April 2026
Sturton by Stow Parish Council met on Wednesday 1st April 2026 in the Old Schoolroom. The meeting starting at 7.44pm following the Annual Parish Meeting.
Meeting Chaired by Cllr Cook
Minutes recorded by S. Hoyland - Parish Clerk
Present: Cllr S Christie, Cllr C Christie, Cllr Hawke, Cllr Holtby, Cllr Capuano, Cllr Calder and 5 members of the public
Absent: None
Cllr Cook welcomed everybody to the April 2026 Parish Council meeting.
1. To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Parish Clerk prior to the meeting.
None
2. 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 11a 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.
3. To discuss flooding updates and agree next steps.
The Chairman highlighted that there had been quite a lot of activity taking place in the village on behalf of AW.
At 7.45pm Cllr Calder commented that AW had been maintaining assets on Fleets Road and a new drain cover had been installed on Stow Road.
Cllr S Christie informed the council that it was a water hydrant on Fleets Road and replacing or installing stop taps on Stow Road.
The Chairman stated that from the councillors’ discussions their presence has been more maintenance work than mitigation for preventative flooding measures.
The clerk added that she had received a phone call from AW regarding our follow up email further querying what happens when homeowners are caught red handed redirecting surface water into the sewer as they seem to have missed this out of their previous response.
She was informed that first AW will investigate and find the exact location. They will then issue a serving notice 28 days for the homeowner to fix the issue and call AW back to verify the repair. Then the issue is signed off and there are no checks thereafter as they are saying there is no reason for the homeowners are to change it back. If, however, a homeowner re- offended as such then legal action could be taken.
The clerk highlighted developments with residents contacting Sir Edward Leigh in regard to their dissatisfaction with AW and a complaint to The Consumer Council of water (CCW) and results from a drain survey on the High Street was from December 24 had been circulated stated that the contractors were unable to use a crawler unit or a 150mm CCTV rod in the drains due to the 40% scale build up. In the end the drain survey was managed a 100mm road.
Cllr S Christie stated that it was his understanding that the drain surveyed was a private drain. The clerk confirmed and stated that the condition of the public drains could be in a similar condition.
The clerk thanked two volunteers for distributing riparian rights watercourse booklets to homeowners and further copies at the monthly market.
The clerk and Cllr S Christie identified properties that are likely to have riparian rights and have been issued Riparian Rights Booklets along with the newsletter.
Investigating leads to ownership of land has resulted to tracking down the possible landowner of the field behind Ashfield. The PC has made contact to confirm ownership and request maintenance to the ditch as maintenance would be more accessible from the field.
Cllr S Christie stated that if the request is granted then this would resolve 90% of the ditch from the Ashfield Culvert and stated that we need homeowners to also get on board with riparian rights.
A second phone call in relation to the Ashfield culvert stated that AW suspect that the lack of infiltration visible will be down to the exceptionally dry weather we experienced this year and were due to re-CCTV this again in the new year when ground water levels increase. Hopefully then, we will find where the infiltration is coming in. The AW representative stated that this has not yet been completed. The job notes from 2025 stated that the surface water was unable to flow as the ditch had not been dredged. The CCTV will take place at the end of March to see if this has improved. When questioned if they had let the homeowners now that the area needed to be dredged and maintained, there answer was no. I stated that with AW have neglected to tell those responsible that the area needs dredging I would assume that the results will be the same or worse.
They answered that if this is the case they would want the PC to assist with the LCC and IDB for further assistance.
Cllr Hawke stated that we have seen via the correspondence circulated by the clerk that such effort from the IDB is not in their remit.
Cllr Calder questioned the culvert. Cllr S Christie explained the location of the culvert on the footpath in between Ashfield and Fleets Road. He stated that that culvert was sleeved and Project Groundwater had installed a marker to monitor the water level. This is linked to an alert system. He stated that multiple residents backing onto the ditch neglect riparian responsibilities and many have installed fences. He highlighted that on the day of the recent floods the culvert was very full, and downstream was full of debris and clear from the farm as they maintain the ditches well thereafter. He stated that hopefully contact made with the landowner of the field behind Ashfield and to get residents on board could help with flooding.
