Minutes of the Meeting of Heckington Parish Council on Monday 18 August 2025 at 7.30pm in the Parish Council Chambers, St Andrews Street, Heckington
1. Chair’s Welcome (25/090)
The Chair, Councillor Spencer (hereafter referred to as the Chair) welcomed six members of the public, District and County Councillors and Parish 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 welcomed Kirsty Malone to the Parish Council. She has been elected to the seat arising from the resignation of Dawn Bell.
The Chair reminded the meeting that the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum will be delivering a presentation about Community Emergency Planning at the Parish Council Chambers on 8 September 2025 at 7.30pm. Refreshments will be served from 7.00pm. All are welcome to attend.
The Community SpeedWatch Training will take place on 20 August at 5.30pm in the Parish Council Chambers. Volunteers are still required. Please direct any enquiries to the Clerk at clerk@heckingtonparishcouncil.gov.uk.
The Chair informed the meeting, further to an enquiry from a member of the public about the Fineturf agreement, that it has been confirmed that the agreement is for playing surfaces only. This does not include the perimeter of the field.
The Parish Council received a complaint from a member of the public at the last meeting about the barriers on Alexander Walk; this has been reported via Fix My Street.
The Parish Council are still receiving enquiries about the wall on EastGate. Please direct any enquiries to Sean Footitt, Principal Building Control Officer at NK.
On 16 September 2025 the Clerk will attend a briefing with Lincolnshire Police. If you have any issues or questions, you would like the Clerk to raise, please contact the Clerk in the usual manner.
The Chair expressed his thanks to Heidi Ryder at NK for assisting with the reproduction of large-scale maps for parish council planning.
Finally, the Chair thanked the neighbours of the Parish Council Chambers who put out and bring in the Parish Council bins on a weekly basis.
2. Public Forum (25/091)
A member of the public said he was pleased to see that the Speed Indicator Device on Sleaford Road had been moved to the opposite side of the road.
3. Councillors present (25/092)
Councillor Spencer, Chair
Councillor Atkinson
Councillor Davison
Councillor Garlick
Councillor Gower
Councillor Malone
Councillor O’Connor
Councillor Stanley
Councillor Thorpe
Councillor Wright
4. Apologies (25/093)
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 (25/094)
None.
6. Report from the County and District Councillors (25/095)
County Councillor East informed the meeting that there are a number of scams doing the rounds locally regarding road surfacing. He spoke briefly about proposals for a Unitary Authority and meetings being held locally to raise awareness. He stressed the importance of using FixMyStreet for reporting highways faults.
Councillor Stanley asked for an update about village-wide drainage issues that were discussed previously. The Clerk informed Councillor Stanley that the Parish Council had received an update; later in the year there will be large scale jetting scheme which will either resolve issues or assist to identify problems with the network.
Action: Clerk to circulate the email to Councillors.
Councillor Tarry reminded the meeting that North Kesteven District Council have an engagement survey relating to proposals for the Unitary Authority via the NK website. She also asked those present to consider proposals for the Community Champions Award.
Councillor Collard reported on the Beacon Fen Solar Array. It is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project which will be signed off by the Government. The cable routes will cut through Star Fen and Great Hale Fen. The solar panels will not affect Heckington. The cut-off date for ‘Relevant Representation’ has passed and the project is now with the Planning Inspectorate. There will be further meetings in September for those who have submitted a ‘Relevant Representation’.
The Chair asked the District Councillors to feed back about signage to reception and limited opening hours.
7. Minutes (25/096)
a) Councillor Gower proposed that the minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday 28 July 2025 are accepted as a true and accurate record of that meeting. The proposal was seconded by Councillor O’Connor and the motion was passed by resolution of the Council. Councillor Malone abstained from the vote as she was not present at that meeting.
8. General (25/097)
a) Village Green Electricity Supply
The Clerk informed the meeting that she had met with Jay Paling, Planner from the National Grid. He has confirmed that the electricity supply to the Village Green will need to be metered. National Grid will provide a MPAN number and thereafter the Parish Council will need to contact an energy supplier of choice and electrician as the current cabinet will need to be replaced. There was general discussion about standing charges, and how this might impact the fair in 2026.
