May 2026
Sturton by Stow Parish Council met on Wednesday 6th May 2026 in the Old Schoolroom. The meeting started at 7.00pm.
Meeting Chaired by Cllr Cook
Minutes recorded by S. Hoyland - Parish Clerk
Present: Cllr S Christie, Cllr C Christie, Cllr Holtby and 2 members of the public
Absent: Cllr Hawke, Cllr Capuano and Cllr Calder
Cllr Cook welcomed everybody to the May 2026 Parish Council meeting.
35. Election of Chairman
It was proposed by Cllr C Christie that Cllr Cook continues as Chairman, seconded by Cllr Holtby and with a unanimous vote, it was agreed and RESOLVED for Cllr Cook to continue as Chairman.
36. Declaration of Acceptance of Office signed
Cllr Cook signs the Declaration of Acceptance of Office. Clerk to notify WLDC.
37. Election of Vice Chair
It was proposed by Cllr Holtby that Cllr S Christie continues as Vice-Chairman, seconded by Cllr Cook and with a unanimous vote, it was agreed and RESOLVED that Cllr S Christie to continues as Vice- Chairman.
38. Declaration of Acceptance of Office signed.
Cllr S Christie signs the Declaration of Acceptance of Office. Clerk to notify WLDC.
39. 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 for lateness had been sent from Cllr Hawke and Cllr Mullally due to prior commitments.
Apologies for absence had been received from Cllr Capuano and Cllr Calder. It was agreed and RESOLVED that apologies for absence were accepted, and that Cllr Hawke and Cllr Mullally would be joining the meeting shortly.
40. 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 31 a 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.
41. Public Participation
At 7.06 pm, the meeting was adjourned for public participation. One member of public wished to speak. The resident informed the PC that the maintenance relating to the leak at the Village Hall will be completed next week. It is thought that the location of the suspected leak is under the building. He highlighted that there are two supplies to the building as on a previous visit AW could not find a stop clock and therefore installed a second one. The contractor has re-piped inside to bypass current pipework and will connect next week. The costs are high due to the investigations and requiring insulated pipework outside of the building.
Cllr Cook thanked the resident for the update and closed the meeting to the public at 7.08pm.
42. To discuss flooding updates and agree next steps.
The Chairman shared correspondence received from a resident that AW had put a camera in the sewage main from Capps Island to Old Rectory Gardens. The camera showed a severe collapse and root ingress. The engineer stated that it was an original pipe. This is cause for concern as AW have always insisted that this section of pipe was sleeved in 2007 and has had various inspections. From the evidence of the collapse and severe root ingress, this looks to be untrue. As far as we are aware AW have not returned to sleeve the pipe yet.
Residents were successful with locating the landowner of the field next to Capps Island and have made contact. It was highlighted by the landowner that the pond at Capps Island is lower than the dyke to the field. The landowner believes that originally the dyke at the pond end of the field used to feed into the dyke that runs down the main road. It was agreed and RESOLVED to contact the Flood and Water Department at LCC for them to investigate to ascertain levels.
The Clerk noted that a resident from Stow has been in touch regarding the requesting a copy of the riparian rights booklet. The clerk shared a link to the parish council website, and the resident has found the information and other documents very helpful. She suggested that the riparian rights booklets were distributed to Stow residents. The resident has lots of historical documents covering Sturton by Stow, Stow and Bransby that may be useful. The PC would have to apply to the archivist to be able to publish these in any format, though if this is something we require further down the line the resident has the document reference numbers somewhere to save searching the online indexes as Lincolnshire Archives.
There are extracts from papers referencing Sturton by Stow Sewage treatment plant being inadequate and had reached capacity many years ago.
The assumed landowner of the field behind Ashfield has been in touch, stating that he is a trustee of the land and has visited the site. He agrees that the ditch is overgrown and questioned evidence to his riparian rights responsibility and not that of the houses that back on to ditch. He highlighted that the existence of fences is for safety and privacy and these do not necessarily denote a boundary. He stated that once ownership is confirmed he will look into how the trust might assist with clearance.
