2025 Minutes (Full Council)

July 28th 2025 Minutes

 
Minutes of the Meeting of Heckington Parish Council on Monday 28 July 2025 at 7.30pm in the Heckington Parish Council Chambers, St Andrews Street, Heckington
 
1. Chair’s Welcome (25/076)
The Chair, Councillor Spencer (hereafter referred to as the Chair) welcomed Councillors to the meeting.  He delivered the usual health and safety announcements and asked members of the public to silence their mobile devices. 
 
The Chair informed the meeting that Councillor Tucker had resigned from her role as Councillor.  He expressed his thanks to Mrs Tucker for her hard work and dedication during her time in office. 
 
There will be a First Aid course at the Parish Council Chambers between 10-12 September 2025 delivered by Staryke First Aid.  Enquiries can be made via the Clerk.
 
The County Council have confirmed that there will be no lighting upgrades on Buggybells Lane; the authority is upgrading their current stock only.
 
There has been a complaint from a member of the public about parking on the pavements and St Andrews Street in particular which makes it incredibly difficult for wheelchair users to pass safely. 
 
The Community Speedwatch training has been rescheduled for 20 August 2025 and another volunteer has joined the ranks.  Anyone wanting to volunteer should contact the Clerk in the first instance. 
 
There has been some vandalism to a tree on Laxton Close; there appears to be an increase in antisocial behaviour.  A reminder that it is our village and we must try to keep it nice and tidy for all to enjoy.
 
The all-weather cricket pitch has now been installed on the Pavilion playing field. 
 
The Parish Council is stuck in an election cycle further to the resignation of former Councillor Dawn Bell and the request from ten or more electors to the District Council for a by-election.  The Chair asked for members of the public to consider an application to Electoral Services at NK so that the vacancy can be filled.  He said that there is a lot of work to do but it is rewarding and the Council is in a far better place than it was 18-months ago and councillors are working together to achieve the same goal.  
 
There were a number of reports at the last meeting in relation to local flooding.  The Parish Council has received an update from County Councillor East who has reported that there is a large-scale jetting project to be undertaken in the village, later in the year with a view to resolving and identifying potential problems needing repair.  
 
The Parish Council have received a number of complaints about the wall on Eastgate.  NK’s planning enforcement team have spoken with the landowner.  As the property is within a conservation area, it must be replaced with like for like and there have reportedly been some challenges finding a suitably skilled contractor and materials.  Any enquiries in relation to this matter must be directed to NK. 
 
The antisocial behaviour that was reported at the June Parish Council meeting has led to a report to NK’s ASBO Team and identification via CCTV.  Letters have been sent to the parents. 
 
The Chair informed the meeting that he had attended the Parish Council forum at NK with Councillor Gower.  He reported on local government reorganisation; the model being publicised in the local media is not NK’s preferred model.  There will be no update from Government until Spring 2026.  He also provided an update on the weekly food waste collections which will commence on 31 March 2026.  The Police also gave a presentation.  They have asked that reports of littered gas cannisters are reported via 101. 
 
Finally, the Chair expressed his thanks to Heckington in Bloom for siting a new bench on the corner of Vicarage Road purchased by Heckington Singers.   
 
2. Public Forum (25/077)
A member of the public reported a broken gate on Alexander Walk. 
Action:  Clerk to report via FixMyStreet. 
 
A member of the public queried why there had been no candidates for the Councillor vacancy. 
 
A member of the public reported littered show signage on the pathway from Potesgrave to Sleaford Road. 
Action:  Councillor Wright agreed to take this as an action. 
 
A member of the public asked whether the Parish Council had considered reporting the former Chair and Vice-Chair to the Police.  The Chair said that he was not prepared to discuss the matter.  Another member of the public tried to press the matter but the Chair closed down the conversation.
 
A member of the public asked a question about S106 funding held by NK; the Chair said the Parish Council is in the process of obtaining a quote from Smiths Civils and Engineering for a MUGA (Multi Use Games Area).  The funding must be used prior to the end of the current financial year. 
 