At 7.55pm a resident from the public requested to speak. At the Chairmans discretion he allowed the resident to have an input in the discussion. The resident stated that we should be naming and shaming residents neglecting their riparian rights. She added that within her communication with AW she is trying to locate the owner to sort the ditch out at the side of the Stow pumping station as AW keep referring to a planning application but will not share names or information.
The Chairman thanked the resident and questioned to whether residents whom we are aware off should be contacted directly from the PC and that for the good of the village they are not an exception to neglect their riparian rights.
The clerk suggested that a letter from the LCC Flood and Water Department would be a better approach.
A resident informed the council at the last meeting that he was currently investigating to find out who is responsible for the dyke on the parish boundary, as he is aware that it is not the responsibility of the PC. He said and would share the outcome of his findings. The Council requested that the clerk contact the resident and Stow Parish Council to see if there had been any development to share at the next meeting.
The Chairman stated informed the council that outcomes of the fact-finding meeting stated that LCC has no privileged access at a higher level. It was acknowledged by the Flood and Water Department that none of the agencies hold a comprehensive list of landowners; landownership is identified on a “need to know” basis when issues arise. The LCC must pay a fee to search the Land Registry in the same way any individual would and does not have the budget to carry out searches for all parcels of land.
The clerk continued that she had resent original letter which had been acknowledged and passed onto the executive board. They replied and the council have secured a point of contact. The IDB are happy to attend a meeting but stated that Sturton by Stow is outside the Board’s drainage district. This does mean that the Board has no maintained watercourses, few powers and no remit for the improvement of drainage within the village. The Board does have adopted & maintained drains to the East of the village, but these are in the outer rural area and may be peripheral to any issues you are experiencing. The representative also attached a poster that explains the role of IDBs. Clerk to add this onto the website.
Project Groundwater has arranged a Community Drop in 19th May 3-7pm. This event would be open to members of the public to attend to sign up to the alarm system, so that people are informed or the scheme and aware of how it could assist them during potential flood events. The event is also a great opportunity to discuss how the alarms work and the wider scheme across the county. Clerk to advertise on social media and notice boards.
It was agreed and RESOLVED to consult with the LCC Flood and Water department regarding identifying properties who have riparian rights and for the clerk to contact Stow PC in regard to ownership of the field positioned on the Parish Boundary near Capps Island.
Cllr Holtby suggested that the parish council pays the fee to land registry.
The councillors discussed that there is not guarantee that the land is registered.
4. Public Participation
At 8.03 pm, the meeting was adjourned for public participation. The Chairman asked the public if they had anything else to add at this official stage of the meeting. Two members of public wished to speak.
One resident confirmed that most of the Riparian Rights Watercourse booklets had been distributed and some would be available at the monthly market. She added that she would keep the Parish Council informed of the arrangements for fixing the leak at the village hall and that there is going to be a grand opening of the refurbished kitchen at the monthly market on Saturday 4th April 26.
Another resident volunteered to pay the fee and search land registry for the landowner of the field located on the parish boundary near Capps Island.
The Chairman thanked the residents and closed public participation at 8.04pm
5. To approve minutes of previous meeting in March 2026 and authorise the Chairman to sign
It was noted that the minute of agenda item 372 on page 133 states the agreed figure as £20 where in fact the agenda item stated £30 and the figure of £30 was agreed and RESOLVED.
It was agreed and RESOLVED to amend the figure to £30 and approve the March 2026 minutes as presented and authorise the Chairman to sign as a true record.
At 8.07pm 4 members of the public left the meeting.
6. To receive the Clerks Report
The Clerks report can be viewed as Appendix A
7. Correspondence received.
The clerk stated that she will circulate monthly playpark inspection report when it has been received and that all other correspondence had been received electronically. It was noted that Cllr S Christie had volunteered the clerk’s husband to carry out the playpark inspection reports from the current volunteer and he has accepted.