The council agreed that the presence of fences does not denote a boundary and to respond stating that historical knowledge has indicated that the riparian rights lie with him unless he is able to evidence otherwise.
As noted, many times that under Common Law, unless deeds specify that you are not responsible for riparian rights of a watercourse then you are.
With regular information articles in the village newsletter about riparian rights and the occurrence of flooding, it would be hoped that residents have familiarised themselves with their riparian rights though confirmation of this could be achieved with formal letters and assistance of the Flood and Water Team.
The clerk updated the council that there had been no reply from Sir Edward Leigh regarding dissatisfaction regarding the duty of care of ongoing flooding issues.
There has been a reply from the CEO of Anglian Water stating that our contact had been shared with their Water Recycling Management team. They are aware of the increasing concerns in the area as the team continue to progress their investigations and long-term solution planning. The team do believe it would be beneficial for all parties to arrange a meeting to discuss the issue and the ongoing investigations in more detail and please could we provide the Parish Council’s availability, and they will coordinate with our team to schedule the meeting accordingly.
A reply from Highways stated that they have sent our request over to our Floods and Water team to ask if it something they would normally attend. We have not had any correspondence back from the Floods and Water team yet.
The Chairman and councillors discussed available dates for the clerk to put forward to the agencies for a joint site meeting between AW and the Flood and Water Department. Clerk to facilitate.
Project Groundwater
The Flood Sensor Community Drop in is booked for 19th May 3-7pm in the OSR. The Clerk has advertised with posters on social media, the parish council website and various notice boards. Cllr Cook volunteered to open the building and accompany the Project Groundwater team from 3-5pm and Cllr S Christie volunteered to cover 5pm- 7pm and lock up. Cllr Holtby volunteered to attend as soon as he can after his prior commitments. It was hopeful that Cllr Capuano and Cllr Calder may be able to attend to support.
43. To approve minutes of previous meeting in April 2026 and authorise the Chairman to sign
It was agreed and RESOLVED the April 2026 minutes as presented and authorise the Chairman to sign as a true record.
44. To receive the Clerks Report
The Clerks report can be viewed as Appendix A.
Cllr Hawke joined the meeting at 7.20pm
In addition to the clerks report it was noted many reports on Fix My Street had been fixed. The clerk took photos of the footpaths from Tillbridge Road through to Fleets Road showing the poor condition of the footpath surface as requested at the last meeting.
Further ASB has taken place in both the wooden bus shelter, residents’ email has been circulated and responded to.
The wet pour maintenance is scheduled to hopefully take place before the next meeting.
The clerk has been liasing with Simon Smoothly from WLDC and he has inspected and replaced the dog bin at the entrance to the field on Saxilby Road with a repurposed bin. He explained that with the bin being positioned near a footpath, a replacement must meet a criteria to be replaced by WLDC. If replacement is just for cometic reasons, then the PC would have to pay for a replacement however playpark bins are the responsibility of the PC regardless.
The clerk had raised the query of the QR code displayed as highlighted at the last meeting my Cllr Calder on the dog bin on the open space at The Glebe. He stated that they are for residents to report
a full bin or damage. If a bin was damaged WLDC would contact the PC, replace and invoice the PC.
Litter Picking bags have been distributed to the farmer volunteering to litter pick alongside Tillbridge Road.
It was noted that the current CEP Lead and the Clerk met with the new community volunteer to review the Community Emergency Plan. The Clerk has been confirming details of local clerks, parish councils, and up-to-date resources and contact details to support the review process. The current CEP Lead has handed over the document to the new CEP Lead to update the details on the electronic document.
The new CEP Lead is familiar with the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum and has established contacts within the organisation. She brings a wealth of knowledge and is considered well suited to the role.
If the review is completed in time, the updated report will be ready for approval at the June meeting and to meet the new lead in person.
