2025 Minutes (Full Council)

Chair’s Welcome Minutes of the Heckington Parish Council meeting held on Monday 27 October 2025 at 7.30pm in the Parish Council Chambers, St Andrews Street, Heckington

1. Chair’s Welcome (25/133)

The Chair, Councillor Spencer (hereafter referred to as the Chair) delivered the usual health and safety announcements and asked those present to silence their mobile devices. There were four members of the public present and District Councillor Collard. 

The Chair reminded those present that the Remembrance Event will take place on Sunday 9 November 2025.  Volunteers are still required to assist with road closures.  Councillors Gower, O'Connor and Garlick are laying wreaths on behalf of the Parish Council.  

The Chair expressed his thanks on behalf of the Parish Council for the generous donations totalling £450.00 for the purchase of Tommy Statues; he individually thanked County Councillor East, Mr Derek Wintrip MBE and Mrs Sally Wintrip, Johanna and Nige Bowley, Mike Hudson and Pauline McBeath, Faye Tilley, Mr & Mrs Schofield, Colin Spencer, Paul Cocks, Lorna Gower, Kirsty Malone and Heidi Wilson.  Councillor Wright also expressed her thanks to the Bannister family for the donation of the Tommy silhouette.

The Chair said that there was some concern that the Guides would not need to make their poppies for lamp posts this year as the Parish Council has purchased some from the RBL but there are many lamp posts in the village, and this would be encouraged. 

The Chair expressed his thanks to the Bees Knees for sponsoring the defibrillator on the Village Green.  The annual maintenance package has been set up and should offset costs of new pads and batteries.  

The Chair reminded the meeting that food waste recycling is due to be rolled out in the Spring 2026.  

The Chair informed the meeting that the pond off Welchman Way has been added to North Kesteven District Council’s maintenance programme thanks to District Councillor Collard.

The Chair went on to say that the Parish Council had hosted the first of many consultations in relation to the budget for 2026/27 and members of the public are encouraged to attend future events.

The Chair issued a reminder about the bi-monthly coffee mornings which are held on the third Saturday of every other month in the Parish Council Chambers; the next will be held on Saturday 15 November 2025 from 11am.

The Chair expressed his thanks to those who had volunteered at the recent bulb planting event at the cemetery.  

The Chair issued a reminder to Councillors about their Register of Interests Forms which need to be updated annually. 

2. Public Forum

A member of the public asked whether there was any update in relation to the investigation into the mismanagement of Parish Council finances relating to the purchase of the field at Star Fen.  The Chair offered no updates or explanation.   

3. Councillors present

Councillor Spencer, Chair

Councillor Atkinson

Councillor Cocks

Councillor Davison

Councillor Gower

Councillor Malone 

Councillor O’Connor

Councillor Wright

4. Apologies

Apologies have been received from Councillors Garlick and Stanley.  The reasons for their absence were noted and accepted.  

Apologies were not received from Councillor Thorpe.  His absence was therefore not accepted.  

County Councillor East and District Councillor Tarry also tendered their apologies.  

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

None

6. Report from the County and District Councillors

Councillor Collard reported that North Kesteven District Council have refused permission for a planned solar array affecting land on either side of Mareham Lane, bordering Heckington Rural Ward (23/1419/FUL).  The company, Mareham Lane Solar Ltd, have appealed to the Planning Inspectorate and there will be an enquiry on 3 February 2026 which will be held in meeting room 2 at NKDC’s Council Offices.  Anyone wanting to make comment should make themselves known to the Inspector on the day.  To register your attendance please email planning@n-kesteven.gov.uk or telephone 01529 414155.  Comments have already been sent to the Planning Inspectorate but additional comments can be made up to 18 November by accessing the Planning Inspectorate portal quoting reference APP/R2520/W/25/3373351 (23/1419/FUL). 

7. Minutes 

a) Councillor Davison proposed that the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Monday 29 

September 2025 are accepted as a true and accurate record of that meeting.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Gower and the motion was passed by resolution of the Council.  The Chair and Councillor Atkinson abstained from the vote as they were not present at that meeting.  