She added that as per the Clerks report she highlighted that Cllr S Christie has secured another Community Volunteer to take over the role of the CEP lead and she has accepted. The clerk noted that the CEP is due for its review.
the Current CEP Lead with train the new volunteer and review the CEP with them. The Clerk has been confirming details of local clerks/parish councils and up to date resources to feed into the review. Hopefully review the document for review for May/June
8. Planning Applications (Any applications up to the date of the meeting)
Planning Application: WL/2026/00229 PINCHBECK FARMHOUSE Planning application for proposed renovations, alterations and extensions to existing dwelling.
It was agreed and RESOLVED to submit a general observation of no comment on the planning application.
9. Planning Granted (Any applications up to the date of the meeting)
WL/2026/00091 - 45 SAXILBY ROAD -Planning application for proposed first floor extension to front of existing dwelling.
10. Other planning matters.
The clerk mentioned that resident had enquired about the process to submit land on Saxilby Road as part of the CLLP review. She noted that contacting the landowner regarding riparian rights may help alleviate flooding on Saxilby Road. The councillors agreed to make contact with the landowner regarding riparian rights as this could help alleviate flooding on Saxilby Road.
11. Accounts: Online payments to be authorised
Cllr Holtby remained in the room as there were no salary payments to be agreed.
- Payments agreed i) Salaries-Clerk and expenses/litter picker/OSR Cleaner/Handy-man/PAYE
ii) Ian Moore Contracting- March Full Grass Cut £542.50 including VAT
iii) The Pelican Trust £124.00
iv) LALC Subscription £429.16 no VAT
v) Annual Training Scheme LALC £204.00
Grants to be issued when precept is received
vii) Grant- The Recreational Ground £1,500
viii) Grant- Sturton by Stow Judo Club £4000
ix) Grant- Youth Club £3000
x) Grant- Sturton by Stow Bowls £300
xi) Grant- Sturton by Stow Agricultural and Horticultural Committee £1,130
b) Payments to be agreed: Jewsons- Handy man materials for maintenance £121.67 including VAT
Payments up to year end 31st March 2026
c) Direct Debits paid: British Gas OSR –£18.50 including VAT
British Gas Village Green- £13.23 including VAT
ID Mobile- Phone Contract- £8.00
Charge Card- (£67.12) including £3 Charge fee. £13.49 HP Ink Subscription,
Warm space supplies Bookers £35.79, Morrisons £4.50, Home Bargains £5.35
Yorkshire Trading- Moisture Traps for notice boards and bin bags £4.99
d) Bank Fees Multi Charge Card monthly charge £3 included within charge card total
Monthly Bank Account Fee £7
e) Monies Received
£175 CIF Funding (WLDC) for replacement Christmas lights and contribution towards SID poles
N-U-C/A £39,071.68 N-U-D/A £1,974.39 N-U-S/A £17,962.19
The councillors discussed that the clerk should contact local organisations for a gentle reminder to evidence original expenditure of previous grants 25/26 or inform the parish council and document where alternative arrangements for expenditure has been made.
12. To agree end of year summary
End of Year bank balances are as follows; N-U-C/A £9,794.40, N-U-D/A £1,974.39 and N-U-S/A £17,962.19. The clerk highlighted that the internal auditor via LALC had suggested that best practice would be to put the remaining figures of the reserve pots into a general contingency fund other than ear marked reserves such as the playpark, S106, Tree inspections, Jubilee Wood and CIL.
The purpose of the general contingency fund is to ensure there are funds to cover emergency of unexpected costs and cashflow protection as part of risk management. The best practice guidance of this is 3–12 months of the council’s net revenue expenditure.
It was agreed and RESOLVED to accept the end of year account summary.
