March 2026
Sturton by Stow Parish Council met on Wednesday 4h March 2026 in the Old Schoolroom. The meeting starting at 7.30pm.
Meeting Chaired by Cllr Cook
Minutes recorded by S. Hoyland - Parish Clerk
Present: Cllr S Christie, Cllr C Christie, Cllr Hawke, Cllr Holtby and 9 members of the public
Absent: Cllr Capuano
Cllr Cook welcomed everybody to the March 2026 Parish Council meeting.
345. To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Parish Clerk prior to the meeting.
It was noted that apologies had been received from Cllr Capuano. It was agreed and RESOLVED that apologies for absence were accepted
It was mentioned that Cllr Mullally had sent apologies for her late arrival and was expected to join the meeting shortly.
346. 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.
Cllr Holtby declared a financial interest in items 16a i). Salaries.
It was noted that Cllr Holtby was recovering from surgery and would not be able to leave the room when payments were being discussed. At the Chairmans discretion Cllr Holtby was permitted to stay in the room as it was noted that the salaries had been pre-authorised therefore agreement was not required.
347. To agree co-option of a new councillor
The Chairman welcomed back Phillipa Calder who had introduced herself at the February meeting and completed the councillor application form.
It was agreed and RESOLVED to co-opt Mrs Calder as a parish councillor. Clerk to send completed documents to WLDC.
At the Chairmans’ discretion it was suggested that with the recent flooding experienced on Sunday 1st March and the increase in public attendance it would be beneficial to switch agenda item 4 and 5 as public concerns and information may feed into the flooding updates.
It was agreed to proceed with agenda 5.
349. Public Participation
At 7:32 pm, the meeting was adjourned for public participation. Seven members of the public wished to speak.
A representative of the Village Hall Committee reported that the refurbishment of the Village Hall kitchen is progressing well. However, a water leak has recently been detected. Meter readings have been recorded at regular intervals for Anglian Water and Wave, which indicate that the pipe is leaking approximately 120 gallons per day.
Wave requested that Anglian Water replace the meter. Anglian Water have suggested that there may be a leak but have indicated that they are not prepared to excavate or undertake the repair themselves. The representative noted that the building is approximately 50 years old and sits on Parish Council land. He asked whether the Parish Council had any recommendations or suggestions on how to address the issue and whether the Parish Council wished to be involved in arrangements.
Cllr C. Christie stated that she had confidence that the Village Hall Committee were capable of making the appropriate decisions.
It has also been suggested that the supply could be redirected by tapping into the mains, thereby bypassing the existing underground pipework
Cllr S. Christie highlighted that the tenant is requesting permission from the landlord to carry out the required works. Councillors discussed whether access to the playpark might be affected, noting that the Parish Council could temporarily close the playpark while the work is carried out if necessary.
Another member of the Village Hall Committee stated that the contractor responsible for the work would be liable for ensuring that any excavation is safely covered and secured for the health and safety of passing pedestrians.
The representative of the Village Hall Committee added that Anglian Water have stated that the issue must be resolved by 31 March, otherwise enforcement action may be taken.
Cllr Cook confirmed that the Parish Council authorises and agrees to reasonable activity required to deal with the leak. If it becomes necessary to close the playpark during the works, the Village Hall Committee should liaise with the Clerk regarding appropriate signage.
Cllr S. Christie also suggested that the Village Hall Committee should seek a rebate for the excess water consumption that has been paid due to the leak.
At 7.39pm another resident stated that this is the third time in three years that her property has been flooded. She stated that the preventative measures that have been put in place have worked. The flood water was up to the door threshold on the conservatory door and unfortunately her property was flooded internally due to water rising in the main sewer and through the waste pipe.
Another resident added that the sewer lid in her back garden blew off with such force liquid and sewage was everywhere and went straight into my neighbours.
The resident stated that with the threat of reoccurring flooding is having an impact on her health and the market value on her home will have dramatically decreased. She noted that she is having a valuation to provide evidence the need for immediate action.
Another resident highlighted that the dyke at the parish boundary on Stow Road has not been maintained since the PC dug it out about 20 years ago. As water pools from the field into the dyke, it spills over the access to Mill House and then goes into his outbuildings and then into the sewer. He stated there was a huge volume of water and that the water was up to his wellingtons and flowing down Stow Road exacerbating the problem for residents already struggling on Stow Road.