8. General 

a) Committees

i) Councillor Davison proposed the appointment of Councillor Cocks to the Finance Committee.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.  

ii) Members noted that Councillor Davison is standing down from the Allotment Management Committee.  The Chair proposed that Councillor Gower is appointed to the Committee.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor O’Connor and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.

iii) Members noted that Councillor Davison is standing down from the Cemetery Committee.  Councillor Wright proposed that Councillor Cocks is appointed to the Committee.  The proposal was seconded by the Chair and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.  

b) Policies

Councillor Spencer proposed the adoption of the following policies:

i) Vexatious policy

ii) Volunteer policy

III) Complaint’s policy

The proposal was seconded by Councillor Cocks and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 

Action:  Clerk to add the documents to the policy portfolio on the website. 

c) War Memorial

Councillor Spencer proposed expenditure up to a total of £50.00 for the purchase of black paint to refresh the War Memorial railings.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.

Action:  Clerk to liaise with NK planning as the War Memorial sits within the conservation area.  

d) Heckington Manor Access

The Chair informed the meeting that Mr Pinchbeck has asked for permission to install a single, locked gate providing pedestrian access from the Pavilion hardstanding to the Manor grounds to facilitate access for open days.  Several Councillors expressed concern about the creation of a right of way.  Councillor Davison proposed that permission is granted but the Parish Council are the key-holders.  The proposal was not seconded.  Councillor Davison withdrew his proposal.  

Action: Clerk to communicate with Mr Pinchbeck. 

e) Burton Road Green

The Chair proposed the ratification of a decision to level off Burton Road Green.  Heckington in Bloom have added their support to this proposal.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council

f) Gas Meter, Pavilion

The Clerk informed the meeting that the gas meter has now been removed from the Pavilion. 

EDF are calculating an adjustment to the outstanding invoice which is for standing charges of £2,154.55 as of 8 September 2025.  The Clerk said that there will still be a significant sum to pay; this is a costly error on the part of the duly designated person responsible for oversight of the removal of gas supply to the Pavilion at that time. 

g) Trees

i) Cherry Tree, Arboretum

Councillor Wright proposed the re-siting of the Cherry Tree 21 on the arboretum, further to a conversation with Trees for Heckington, due to overcrowding.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Malone and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 

Action:  Clerk to instruct the Locum Caretaker. 

ii) Replacement memorial tree on Godson Green

The Clerk explained that a memorial tree on Godson Green planted in memory of the late Mr Alun Israel, a former Councillor, has died.  A replacement specimen, a Alnus Cordata, can be purchased at a cost of £231.00 plus £50.00 delivery fees.  The current specimen Alnus Glutinosa was deemed to be unsuitable for the ground conditions on the Godson Green by Tim Grigg from Trees for Heckington.  

Action:  Clerk to try to obtain donations towards the cost of a new specimen.  Clerk to add to the November agenda. 

iii) Walnut Tree on Hall Close (TPO)

Councillor Davison proposed that works are carried out on the Walnut Tree on Hall Close to include a crown lift and reduction of the western canopy to clear the adjacent dwelling the work is carried out at a cost of £565.00.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor O’Connor and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.  

Action:  Clerk to submit the application for Tree Works to NK.

iv) Felling of a Cherry Tree, Arboretum

The Chair proposed that the Cherry Tree on the arboretum that is causing a nuisance to a neighbouring property in Autumn should remain in situ as it has been examined by Terra Firma and is deemed to be a healthy specimen.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Malone and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 

Action:  Clerk to liaise with the complainant. 

v) Horse Chestnut Tree, Godson Green.

The Chair proposed that Terra Firma are asked to approve the siting of a Horse Chestnut tree by Heckington in Bloom on the Godson Green.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Cocks and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 

Action:  Clerk to liaise with Heckington in Bloom and Terra Firma.  

9. Health & Safety

a) Members agreed to defer any updates in relation to Legionella remedials and testing.

Action: Clerk to add to the November agenda. 

10. Committees

The Committees have not formally met since the last meeting of the Parish Council. 

a) Events Working Group

Councillor O’Connor informed the meeting that the Events Working Group had met informally to plan the Christmas light switch On, on Thursday 27 November 2025.  Priestley’s have kindly offered the use of a trailer to raise the choir off the ground, there will be a mobile bar - the Wriggly Tin, hot food will be served on site and local businesses are encouraged to open their doors.  Last but not least, the choir led by Chesley Banford will herald the arrival of Santa Clause.  

The Chair suggested that the closing date for the colouring competition is extended for another two weeks. 

i) PA system

The Chair proposed that the decision to purchase a PA system at £699.00 and mics at £55.19 both inclusive of VAT is ratified.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Gower and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.  

c) Pavilion Committee

Members noted that there had been a road traffic incident on the Pavilion driveway involving a member of the public and street furniture.  The Parish Council’s insurers are dealing with the matter.  Members of the public are reminded that the speed limit for the driveway is 5mph. 

d) AMC

i) Anglian Water/Wave

Members noted that there is a higher than average water bill from Wave for the allotments at £679.42 attributed to increased usage due to the dry conditions this year. 