3. Councillors present (25/078)
Councillor Spencer, Chair
Councillor Atkinson
Councillor Davison
Councillor Garlick
Councillor Gower 
Councillor O’Connor
Councillor Stanley
Councillor Thorpe
Councillor Wright
 
4. Apologies (25/079)
None
 
5. To receive any reports of member’s interest, pecuniary or otherwise in relation to the agenda and any dispensations in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 (25/080)
Councillor Davison declared an interest in relation to 11) Planning, in particular planning application reference 25/0617/LBC.
 
6. Report from the County and District Councillors (25/081)
Apologies were received from County Councillor East and District Councillor Collard. 
 
Councillor Tarry pointed members of the public to page 8 of NK Today, the Local Government Reorganisation.  She said there is an ‘engagement’ survey for members of the public to complete that can be accessed via QR code.
 
 
Anglian Water held their Community Liaison Group meeting in June and they are going to hold an additional phase of non-statutory consultations in the Spring of 2026. 
 
The planning application for the Roasting Company chimney has been refused and the Planning Officer’s report explains the reasons for the refusal.   Environmental Health will continue to consult with the applicant to explore options.  She asked members of the public to continue to report the issue to the District Council. 
 
7. Minutes (25/082)
a) Councillor O’Connor proposed that the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Monday 30 June 2025 are accepted as a true and accurate record of that meeting.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Davison and the motion was passed by resolution of the Council.  Councillor Wright abstained from the vote as she was not present at that meeting. 
 
b) The Chair proposed that the minutes of the extraordinary meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday 14 July 2025 as accepted as a true and accurate record of that meeting. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Davison and the motion was passed by resolution of the Council.  Councillor Gower abstained from the vote as she was not present at that meeting. 
 
8. General (25/083)
a)  Policy Adoption
Councillor Wright proposed that the Privacy Statement is adopted.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Stanley and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 
 
b) Property valuations, Cardinus Risk Management 
The Chair informed the meeting that: 
• The Parish Council Chambers has been revalued at £715,105.00, up from £560.764.00.
• The Chapel/Workshop has been down valued to £303,450.00 from £409,504.00.
• The Pavilion has been increased to £1,435,665.00, up from £926,748.00.
 
c) Quotes for the renewal of insurance:
• Hiscox (current provider) £6,468.02
• Ansvar Insurance £4,373.12
• Zurich £3,862.78 (adjustment required as they have incorrectly recorded the property valuations)
• Clear Council’s Direct (not received in time)
 
The Clerk informed members that the quotes from Hiscox and Zurich were like for like although  Zurich do need to amend their quote based on the property valuations above.  Their quote should be used as a guide.  Councillor Davison proposed that the Parish Council renew the policy of insurance with Hiscox.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Garlick and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 
Action:  Clerk to communicate with Hiscox. 
 
c) Playground Inspections 
i) Routine and operational playground inspections
The Clerk suggested that routine inspections should be done on a weekly basis by the Caretaker.  The operational inspections for Mayflower park will be bi-monthly and monthly at the Pavilion due to increased usage at that site, by the Clerk.  
 
ii) Annual Playground Inspections
The Clerk explained that the annual playground inspections must be carried out by an external body. 
The Chair proposed £80.00 per site (three sites) for the annual playground inspections by RoSPA across the three sites.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Garlick and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 
 
iii) Repairs to the Playdale swing at Mayflower Park.
Members agreed to defer this item to the August meeting of the Parish Council.  
 
d) Community Emergency Plan 
Members noted that the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum will be delivering a presentation about Community Emergency Planning at the Parish Council Chambers on 8 August 2025 at 7.30pm.  This will be open to the public.  Councillor Davison briefly explained the purpose of the LRF. 
Action:  Clerk to advertise the event via social media, noticeboard and the website. 
 
e) Cleaner, Chambers
The Chair proposed the ratification of the appointment of The Pet Friendly Cleaner to clean the Parish Council Chambers on a weekly basis starting at 3 hours per week, reducing to 2 hours per week at £18.00 per hour.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Garlick and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 
Action:  Clerk to liaise with the Caretaker to add routine toilet checks to his schedule. 
 