He stated that he had bought a pump after the flooding in January 2025 and pumped water into the dyke on Capps Island for 2-3 hours. He added that an alarm was fitted into the manhole by AW after the January 25 flooding. He noted that a grate on Capps Island was full and although it was reported on Fix My Street it was deemed of having been assessed and no further maintenance required.
It was noted that the fire brigade was on site pumping the water. A resident stated that the fire brigade had to push the pump down the sewer line to pump the water over the road into the dyke.
The Chairman noted that accumulated water was a fraction from his son in laws patio doors and was grateful when the level began to lower as the fire brigade was pumping the water. He highlighted that the ditch on Stow Road had coped well with the huge volume of water being pumped into it.
Cllr S Christie stated that he and Cllr C Christie walked to areas of the village most affected by the floods and took photos as evidence to help update the flooding log.
The Chairman raised the query to whether it was now time to have multiple agencies together.
Residents of Stow Road stated that they have exhausted regular communication with the CEO of AW and it was time to write to the MP.
Cllr S Christie stated that he did not think that another meeting with the public and agencies together would achieve much, though a site meeting would be more beneficial. He stated that the council should not focus just on Stow Road and that residents from six bungalows on Queensway couldn’t get out of their homes.
Cllr Hawke agreed that we are having to think what we can do as a community to achieve the best results.
Cllr Hawke added that AW have admitted that it is their problem and we include how dissatisfied we are as a parish council that issues have not been resolved.
A resident suggested it is time to make a nuisance and to agree a date for a site meeting in 6 weeks’ time agencies to attend a site meeting.
Newly co-opted Cllr Calder stated that she used to work for Flood and Costal defence and stated that unfortunately that is not how it works. Economical damage needs to be raised to get the attention. Cllr Hawke stated that the Environmental Agency, Internal Drainage Board do not care unless the issue is a river.
A resident informed the council that he is currently investigating to find out who is responsible for the dyke one parish boundary as he is aware that it is not the responsibility of the PC and would share the outcome of his findings.
It was discussed that flooding problems happen when the ownership or responsibility for land and water conduits is unclear. When no one knows who owns or maintains the land or drainage channels, flood control becomes difficult, more so when land is not registered.
The Chairman reiterated that LCC has previously stated that they do not know who owns what land. He suggested if the council agree then a letter to the Sir Edward Leigh to promote the establishment of a legal register of landowners would be beneficial. It was agreed that this would be very beneficial.
It was stated that the flooding is classed as an exceedance event. An exceedance event in relation to soil, drainage, and flooding refers to a situation where rainfall or water flow exceeds the capacity of the drainage or flood-management system. In simple terms, more water arrives than the system was designed to handle, so flooding occurs.
At 7.55pm a resident from Queensway highlighted that the floodgates are made from plastic, rubber, wood and polystyrene and are useless and leave no room for sandbags. She informed the council that the fire brigade was pumping the water from 10am-3pm and such a mess has been left. A Cllr stated to report to ACIS to take responsibility.
At 7.57pm Cllr Mullally joined the meeting and added that Sturton by Stow is on the list for cleaning. She stated that AW have cleaned Church Road in Stow.
The resident continued that the field floods and contributes to the flooding on Queensway. She added that water backs up the toilets and sinks and requested that a sand bin is needed in Queensway to be more accessible to those who need sandbags to protect their homes. The Chairman stated that perhaps a relocation of a current sand bin or the purchase of an additional bin may be required to ensure supplies are reachable.
At 8pm a resident informed the council of a new telegraph pole which has been installed near his home on Capps Island. He stated that the road is already single track and larger vehicles accessing the road are going to struggle due to the positioning of the new pole. He said that Quickline did send someone out to assess and whilst they agree that the pole has been poorly positioned it will not be moved. Unfortuatley he was in Australia when notice regarding the pole was stapled onto the original pole for comments therefore was unable to inform WLDC of the issues the proposed location would cause during the consultation period.
He added that he had been in contact with Quickline regarding the condition that the verges have been left in after the trenching Quickline have stated that they will reinstate the verges when the weather dries up and he will keep the council updated.