11. Planning Matters

a) Members noted the new/amended or registered planning applications between 23 September and 17 October 2025.

b) Members noted the following decisions received since the last meeting on 29 September 2025.

c) Members noted the following planning applications where decisions are awaited.

12. FINANCE 

a)    Members noted the bank balances as 13 October 2025

b) Members noted the income received between 22 September 2025 and 13 October 2025.

c) Councillor Davison proposed that the following expenditure is approved, including expenditure to be ratified, from 22 September and 13 October 2025.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 

The following is an extract from the cashbook (edited for confidentiality).

d) Bank Reconciliation, October 2025. 

The Chair proposed that the bank reconciliation is accepted.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Davison and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.  The Clerk confirmed that the accounts had been verified by Councillors Garlick and Malone. 

e) Transfers

The Chair proposed that the following transfers are ratified.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Davison and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 

f) Potential Grants 

 Bicker Windfarm Trust 

Councillor Davison confirmed that the Parish Council can apply for up to £5k from this fund but applications are made retrospective of the spending. The next round of applications takes place in April 2026.

 Sleaford Renewable Energy Plant 

Councillor Gower said that the Parish Council can borrow up to £5k with £5k match funding.  The fund can be used for sport and wellbeing.  The Chair suggested that this fund is explored further in relation to the MUGA.  The next deadlines for application are 10 December 2025 and 8 April 2026.

 Find a Funder, Councillor O’Connor.

Councillor O’Connor informed the meeting that the National Lottery Community Fund offers grants to improve places and spaces that matter to communities and grants are available from £300 to £20k.  Councillor O’Connor said that this fund would not be suitable for the MUGA. 

 Active Lincolnshire

Action:  Councillor Wright to research funding through Active Lincolnshire. 

 Football Foundation 

Action:  Councillor Spencer to research the Football Foundation for funding.  

The Clerk reminded members that application for the Section 106 money is dependent on the outcome of the planning application for the MUGA which has been invalidated by the Planning Department. 

g) Budget 2025/26

i) Recommendations

The Clerk recommended the transfer of £1100.00 to the Section 137 budget head from Events and to suspend the ring fencing of any money for the coronation this financial year. This will take the Section 137 budget head to 88% spent against the budget rather than 120%.

The Chambers budget head is 107% spent against the budget and although it might be unpopular, the Clerk recommended moving £1,000.00 from the cemetery budget head to bring this to 95% spent against the budget.  

All other budget heads are higher than is desirable but the Clerk made no further recommendations at this time. 

Councillor Davison proposed that the Clerk’s recommendations are accepted.  The proposal was seconded by the Chair and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.   

g) Budget 2026/27

This is the draft budget document which is subject to change.  This document will not be resolved upon until   the precept meeting in January 2026.

Councillor Davison suggested the following:

• The election budget sub-heading to be reduced to £3500.00 (this fund would feed into reserves for the 2027 Parish Council elections should they be contested).  

• The SID budget sub-heading to be reduced to £500.00 to exclude the purchase of a new SID in 2026/27. 

• The training budget head to be reduced to £1250.00. 

• The printing (external) and delivery fees (newsletter) are removed from the budget entirely. 

Councillor Wright said she thinks a newsletter is a good idea and she suggested that Parish Councillors deliver the newsletters by hand, to do away with delivery fees.  The Chair explained that the Parish Council are not able to reach the wider population via social media, the website and noticeboards as evidenced by the poor response to the colouring competition.  Councillor Wright suggested placing notices with local shops and the GP surgery to attempt to reach a wider audience.  Councillor Davison argued that a sponsor be sought for the newsletter.  The Chair proposed that the ink and stationery budget heads are increased to £750.00 and  £600.00 to allow for in-house printing.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Malone and the motion was passed by resolution of the Council.  Councillor Davison voted against the proposal. 

Councillor Davison suggested that salaries including NIC and PAYE is increased to £80,000.00 to cover increases to salaries and NIC.  

The Clerk explained that the Staffing Committee had examined the Staffing budget head in detail and had agreed that there needs to be an allowance for locum cover.  In the last two years, locums have been required to cover the Clerk and Caretaker but this has not been budgeted for. 