13. To approve the April 2026 accounts (circulated)
It was noted that t £10.13 interest from the deposit account and £127.65 savings accounts interest prior to year end. The council was informed that the £42,500 precept had been received and both British Gas Lite Bills did not leave the account until after the year end. The clerk informed the council that the total VAT to be reclaimed for 25/26 would be £3,189.66. She also added that the £10,000 bank transfer was successful and this could be returned to the savings account at the next meeting.
She highlighted that the budget figures had not been put into the account software due to the uncertainty of the precept not being received on time.
The councillors were informed that the Unity Account charge increase was in effect. It was agreed and RESOLVED to approve the April 2026 accounts.
14. To agree the monthly reserves summary sheet (circulated)
It was agreed and RESOLVED to accept the monthly reserves summary sheet.
15.To agree bank reconciliation.
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.
16. To confirm CIL expenditure of £6,127.58 in 25/26 with £1,208.23 remaining to carry over to financial year 26/27.
It was agreed and RESOLVED to approve the figures as stated for the CIL expenditure report 25-26. The Chairman signed the report Clerk to report to WLDC and upload to the Parish Council website.
17. To discuss and agree amendments to asset register.
It was agreed and RESOLVED to add the following assets to the asset register.
- Speed Indicator devices x2 £4500
- Community Speed Watch Signs x4 £80
- Helping Hand litter picker and hoop £30
- OSR Monitor £1
- What3words Emergency sign £50
- Replacement Junior swing seats £125
- Grand Union Flat £75
- Halyard £10
- To add dog waste bin on the parish boundary- Stow Road £200
- To amend the location of the bench on Marton Road to The Close.
It was noted that the accumulated figure for assets is £254,842. Cllr Holtby highlighted to introduce depreciation of assets such as the dog waste bin on Saxilby Road and the waste bin in the Allan Close playpark which are due to be replaced. The clerk agreed that it would be helpful to include this in the formula.
18. To discuss asset update for insurance renewal
The clerk noted that the items listed on the insurance schedule are items costing over £500. She informed the council that she would add on the two new Speed Indicator Devices to the itemised schedule for £4,500.
19. To consider relocation of current sand bin on Saxilby Road or purchase additional sand bin to be positioned within Queensway for £310.07 including VAT using CIL money.
The Cllrs discussed the original siting of the new sand bin on Saxilby Road was due to the concern of ASB if positioned within Queensway out of view of the main road.
It was also noted that the properties that do become flooded are the responsibility of ACIS. Although residents are welcome and encouraged to use supplies of sand and bags from the sand bin on Saxilby Road it is ACIS responsibility to increase further flood defence to its tenants.
It was agreed and RESOLVED not to purchase or relocate a current sand bin to Queensway.
21. To agree the cost of £80 for 800kg bag from Jewsons’ to replenish sand supplies using CIL money
It was discussed that sand supplies are lower in the bins on Capps Island and Saxilby Road since the flooding yet an 800kg would be too much. It was agreed and RESOLVED not to purchase an 800kg bag of sand but instead to look at other options of a smaller 25kg bags or loose amount of sand to top up the bins where required.
22. To purchase two road flooded signs £69 excluding VAT from safteysigns4less using CIL money
Cllr Holtby volunteered to store the signs in case of emergency flooding. It was noted that by no means are the Parish Council authorised to close the road, the signs would be a visual reminder to hopefully warn and deter traffic at a community level. It agreed and RESOLVED to purchase two Flood Ahead signs. Clerk to add to the asset register.