9. Health & Safety (25/084)
a) Village Green car park
The Parish Council have received a request from a member of the public about creating a one-way system through the village green car park.  
Action:  Councillors will review the request.  Item to be added to the August agenda. 
 
b) Legionella Risk Assessment
Members reviewed the amended quotes from Urisk which include logbooks, schematics, routine testing and periodic servicing.  The remedial work will need to be carried to the 2026/27 budget.  Councillor Davison asked whether this had been carried out in the past and the Clerk said that it was her understanding that this had not been done previously but per legislation, it must be done.  Councillor Wright proposed that the amended quotes are accepted.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor O’Connor and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 
• Pavilion £4,053.72 (was £9,222.12)
• Allotments £425.04 (was £491.04)
• Workshop £514.80 (no change)
• Chambers £1961.52 (was £4262.28)
 
10. Committees (25/085)
a) Finance Committee
i) The Chair, further to the resignation of Councillor Tucker, the former Chair of the Finance Committee provided an update further to the meeting on Monday 21 July 2025. 
 
During the meeting on Monday 21 July 2025, the Clerk suggested budget cuts and the reallocation of funding.  The Finance Committee supported the use of the quarter one VAT return of £7367.11 to boost the cemetery budget.  Councillor Wright and I, carried out a survey of the Chambers and we identified some maintenance issues which will be costed and added to a maintenance schedule.  There was further discussion in closed session about the tenancy agreement and how to progress this, as well as the future financial model for the Pavilion. 
 
• Councillor Garlick proposed that the installation of six emergency lights and a motion detection strip in the library/office corridor at a cost of £494.00 by Fentec Electrical Service is ratified.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 
• Councillor Garlick proposed the purchase of signage and site plans from Arion at a cost of £424.80 for the Chambers.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Davison and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.
 
ii) The Chair proposed that the Parish Council appoint AccessAble to conduct a Walk and Talk to advise on how to improve accessibility at the Parish Council Chambers and Pavilion.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.   Members noted that there is a sum of £11,884.28 held by LCC for Community Hub Capital Projects.  
 
b) Cemetery Committee
i) The Chair, further to the resignation of Councillor Tucker, the former Chair of the Cemetery Committee, provided an update further to the Cemetery Committee meeting on 14 July 2025. 
 
The CCTV has been installed, the mound of soil will be removed this weekend, the old store has been turned into a dedicated COSHH storage unit, tracking devices are due to be installed on the fleet tomorrow, the new mower was delivered today, the workshop which was categorised as ‘intolerable’ in terms of the FRA is now well on the way to being compliant, the Chapel and Workshop do need some remedial work and the Clerk is in the process of gathering quotes, improvement works around the grounds are on-going and will be for some time, memorial inspections are on-going and repairs are due to commence in late August to those already identified as unsafe. The emergency services padlock has been received and is due to be installed this week. 
 
A member of the public interjected.  The Chair advised the member of the public that the public forum is over. 
 
• Councillor Garlick proposed the purchase of an additional CCTV unit for the Workshop foyer at a cost of £81.00 plus data fees. Councillor Wright seconded the proposal and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 
• The Chair proposed that the purchase of an emergency services padlock and keys at a cost of £18.30 plus VAT is ratified.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Garlick and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 
The Chair proposed that the unsafe memorials are made safe or repaired at a cost of £960.00.  Councillor Davison reminded the Parish Council that the cemetery is one of the Parish Council’s statutory duties.  He seconded the proposal and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the council. 
 
The Clerk confirmed that any memorial that has failed inspection is labelled accordingly.  The Clerk informed the meeting that recently a child died from an unsafe memorial and just this weekend, her mother-in-law was injured by a falling memorial. 
 