Two members of the public joined the meeting at 7.25pm
45. To review the Neighbourhood Plan
It was noted that regular monitoring of the Neighbourhood Plan is good practice and that a review is advisable when the plan becomes out of date due to new local planning policies, changes to national planning policy:: Revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), If the local planning authority adopts a new Local Plan or time period elapsed
It was agreed and RESOLVED that the Neighbourhood Plan had been reviewed and remains relevant until current legislation changes.
46. To review existing terms of reference for HR Committee
It was noted that the clerk had correctly referenced the term HR opposed to HR Sub- Committee, other than this the policy remains unchanged.
It was agreed and RESOLVED that the terms of reference for the HR Committee had been reviewed and approved.
47. Election of Representatives: i) Village hall ii) Youth Club iii) Rec Field iv) Speed watch v) Jubilee Wood
It was agreed and RESOLVED that representatives of the Village Hall Committee regularly attend the PC meetings and provide updates. Cllr Hawke would continue to provide updates for on behalf of Jubilee Wood. It was noted that Cllr Hawke was also an active member of Speed Watch.
Clerk to request briefing notes from the Recreational Field and Youth Club.
48. To agree final end of year detailed accounts
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. It was agreed and RESOLVED to approve the final end of year detailed accounts.
49. To discuss and approve amendments to asset register.
The clerk had amended the location of the Jubilee bench from Marton Road to The Close, included the dog bin on the parish boundary onto the asset register and altered the value of the monitor donated to the PC to a value of £1 as requested at the last meeting.
In addition to this the clerk has added the reinvested S106 interest to the S106 maturing bond asset figure.
The councillors discussed the uncertainty surrounding true ownership of both the wooden bus shelters. The Chairman noted that the asset register can be renewed when new information comes to light if required.
It was agreed and RESOLVED to approve the amendments and accept the total figure for assets as £255,379.62.
50. To consider the report of the internal auditor for the financial year ended 31st March 2026
The Chairman shared correspondence from the internal auditor stating that council business documents including policies, agendas, minutes, accounting and financial statements and other documents relevant to this internal audit had been examined.
Several recommendations were made at the intermediate audit, and I am pleased that the majority of these have been actioned. Two further transaction checks have also been completed, and I am satisfied that the council continues with good governance practices with a robust audit trail for all transactions. The Internal Audit section of the AGAR has been completed and signed appropriately. ‘Yes’ responses have been provided for all internal control objectives except for internal control objectives F, K & P which were not applicable to the council. Thank you to Stacey for her continued assistance in enabling my year end checks.
The clerk was congratulated and it was agreed and RESOLVED to accept the internal audit report for the financial year ending 31 March 2026.
51. To approve the Annual Governance Statement (Section 1 of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) for financial year 2025/2026 and authorise signing
It was agreed and RESOLVED that the Annual Governance and Accountability Return for the financial year ended 31st March 2026 was accepted, approved and signed by the chairman and the clerk.
52. To approve the Accounting Statements of the Annual Return (Section 2 of the AGAR) for financial year 2025/2026 and authorise signing
It was agreed and RESOLVED that the Annual Governance Accounting Statements of the Annual Return for the financial year ended 31st March 2026 presented by the Clerk were accepted, approved and signed by the chairman.
53. To agree notice of public rights and publication of the unaudited AGAR on Friday 29th May to begin Wednesday 3rd June and ending Tuesday14th July 2026
It was agreed and RESOLVED to approve the recommended dates from the external auditor for public rights inspection.
- Review of policies: (All document circulated prior to the meeting)
- Standing Orders
- Financial Regulations
- Safeguarding Policy
- Communication Policy
- Equal Opportunities Policy
- Media Policy
- Model Publication Scheme
- Complaints Policy
- Retention Policy
At 7.50pm two members of public stood up to leave. The Chairman paused the meeting and stated that he had noticed that they had joined the meeting later than scheduled missing the agenda item for public participation and if the residents require him to open for public participation, then he would do after the current agenda item was complete.