The resident also drew the councillor’s attention to the poor condition of Capps Island. He described the road as being full of potholes which have been worsened by the winter weather. He informed that council that a jogger had tripped and fallen and worries for other pedestrians. He stated that the area is used for a turning point for many vehicles, deliveries from larger vehicles as well as foot traffic from pedestrians and dog walkers. He added that the area is poorly lit and is not safely accessible in the dark without a torch and made more dangerous on uneven ground.
The Chairman explained that there was an agenda item to request the resurfacing of the Capps Island Road and all the points made by the resident can feed into that discussion.
At 8.05pm a resident stated that her family had been experiencing ongoing antisocial behaviour associated with the bus shelter directly in front of her property on Saxilby Road, particularly after the final bus departs at approximately 6:30pm. Groups of children and teenagers regularly congregate there during the evenings. The behaviour includes vaping, shouting, drinking, screaming, and causing significant noise disturbance, often waking our children. When challenged, they are aggressive and intimidating. In addition, litter is frequently left inside, and individuals have been coming through her hedge and onto her front lawn, leaving rubbish and approaching within approximately five metres of her vehicle. These incidents have been captured on CCTV system and have been reported to the police. She stated there was a restrictive covenant against a front fence on her property so the hedge directly behind the bus shelter is all they have to separate themselves from the road.
More concerningly, she has been flashed at which was reported to 999 and have witnessed individuals urinating inside the shelter, and on one occasion there was even human faeces left there. This has created a serious hygiene concern in addition to the ongoing disturbance and trespass. She understands that other shelters are hot spots for ASB and requests that the shelter is replaced with one of the green open bus shelters, in hope that this will act as a deterrent for ASB as they are less enclosed.
The Chairman thanked the resident for her input and stated that her email outlining the concern was circulated via clerk and that the item is on the agenda for discussion.
He introduced one of Lincolnshire’s’ finest PCSO Glenn Patchett whom stated he has been involved with this ASB concern and had come to give an update. He stated that one of the offenders is known. He stated that he has spoken to the individual and explained the disturbance that the group is causing and stated that he does not want to see or hear that they have been in the bus shelter when buses have finished for the evening. He informed the councillors of the ‘make time count’ scheme in relation to ASB. If more than three or more incidents are reported in a 12-month period, then it will create a case. The case then creates an action planning to resolve the behaviour. It was mentioned that a volunteer from the Youth Club on occasion has been to usher the youths on.
The Chairman thanked PCSO Patchett for his presence and input into resolving the ASB. He then closed the meeting to the public at 8.11pm.
348. To discuss flooding updates and agree next steps.
The Chairman stated that the Parish Council should write formally to Sir Edward Leigh and Anglian Water outlining the ongoing flooding issues. The correspondence should highlight residents’ concerns, including properties becoming inaccessible, sewage backing up into homes, and the lack of progress despite previous communication with agencies the parish council as dissatisfied with the progress and to promote the establishment of a legal register of landowners to the MP.
An additional letter should also request that representatives from the relevant organisations to attend a multi-agency site meeting, ideally within the next six weeks, so that the issues can be assessed on location and responsibilities for drainage and flood management clarified. It was noted that if gathering more than one multi agency proves to be difficult then each should be seen on an individual basis.
In the meantime, the Parish Council should continue gathering evidence to support the case, including documenting instances of flooding, damage to property, and any financial impact on residents. Additionally, consideration should be given to improving local resilience measures, such as relocating an existing sand bin or installing an additional one in Queensway to ensure residents have easier access to sandbags during flooding events. The clerk will arrange for this to be added onto out next agenda.
AW Update regarding re- CCTV the Ashfield to Fleets Road ditch, the AW representative is going to see if this has been completed.
Project Groundwater
A test alert from project groundwater was arranged for 27th Feb using the councillor details shared after the last meeting. This was successful, alerts were sent via email, and the next steps are to sign up residents to the alert system
The Chairman noted that this is on the agenda to discuss.
The Environment Agency have replied to our letter stating that they continue to undertake maintenance using their permissive powers, which means, they are not legally obliged to carry out either routine or improvement works to any assets or watercourses.
In respect of the Parish, they regulate the main river that runs east of Sturton by Stow is the River Till and we can confirm there are no ongoing capital projects in this area. They recommend residents to check out the "Owning a watercourse" Gov.UK Page
Sturton by Stow may also be at risk from local ordinary watercourses for which other risk management authorities, such as the Lead Local Flood Authority, Lincolnshire County Council or Internal Drainage Board, Upper Witham Internal Drainage Board, have responsibility.
The clerk has resent original letter to Upper Witham Internal Drainage Board which had been acknowledged and passed onto their executive board.
350. To approve minutes of previous meeting in February 2026 and authorise the Chairman to sign
It was agreed and RESOLVED the February 2026 minutes as presented and authorise the Chairman to sign as a true record.
351. To receive the Clerks Report
The Clerks report can be viewed as Appendix A.
In addition to the clerks report it was noted that Mr Timmins has trimmed the Jubilee Wood Hedge free or charge.
352. Correspondence received.
The clerk noted that the first phase of consultation for the H2East Pipeline: Humber to Nottinghamshire, which will run from the 3rd March to 14thApril 2026.
The Chairman stated that the H2East Pipeline: Humber to Nottinghamshire is a proposal by Cadent Gas Ltd to construct, operate and maintain a hydrogen pipeline. The pipeline will be underground and around 93 miles in length. He volunteered to attend one of the face-to-face information events on behalf of the PC.
The clerk stated that the information of the project and events have been posted on social media and the parish council website.
She added that when the monthly playpark inspection report has been received, she will circulate it and that all other correspondence had been received electronically.
353. Planning Applications (Any applications up to the date of the meeting)
None
354. Planning Granted (Any applications up to the date of the meeting)
WL/2025/01167- 20 Rectory Park- Planning application for single-storey rear and side extension
WL/2025/01081- Moor Farm- Tillbridge Lane- Planning application for erection of a part single-storey, part two-storey side extension, along with associated external alterations and landscaping.
355. Other planning matters.
The clerk mentioned that she had been informed that there has been lots of mud on Tillbridge Road coming from the development at Land of 31 and that she had noticed a large amount of shingles that she assumes had spilled from a lorry from a development on Saxilby Road spread over the road and pavement becoming a hazard to children riding to school on scooters. She suggested that in the future the Parish Council ensures that within their comment on the planning portal they include that roads are expected to be kept clear of debris from developments. The councillors agreed and suggested for now to photograph and report to fix my street.
The clerk also noted comments on the planning portal from consultees stating reliance on WLDC expertise to evaluate any exacerbation of existing flood risks and suggests that the Parish Council use the same stance when commenting especially when WLDC passes planning where the PC have flooding concerns.
356. To note emergency expenditure on the purchase of a longer-reach litter picker at a cost of £16.99, made under delegated authority to the Clerk, to support safe and comfortable working practices.
It was agreed and RESOLVED that the Council accept expenditure of £16.99 for the urgent purchase of equipment to support safe and comfortable working practices, made under delegated authority to the clerk, as permitted under Financial Regulation 5.18.
357. To confirm and agree cost of £5398,80 including VAT for two Elan City solar speed indicator devices using CIL money
Cllr Holtby questioned if the locations of the devices had been agreed. The Chairman stated that the locations were discussed and agreed in Cllr Holtby’s’ absence at the last PC meeting. The agreed locations had been circulated to councillors.
It was noted that the new figure included lots of discount and free postage and if purchased prior to the end of the financial year the £899.80 VAT can be reclaimed sooner.
It agreed and RESOLVED to confirm the figure £5398.80 including VAT for the purchase of two Elan City Solar Speed Indicator Devices using CIL money.
At 8.23pm the PCSO added that in relation to speeding initiatives, the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership Team would be a useful contact. The Chairman thanked the PCSO and stated that the council were already in consultation with the LRSP in respect of the decisions on where to place the new indicator signs.
At 8.24pm x4 members of public left the meeting.
358. To agree a transfer of £10,000 from the savings account to the current account to facilitate end of year banking.
It was agreed and RESOLVED to transfer £10,000 from the savings account to the current account to facilitate the purchase of the new speed indicators and end of year accounts until the precept is received.
359. To confirm and agree cost of £800 to Highways for the installation of four poles in agreed locations to enable rotation of the new speed indicator devices using CIL funds.
It was agreed and RESOLVED to agree costs of £800 to Highways using CIL funds. It was noted that we are on the waiting lists to have the poles installed.
360. Accounts: Online payments to be authorised
Cllr Holtby remained in the room as there were no payments to be agreed.
a) Payments agreed
i) Salaries-Clerk and expenses/litter picker/OSR Cleaner/Handy-man/PAYE
ii) Ian Moore Contracting- Hedge Contract £1,170 including VAT.
iii) Elan City £5398,80 including Vat using CIL money
b) Payments to be agreed: None
c) Direct Debits paid: British Gas OSR –£66.97 including VAT
British Gas Village Green- £14.65 including VAT
ID Mobile- Phone Contract- £8.00
Charge Card- (£33.48) including £3 Charge fee. £13.49 HP Ink Subscription and
Litter Picker £16.99 including VAT
d) Bank Fees
Multi Charge Card monthly charge £3 included within charge card total
Monthly Bank Account Fee £6
e) Monies Received None
N-U-C/A £9,701.32 N-U-D/A £1,964.26 N-U-S/A £17,834.54
361. To approve the March 2026 accounts (circulated)
It was noted that the £10,000 transfer appears within the account figures, the figures from the electric box on the village Green have remained correct as hoped. The maturing bond has been successfully reinvested into a 1-year bond- capital and interest. On expiry in 2027 the accumulated interest will be £1,049.60.
The councillors were informed that the £7 Unity Account charge will take affect from the end of March.
362. To agree the monthly reserves summary sheet (circulated)
It was agreed and RESOLVED to accept the monthly reserves summary sheet.
363.To agree bank reconciliation.
It was noted that the reconciliation error flagged up on the January reconciliation with the £6.00 bank charge showing under the charge card category instead of Unity Bank has been rectified by software support.
It was agreed and RESOLVED to accept the hard copy bank reconciliation provided by Cllr S Christie and the electronic bank reconciliation produced by the Clerk on the account summary sheet.
364. To review and discuss the quarterly budget
The quarterly budget was reviewed and discussed. The Clerk stated that the miscellaneous payments figure was the £10,000 re-invested S106 money and £20 Village Hall hire for the public meeting. She has found a solution to an alternative heading for the £10,000 reinvestment, however the £20 remains under miscellaneous payments unless councillors would prefer it to be relocated on drainage and flooding if preferred.
It was agreed and RESOLVED to accept the quarterly budget.
365. To discuss making representation to Quickline with concerns to condition of reinstated verges around the village.
Making representation to Quickline stating of reinstated verges in areas of the village was discussed, It was highlighted that where trenches have been dug to install ducting and damage caused by contractor vehicles parking on verges to supply cabling. It was noted that a handful of grass seed is not sufficient to rectify damage caused that could impact the grass contractor who also shares the concern when he resumes the parish grass cutting contract. It was noted that representation to other corporates such as Castle Gate Homes and Natomar Home Ltd should also be held accountable to damaged caused to verges for vehicles entering and leaving their sites. It was noted that it is difficult to see the footway let alone use it due to the mud and wheels ruts left in the verges when enjoying walks like many do along Tillbridge Road let alone the danger it poses to motorists.
It was therefore agreed and RESOLVED that three letters of representation be sent, expressing the council’s dissatisfaction with the condition of the verges and requesting appropriate remedial action from the responsible contractors and companies.
367. To discuss making representation to Highways regarding the poor condition of road surfacing on the ‘Old’ Stow Road around Capps Island
It was agreed and RESOLVED that the parish council will formulate representation to Highways regarding condition of the adopted road, outlining the increasing number of potholes worsened by winter weather whilst emphasising the unlevel ground becoming a trip hazard to pedestrians whilst accentuating the poor lighting which reinforces the importance of needing the area re surfacing.
At 8.47pm 4 members of public left the meeting
368. To discuss making representation to Highways to request additional speed reduction and other traffic calming measures such as speed camera, road narrowing, countdown markers on the A1500 Tillbridge Road.
It was noted that a camera had been positioned in the Eastfield/Tillbridge Road junction, presumed to be monitoring traffic. A resident queried the individual installing the camera about the eligibility for a speed camera on Tillbridge Road, he stated that we would not be eligible but would suggest looking into road narrowing. Cllr Hawke suggested serious thinking around investing in a speed camera. Though the costs are extortionate it could be an option. Cllr Holtby suggested are trail cams with solar attachments that can monitor speed which would be a lower cost.
It was noted that three accidents, luckily not fatal had happened this year between Gelders and the village 30mph limit and perhaps this would increase eligibility for further traffic calming measures.
It was noted that the request for rumble strips was declined due to associated noise and Tillbridge Road being an emergency route, countdown markers had been requested though the County Councillor and the outcome has not been disclosed to the PC. It was highlighted that road narrowing has not been approached before.
It was agreed and RESOLVED to make representation for all avenues of available traffic calming specifying road narrowing, reducing the limit to speed limit from 60mph to 40mph from the end of the current 30mph to Thorpe Lane and eligibility for a speed camera. The Chairman requested that Cllr Hawke devises a letter of representation.
369. To discuss additional speed awareness initiatives to contribute to traffic calming measures such as wheelie bin stickers and additional signage.
Community level additional speed awareness initiatives to contribute to traffic calming was discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of wheelie bin stickers were discussed for properties that have their bins visible and additional Community Speed Watch Signs. Clerk to source prices.
370. To consider a written request to replace the brown bus shelter located on Saxilby Road with an open sided bus shelter due to ongoing antisocial behaviour (ASB), littering, trespassing, and public health concerns.
The councillors understand the various factors that have impacted the residents written request for a replacement bus shelter on Saxilby Road and understand the distress ASB is causing.
The council are mindful that both brown bus shelters are being subjected to ASB. The Perspex has been kicked out of the bus shelter at the bottom of School Lane as well as damage to a panel only days after being repaired by the handyman.
It was noted that replacing bus shelters can be costly. The clerk has provided quotes from the supplier of the council’s multiple green shelters at roughly £4,000 per shelter with a discount of £145 per shelter if to are ordered together. The clerk has been liasing with the County Councillor whom has found that the bus shelter grant scheme is still available where funding for up to £3000 could applied for. Unsure on timescales or installation costs the Chairman suggested that subject to feasibility perhaps there is a possibility of removing the Perspex and panels at the ends and front of the current brown shelters making them for open and a deterrent for ASB, providing the removal of these panels does not affect stability It was noted that the handyman may be able to carry out the work required.
Councillors agreed that this would be an excellent idea, Cllr S Christie volunteered to meet with the handyman for a site visit to see if this option could be safely achieved.
371. To agree quote of £300 including VAT from RW Tree Services to carry out professional tree safety managements survey for the Ash tree on Ashfield and the Sycamore on The Glebe.
It was agreed and RESOLVED to accept the quote of £300 from RW Tree Services for a professional tree safety survey on the Ash tree on Ashfield and The Sycamore on The Glebe.
372. To agree costs of up to £30 for owl box repairs
It was discussed that upon inspection the current owl box is beyond repair and needs replacing. A resident has offered to contribute the wood, and Cllr Hawke can contribute the felt. Cllr Hawke has approached Mens Shed and asked if they can labour a new Owl box for Jubilee Wood from contributed materials. The clerk queried the costs involved. Cllr Holtby stated that a donation of £30 to the Mens Sheds would be appreciated for the labour involved. Cllr S Christie questioned the legalities behind a donation. The clerk stated that an invoice would be more suitable. Cllr Holtby agreed that an invoice could be generated. It was agreed and RESOLVED approve the cost of £30 for a replacement owl box.
373. To discuss and agree a consensus view of the parish council to towards the Local Government Re-organisation (LGR) Statutory Consultation
The Chairman stated that this was a parliamentary dictation of Local Government Re-organisation. Parish Councils are asked for their preference. The proposals were discussed; making note of population and how many parish councils made up each unitary. It was noted that extra responsibilities that may fall on the PC as a result of the LGR have not yet been outlined as Parish Council will fall direct below the unitary council and too managed such a large area PC may be expected to have more responsibilities. It was discussed that a consensus view of the PC was proposal two. This proposal is roughly of equal population of North and South and seems the fairer proposal. It was agreed and RESOLVED to submit proposal two. The Chairman requested that councillors also submit their preference individually.
374. To agree to renew LALC Subscription at £429.16 no VAT
It was agreed and RESOLVED to renew the LALC Subscription at the cost of £429.16 no VAT.
375. To agree to renew Annual Training Scheme with LALC for clerk and councillors to access training at a discounted rate £204.00 including VAT
It was agreed and RESOLVED to renew the LALC Annual Training Scheme (ATS) Subscription at the cost of £204.00 no VAT.
