August 2026 Minutes (EOM)

Minutes of the Extraordinary meeting of Heckington Parish Council held Thursday 27 August 2026 at 7.30pm in the Parish Council Chambers, St Andrews Street, Heckington

The Chair, Councillor Wright proposed that the start of the meeting is delayed pending the arrival of Councillor Atkinson.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Cocks, and the motion was passed unanimously by resolution of the Council. 

1. Chair’s Opening Remarks (26/068)

The Chair, Councillor Wright welcomed those present to the meeting and issued the usual health and safety announcements and asked those present to silence their mobile devices. 

The Chair explained that she had called the extraordinary meeting this evening so that the Parish Council can make a decision in relation to the lease that has been drawn up by the Parish Council’s legal team, as amended by the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Heckington Pavilion and Playing Field CIO) and their legal team. This is with a view to either coming to an agreement with the CIO to hand over the facility for a lease period of 30-years or making alternative arrangements for the future of the pavilion. 

2. Public Forum (26/069)

There was one member of the public present. 

The member of the public asked the Parish Council to consider the impact any decision might have this evening on the local tax payers now and in the future. 

3. Councillors present (26/070)

Councillor Wright, Chair

Councillor Spencer

Councillor Atkinson

Councillor Cocks

Councillor Dann

Councillor Davison

Councillor Gower 

Councillor Tucker

Councillor Young

4. Apologies (26/071)

Apologies have been received from Councillor Sexton.  The reason for his absence was noted and 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 (26/072)

None. 

6. Pavilion Lease (26/073)  

a) To resolve to approve the amendments to the lease for the Pavilion with a view to it being signed by both parties as soon as reasonably practicable. 

There was lengthy debate including a review of risk, about the proposed amendments to the lease and the implications that this might have on the Parish Council namely in relation to legal and surveying expenses associated with any buildings enhancements and the removal of the dilapidations clause.  

Councillor Davison proposed that the lease as amended is approved.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Cocks.  Councillor Spencer proposed an amendment to the motion to include the removal of the word ‘established’ in clause 11. The amendments was seconded by Councillor Atkinson. 

Councillors Wright, Gower, Davison, Young and Cocks voted in favour of the original motion.  Councillors Atkinson and Spencer voted against the motion.  Councillors Tucker and Dann abstained from voting.  Councillor Tucker explained that she has abstained as she doesn’t know what the CIO’s plans are for the Pavilion.  The original motion was carried. 

b) To resolve to approve a joint statement between the Parish Council and the CIO for release to the public after the lease has been signed.

Councillor Wright proposed that the following wording is added to the joint statement with the CIO.  The proposal was seconded by Councillor Davison and the motion was passed by resolution of the Council.  There was one abstention.  

Heckington Parish Council is pleased to have successfully negotiated a lease with the CIO to ensure that the Pavilion continues and is available to all parishioners into the future. We look forward to working with the CIO to enhance the Pavilion and its facilities in the years to come. 

7. Date and time of the next meetings (26/074)

Committees

Finance Committee Meeting – Monday 7 September 2026 at 7.30pm

Staffing Committee Meeting – Tuesday 13 October 2026 at 7.30pm

Cemetery Committee Meeting – Tuesday 1 September 2026 at 7.30pm

Events Working Group – Tuesday 6 October 2026 at 6pm

Parish Council

2026

Monday 14 September 2026

Monday 26 October 2026

Monday 30 November 2026

Monday 11 January 2027 (Precept and Budget Setting Meeting)

8. Questions from the public (26/075) 

The member of the public said that she is grateful that the Parish Council has made a decision that will alleviate the load on the local taxpayer. 

 

The Chair closed the meeting at 8.14pm