The Chair expressed concern that the £500.00 allocated to the Village Green electricity budget sub-heading might not be sufficient but this is a best guess at present.  The Clerk explained that she is still waiting for a MPAN number from National Grid to progress the meter installation. 

The Clerk suggested that memorial repairs and safety checks can be reduced to £7500.00 based on the capacity of the memorial mason carrying out the work.   Councillor Davison proposed that this budget sub-heading is reduced in line with advice from the Clerk.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Cocks and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 

The Chair suggested that this budget head is reduced to £4,000.00 but the Clerk reminded members that this budget head covers spending for Remembrance as well as Christmas.  Members agreed to leave this at £5,000.00.  

Members noted that a quote had been received today for the installation of a commercial fire alarm.  The fire alarm system currently in place is for domestic purposes only and does not meet with British Standards.  The Chair proposed an increase to the inspections budget sub-heading to £7,000.00.   The proposal was seconded by Councillor O’Connor and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.  

The budget for 2026/27 for the Allotment AMC budget head is based on income received from rents. 

The precept request for 2025/26 was £110,745.00.

The Clerk asked members to consider monies that have been set aside in reserve.  The concern being that there will be a deficit.  

There was general discussion about the precept request. 

Councillor Davison explained that the Parish Council finds itself in this situation for a number of reasons including the precept not being raised in line with inflation, neglect of facilities including the Cemetery, Pavilion and Parish Council Chambers by the previous administration as well as money wasted. 

13. Correspondence 

Members note the following items of correspondence:

a) An emailed letter from a member of the public dated 16 September 2025 in relation to the window installation at the Pavilion and a follow up email dated 24 September 2025. 

Members agreed that the matter has been resolved and will not been engaging further on this matter. 

Action: Clerk to email the complainant. 

b) Email from Heckington Lawn Tennis Club dated 14 September 2025 in relation to an enquiry about funding. 

Members agreed that the Parish Council are not able to assist this year due to financial difficulties but they are welcome to apply from 1 April 2026.

c) Email from Joshua Daniels, Historian and Filmmaker dated 15 September 2025 in relation to a heritage and community project.  

The Chair reminded members that Mr Daniels has made a video which can be found on YouTube about Heckington.  He has asked whether the Parish Council would be prepared to engage on a heritage project.  Members suggested that Mr Daniels advertises for support within the village.  This is not something the Parish Council can support at this time.  

Action:  Clerk to submit a response to Mr Daniels. 

d) Email from a member of the public in relation to the planting of 4ft Oak Tree sapling on land adjacent to Mayflower Drive.  

Action:  Clerk to arrange a site meeting.

14. Date and time of the next meeting/s

Committees

Finance Committee Meeting, Thursday 30 October 2025

Allotment Management Committee Meeting, Thursday 6 November 2025 (Pavilion)

Staffing Committee Meeting TBC

Cemetery Committee Meeting, 13 November 2025 at 7.30pm

Pavilion Committee Meeting TBC

Parish Council

Monday 24 November 2025 

Monday 12 January 2025 (Precept and Budget Setting Meeting)

Monday 26 January 2026

Monday 23 February 2026

Monday 30 March 2026

15. Questions from the public (if the Chair permits)

A member of the public asked why the Christmas lights are being turned on so early.

A member of the public asked whether there had been any progress in relation to a community noticeboard at the Coop. 

Action:  Clerk to progress.  

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 Malone and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.  

16. Closed session

a) Pavilion Tenancy Agreement

Members noted that the lease dated 9 October 2025 had not been signed by the Tenant by the deadline imposed by the Parish Council’s legal team.  The tenants have been presented with leases in December 2023, January 2024, April 2025, September 2025 and October 2025. 

The Chair proposed that the letter drafted by Chattertons, further to a request from the Tenants to meet with the Parish Council dated 17 October 2025,  is sent to the Tenants.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Davison and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 

i) Members resolved to ratify the final tenancy agreement and letter to tenants dated 9 October 2025.  

ii) The Chair proposed that a decision to incur further legal fees with Chattertons is ratified.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Atkinson and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 

b) Future financial model for the Pavilion

The Chair proposed that the Parish Council explore a CIO model for the future financial management of the Pavilion.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Atkinson and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the council. 

c) Staffing Committee updates in relation to confidential staffing items

The Chair of the Staffing Committee informed the meeting that the Committee were actively managing   the Caretaker’s absence from work and advice has been sought from Personnel Advice and Solutions and a Occupational Health Specialist.    

The Chair closed the meeting at 9.40 pm.