• The Chair proposed the hire of a stump grinder at a cost of £200 per week, plus VAT.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Garlick and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.  
 
ii) Councillor Garlick proposed that members accept the quote from Arion at a cost of £152.40 inclusive of VAT for replacement fire extinguishers and signage for the Workshop.  The Clerk confirmed that a fire alarm system is not required for the building but they did recommend an emergency light at the exit.   The stated that the plug-in radiators have been removed from the Workshop and Council will need to explore heating options for the Winter.  The Clerk has scheduled an appointment with the electrician to explore options.  
 
iii) The Chair proposed that the Clerk is instructed to contact the company responsible for geocaching to ask them to remove any approvals that may have been granted previously in relation to Heckington Cemetery.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Garlick and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.
Action:  Clerk to action. 
 
c) Pavilion Committee
The Chair of the Pavilion Committee stated that the Pavilion Committee meeting had been deferred pending receipt of quotations for priority work in 2025/26. 
i) Councillor Wright proposed that the Parish Council ratify a decision to appoint SKU Electrical to repair armoured cabling at a cost of £582.00.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Stanley and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 
ii) The Structural Engineer was happy with the work carried out by Richard Well but asked for some noggins to be inserted between the rafters; this has been completed.
iii) Members noted the cost of the installation of a socket for the cricket scoreboard by SKU electrical at a cost of £275.00.  The Parish Council will be reimbursed for costs by the cricket club. 
iv) Councillor Davison proposed that the Parish Council ratify the cost of electrical work to allow for the conversion of the dance studio into two changing rooms at a cost of £1816.00 plus VAT. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Garlick and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 
iv) The Clerk reported that the dispute is on-going.  EDF currently do not have capacity to remove the gas meter and will start dispute resolution once the meter has been removed. 
Action:  Clerk to escalate and submit an official complaint to EDF. 
 
d) Staffing Committee
i) The Clerk informed the meeting that a quote has been received for two portable handheld radios for the Clerk and Caretaker a cost of £679.90 plus VAT.  The Clerk said she feels a mobile phone and monthly SIM package would be a more cost-effective option and flexible option.  The Clerk has donated a mobile device to the Parish Council; it does need a screen repair at a cost of £40.  SIM deals can be obtained from as little as £5 per month.  Councillor O’Connor, the Chair of the Staffing Committee said she supports the Clerks suggestion and all members showed their support.  
 
ii) The Clerk stated that she is now a fully qualified First Aider having completed training with Starkye First Aid and she is qualified for three years as an Operational Playground Inspector having recently completed the course and exam through RoSPA.  She thanked the Council for investing in her.  
 
iii) The Chair proposed fire Warden Training with Arion at £75.00 plus VAT for the Clerk and the Caretaker.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 
 
11. Planning Matters (25/086)
a) Members noted the new or amended planning matters or those showing as registered between 19 June 2025 and 22 July 2025.

Application

25/0617/LBC

Proposal

Demolition of outbuilding to the rear of the property and erection of a wooden fence and wooden gate between the garage and dwelling, to the rear driveway

Location

13 Church Street, Heckington

Application

25/0723/HOUS

Proposal

Demolition of brick wall and wooden gate between the garage and house on rear driveway.  Demolition of outbuilding to the rear of the property.

Location

13 Church Street, Heckington

Application

25/0737/TPO

Proposal

Fell and replace with three smaller trees specimens

Location

Land adjacent to 1 Hall Close, Heckington

Application

25/0706/VARCON

Proposal

Application to vary condition 5 (hours of delivery) of planning permission 14/1200/FUL – Installation of external cold room and freezer store – change of hours deliveries are permitted

Location

11 Cameron Street, Heckington

Application

25/0727/HOUS

Proposal

Replace existing wood framed windows and facias with white UPVC, replace existing front door with anthracite grey composite door and back doors with white glazed UPVC and replace existing guttering and downpipes in black.