Action: Clerk to research suppliers and tariffs and installation costs.
b) SID Data for July 2025
Councillor Garlick reported on the July Speed Indicator Statistics for Sleaford Road and Boston Road. The Sleaford Road SID recorded 68,000 vehicles entering and leaving the village. 83% of that figure were travelling below the 30mph speed limit on entering the village. 51% were going below the 30mph speed limit on leaving the village. The fastest 19 vehicles were doing in excess of 65mph with a top speed of 77mph at 10am. The Boston Road SID statistics were much better with 93% travelling below the 30mph speed limit on entering the village and 78% leaving the village.
c) Gazebo
In 2022 HAVCS and the Parish Council jointly purchased a gazebo at a cost of £189.00. HAVCS has asked the Parish Council whether it would like to purchase their share in the gazebo. There was no interest in this and Councillor Stanley proposed that the Parish Council offers to sell their share of the gazebo to HAVCS instead. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Garlick and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.
Action: Clerk to contact HAVCS with the counterproposal.
9. Health & Safety (25/098)
a) One-way system, Village Green car park
Councillor Garlick proposed that the car park remains unchanged. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Davison and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.
b) Mayflower Playground Repairs (Swing)
Councillor Stanley proposed the ratification of the cost of repairs to the swing at a cost of £101.50 plus VAT. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Garlick and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.
i) The Clerk informed members that the hedge surrounding Mayflower Drive Playground will need to be added to the maintenance schedule.
Action: Clerk to purchase the swing repair kit.
c) Mayflower Playground Repairs (Carousel)
Members reviewed the quotes for play safe matting for the base of the carousel from GCL products, Technix Rubber and Plastic Limited and Playdale Playgrounds ranging from £147.48 gross to £234 NET exclusive of delivery. The Chair proposed that the quote from GCL Products is accepted. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Garlick and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.
Action: Clerk to purchase the play safe matting.
d) Village Green
Councillor Stanley proposed surface improvements surrounding the Village Green Noticeboard at a cost of £500.00. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Davison and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.
i) The Clerk informed the meeting that Anglian Water will not decrease the height of the raised manhole cover on the access to the rear of the Almes Houses, attributing erosion as the cause.
Action: Clerk to liaise with NK in the first instance as the Village Green falls within the conservation area.
e) Christmas Tree Lights
The Clerk informed the meeting that James Fendyke from Fentec Electrical has offered to sponsor the purchase of additional Christmas Tree lights this year at a cost of £511.00 excluding VAT from Blanchere Illumination UK Ltd. The Chair on behalf of the Parish Council expressed his thanks to Mr Fendyke for the generous offer. The Clerk informed the meeting that he has also offered to PAT test all the lights and the installation on the Village Green. The Clerk provided some more updates about planning for the Christmas light switch on which is scheduled to take place on Thursday 27 November 2025.
i) The Chair proposed £155.99 for the purchase of signage advertising the sponsorship. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Stanley and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.
Action: Clerk to purchase the lights and liaise with Mr Fendyke.
f) Trees on the Village Green and Churchill Way
Further to his meeting with Christopher Clay, the Tree Officer for NK, Councillor Garlick reported that there are two dead trees on Churchill Way which will be removed by NK. The Parish Council have received permission to grind the stumps as NK will not be able to do this until the 2026/27 financial year. There is a dead tree on the Village Green adjacent to the War Memorial. The Parish Council have been given permission to remove this and replace with a like for like specimen. A small tree at the entrance to Church Street may also be removed. Mr Clay advised removal of the resin layer around the trees. Councillor Garlick proposed £150.00 for the purchase of a sapling and tree guard. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Stanley and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.
10. Committees (25/099)
a) Pavilion Committee
The Pavilion Committee have not met since the last meeting of the Parish Council.
i) Councillor Wright, the Chair of the Pavilion Committee informed the meeting that the dance studio has been converted into two changing rooms, the window installation has been completed and signed off by North Kesteven District Council’s building control and voids have been filled following electrical work. The EPC has also been carried out and the result is pending.