The residents stated that they were not aware that the meeting was scheduled for 7pm and they would be very grateful to beable to share their updates. The residents reseated and the Chairman continued the agenda item.
- Annual Leave Policy
- General Privacy Policy
- Data Protection Policy
- Data Map
- Data Breach
- Subject Access Request
- Parish Council Risk Management
The clerk noted that she has not been notified of any legal changes or updates to existing core policies through LALC.
The clerk had amended the clerk email address to the new gov.uk contact where applicable.
As a recommendation from the internal auditor the clerk has individually stated where policies are available from in the Model Publication Scheme.
The Chairman noted that the internal auditor had recommended to ensure there is an adopted documented process regarding Bereavement Leave. Clerk to facilitate this.
The Clerk noted that the auditor had suggested that the Parish Council Risk Management document would benefit from addition of RAG status (Red, Amber, Green).
All GDPR documents are in place to ensure the PC remain compliant with Assertion 10.
It was agreed and RESOLVED to approve noted amendments for applicable policies and that Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, Safeguarding Policy, Communication Policy, Equal Opportunities Policy, Media Policy, Model Publication Scheme, Complaints Policy, Retention Policy, Annual Leave Policy, General Privacy Policy, Data Protection Policy, Data Map, Data Breach, Subject Access Request, Parish Council Risk Management had been reviewed
At the Chairmans discretion the meeting was re-opened to the public at 7.56pm
The first of the two residents stated that on the 5th May she had a phone call to confirm a 20 metre clear out of root ingress and damage to the pipework due to a partial collapse.
She stated that AW deny that there is a partial collapse and will not reline the pipe. The AW engineer stated that there was no evidence of sleeving in 2007. She stated that AW are not being truthful and suggests a multi-agency meeting to hold AW accountable. One engineer stated that the sewer was 80% full of roots.
Cllr Hawke stated that the roots will re-grow.
Cllr Cook suggested that the matter needs to be escalated to the CEO and AW. A response from the PC can be prepared being assertive and firm regarding the untruthfulness and a request for relining the pipework. He asked the resident where the engineer had inspected from.
She stated that the CCTV had been placed into the inspection hatch in her neighbour’s driveway which exposed the roots, an area that has supposedly been looked at many times before. Cllr Cook stated that it makes sense for the blockage to be near the affected properties as he resides a few doors down and has no issues. He encouraged the resident to also send a letter to the CEO and AW. She assured him that she has a letter prepared.
At 8.03pm Cllr Mullally joined the meeting.
The second resident highlighted that there had been success in tracking down the landowner of the field near Capps Island.
The Chairman noted that in their absence at the scheduled public participation earlier on in the agenda the clerk had updated the council on this matter.
The resident thanked the clerk and informed the council that she had involved the Flood and Water Team at LCC in their findings questioning how to ensure the landowner maintains the ditch and is waiting for a response.
The clerk added that she had done the same and is also waiting for a response.
The Chairman thanked the residents for their input and closed the meeting to the public at 8.07pm
Four members of the public left the meeting
Before resuming the agenda at 8.08pm the Chairman asked Cllr Mullally if she had any updates to share. Cllr Mullally stated that there were no updates.
The Chairman resumed the meeting at 8.09pm
55. To agree Accessibility Statement for the Parish Council Website
The clerk stated that Assertion 10 requires the Accessibility Statement to be kept ‘under regular review’. She had updated the Accessibility Statement where required and tested the website. The Accessibility statement now states that ‘Whilst we are working to address these issues as part of an ongoing programme of website improvements during 2026. This website has been developed to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standard to the best of our ability. The website was tested using a combination of automated Wave Web Accessibility Evaluation tool resulting in a Wave Accessibility Impact Score of 9.1 alongside manual checks.’
The webmaster at Lalc
56. To review and agreement of regular authorised payments-circulated
It was noted that the Multidata contract had ceased therefore authorisation of a regular payment was not required. It was noted some regular payments had been increased, these included the newsletter photocopying to £150 a quarter, ink subscription increased to £13.49, bank fees to £7 a month and ICO data protection fee to £50 annually.
The clerk suggested to include drainage rates and the annual fire inspection to be paid in full to facilitate payment terms. It was agreed and RESOLVED to approve the amendments and agree to the regular authorised payments and to include Drainage rates and the Fire Inspection as a regular annual payment.
57. To review the councils bank mandate and signatories and agree changes as required
Cllr C Christie informed the council that she would be happy to be replaced as a bank signatory if one of the new councillors would like to replace her. Cllr Cook stated that both Cllr Capuano and Cllr Calder were absent and stated that the bank mandate can be reviewed at any time in agreement with eligible councillors. It was agreed and RESOLVED to leave the banking mandate unchanged.
58. To discuss amendments made to insurance schedule and agree insurance renewal quote £1,019.72
The clerk noted that the two new speed Indicator Devices had been added to the itemised insurance schedule for a value of £4500. The amendment had increased the fee which Zurich has wavered. Cllr Holtby stated that he would be interested to know the total that the Parish Council Assets are insured for and whether the itemised assets are insured new for old.
It was noted that only items over the value £500 are itemised on the insurance scheduled due to the excess. Cllr Holtby questioned depreciation of assets and the correlation between this and the insurance value figure. The clerk stated that depreciation of assets is an area needing to be explored and now we have achieved a detailed asset register this should be achievable within an excel formula. The clerk will focus on this for next year which will then reflect into the insurance renewal 2027. It was agreed and RESOLVED to accept the Insurance renewal quote of £1,019.72.
59. Correspondence received.
Monthly Playpark Inspection sheet
She noted that the playpark inspection report has been received and circulated. The report highlighted that the rounded edges of the platform on the multi play equipment at The Glebe were loose. It was suspected shrinkage of the wood. Clerk has instructed the handyman to tighten them.
It was noted that the new playpark volunteer taking over the playpark reports has not yet met with the current volunteer due to work commitments and annual leave.
It is hoped that the volunteer may be beable to remain in post for a little longer.
60. Planning Applications (Any applications up to the date of the meeting)
Reconsultation – Planning Application- WL/2026/00107 - Land adjacent to The Hollies, 23 Fleets Road- Planning application for change of use of agricultural land to residential garden.
It was agreed and RESOLVED to submit a general observation of no comment on the planning application.
Planning Application - WL/2026/00345 - Moor Farm - Planning application for erection of a linked conservatory and alterations to annex
It was agreed and RESOLVED to submit a general observation of no comment on the planning application.
61. Planning Granted (Any applications up to the date of the meeting)
Application Number: WL/2025/01138- Bransby Home Rest for Horses- Listed building consent for repairs to existed barn.
Application Number: WL/2026/00229 PINCHBECK FARMHOUSE Planning application for proposed renovations, alterations and extensions to existing dwelling.
62. Other planning matters
There has been no reply from the landowner regarding riparian rights that could help alleviate flooding on Saxilby Road.
WL/2025/00213 - Land adjacent to 54 Saxilby Road-Planning application for 2no. holiday lets is still outstanding.
63. To note and agree expenditure on urgent repairs to fix metal bus shelter at the bottom of School Lane/The Beeches made under delegated authority to the clerk at a cost of £330 including VAT to Ian Moore Contracting.
Cllr S Christie stated that the foot of the bus shelter that is anchored under the tarmac had corroded causing the structure to become loose. It was noted to ensure the remaining bus shelters are inspected thoroughly as part of the annual walkaround incase similar issues arise.
Thank you to Ian Moore Contracting for attending to the emergency promptly and carrying out maintenance efficiently ensuring the safety of residents.
It was agreed and RESOLVED that the Council accept expenditure of £330 to Ian Moore Contracting for urgent repairs to fix metal bus shelter at the bottom of School Lane/The Beeches due to health and safety concerns made under delegated authority to the clerk, as permitted under Financial Regulation 5.18.