376. To agree to organise a project groundwater community drop in event and discuss arrangements
Councillors discussed that such a high volume of water is in the ground that rain has nowhere to go. It was agreed and RESOLVED to help facilitate a community drop in the Old Schoolroom to enable residents to sign up to Project Groundwater and suggest a 3-7 session around the middle of May. Clerk to liaise with Project Groundwater.
377. To receive a progress report from the project walking leaflet sub-committee (if required)
The Chairman informed the council that there was little to report, the scripts are drafted for when the walks are transferred onto the map.
378. Reports from local organisation.
Cllr Hawke informed the council that the Jubilee Wood work party scheduled for the 1st March was cancelled due to the weather as the Jubilee Wood was a swap. He and a volunteer have since undertaken some haloing.
The clerk noted that the invitations for the Annual Parish Meeting will be sent out this month requesting all local organisations to be present.
A resident had notified the clerk that a litter bin was damaged beyond repair on the recreational ground, possibly as a result of ASB. The clerk has informed the Rec Committee that it needs removing.
379. General maintenance in the Parish
- It was noted that sand supplies are low in the sand bin on Capps Island
- Cllr C Christie requested that the white posts at the footpath entrance from Fleets Road leading to Upper Close is in need of painting. She asked if the clerk could ask the handyman to ensure he digs to the base of the post and repaint white. It was suggested that the handyman checks the condition of the post for rot before carrying out the maintenance.
- It was noted that both the Bradway and Upper Close footpaths are subject to flooding and the condition of the footpath surface is very poor. Clerk to report to Fix My Street.
- It was highlighted that the dog bin at the end of Saxilby Road is in need of replacing.
- It was noted that the repairs to the road surface on Twitchell is unsatisfactory, clerk to re report on Fix My Street and Cllr Wimhurst to be notified.
- The handyman has notified the clerk that the little bin in the Allan Close playpark is rusted and would benefit from being replaced. Cllr C Christie volunteered to inspect the condition of the bin.
- Contractors at a property on Fleets Road were approached by an unidentified individual regarding the condition a hedge on the property they were working on. The resident of the property contacted the clerk believing the individual being from the Parish Council. The clerk notified the resident that the individual was not a parish councillor. The resident has been in touch to clarify that it was a representative from LCC.
380. Items to be noted for the next meeting.
Additional sand bin Queensway
Costs for replacement bins
APM invites to local organisation and employees
At 9.45pm Cllr Mullally requested to speak. The Chairman granted this request. Cllr Mullally informed the council that there was an event taking place at the village hall on the 30th March 12-2pm where citizens advice, enforcement and customer service will be available to give advice and answer questions.
She also highlighted her dissatisfaction with the re-surfacing of Twitchell and that potholes are already returning. She thanked the Chairman for taking the time to visit the residents affected by flooding on Stow Road and will notify WLDC regarding the damaged bin on the Recreational Ground.
She thanked the councillors and clerk and left the meeting at 9.47pm.
381. To resolve to move into closed session in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 for the following items on the grounds that publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted. If agreed press and public will be asked to leave.
At 9.47pm it was agreed and RESOLVED to go into closed session to discuss staff appraisals.
382.HR Committee to report staff appraisals
On behalf of the HR Committee Cllr Hawke congratulated the clerk on a positive appraisal. He stated that the clerk and happy in her role, with no issues to report and is halfway through her CILCA training. Members of the council expressed their appreciation for the Clerk’s organisation skills, the efficient management of council administration, and the clear communication provided to councillors.
The council also thanked the Clerk for ensuring meetings and documentation remain well organised and for helping keep the council informed and compliant with its responsibilities and keeping them in check.
383.Clerk to report on staff appraisals
The Clerk shared the report from the Handyman’s’ appraisal. The Handyman fulfils his role and keeps assets maintained when requested by the council. He is happy in his role and has no issues to raise. The clerk noted that the Handyman remains reliable and responsive when tasks are identified and updates the clerk on tasks that have been completed. Councillors expressed their appreciation for his continued support to the council and for ensuring that maintenance issues are addressed when required.
At 9.54pm the Chairman welcomed Phillipa and congratulated her on her co-option. Overseen by Vice Chairman Cllr S Christie and the clerk Mrs Calder completed the declaration of interest, code of conduct and register of interests. Clerk to forward documents to WLDC and when acknowledged will create a parish councillor gov.uk email account for Cllr Calder.
Meeting Closed at 9.55pm