The Clerk asked members to consider appointing Arion to carry out a new Fire Risk Assessment at a cost of £450.00; the Clerk said that outstanding work relates to issues flagged as a result of the last FRA. The Chair proposed £450.00 for a new FRA. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.
ii) EDF
The Clerk reminded members that the current balance is £2,059.98. The complaints representative has stated that once the meter has been removed, they will ask the support team to waive the standing charges. They cannot provide a date for removal of the meter at this time.
iii) MUGA (S106)
Councillor Stanley expressed his concern that the MUGA will eat into the car parking space at the Pavilion. The Chair said that the Parish Council should nevertheless make use of the S106 funding for sporting provision; this was the only scheme NK were able to suggest. The Clerk stated that she has written to Smiths Civils and Engineering to enquire about sponsorship as they are local firm and this is a local initiative and to explore ways to bring down the costs.
The Chair proposed a face-to-face meeting with Shaun Brown from Smiths Civils and Engineering on site. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Stanley and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.
Action: Clerk to arrange a meeting with Shaun and the Chair, Councillor Stanley and Thorpe.
b) Cemetery Committee
The Cemetery Committee have not met since the last meeting of the Parish Council.
i) The Clerk informed the meeting that the workshop and chapel building has been surveyed and will require a damp proof course and a gravel margin as the concrete currently extends to the brickwork causing damage to the brickwork allowing moisture to penetrate. One quote has been received but redacted from the minutes due to commercial sensitivity. Members asked the Clerk to obtain two further quotes.
Action: Clerk to obtain two additional quotes for review.
ii) The Chair noted that several complaints had been received in relation to the removal of bushes at the cemetery; the Chair stated that the amount of work that has been done is incredible and the improvements are notable. Councillor Wright stated that some of the complaints related specifically to the main driveway. The Clerk said that some of the bushes were growing within graves and others were preventing vehicular access. She said that the Cemetery Committee, as part of on-going improvements, have agreed to plant lavender along either side of the driveway. She explained that there is a reason for all of these decisions and inevitably the Cemetery might look untidy on occasions while the work is in progress. Councillor Wright added that members of the public should direct their questions to the Clerk rather than to the wide community via Facebook. Councillor Garlick said that the removal of the bushes has improved the view of the cemetery.
iii) Councillor Garlick proposed the purchase of a 50-metre length hosepipe at a cost of £39.99 plus VAT. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Stanley and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.
Action: Clerk to purchase.
iv) Councillor Garlick informed the meeting that Lincolnshire Archives have agreed to loan the Parish Council’s burial records, back to the Parish Council, for a period of 6-months to facilitate the creation of digital records.
Action: Clerk to draft a letter to be signed by the Chair for Lincolnshire Archives to release the records.
v) The Chair proposed the hire of a chipper on two separate occasions at a cost of £180 plus VAT per hire (weekend hire). The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.
Action: Clerk to liaise with locum caretaker to arrange dates for hire.
vi) Councillor Stanley proposed the Parish Council accept a quote from Quantum Electrical for £385.00 NET for the installation of a wall mounted electric heater per recommendations from Arion, installation of a new electrical socket, an emergency light per the FRA and an outdoor socket to charge the electric vehicle, at the workshop. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Garlick and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.
vii) The Clerk informed the meeting that the second round of memorial inspections has taken place; over 120 memorials with a significant number of failures. Yellow warning labels will be installed shortly, living relatives of the deceased will be contacted where possible and quotes will be obtained from Lincs Memorials to make safe those that have failed inspection.
Action: Clerk to action.
