. Cemetery Statutory Records digitisation and mapping  – ongoing n. Cemetery historic paper records – burial plots book to be repaired

o. Records Management – archiving, shredding and recycling ongoing p. Flagpole – see 10 below q. Defib Training – costings received, dates to be organised r. Locksley Way Hedge – ELDC Pride Team completed s. New Laptop – purchase pending t. Lack of road markings on Brown’s Lane and lack of drainage still on Oasis side of Warren Road see 7 below u.  Unsafe Memorials – see 5 below v. Criminal damage to ‘private road’ sign on Bank End – further damage passed to police w. Cemetery Trees – H&S inspection/condition check to be rearranged x. Quinquennial Inspection -to be arranged once doors repaired y. amount of weeds in kerbside – Clerk to photo examples and submit to FixMyStreet. z. Thistles/Ragwort in Realignment site – raised with LWT a1. Dog Pooh Bin on School Lane – replaced by ELDC a2. Cemetery - reminder letters re temp grave markers to be done, plaque in GOR now paid for, annual electric safety check to be arranged, GOR weeding done, spraying to be done, Jubilee Bench – cleaned as advised, wildflower turf/bulbs to be sourced/note to be put in Communication

 

22/9/25-5 Memorials - work required to reinstate/make older memorials safe – discussion took place on the desirability of reinstating the ten older unsafe memorials, and the quotation for their repair at £300 per memorial was considered.  The Clerk noted that she had put a note in Communication to see if there were any relatives of those named on the memorials identified as needing repair and was also trying to ascertain the condition and original location for a further 7 memorials that are currently leaning against the chapel walls.   Discussion took place on the funding required and the impact of this on other projects, for example the Garden of Remembrance feature.  It was then RESOLVED to proceed with the first ten and review the available funding reserves or budget required once the cemetery doors have been repaired, and pending any other expenditure that might be identified as required following the pending Quinquennial inspection.

 

22/9/25-6 To consider any Planning applications received and RESOLVE the way forward on these and other Planning matters 

a.  Planning applications for consideration:

i. No: 03092/25/FUL - Westview Farm Conisholme Rd – 26 Solar Panels.  Following discussion it was RESOLVED to support this application.

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 has been given for removal, awaiting update

ii. Land at South Road – the current position was discussed at length with a number of concerns being expressed regarding the occupation of part of the site with no footpath to Keeling St constructed, the negative impact on the amenity of the surrounding neighbours, damage to the environment, and the impact on the rural outlook.  It was RESOLVED that these concerns should be raised with the Head of Planning and Leader of the Council, copied to Victoria Atkins MP and Andrea Jenkins Mayor, and the matter to be raised in person at a full ELDC council meeting if required.  

f. National Grid Projects

i. Grimsby to Walpole – Objection to the Stage 2 consultation has been submitted. It was noted that of the over 100 nationally significant infrastructure projects currently being planned for the country, over 25 of these are in Lincolnshire.

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

 

22/9/25-7 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 raised with LCC Highways, including:

i. Warren Rd drainage - School side works have been completed, and a complaint has been made regarding Oasis side of the road and School Lane corner still not being done. Further images have been submitted of the problems after rainfall.  Gulleys were partially jetted on 18th Sept, and feedback provided to LCC shows 50% of these are still blocked in any case, as well as noting that this has failed to work over the last 6-10 years that they have tried this. Further details of the scheme of work proposed to remedy this situation are awaited as noted by Cllr Robinson in his update in the public session.

 

ii. Parking opposite Warren Road Track to Oasis/Warren Farm near primary school – no solution proposed

 

iii. Bench on Marsh Lane/possible locations – preliminary request made to DIO re location on their land, but they do not favour this option. Possibility of unregistered land area, or if Lincs Wildlife Trust/EA would agree to a bench with a plaque in the Realignment Site for example.  The costs of ongoing maintenance are also an issue.

