Minutes of the Parish Meeting 13 October 2025
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
held in the Village Hall on Monday 13 October 2025
Present: Cllr Nicola Hall (Chair), Cllr Amanda Suddaby, Cllr Peter Smith, Cllr Sandra Evans
In attendance: County Cllr James Bean, District Cllr Peter Morris, Christine Major (Clerk) and 3 Members of the public.
Update from District and County Councillors:
County Cllr Bean reported regarding local government reorganisation. The county, district and borough councils are split, there are currently 7 different options on the table, LCC have chosen what they feel is the best option for the residents of Lincolnshire, which is the least expensive, causes the least disruption to residents while maintaining key services. The final submissions must be sent to central government before the end of November 2025, central government will make the final decision regarding which option if any that they want to take forward and the result should be made available to all parties before the end of next year.
District Cllr Morris reported that of the 36 District Councillors, 30 have formed a coalition. Cllr Morris confirmed that he is still on the planning committee. Cllr Morris is trying to establish what is happening in respect of development at Watermill Farm.
Formal Parish Council Meeting commenced; Standing Orders invoked:
25/101 To receive apologies and reasons for absence: Cllr Todd sent apologies which were accepted.
25/102 To receive declarations of interest under the Localism Act 2011 - being any pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest in agenda items, not previously recorded on Members’ Register of Interests: None noted.
25/103 To receive written applications for the office of Parish Councillor and to Co-opt a candidate to fill the existing vacancy: Application was received from Mr J France and circulated to the members of the PC prior to the meeting. It was RESOLVED by majority vote to accept the application, and a warm welcome was extended to Cllr France.
25/104 Code of Conduct. The Chair reminded parish councillors, excepting Cllr France, that they had received and signed the Code of Conduct. This details the standards councillors are bound by which are based around the Nolan principles. Cllr Hall reminded councillors that they all represent the whole community, not particular groups. Only items on the published agenda can be discussed in the meeting and, once a decision is made, each councillor is required to uphold that decision. Any items councillors wish to be added to the agenda must be sent to the clerk at least 7 days prior to the meeting. This is to ensure transparency and that residents are fully aware of matters to be discussed which they may wish to be present to hear. Any maintenance issues must be reported to the Clerk without delay. During holiday periods, the Chair receives emails and deals with any urgent matters. The Chair also reminded all present that the Parish Council has signed the Civility and Respect Pledge, in collaboration with NALC, and circulated copies to all Parish Councillors for their reference to reinforce the requirements of the office. The Chair also encouraged Councillors to ensure they are familiar with the Standing Orders which are available on One Drive and the parish council’s website.
25/105 Approve the draft minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday 8 September 2025: at the request of a member of the public, and after discussion, it was RESOLVED to remove a sentence in the County Councillor’s Report which referred to Flinders House. Thanks were extended to Cllr Bean for his efforts to resolve the problem the householder had brought to the parish council’s attention.
25/106 Finance Summary and Accounts for Payment:
- Accounting Statements & Unity Trust Bank Statement: After review, it was RESOLVED that the Accounting Statements for 30 September 2025 be approved as true record, and that the Unity Trust Bank list of transactions dated 30 September 2025 reconcile against the accounting statements.
- Schedule of Payments: After review, it was RESOLVED to approve payments according to the Schedule of Payments and supporting invoices:
- Incoming Payments: After review, it was RESOLVED that incoming payment for interest on the instant access account was correct.
25/107 Clerk’s report on matters outstanding and correspondence: no further action required.
25/108 South Kelsey Park Project
- COF update The Chair noted there had been no recent correspondence since the change of Secretary of State for HC&LG but that she is continuing to actioni the exit strategy.
- Gate. The contractor was contacted regarding the reported damage which was fixed the following morning. Cllr Hall checked before they left, and the gate post appeared to be secure and any chips repainted.
- Signs. The layout of the new main park sign was presented by Cllrs Hall and Suddaby. Comprehensive instructions regarding HM Government branding must be adhered to. Cllr Suddaby presented options for nature signs for placement in the park to offer an enhanced experience for children. The signs are A1 and come on an aluminum sheets plus backing and posts. After discussion it was RESOLVED to purchase the signs.