11. Planning Matters (25/100)
a) Members noted the new or amended planning matters or those showing as registered between 22 July and 12 August 2025.
|
Application
|
25/0768/HOUS
|
|
Proposal
|
Erection of wooden garden building for combined storage use
|
|
Location
|
7 Banks Lane, Heckington
|
|
Application
|
25/0774/HOUS
|
|
Proposal
|
Alterations to roof, replacement windows, proposed insertion of a new side door and replacement gate and render.
|
|
Location
|
95-97 Hight Street, Heckington
|
b) Members noted the following decisions received since the last meeting on 30 June 2025.
|
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
|
|
Decision
|
Prior approval refused on 29 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
|
|
Decision
|
Approved on 5 August 2025
|
|
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
|
|
Decision
|
Approved on 5 August 2025
|
|
Application
|
25/0737/TPO
|
|
Proposal
|
Fell and replace with three smaller trees specimens
|
|
Location
|
Land adjacent to 1 Hall Close, Heckington
|
|
Decision
|
TPO works refused
|
|
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
|
|
Decision
|
Approved 13 August 2025
|
c) Members noted the following planning applications where decisions are awaited.
|
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
|
25/0727/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
|
25/0778/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
|
12. FINANCE (25/101)
a) Members noted the bank balances as 11 August 2025
|
Current Account
|
8,751.88
|
|
Bank Account S106
|
28,538.38
|
|
Bank Account Deposit
|
92,358.20
|
|
AMC Account
|
3,759.41
|
|
TOTAL
|
133,407.87
|
a) Members noted the income received between 22 July 2025 and 11 August 2025
|
ACCOUNT
|
DESCRIPTION
|
AMOUNT
|
|
S106
|
Interest AUGUST 2025
|
18.06
|
|
Deposit
|
Interest AUGUST 2025
|
74.83
|
|
Current
|
Village Green Fair Heckington Show
|
300.00
|
|
|
Refund from Carter Jonas
|
1000.00
|
|
|
Donation from Heckington Cricket Club for Scoreboard Electrical Work
|
275.00
|
|
AMC
|
Heckington Show Car Parking
|
200.00
|
|
TOTAL
|
As of 11 August 2025 date of bank reconciliation
|
|
b) The Chair proposed that the following expenditure, including expenditure to be ratified, from 22 July 2025 and 11 August 2025 is approved. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Davison and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.
The following is an extract from the cashbook and has been edited for confidentiality.
|
Company
|
Description
|
NET
|
VAT
|
GROSS
|
|
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 Company
|
Boarding and 1 set glazing
|
709.00
|
141.80
|
850.80
|
|
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
|
|
Andrew Ward
|
Salary (Week 16 - 24 July 2025)
|
|
|
|
|
HMRC
|
Quarter 1
|
5868.42
|
0.00
|
5868.42
|
|
Breakthrough Comms
|
Data Protection Training
|
495.00
|
99.00
|
594.00
|
|
Heidi Wilson
|
Salary JULY
|
|
|
|
|
NEST
|
Pension Contributions Clerk & Caretaker
|
|
|
|
|
Cartridge Save
|
Printer Ink (Black x2)
|
110.36
|
22.08
|
132.44
|
|
Chris Sellars Groundcare
|
Stiga mower
|
2082.50
|
416.50
|
2499.00
|
|
Wright's Garden Services
|
Caretaking duties 21-26 July 2025
|
416.00
|
0.00
|
416.00
|
|
Epson
|
Colour Printer
|
116.66
|
23.33
|
139.99
|
|
ROSPA Training
|
Operational Playground Inspection Course
|
845.00
|
116.00
|
961.00
|
|
Amazon
|
A4 hole punch
|
10.49
|
2.10
|
12.59
|
|
Amazon
|
SD Card for Cemetery CCTV
|
4.99
|
1.00
|
5.99
|
|