 

iv. Additional planter – pending identification of more suitable location now owing to antisocial behaviour 

 

vi. Speeding vehicles – School Lane – the results of the Archer survey had been emailed to councillors, and these were discussed.  Based on no collisions in the last 3 years, and the week’s monitoring, there was insufficient data to indicate other measures to be put in place to deter speeding.  However, it was noted that the data is skewed by the speed of those dropping off and picking up from the nursery, which does not reflect the excess speed of those individuals who are driving straight by at excessive speed in either direction – some of which were over 30mph over the 30mph limit, so 60mph - and would have been liable to prosecution.  LCC have agreed to install ‘L’ shaped railings in front of the nursery entrance, and the parish council will discuss the purchase of poles and a speed indicator device to be moved around the village as part of budget setting in October/November. The Clerk has erected a 30mph sign on the lamppost at the Church End end of School Lane.

 

vii. Weeds in kerbside – Clerk to report specific areas which have been complained about on FixMyStreet.

 

b. Failure of LCC to reinstate several road marking lines following recent road dressing – Cllr Robinson had confirmed in the public session that the road markings would be reinstated as requested for Browns Lane and Traveller’s Joy.  The Clerk noted that the lack of an ‘H’ bar at the entrance to Sandy Lane/Pampas bungalow had also become an issue and that she has asked the complainant to provide photographs when this is a problem. It was also noted that the extent of the parking bay adjacent to Sandy Lane makes it difficult for vehicles with a trailer, or larger vehicles, to turn into the narrow playing field entrance opposite if there are vehicles parked in the bay, so this also needs to be reported.

 

c. Hedges/Trees obstructing path/pavement

i. Privet Hedge on Conisholme Rd – this has been referred to LCC for action following safety concerns raised and has now been put on Fixmystreet as requested by LCC.

ii. Hedge on Jubilee Rd – a further request has been made to occupier to please cut it back now nesting season over and note put in next Communication re hedges/trees overhanging paths and roads.

iii. Loose branch across footpath from Vicarage to Church End – landowner resolved, additional branch to be checked by contractor when final footpaths cut done.

iv. Locksley Way - ELDC Pride Team have now done an excellent job cutting back the privet hedge which was overhanging the public footpath

 

d. Footpath Reviews 2025 – Cllr Plater has kindly agreed to undertake the majority of these again this year, along with the Chairman.  

 

e. Request to remove brick seat on Keeling St near Woolpack Meadows junction – the Clerk noted the reason for this request, which had been discussed in the public session.  It was confirmed that the police should be contacted immediately regarding antisocial behaviour regardless of the time, and that the brick bench was one that was in frequent use by many different people.  Councillors therefore unanimously RESOLVED not to remove the bench, and for it to be left as it is.

 

f. Non removal of Diversion and other works signs once works completed – it was noted that there are still several Road Closed, Diversion and other signs up around the area some dating back to July (at Tetney Lock and North Cotes) for example, and several roadside speed limit 30mph signs still painted over after the road resurfacing back in July/earlier (at the Axe and Cleaver for example).  Cllr Robinson noted that he will investigate.

 

22/9/25-8 To receive reports from councillors who are representatives on Village Organisations/Committees                

a. Playing Fields Association – Cllr Walmsley - Cllr Walmsley reported that the two recent events – the Party in the Park and The Bunting Trail had been well received and raised approx £12k in funds, which was noted as excellent.  There were now 3 junior football teams operating from the playing field, but pitch improvement work and mole prevention was needed, and the field around the orchard area in the bottom field had been cut as part of the preparation for the Bunting Trail.

 

b. Police Panel – Cllr Newman – Cllr Newman will be attending the priorities meeting for the area team in the first week of October, when she will raise the various ASB issues noted in the public session.  The swap over of land lines to digital for those on emergency networks has caused some confusion and led to some scams being perpetrated, so a note in Communication may be helpful.

 

c. Emergency/Flood Planning – Cllr Newman/Clerk – nothing to report

 

d. Village Hall Committee – Cllr Plater – Cllr Plater reported that at the recent AGM Martin Teal had been appointed as Chair and Anne Empringham as Secretary.  The new boiler is working very well, and a Christmas Fayre has been organised for 13th December.