Location

3 Latimer Gardens, Heckington

Application

25/0828/TPO

Proposal

Ash T1 (TPO protected ref: N356) – Crown lift to approximately 4m to separate the crown from the adjacent Yew crown to prevent damage and disease.  Remove downward bias branches no more than 50mm diameter and 3m in length.

Location

9 Bramley Close, Heckington

Application

25/0768/HOUS

Proposal

Erection of wooden garden building for combined storage use

Location

7 Banks Lane, Heckington

Application

25/0778/TPO

Proposal

T8 – Evergreen Oak – Reduce crown by at least 1.5 metres on the east aspect (overhanding the property) and 2 metres on the west aspect to balance the tree.  1m reduction in height. Remove all deadwood. T9 – Yew – Reduce crown by 1 metre on the south aspect and likewise balance this tree.  1m reduction in height.

Location

85 Church Street, Heckington
 
b) Members noted the following decisions received since the last meeting on 30 June 2025.

Application

25/0489/HOUS

Proposal

Proposed single storey extensions to the front of the property including external cladding at first floor level to front elevation.

Location

25 Wellington Close, Heckington, NG34 9GZ
c) Members noted the decisions on the following planning applications are still awaiting decision. 

Application

25/0280/FTPATH

Proposal

Section 119 of the Highways Act 1980 - Diversion of footpath

Location

No 9 Land off Burton Road, Heckington

Application

24/1383/FUL

Proposal

Extension of hard standing to perimeter of existing farm building including extending associated farm track (retrospective) along with the erection of a new farm shed.

Location

Land off Side Bar Lane, Heckington
 

Application

25/0165/OUT AMENDED

Proposal

Application for outline planning permission with some matters reserved (access to be considered) for the erection of 47 dwellings. AMENDED – Additional and amended documents/plans consist of revised transport statement, site access junction levels plan, proposed site access arrangement and agents response.

Application

25/0485/FUL

Proposal

Retrospective application for siting an InPost Parcel Locker

Location

Four Winds Service Station, Boston Road, East Heckington

Application

25/0482

Proposal

Application for prior notification of proposed development by telecommunications code systems operators 20m High Valmont climbable Monopole on 5.2 x 5.2 x 1.4m deep concrete base with Config 1 Circular Headframe for 6 No. Antenna Apertures at 60/180/400 and 4No. 600 Dishes. RRU’s BOBS and Active Routers to be fixed to headframe below antennas and associated ancillary works.

Location

Small Business Park, Station Road, Heckington
12. FINANCE (25/087)
a) Members noted the bank balances as 22 July 2025

Current Account

7412.76

Bank Account S106

28,538.38

Bank Account Deposit

122,358.20

AMC Account

3,470.41

TOTAL

161,779.75
 
b) Members noted the income received between 17 June 2025 and 22 July 2025

ACCOUNT

DESCRIPTION

AMOUNT

S106

Interest JULY 2025

16.41

Deposit

Interest JULY 2025

42.26

 

Refund Chattertons (Duplicate)

2156.40

 

Star Fen

85,493.60

Current

William Kent Memorial WOULDS

90.00

 

Allotment Rent and Deposits PHILLIPS

108.00

 

Star Fen Lease Rent

870.00

 

Allotment Rent and Deposits SMITH

36.50

 

Purchase of EROB TOMLINSON

132.00

 

John Severs Funeral Directors TOMLINSON

126.00

AMC

None

 

TOTAL

As of 22 July 2025 date of bank reconciliation

89,071.17
c) Councillor Wright proposed that the expenditure, including expenditure to be ratified, from 30 June 2025 to 22 July 2025 is approved.    The proposal was seconded by Councillor Davison and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.
 