Facebook MarketPlace
|
Desk for Chambers
|
25.00
|
0.00
|
25.00
|
|
Shell, Boston
|
Petrol
|
24.80
|
4.96
|
29.76
|
|
Donaldsons DIY
|
Caretaker Supplies
|
25.05
|
5.01
|
30.06
|
|
AJ Gallagher
|
Hiscox Insurance
|
6468.02
|
0.00
|
6468.02
|
|
Euromec Contracts Ltd
|
Replacement blades (mower)
|
133.30
|
26.66
|
159.96
|
|
NKDC
|
3x uncontested elections
|
126.00
|
0.00
|
126.00
|
|
Andrew Ward
|
Salary (Week 17 - 31 July 2025)
|
|
|
|
|
Boston Training Group
|
PA1 and PA6, Caretaker
|
369.00
|
25.00
|
394.00
|
|
Screwfix
|
Magnusson Stair Climbing Truck
|
79.16
|
15.83
|
94.99
|
|
RBL
|
3x wreaths & 20 lamp post poppies S137
|
154.97
|
0.00
|
154.97
|
|
Chris Sellars Groundcare
|
Accessories for mower including oil
|
47.37
|
9.47
|
56.84
|
|
Foxhall Plant Hire Ltd
|
Digger Hire
|
210.00
|
42.00
|
252.00
|
|
SKU Electrical
|
Work for cricket club scoreboard
|
229.17
|
45.83
|
275.00
|
|
SKU Electrical
|
Pavilion Changing Room Electrics
|
1816.67
|
363.33
|
2180.00
|
|
Wrights Garden Services
|
Caretaking duties 27-31 July
|
528.00
|
0.00
|
528.00
|
|
Mason Navarro Pledge
|
Site Visit Pavilion
|
600.00
|
120.00
|
720.00
|
|
Bowring Group (B&B)
|
Antifreeze
|
18.02
|
3.60
|
21.62
|
|
NEST
|
Pension Contribution Caretaker, 5 Aug 25
|
|
|
|
|
Andrew Ward
|
Salary (Week 18 - 7 August 2025)
|
|
|
|
|
RAM Tracking
|
Installation and subscription fee
|
168.00
|
33.60
|
201.60
|
|
Lloyds Bank
|
Service Charge
|
8.50
|
0.00
|
8.50
|
|
Wheelcraft Ltd
|
Remove tyre, reseal, bead and refit
|
15.00
|
3.00
|
18.00
|
|
Wright's Garden Services
|
Caretaking duties 1-11 August
|
510.00
|
0.00
|
510.00
|
|
Cathedral Leasing Ltd
|
Supply of Hygiene Services
|
42.00
|
8.40
|
50.40
|
|
Andrew Ward
|
Salary - Week 19 (14 August 2025)
|
|
|
|
|
ESPO
|
Printing paper x 3 boxes
|
81.50
|
16.30
|
97.80
|
|
Amazon
|
Extension Cable CCTV Workshop
|
15.82
|
3.16
|
18.98
|
|
Blanchere Illumination UK
|
Pure White Lights Christmas Donation
|
511.00
|
102.20
|
613.20
|
|
Euromec
|
Service - Replace air filter and engine oil
|
350.00
|
70.00
|
420.00
|
|
Newman Moore Ltd
|
Generator Call out
|
42.00
|
8.40
|
50.40
|
|
Richard Wells Plastering
|
Changing Room Conversion/Voids Pavilion
|
5190.00
|
0.00
|
5190.00
|
|
Smith Construction Ltd
|
Soil movement works
|
300.00
|
60.00
|
360.00
|
|
BT
|
Broadband Supply
|
30.95
|
6.19
|
37.14
|
c) The Chair proposed that the bank reconciliation is accepted. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.
d) The Chair proposed ratification of the following transfers: £5,000 on 28 July 2025, £10,000 on 29 July 2025, £5,000 on 1 August 2025 and £5,000 on 12 August 2025. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.
e) AGAR for 2025/26
The Clerk informed the meeting that she had received an email from PKF Littlejohn indicating that the Parish Council may receive a qualified audit report for the 2024/25 AGAR. The assets figure for 2024/25 had to be restated as the purchase cost of the allotment land (£32,000.00) had not been included on the asset register previously and the value of Star Fen (£71,500.00), which was purchased in April 2024 needed to be added. The Clerk said she had left the 2023/24 figure unchanged but PKF Littlejohn have stated that the 2023/24 figure should also have been restated. The Clerk said that she has challenged the decision to issue a qualified audit report for something so minor. The Chair agreed that it was ‘decidedly petty’. Councillor Davison added that it is ‘inconsequential nit picking’.