 

e. DTE Wildlife Group – Cllr Newman/Clerk – Cllr Newman noted that there is no date set yet for the annual seal meeting, but the usual arrangements for traffic management and wardening should be going ahead.  The Range is expected to reopen on the 29th September.

 

f. Youth Club – Cllr David Wallis – the return to one day per week (Thursday) was noted.  The Clerk again stated that there is still money set aside in the budget for the Youth Club.

 

22/9/25-9 Finance

a) to receive and note the bank reconciliations for June- September 2025.  The Chairman checked and signed the bank reconciliations, which had been outstanding owing to the laptop issues.

b) Payments and Receipts - it was RESOLVED to approve the schedule of receipts of £682 and payments of £3,332.88 for Sept 2025, and payments totalling £19,975.26 and receipts of £3,742 for the period 25 May to Sept 26th 2025.

 

c) Investment of Reserves – councillors completed the necessary paperwork to open the savings account with Charity Bank, and the Clerk confirmed that she is waiting for the remaining 50% of the precept from the District Council before transferring the funds to the investment account as previously RESOLVED.

 

d) Forecast outturn versus budget for 25/26 – the Clerk has provided this to the Chairman and will circulate to councillors before the next meeting as part of the initial budget setting discussions.

 

e) Bowls Club – Donation request for £250 to reseed the green – following discussion it was RESOLVED to ratify the decision to support this application.

 

f) Defib maps for each location – it was RESOLVED to proceed with the maps at a cost of £73.80 for the 4 (Village Hall, Pavilion, Fire station, Axe and Cleaver.  There are also Defib machines at Lakeside and in the primary school, but these may not be available 24 hours to the public.  Laminated signage for the Noticeboard, Post Office, St Mary’s Church Hall and other places such as restaurants and shops should also be produced.  The Clerk will put the purchase of Bleed Kits on the next agenda, and try again to identify a date for the Defib familiarisation session/s.

 

g) Any other/urgent financial matters – none.

 

22/9/25-10 Flagpole Proposal – some support has been expressed for the principle of a flagpole, but concern had also been expressed regarding the location and potential for disturbance given proximity to property.  The Clerk will put it on the agenda for the next meeting, alongside the consideration of other items as part of budget setting for the 26/27 financial year.

 

22/9/25-11 Maintenance Contract for Cemetery, Public Footpaths and Highways Verges maintenance – discussion took place regarding the maintenance contract for the Cemetery, Public Footpaths and Highways Verges maintenance. It was noted that the current contractors are doing an excellent job in all areas, and the cemetery hedge had been done to a very high standard.  It was therefore RESOLVED to continue as previously with the current contractors for a further year for the April 26 to March 27 year, and to go out to tender for the 27/28 year.

 

22/9/25-12 To receive/note general Correspondence for September - Website Updates and Communication

The Clerk confirmed that no councillor wished to receive the LALC weekly news/training bulletins direct.  The Clerk also checked that the Councillors Declaration of Interests made in 2023 were still accurate, as part of ensuring that ELDC had up to date information, which had been sent previously in any case.

 

22/9/25-13 Agenda items for the next meeting to be held on 27th October 2025 in St Mary’s Church Hall

Flagpole consultation, Chapel Field disposal of residual land, Speed indicator Device, Remembrance Observance 9th November 2025, Initial discussion for 26/27 Budget preparation, Christmas Tree order, ANPR for South Rd.

 

22/9/25-14 Confidential Property Matters – it was RESOLVED that the Council should move into closed session by reason of the confidential property matters to be transacted – Cllr Robinson and the member of the public departed the meeting at this point.

 

a.  Disposal of the residual land at Chapel Field

The Clerk Noted that the disposal of the first piece was preceding as agreed, albeit a little slowly owing to staff absence.  The query regarding access to the water pipe that runs under the land had been dealt with, and the wording of the restrictions as to future use and retaining access to maintain the boundary had been agreed.  The proposed boundary between the two pieces of land needs to be clarified and the Clerk would arrange to meet on site to mark this.

 

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 9.08pm

 

 

Sheila Pearce

Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer