2026 Minutes (Full Council)

HECKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Heckington Parish Council meeting held Monday 27 April 2026 at 7.30pm in the Parish Council Chambers, St Andrews Street, Heckington

1. Chair’s Welcome (26/001)

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 unless required for hearing purposes.  He reminded the meeting that recording is in progress.  

• The Parish Council have received a number of complaints about a parked/abandoned trailer on Hall Close.  This has been reported to Lincolnshire County Council. 

• National Grid will commence work at the Village Green at the beginning of June 2026 (previously reported as April 2026).  

• The Chair confirmed that there was an investigation into the purchase of the field at Star Fen; the Police have indicated that there is no further action to be taken and they are satisfied with the findings of PKF Littlejohn LLP, the External Auditor. 

• There is still no guest speaker for the Annual Parish Council Meeting.  

• The Chair reminded Councillors that a new Chair and Vice-Chair will need to be elected at the May Annual Parish Council meeting as both he and Councillor Garlick have served the maximum 2-year term per Standing Orders.  He also asked current committee members to review their Terms of Reference and consider membership of those committees. 

2. Public Forum (26/002)  

There were seven members of the public present along with County Councillor East and District Councillor Collard.  

A member of the public said that the Parish Councillors that she had served with had done an amazing job and turned the Council around from being dictatorial to a corporate body.  She said the Councillors should be proud of their achievements and asked that they do not forget the Nolan principles.  She said that the Councillors should hold their heads high despite the ‘noise’ in the village as the Parish Council is doing a good job.  The Chair thanked the member of the public for her comments. 

A member of the public asked a question about the closed session agenda item of which he is the subject. 

A member of the public referred to posts on Heckington Deserves Better, a Facebook page formerly administered by Councillor Davison.  The Chair reminded the member of the public that that this has nothing to do with the Parish Council and he was asked to moderate his behaviour.  The member of the public persisted with his disrespect towards Councillor Davison.  The Chair brought the matter to a close.  The member of the public left the meeting, not without further comment. 

3. Councillors present (26/003)

Councillor Spencer, Chair

Councillor Atkinson

Councillor Cocks

Councillor Davison

Councillor Garlick

Councillor Gower 

Councillor Sexton

Councillor Wright

4. Apologies (26/004)

Apologies were received from Councillors Malone and O’Connor.  The reasons for their absence were noted and accepted.  Apologies have not been received from Councillor Thorpe; his absence is therefore not accepted. 

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 (26/005) 

None

6. Report from the County and District Councillors (26/006)

District Councillor Collard informed the meeting about the Celebration of Military Service to be hosted by North Kesteven District Council.  This is a ticketed event with the closing date for applications being 8 May 2026.  There will be more celebrations with a Community Armed Forces Open Day held in the District Council Chambers on Wednesday 24 June 2026 which is a free event.  Details about these events can be obtained from armedforces@n-kesteven.gov.uk or by calling the Council Partnerships Team on 01529 414155. 

Action:  Clerk to add to the Parish Council Facebook page.  

The Chair asked Councillor Collard if she can provide the contact details for the relevant department for approvals for the siting of a bench, to be kindly donated by a member of the public, on the Green on Potesgrave Way.

County Councillor East reported on the scheduled repair to the drain cover on the Village Green car park.  He also spoke about parking concerns on the High Street and how this might be addressed.  He reported on pothole repairs and mentioned the Windmill Strategy which is due to be published shortly.  He spoke briefly about the combined effort with NK to submit a case for judicial review about the Springwell Solar Farm. 

Action:  Clerk to schedule the Annual Village Walkabout with Rowan Smith, Local Highways Manager (West).  Clerk to follow up on outstanding actions from the 2025 Village Walkabout. 

Councillor Atkinson stated that he had received several complaints about the road surfacing generally in Heckington compared to Little Hale.  There was some general conversation about the recent resurfacing of the pavements. 

7. Minutes (26/007) 

a) The Chair proposed that the Clerk’s notes of the Parish Council meeting held on Monday 23 March 2026 are accepted as a true and accurate record of that meeting.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Cocks and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 

8. General (26/008)

a) Tree Policy 

The Chair proposed that the Tree Policy as amended v1.2 is adopted.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 

Action:  Clerk to add the updated tree policy to the website. 

b) East Heckington Service Provision

Members reviewed an email received from a member of the public dated 29 March 2026 in relation to a disparity between service provision in Heckington and East Heckington circulated via email on 8 April 2026.   Members discussed the email; the concerns raised point District and County Council failures.  

Action:  Clerk to ascertain responsibility for services in East Heckington.  

Councillor Garlick proposed the purchase of a new noticeboard to replace the existing noticeboard in East Heckington.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.  

Members agreed to consult with the electorate in East Heckington. 

c) Financial Regulations

The Chair proposed that Financial Regulations are amended to make clear that the Clerk has delegated power under Section 101 of the Local Government Act 1972 to dispose of any equipment with an estimated value of less than £500.00 if deemed appropriate to do so by the Parish Council and for reasons relating to health and safety (see Financial Regulations, 14. Assets, properties and estates, paragraph 14.5).  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Gower and the motion was passed by resolution of the Council. 

i) Councillor Davison proposed the delegation of spending powers under Section 101 of the LGA 1972 up to the value of £50.00 for the Caretaker for small items of expenditure in the absence of the Clerk.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Sexton and the motion was passed by resolution of the Council. 

ii) Councillor Garlick proposed the delegation of powers under Section 101 of the LGA 1972 to allow the Caretaker to schedule emergency callouts in the event of mechanical breakdown in the absence of the Clerk.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed by resolution of the Council. 

The Clerk reminded Councillors that they do not have authority to approve spending.  This must be a decision by the Parish Council as a corporate body. 

d) Communication Strategy 

Councillor Davison addressed complaints that the Parish Council had failed to consult with the public in relation to the precept increase.  He stated that the Parish Council provided 23 occasions for members of the public to engage with the Parish Council about the budget between 10 September 2025 and 12 January 2026. 

Members discussed at length how to promote communication with the electorate; increased visibility at community events and a pro-active rather than a reactive approach. 

Councillor Garlick proposed the purchase of two A boards to put out on the Village Green and outside the Parish Council Chambers to advertise Parish Council events.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Davison and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 

Action:  Clerk to explore purchase options.

Councillor Sexton proposed the Parish Council have a stall at a local fundraising event on 23 May 2026.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Garlick and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 

Councillor Wright suggested an increase in ‘postering’ for these events.

Action:  Clerk to repost a notice on Facebook and the website about the responsibilities of the Parish Council

e) Website Management 

Councillor Davison reminded members that he had circulated his report further to an audit of the website and expressed concern as to how to keep it current and up to date.  The Clerk said that she had stripped the website removing any unnecessary items but had not yet been through the audit report. She said the website is best viewed from a desktop/laptop computer rather than mobile device although some members indicated having no difficulty navigating the website from a mobile device.   The Clerk stated very clearly that the website is always kept up to date with agenda and minutes which is a statutory requirement and the webmaster is very responsive to any requests as proved quite recently regarding a date change for the Annual Parish Council meeting in May. 

The Clerk said that there was a suggestion on the Teams feed that website maintenance fall to the Clerk but she reminded members that in terms of workload she is at capacity.  Councillor Davison suggested a third party to administer the website per Ruskington Parish Council but the Chair indicated that their fees are likely to be in excess of the service offered by LALC.  

Action:  Clerk to circulate Councillor Davison’s report via email.  Clerk to action Councillor Davison’s audit report. 

The Chair proposed that the duplicate Parish Council Facebook page is removed from the platform.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Garlick and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.  

Action:  Councillor Davison offer to move forward with this action and conduct enquiries with Ruskington Parish Council regarding their website administration.

The Chair proposed that Mr Shaw be appointed Webmaster at a cost of £20.00 per hour to be reviewed periodically to ensure the Parish Council is receiving value for money.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Sexton and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 

f) Freedom of Information request 

Members noted the FOI request dated 1 April 2026 and follow up letter dated 12 April 2026 (response provided on 9 April 2026, documents circulated on 8 and 13 April 2026).

g) Workshop & Chapel Building Repairs

Councillor Sexton suggested that the Parish Council seek the advice of a heritage surveyor in relation to the deterioration of the brickwork.  

i) Councillor Sexton proposed the Parish Council proceed with the quote for repair and damp coursing treatment to the value of £2,900.00.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Cocks and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 

  Action:  Clerk to obtain quotes for a report by a heritage surveyor for long-term management of the cemetery buildings.  Clerk to appoint the successful contractor and schedule a start date.  

h) CIO/Pavilion

The Chair informed the meeting that the Charity Commission should grant approval to the CIO towards the end of May 2026. The updated draft lease has been circulated and the Chair proposed that this is reviewed in full by Chattertons. Councillor Gower proposed an amendment to identify only anything that is of major concern.  The proposal as amended was seconded by Councillor Davison and the motion was passed by resolution of the Council.  The Chair and Councillor Atkinson voted against the motion.   

Action: Clerk to liaise with Chattertons Solicitors. 

• The Chair proposed that the Parish Council continue to provide buildings insurance coverage for the duration of the lease with the CIO. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 

i) Mower

Councillor Sexton explained that the Parish Council needs to purchase a commercial mower (John Deere x590, £8692.00) to cover village grass cutting.  The Stiga mower is a domestic mower suitable only for the collected mow of the cemetery.  The Chair expressed concerns about advice given regarding the sale of the Nilfisk.

Action: Councillor Sexton to provide a brief for review with a view to further consideration of this agenda item at the May Parish Council meeting. 

j) Emergency Light Repair, Pavilion

Councillor Garlick proposed that the emergency lights at the Pavilion are repaired at a cost of £450.00 plus VAT.  The proposal was seconded by the Chair and the motion was passed by unanimously by resolution of the Council. 

Action:  Clerk to liaise with SKU Electrical and Mr Warrilow. 

k) Section 106/MUGA

Members noted that the Section 106 funding request totalling £27,185.44 for the MUGA has been granted by NK. 

Action: Clerk to add to the website.

l) 30mph Road Signs

Councillor Garlick proposed the purchase of six 30mph signs from the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership at a cost of £20.00 per sign plus delivery fees if applicable.  The proposal was seconded by the Chair and the motion was passed by resolution of the Council. 

Action:  Clerk to place the order with the LRSP.

m) Ratifications

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

9. Health & Safety (26/009)

a) Fire Risk Assessment, Workshop.

The Clerk informed the meeting that there were two findings from the Fire Risk Assessment with the risk to life deemed as trivial; the risk to life in the event of a fire is sufficiently low and well managed that a worst-case scenario is unlikely to lead to any injuries or a substantial fire.  Recommendations include extinguisher coverage in the external vehicle store, routine monthly emergency light testing to be recorded and an annual emergency light drain test. As a reminder last year there were 14 significant findings and that rating awarded was intolerable.

Action: Clerk to obtain a quote from Arion.

b) Risk Assessment, Chambers.

The Clerk informed the meeting that there were 12 significant findings arising from the FRA with the risk to life deemed to be substantial compared to 16 significant findings and a ‘substantial’ rating in 2025.  Findings included flammable wall coverings, PAT testing, storage of combustible items in close proximity to electric heaters, the main meeting room door, exterior cabling, the evacuation chair, inadequate external emergency lighting, decoration and the fire alarm system.

Action:  Clerk to work through the FRA with a view to making the necessary improvements.

i) Members noted per advice from Arion that a fire suppression system is deemed to be disproportionate to the building usage. 

ii) Councillor Garlick proposed the installation of a commercial fire alarm system to replace the domestic system at a cost of £4,718.21.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed by resolution of the Council.  Councillor Cocks abstained from the vote. 

iii) Councillor Garlick proposed that the fee of £331.75 is accepted for annual maintenance coverage of the Chamber’s fire alarm system.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 

10. Committees (26/010)

a) Allotment

i) Matters arising from the Allotment Association meeting dated 19 March 2026 reported on by Councillor Connor at the March meeting of the Parish Council.

• Councillor Gower proposed that a 5-year lease to be agreed is issued to the Allotment Association from 1 April 2027.  The proposal was seconded by the Chair and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 

Action:  Clerk to source a template lease document.

• Councillor Wright proposed that the Caretaker’s continues to maintain the communal plot, field and access ways.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Garlick and the motion was passed by resolution of the Council. 

• The Chair proposed that the Clerk continues to provide financial assistance to the Allotment Association until 1 April 2027 to be charged at the Clerk’s hourly rate.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Davison and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council.  

• The Chair confirmed that the Parish Council will remain responsible for pest control, mandatory testing, dyke clearance and the maintenance of perimeter hedges and trees.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed by resolution of the Council.  

ii) The Clerk informed members that as the Allotment Association rental income is to be held by the Parish Council until 1 April 2027, the Parish Council will need to ratify all expenditure from this account as the AMC bank account will be audited along with all other Parish Council bank accounts.  Approvals should not be withheld.

iii) The Chair proposed that the contract with Pestforce is renewed at a cost of £900.00 for 2026/27.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Garlick  and the motion was passed by resolution of the Council.  Councillor Atkinson said that plot holders with chickens should be charged an additional fee as the livestock will attract vermin. 

b) Cemetery 

i) The Chair proposed that Set in Stone Memorials are appointed to continue to carry out memorial repairs, up to the budgeted amount, at a cost of £878.00 per day for two memorial masons plus the cost of materials.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Gower and the motion was passed by resolution of the Council. 

Action:  Clerk to liaise with Set in Stone Memorials. 

11. Planning Matters (26/011)

a) Members noted the new/amended or registered planning applications awaiting decision.

b) Members noted the following planning matters awaiting decision or where a decision has been received since the Parish Council meeting on 23 March 2026. 

12. FINANCE 2025/26 YEAR END (26/012)

a)    Members noted the bank balances as of 31 March 2026 per bank statements and the bank reconciliation. This will be the brought forward balance in the accounting statements on the AGAR. 

b) Members noted the income received between 13 March 2026 and 31 March 2026. 

c) The Chair proposed that the following expenditure, including expenditure to be ratified, from 13 March 2026 to 31 March 2026 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 edited for confidentiality. 

d) Year End Bank Reconciliation 

The Chair proposed that the year end bank reconciliation dated 31 March 2026 is accepted.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Garlick and the motion was passed by resolution of the Council.  The Chair and RFO signed and dated the year end bank reconciliation. 

This document has been verified for accuracy and signed and dated by Councillors Davison and Wright 

e) Year End Accounts 

The Chair proposed that the Year End Accounts are approved.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Sexton and the motion was passed by resolution of the Council.  The Chair and RFO signed and dated the year end accounts. These documents has been verified for accuracy and signed and dated by Councillor Wright and Councillor Davison.

The Cashbook is the definitive list of all income and expenditure and although this is listed in minutes, the redacted version will be available on the Parish Council website shortly. 

Councillor Davison said that the way the Clerk has dealt with the accounts has been fantastic; she has kept on top of everything.  The Clerk thanked Councillor Davison for his kind words.  Councillor Davison asked for this to be recorded in the minutes. 

f) VAT126 claim for the financial year 2025/26.

The Clerk informed the meeting that there was a recalculation at year end (£31.99 was removed from the bank reconciliation and the cashbook as the supplier reference this particular item of expenditure, is not VAT registered).  The total therefore amounts to £20,029.32.  This is the amount that will be reclaimed from the HMRC.

g) Internal Audit

The Clerk informed the meeting that the Internal Audit conducted by Stacey Knowles is due to take place on Thursday 30 April 2026. 

h) Exercise of Public Rights

Members noted that the dates set for the exercise of public rights pertaining to the accounts for the year ending 31 March 2026 are Monday 8 June 2026 through to Friday 17 July 2026 to include the first ten working days of July which is a statutory requirement.  This will be by appointment only. 

i) Budget Review 2025/26

Income – The Parish Council received 99% more income than the budget prediction due to the sale of Star Fen, the sale of the Nilfisk mower, the receipt of Section 106 monies from NK, an increase in burial and memorial sales as well as the receipt of donations for a variety of different projects including the defibrillator, Christmas light switch on and Project Forget Me Knot. 

Expenditure – The overall budget for 2025/26 was overspent by 20% which was due primarily due to the contracting of a locum Caretaker for 8-months, legal fees relating to the Pavilion lease and the purchase of a ride-on mower and repairs to the Polaris.  This can be broken down into individual sub-headings per the bank reconciliation spreadsheet. 

j) Councillor Garlick proposed an amendment to the 2026/27 general budget heading.  £500.00 is to be diverted into the training budget sub-heading as this had not been allocated.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Davison and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 

k) 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. 

13. FINANCE – NEW FINANCIAL YEAR (26/013) 

a)    Members noted the bank balances as of 16 April 2026. 

b) Members noted the income received between 1 April and 16 April 2026.

c) The Chair proposed that the following expenditure is approved, including expenditure to be ratified, from 1 April to 16 April 2026.   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 edited for confidentiality. 

d) The Chair proposed that the bank reconciliation dated 16 April 2026 is accepted.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 

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

14. Correspondence (26/014) 

a) Members noted the email from PC Battersby dated 7 April 2026 in relation to the investigation into circumstances surrounding the purchase of Star Fen; as addressed in the Chair’s opening remarks. 

b) Members noted a number of emails from members of the public in relation to the precept increase as reflected on their Council Tax invoices from NK received between 16 March and 8 April 2026. 

c) Members noted the email from NK dated 27 March 2026 in relation to the formatting issue on the Council Tax invoices for 2026/27.

d) Members noted the email from Richard Littlewood at LCC dated 25 March 2026 in relation to future tree planting in the village further to the siting of a sapling on the corner of Cowgate. The Parish Council will be consulted about any future tree planting.

e) Members noted the email from Councillor East dated 18 March 2026 in relation to the Councillor Volunteer Scheme.  

Councillor Sexton proposed that NK are asked to remove three of the signs.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor NAME and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 

Action:  Clerk to liaise with NK and residents.

f) Members noted a request from residents of Alison Road dated 17 April 2026 to support their cause to have recently installed signage removed by North Kesteven District Council. 

g) Members noted the email from SRP dated 21 April 2026 in relation to price increases. 

15. Date and time of the next meeting/s (26/015)

Committees

Finance Committee Meeting – Thursday 11 June 2026 (subject to change)

Staffing Committee Meeting – TBC

Cemetery Committee Meeting TBC

Pavilion Committee Meeting – TBC

Parish Council

Monday 18 May 2026

Monday 29 June 2026

Monday 27 July 2026

Monday 28 September 2026 

Monday 26 October 2026

Monday 30 November 2026

The Chair suggested that a meeting is held on 24 August 2026 and that the September meeting is removed as the Clerk will be on annual leave.  Councillor Wright asked whether a locum Clerk could be appointed for the September meeting of the Parish Council.  Item to be added to the May Parish Council meeting for further consideration. 

Annual Parish Meeting

May – Thursday 28 May 2026, Heckington Village Hall (venue TBC)

The Chair proposed cancelling the village hall as a venue due to the absence of a speaker for the event.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Sexton and the motion was passed by resolution of the Council.  Councillors Atkinson, Spencer and Gower voted against the motion. 

Councillor Wright suggested holding both meetings on the same evening from 2027.

16. Questions from the public (26/016)

A member of the public asked whether the Parish Council wanted to say anything further about the precept increase.  The Chair and Councillor Davison briefly explained the reasons behind the need to increase the precept.  

A member of the public asked whether the Councillors have any questions for him; the Clerk introduced Mr Bradbury to the meeting. There were no questions arising. 

The Chair of the Allotment Association asked the Parish Council for some clarity on the proposed charges to the AA.  The Chair of the Parish Council said that any work done by the Clerk for the AA relating to finance will be chargeable.  The Chair of the Allotment Association was concerned that this has not been made clear.  

Action:  Clerk to liaise with the Allotment Association and review Charles Arnold Baker. 

The Chair proposed that the meeting is moved into closed session in accordance with the Public Bodies Act 1960 to discuss an email from Mr Bradbury dated 5 April 2026.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Garlick and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 

The Chair closed the meeting at 9.13pm.

17. Closed Session (26/017)

Members reviewed the email from Mr Bradbury dated 5 April 2026 in relation to his employment with the Parish Council and maintenance of the land on Miller’s Way.  The Clerk detailed the nature and content of her conversations with Mr Bradbury.  

Members discussed the matter of Mr Bradbury’s former employment with the Parish Council, the current maintenance of the land which is deemed to be unsatisfactory by Mr Bradbury and a review of the trees covered by TPOs by Terra Firma & Beyond. 

Councillor Sexton proposed that the gates are removed and the land is maintained as suggested by the Caretaker.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Wright and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 

Action: Clerk to communicate the decision with Mr Bradbury and the Caretaker.

The Chair closed the meeting at 9.30pm.