23. To discuss and agree the purchase of 4 Community Speed watch 30mph signs totalling at £80 using CIL money
It was noted that the LCC Community Speed Watch Department had kindly offered to replace the two signs that had been subjected to ASB. They also have gifted 150 wheelie bin stickers. Clerk waiting on delivery. The is no alternative signage available to advise or encourage motorists to slow down. The Chairman had suggested at the previous meeting that perhaps the 30mph wheelie bin stickers could be distributed to residents at the entrances and exits of the village. The clerk suggested that perhaps the wheelie bin stickers could be issued to residents who have a bin on show at the end of their drives so that they are on display more than once a week. She also suggested sticking any spare stickers to lamp posts as reminders. Cllr Hawke commented that any additional measures that can be taken shows that we are trying to reduce speeding with any initiatives we can source without meeting a criteria for additional traffic calming. He added that as expressed before the parish council should look into purchasing a speed camera. He added that one of the recent sessions at Bransby Fields CSW caught about 25, several more than 50 mph, two so fast we couldn’t read the number plates! And that’s with us present, as we were packing away the cars just became quicker especially on exit!
The clerk replied that she has emailed the LRSP and they had stated
“In relation to the purchase of your own speed cameras this is not something that we allow. If the criteria for such a device are met, we will fund one. The only speed enforcement devices that can be placed on the highway in Lincolnshire are those that are authorised, owned, installed and maintained through LRSP by Lincolnshire County Council and Lincolnshire Police. As you probably are aware, we do operate mobile speed cameras in the area. The A1500 through Sturton by Stow was assessed a number of years ago and it was felt that the criteria had been met for mobile camera enforcement. Whilst we have seen a decrease in the volume of traffic exceeding the speed limit, offending remains high and we will retain the location on our schedule.”
Cllr Calder suggested that perhaps the parish council could liase with the primary school to create some ‘slow down’ banners. The clerk added that the children could also take part in a mini police speed awareness campaign. Cllr S Christie suggested speaking to PCSO Patchett to see what support is on offer.
It was agreed and RESOLVED not to purchase any additional CSW 30mph signs and instead to re position current signs to a higher height to hopefully deter ASB.
24. To agree to submit application forms for the bus shelter grant scheme to replace the two wooden bus shelters.
The clerk informed the council that the LCC Bus Infrastructure Department had made contact and requested that the Parish Council take no further action in altering or replacing the bus shelters until a meeting had been arranged to discuss the ownership of the two wooden bus shelters. It was agreed and RESOLVED to defer this agenda item.
25. To agree to submit a consent form for installing a community asset in the highway
As requested from the LCC Bus Infrastructure department. It was agreed and RESOLVED to defer this agenda item.
26. To agree to alter current wooden bus shelter structure to open- up the shelter as a temporary solution to deter ASB.
As requested from the LCC Bus Infrastructure department. It was agreed and RESOLVED to defer this agenda item.
27. To consider options and designs of replacement bus shelters and agree provisional costs subject to obtaining a bus shelter grant’s
As requested from the LCC Bus Infrastructure department. It was agreed and RESOLVED to defer this agenda item.
28. To agree to make representation to the Highways Depot, Sturton by Stow regarding damage to verges on Tillbridge Road.
It was noted that the owner of Castle Gate Homes had been in touch in response to the letter and has informed the council that they are not at fault, and the verge damage has been caused by the gritters entering and exiting the Highways Depot.
Cllr S Christie suggested that Balfour Beatty may too be responsible as they also enter and exit the Highways depot and that both Highways and Balfour Beatty should be informed of the damage that has been caused and the issue that the damage poses to the parish grass cutter.
It was therefore agreed and RESOLVED for a letter of representation to be sent to the Highways Depot and Balfour Beatty, expressing the council’s dissatisfaction with the condition of the verges and requesting appropriate remedial action.
29. To discuss and agree to purchase a replacement litter bin in the Allan Close playpark up to a cost of £250 using CIL money.
It was noted that the clerk has not had a response from Simon Smoothy at WLDC to confirm prices. The clerk suggested that perhaps WLDC may replace the free-standing bin with a smaller bin on a pole as the play park is not utilised as much as other playparks. It was agreed and RESOLVED to acknowledge that the waste bin needs replacing and to agree the figure as stated in the agenda item. It was noted that if further costs were required these could be added to a future agenda.