Company

Description

NET

VAT

GROSS

Lloyds Bank

Banking Fees Allotments

8.50

0.00

8.50

Xega Ltd

CCTV Cemetery

128.00

31.99

159.99

Post Office Ltd

Postage for contracts for Star Fen

5.05

0.00

5.05

SRP Hire Solutions

Portaloo Hire (May- June)

100.00

20.00

120.00

JJ Contracts

Window Cleaning, June 2025

25.00

0.00

25.00

Forceshift Skip Hire

8-yard cu skip for Pavilion loft works

262.50

52.50

315.00

Amazon (Lilang Ltd)

Jerry can x2

33.32

6.67

39.99

Amazon (Reactive Brands Ltd)

Diesel/petrol can signage

6.32

1.26

7.58

Amazon

Fan for mower

24.98

5.00

29.98

Amazon (PBINK Shop)

Stihl Strimmer wire

31.44

6.29

37.73

Halfords

Battery Workshop

54.99

11.00

65.99

Wrights Garden Services

Contracting hours during w/c16.6.25

208.00

0.00

208.00

Amazon

Spade 1

13.32

2.67

15.99

Amazon

Storage Organiser 1

6.21

1.24

7.45

Amazon

Lawn Rake

8.32

1.67

9.99

Amazon

Garden Rake

9.96

1.99

11.95

Amazon

Ratchet Straps

14.16

2.83

16.99

Amazon

Key Tags, Bungee Cord and Fridge

119.97

24.00

143.97

Amazon

Spade 2

18.77

3.76

22.53

Amazon

Storage Organiser 2

6.21

1.24

7.45

NEST

Caretaker Pension Contribution

 

 

 

NEST

Pension Contribution Clerk, 1 July 2025

 

 

  

Roadphone NRB

Hire of Radios

40.00

8.00

48.00

Donaldsons DIY

Caretaker Supplies (brush, tape, gloves)

16.21

3.24

19.45

Wrights Garden Services

Contracting hours w/c23.6.25 plus mileage

411.65

0.00

411.65

Tesco

Toilet Paper

8.25

0.00

8.25

Screwfix

Caretaker Supplies (Jeyes Fluid and Varnish)

53.81

10.77

64.58

A Braybrook

Workbench (Workshop)

160.00

0.00

160.00

Screwfix

Caretaker Supplies (storage solutions)

14.16

2.83

16.99

ICO

Annual Payment

47.00

0.00

47.00

Amazon, Rottner Security

Key Safe for the Chambers

60.67

12.13

72.80

Amazon, Rottner Security

Key Safe for the Workshop

60.67

12.13

72.80

Amazon

Tool Storage Unit

116.62

23.33

139.95

Amazon

Socket/Wrench Set

46.66

9.33

55.99

Amazon, TSS Ltd

Door handle for the Pavilion

9.99

2.00

11.99

Amazon, Bilginata Ltd

Dog Waste bin signage

6.66

1.33

7.99

Amazon

SD Card for Cemetery CCTV

4.99

1.00

5.99

Amazon

CCTV Signage Cemetery

3.07

0.62

3.69

Euromec Contracts Ltd

Provision of 2 air filters for the mower

48.43

9.69

58.12

Andrew Ward

Salary (Week 13 - 3 July 2025)

 

 

  

Chattertons

Sale of Star Fen (fees) REFUNDED DUPLICATED

1778.40

354.00

2132.40

NEST

Pension Contribution Caretaker, 4 July 2025

 

 

 

Wrights Garden Services

Removal of storage from cemetery

60.00

0.00

60.00

Arion Ltd

Fire Safety Management & H&S

571.50

114.30

685.80

Wrights Garden Services

Caretaking duties, July 1

364.76

0.00

364.76

Richard Wells Plastering

Loft insulation plus 3 days

3153.84

0.00

3153.84

B&B Plant

Antifreeze Mower

18.02

3.60

21.62

B&B Plant

Hydraulic Oil

85.00

17.00

102.00

Cardinus

Survey of Parish Council Chambers

150.00

30.00

180.00

Cardinus

Survey of Pavilion Building

150.00

30.00

180.00

Cardinus

Survey of Chapel and Workshop

150.00

30.00

180.00

Screwfix

Door locks for Pavilion changing rooms

54.52

0.00

54.52

Andrew Ward

Salary (Week 14 - 10 July 2025)

 

 

 