13. Correspondence (25/102)
Members noted the following items of correspondence:
a) Email from Lincolnshire Police dated 2 July 2025, Lincolnshire Police and Parish Council briefing sessions (September 2025). The Chair spoke about this in his opening address.
b) Email from LALC dated 24 July 2025, Local Government Pay Agreement for 2025. The Staffing Committee will review the Pay Agreement with a view to agreeing increments for staff.
Action: Clerk to add to the Staffing Committee agenda.
14. Date and time of the next meeting/s (25/103)
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
Monday 29 September 2025
Monday 27 October 2025
Monday 24 November 2025
Reminder: Monday 8 September 2025 – Presentation from Lincolnshire Resilience Forum ‘Community Emergency Planning)
15. Questions from the public (25/104)
A member of the public asked about the quote for the MUGA. The Chair offered an explanation. A member of the public suggested a conversation with Mr Smith.
In relation to the Village Green electricity supply, a member of the public said there are some energy providers who offer small standing charges with a higher tariff.
The same member of the public also enquired about the Pavilion tenancy agreement; she suggested that the rent is kept at a ‘peppercorn’ rate and there is a profit share agreement.
The Chair proposed that the meeting is moved into closed session at 8.34pm to discuss the items listed on the agenda 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 (25/105)
a) Pavilion tenancy agreement and future financial model for the Pavilion
i) Tenancy Agreement
Councillor Davison and the Clerk explained that they had gone through the tenancy agreement in its entirety with Chattertons Solicitors despite a previous resolution 25/067 to proceed with a new solicitor due to the costs accrued already with Chattertons. It covers the obligations of the tenant to maintain the field during the tenancy and gives the Parish Council the freedom to explore different financial models at the end of the tenancy in January 2027. The Chair proposed that the Clerk circulates the tenancy agreement to all members as it has only been circulated to the Finance Committee, members are to review the document by Wednesday and Chattertons Solicitors will be instructed on Thursday to proceed. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.
Action: Clerk to circulate the tenancy agreement to all Councillor for review and liaise with Chattertons thereafter.
ii) Future Financial Model
Councillor Davison said that there are two sets of decisions: Business model and Development.
Business Model
1) The current model where the tenant pays a peppercorn rent for maintenance of the playing fields is not viable.
2) Retain a tenant but increase the fees to account for the fact that the tenant is no longer responsible for the building maintenance. This would lead to an increase in rent.
3) Profit sharing model suggested by Mrs Smith.
4) The Parish Council appoint personnel to run the Pavilion with a view to taking all profits.
Site and Development
1) Continue to maintain the facilities.
2) Redevelopment of the site (with grant funding). This should be village-led.
3) Keep the playing fields and sell the Pavilion.
Members agreed to meet informally to discuss each of the above options with a view to making a decision at the September meeting of the Parish Council. The Clerk reminded members that this decision will feed into the 2026/27 budget.
Members agreed that the current tenants are doing a great job at the Pavilion and as soon as the Parish Council have come to a decision, there will be communication with the tenants.
Action: Clerk to circulate the quote received to maintain the playing field and hedges. Clerk to compile a list of the statutory checks and prices for the Pavilion. Clerk to obtain two additional quotes for the cutting of the playing field.
b) Pavilion Windows
The Clerk informed the meeting that the invoice includes a sum for the toilet window which was replaced by Sleaford Windows. Councillor Wright proposed that the invoice is paid minus that sum. The Chair proposed an amendment; the Parish Council pay the amount minus the sum but the supplier should be asked to provide the order form showing the date and time of the order of the replacement glazing, upon receipt of this and once the Parish Council is satisfied, the remaining sum will be paid. The proposal as amended was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.
b) Confidential Staffing Items
Councillor O’Connor proposed expenditure up to £500.00 for items relating to staffing that are confidential. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.
Action: Clerk to action in liaison with the Staffing Committee.
The Chair closed the meeting at 21.05pm.