- Press Release. A draft of the press release about the park's refurbishment was sent out by the clerk after the meeting in September, and there were no amendments requested. It was noted that the HM logo is required on any social media or press releases. It was RESOLVED to release for publication when the final installation is completed (two picnic benches.).
25/109 Party in the Park – Working Party update (PS): Prices for printing the leaflets were presented by Cllr Smith. An inducement to encourage households to respond. It was RESOLVED that a drink voucher, to spend in the Village Hall at the event I will be incorporated. Cllr Evans agreed to liaise with the Village Hall Committee. It was RESOLVED for the Clerk to supply a QR code for online submissions and post the leaflet on Facebook. It was RESOLVED to purchase the leaflets: the Clerk to action.
25/110 Planning Applications: Caistor Quarry (AS): Cllr Suddaby outlined the Parish Council’s previous objections on traffic grounds and advised we have an opportunity to make further comments. Many villages in the area have similar concerns about what is the worst case scenario, where all traffic would use 1 route in peak times. It was RESOLVED that Cllr Suddaby will draft a further objection to be submitted by the clerk.
25/111 Defibrillator/CPR Training. The proposal to arrange training with a voluntary contribution of £75-£100 was discussed. A member of the public offered to contact another CPR trainer, who may provide training at zero cost. Confirmation of the training with the original provider will be delayed until further information is obtained. This will be provided within the next two weeks. It was RESOLVED to select the most cost-effective solution and book training as soon as possible.
25/112 External Audit 2024/25: The clerk advised the external audit had finally concluded. There were some small amendments to make for next year, and the paperwork has been placed on the website.
25/113 Budget 2026/27: the first draft of the budget had been sent out to all councillors prior to the meeting, and it was discussed line by line. A small number of amendments were identified and it was RESOLVED to finalise the 2026/27 budget at the next meeting in preparation for preparation of the precept forms which need to be submitted to WLDC by the end of January (Note: the parish council does not hold a meeting in January.)
25/114 Grass Cutting Contract: the grass cutting contract expires in March 2026. Costs will be required for the 2026/27 precept and a draft tender for the grass cutting contract was prepared and presented by Cllr Hall. It was RESOLVED the period of the contract will be amended to a 3 years. The Clerk will confirm the number of cuts we have paid for over the last 2 years to assist with the schedule of costs section of the tender. The tender will be amended and discussed at the next meeting.
25/115 Defibrillator Light: Cllr Evans advised that the Village Hall Committee had arranged for the defibrillator to be moved so there would be no requirement for a new light. Confirmation of the new location should be notified to the clerk in order that this can be relayed to WLDC who provided the maintenance contract.
25/116 Training Courses (AS) Biodiversity crisis: Cllr Suddaby would like to attend a NALC course on 27 November at a cost of £35. It was RESOLVED that Cllr Suddaby attend and cascade the information to councillors. The Chair encouraged other councillors to access the LALC training bulletin and reminded councillors that core training is paid within our annual contract. There is funding available in the training budget for payable courses which just need to be formally approved at council.
25/117 Greater Lincs. Authority Public Consultation (AS): Cllr Suddaby advised that she attended a consultation on 19 September by LCC. There are currently 7 proposals. Cllr Bean offered to circulate the slides from the meeting.
25/118 Local Burglaries (AS): there has been a spate of crime in the area. Cllr Morris advised that he is attending the Overview and Scrutiny Committee with the Police the next day. It was RESOLVED that Cllr Suddaby will send crime details to him.
25/119 Agenda items for the Parish Council Meeting to be held on Monday 10 November 2025:
Parish Councillor Co-option, Update on Current Three Year Plan, Grass Cutting Tender (NH), 2026-27 Budget, Motion to be Proposed by Cllr Smith to amend Financial Regulations regarding payment terms (within 6 months of ratification), Policies, Party in the Park - Working Party Terms of Reference, budget proposals, progress with survey (PS/SE), 2026-2029 Three-Year Plan - Community Questionnaire - content, printing, distribution (PS)
Parish Council meeting closed at 9 pm.