30. To discuss and agree to purchase a replacement dog waste bin on Saxilby Road near the footpath entrance up to a cost of £250 using CIL money
It was noted that the clerk has not had a response from Simon Smoothy at WLDC to confirm prices. Cllr Calder stated that she was not aware that the parish council purchased the dog waste bins as they have a QR code sticker on them stating that if there is an issue with the dog waste bin and it is not up standard then to report it.
The clerk suggested that it was worth scanning to see if WLDC would replace as dog bins are very costly. She stated that just replacing the lids are at least £54 plus VAT each. It was agreed and RESOLVED to acknowledge that the dog waste bin needs replacing and to agree the figure as stated in the agenda item. It was noted that if further costs were required these could be added to a future agenda.
31. To receive a progress report from the project walking leaflet sub-committee (if required)
It was noted that the walks have been completed and the times and distances have been recorded by Cllr Capuano. Cllr Cook and Cllr S Christie have completed the documentation, and a hard copy will be shared with Tim to format. A working party is due to take place after the meeting.
32. Reports from local organisation.
None. Heard in APM
33. General maintenance in the Parish
Cllr C Christie highlighted that maintenance was required for the posts at the entrance to the footpath from Fleets Road to Upper Close. The clerk stated that the handyman was aware and had already sanded the posts to prep for painting.
The clerk noted that the handyman had stated that a post was rotting and that councillors via email requested that the handyman continues as instructed ad that further maintenance could be scheduled in the future.
Cllr S Christie suggested that the post have been replaced before and perhaps replacing the gate posts with metal posts could be a suggestion for future visual improvements.
Cllr S Christie highlighted that the green bus shelter at the bottom of School Lane had been reported on social media as being loose. He had inspected the bus shelter on his way to the meeting and confirmed that the two of the upright supports are loose and would most likely need the tarmac to be dug out and resetting with post-crete and require maintenance.
The clerk stated that the bus shelter had been bought to her attention via Ian Moore prior to the meeting who is more than happy to zone off the bus shelter with barricades for health and safety and inspect for maintenance.
The councillors agreed that emergency maintenance would be required as the green bus shelter is a parish council asset. The councillors instructed the clerk to contact Ian Moore Contracting to confirm for him to proceed with a site inspection, suggestions to resolve the issue and schedule emergency repairs at his earliest opportunity.
It was noted that a resident highlighted a concern for a large white vehicle that had been parked on the junction of Fleets Road/High Street for a while. It was identified as having a flat tyre, facing into traffic and on the pavement. The clerk suggested to report the vehicle, make, model and location to 101. Cllr Holtby suggested informing PCSO Patchett for further guidance as the vehicle is positioned in an unhelpful spot causing an obstruction for other motorists and pedestrians with pushchairs/mobility scooters etc.
It was noted that the condition of the footpaths surfaces are deteriorating between Tillbridge Road and Kisgate, Bradway and Upper Close, and Upper Close and Fleets Road. Surfaces are becoming increasingly uneven and pose a trip hazard. It was further highlighted that the footpaths from Bradway to Upper Close and Upper Close to Fleets Road are also prone to flooding, exacerbating accessibility and safety concerns. The Clerk has taken photos and will report to Fix My Street.
The Clerk queried when Cllr Hawke would like the Jubilee Wood maintenance to take place as the contractor would like to schedule dates in his planner. Cllr Hawke stated twice a year June and September and that he would like to meet the contractor on site for the first cut and therefore will suggest more specific dates via email.
The resident has been made aware of the growing vegetation behind the OSR, and has scheduled maintenance for the 10th April.
34. Items to be noted for the next meeting.
Costs for replacement bins
At 9.30pm Cllr Mullally requested to speak. The Chairman granted this request. Cllr Mullally informed the council that the advice event at the village hall on the 30th March 12-2pm was very informative. Citizen’s advice, enforcement and customer service were available to give advice and answer questions and will be returning soon.
Meeting closed to Cllr Mullally at 9.34pm.
Meeting Closed at 9.35pm
Smoke alarm tested and passed at 9.36pm.