LALC

Website Management Service 20 hours

360.00

72.00

432.00

Lloyds Bank

Service Charges, July

9.80

0.00

9.80

Xega

Data package for cemetery CCTV units

179.80

0.00

179.80

NK Building Control

Survey

283.50

0.00

283.50

Amazon

Watering Can 1

11.32

2.27

13.59

Amazon

Watering Can 2

12.03

2.41

14.44

Boston Seeds Ltd

Grass Seed Cemetery

60.99

0.00

60.99

Boston Seeds Ltd

Grass Seed Village

60.99

0.00

60.99

Amazon

White Board, Workshop

22.49

4.50

26.99

Zenon Traders Ltd

SBK Stump Killer

22.99

0.00

22.99

Xega

CCTV Camera 3 Workshop

81.00

0.00

81.00

NEST

Pension Contribution - Caretaker (14 July)

 

 

 

Community Heartbeat Trust

Annual Subscription - Maintenance package

135.00

27.00

162.00

Caladine Lifts

LOLER

120.00

24.00

144.00

Wrights Garden Services

Caretaking duties, 7-12 July

373.75

0.00

373.75

Ironmongery Direct

Emergency Services Padlock Cemetery

18.30

3.66

21.96

Andrew Ward

Salary (Week 15 - 17 July 2025)

 

 

 

EDF

Electricity supply to Workshop 3-30 June

36.55

1.83

38.38

EDF

Electricity supply to Chambers 2-30 June

123.03

6.15

129.18

Wave

Water supply - cemetery from 6 April - 5 July

25.86

0.00

25.86

Wave

Water Supply - allotments from 6 April - 5 July

215.06

0.00

215.06

NEST

Pension Contribution - Caretaker (22 July 25)

 

 

 

BT

Broadband Supply

30.95

6.19

37.14

Cathedral Hygiene

Sanitary Bin Provision

42.00

8.40

50.40

Lloyds

Banking Fees Allotments (July)

8.50

0.00

8.50

 

 

82489.97

8374.93

90864.90
 
These items have been added since the bank reconciliation was completed and will feature as part of the August bank reconciliation. 
 

Heidi Wilson

Reimbursement for hotel, 1 night

149.00

0.00

149.00

Terra Firma

Removal of Horse Chestnut, Cemetery

1100.00

0.00

1100.00

SRP

Portaloo Hire

100.00

20.00

120.00

SKU Electrical

Armoured Cable Repairs

485.00

97.00

582.00

Sleaford Window Co

Boarding and 1 set glazing

709.00

141.80

850.80

Andrew Ward

Salary (Week 16 - 24 July 2025)

 

 

 

Heidi Wilson

Salary JULY

 

 

 

HMRC

Quarter 1

 

 

 

ROSPA Training

Operational Playground Inspection Course

845.00

116.00

961.00

Breakthrough Comms

Data Protection Training & Compliance Report

495.00

99.00

594.00

Pestforce

Wasp nest, Pavilion

95.00

0.00

95.00

Wrights Garden Services

Caretaking duties 14-20 July 2025

409.50

0.00

409.50

NKDC

Awaited

126.00

0.00

126.00

Boston and North Wash Training Group

PA1 and PA6, Caretaker

369.00

25.00

394.00

Euromec Contracts Ltd

Replacement blades (mower)

133.30

26.66

159.96
d) The Chair proposed that the bank reconciliation for July 2025 is approved.   The proposal was seconded by Councillor Stanley and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.  
 
e) The Chair proposed that the transfers of £10,000 from the deposit account to the current account on 7 July 2025 and £10,000 on 22 July 2025 are ratified.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Garlick and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.  
 
f) The Clerk in her capacity as RFO made the following recommendations to the Parish Council in relation to the 2025/26 budget which she described as over-ambitious.

 

Current Budget

Proposed Budget

Saving

Annual Subscription

3,700.00

2,500.00

1,200.00

Elections

8,000.00

7,000.00

1,000.00

SID

3,500.00

500.00

3,000.00

Office Equipment

750.00

0

750.00

Village Maintenance

5,000.00

3,500.00

1,500.00

Petrol

1,500.00

500.00

1,000.00

Misc

1,500.00

500.00

1,000.00

S137

10,000.00

3,000.00

7,000.00

Events

5,420.00

1,500.00

3,920.00

Pavilion

67,000.00

50,000.00

17,000.00

Playground

4,950.00

1,950.00

3,000.00

Chambers

14,870.00

7,870.00

7,000.00

Workshop

3,000.00

5,500.00

-2,500.00

 

 

 

44,870.00

Current Expenditure

90,864.90

Budget

254,749.00

Remaining of budget

163,884.10

 

 

Actual Bank Account minus 106 and allotments

129,770.96

Plus Precept 2/2

55,373.00

TOTAL

185,143.96

 

 

Difference between remaining budget and bank balance plus precept at the end of the financial year end

 21,259.86

Reserves

 

Cemetery 2025/26

3,000.00

Cemetery Income 2025/26 (fluid budget head)

1,084.00

Pavilion Changing Rooms

10,132.00

Office Equipment

750.00

Elections 2024/25 (carry forward)

892.79

Coronation

1,000.00

Legal 20-24/25(carry forward)

4,947.12

Total

21,805.91
 
The Clerk said that the ripple effect of the purchase of Star Fen (as well as the neglect of facilities) has led to total depletion of reserves.   She said these cuts need to be implemented and the Parish Council needs to think about an increase in the precept for 2026/27. 
 
The Chair said the budget is a living document.  The RFO has made a strong case for the reductions.  Councillor Davison said he agreed with the RFO in her analysis of the funds and what the Parish Council needs to do but he reminded members that there had been discussion about the reallocation of funding to the cemetery budget head.  He said that enhancements are required to encourage revenue in terms of sales.  The Chair said that the Parish Council has agreed to divert the VAT refund from quarter one into the cemetery budget head and the Chair suggested that this is reviewed in several months.  The Chair proposed that the recommendations made by the RFO are implemented.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Stanley and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 
 
13. Correspondence 
Members noted the following items of correspondence:
a) Email from Greater Lincolnshire for all dated 14 July 2025 in relation to events for Town and Parish Councils to hear more about the proposals on 28 July and 20 August 2025.   The Chair said that this is one of seven proposals which has been getting a lot of coverage in the media. 
 
14. Date and time of the next meeting/s
Events Meeting TBC
Finance Committee Meeting, 15 September 2025 at 7.30pm
Allotment Management Committee Meeting, 1 September 2025 at 7.00pm
Staffing Committee Meeting TBC 
Cemetery Committee Meeting, 4 September 2025 at 7.30pm
Pavilion Committee Meeting TBC pending receipt of all quotations for priority works
Monday 18 August 2025 
Monday 29 September 2025
Monday 27 October 2025
Monday 24 November 2025
 
Monday 8 September 2025 – Presentation from Lincolnshire Resilience Forum ‘Community Emergency Planning)
 
15. Questions from the public (25/088)
A member of the public asked how much had been received from the sale of Star Fen.  The Chair said £85,493.60 after fees. 
 
The Chair proposed that the meeting is moved into closed session in accordance with the Public Bodies Act 1960.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 
 
16. Closed session (25/089)
a) Window installation at the Pavilion
The Chair informed the meeting that the glazing will be installed on Monday 11 August 2025 at no additional cost to the Parish Council.  The Chair and Councillor Stanley offered to remove the boarding.  Councillor Stanley, the Chair and the Clerk will meet with the contractor at 4pm on Monday 11 August.   The Clerk informed members that the surveyor from NK Building Regulations will inspect the completed installation on Tuesday 12 August 2025 at 1pm.  
 
b) Members noted the complaint submitted by a member of the public in relation to the findings of the internal audit conducted by Stacey Knowles on behalf of LALC.  Members noted that the complaint was erroneous. 
 
The Chair closed the meeting at 8.55pm.