64. To agree to renew Easy PC subscription for accounts software at a cost of £108.00 no VAT
It was agreed and RESOLVED to renew the Easy PC accounts software subscription.
65. Accounts: Online payments to be authorised
a) Payments agreed
i) Salaries-Clerk and expenses/litter picker/OSR Cleaner/Handy-man/PAYE
ii) Ian Moore Contracting INV 732 £330 including VAT.
iii) Mijan Easy PC Account Subscription £108.00 no VAT
iv) Zurich Insurance Renewal £1,019.72
b) Payments to be agreed
Easy PC Accounts 26/27 subscription £108 no VAT
Ian Moore Contracting INV 724 – Full grass cut minus FP £486.00 including VAT
Ian Moore Contracting INV 736 - Full grass cut + FP £528.00 including VAT
Jewsons (Stark) Handyman Materials-White Paint- £41.21 including VAT
- Direct Debits paid
British Gas OSR £17.73 including VAT
British Gas Village Green £15.67 including VAT
ID Mobile £8.00 including VAT
Charge Card- (£16.49) including £3 Charge fee and £13.49 ink subscription
Wave Water Bill- £50.60 no VAT.
- Monies Received
VAT Reclaim £3,189.66
Community Initiative Levy (CIL) £263.67
Wayleave- Northern Power £4.60
- Bank Fees
Multi Charge Card monthly charge £3 included within charge card total
Monthly Unity Bank Account Fee £7
N-U-C/A £38,568.51 N-U-D/A £1,974.39 N-U-S/A £17,962.19
66. To approve the May Accounts (circulated)
The clerk informed the council that she had contacted local organisations to evidence original expenditure of previous grants 25/26. She noted that evidence from FOSSA was still outstanding and The Recreational Ground are seeking an alternative project for expenditure due to ASB and costs of upkeep.
It was questioned that at what point in the planning process was CIL money transferred to the PC. It was noted that the developer must submit a Commencement Notice before starting work, at which point the CIL payment becomes due to the local authority and then an amount is paid to the parish council.
The clerk informed the council that CIL money received in April and October.
It was agreed and RESOLVED to approve the May 2026 accounts.
67. To agree the monthly reserves summary sheet
As discussed at the last meeting it is best practice to have general reserves and ear marked reserves.
The internal auditor via LALC had suggested to put the remaining figures of the reserve pots into a general contingency fund to give a clearer understanding of the funds spent rather than rolling over unused funds. 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 approve the monthly reserves sheet and to continue to earmark reserves for Playpark Development, CIL, and S106 interest. Any remaining reserves are to be transferred to a non-allocated contingency fund, using the Unity Trust Bank deposit account to allow easy access and the option of online transfers.
It was further agreed that Cllr S Christie and the Clerk would meet to discuss the budget and unallocated funds from the 2025/26 reserves and confirm 26/27 budget heading within the account’s software.
68. 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.
69. To agree to submit claim form to English Woodland Grant Scheme for FWP towards Jubilee Wood
It was agreed and RESOLVED to submit the claim form to the EWGS for the farm woodland payment towards Jubilee Wood. Deadline 11th May.
70. To consider and agree options to replace small planters positioned outside of The Tastery up to a cost of £200 each
It was noted that the clerk added two agenda ideas to give options for replacing the small planters on the village green.
It was discussed that the preference of the majority is to replace current planters with ones of a similar size to maintain space for the outside tables and chairs at The Tastery.
Cllr S Christie suggested that the cost would cover two plastic planters to match the planter which remains intact. Cllr Hawke advised avoiding plastic at all costs.
The clerk has sought a quote from the Men Sheds who have quoted £260 for two raised, lined wooden rectangular planters. Cllr Holtby advised that the PC would have to purchase the materials as the Mens Shed use recycled wood.
It was agreed and RESOLVED to purchase the materials on the charge card and for Mens Shed to make the planters and for Mends Sheds to invoice the PC for the difference for charge of labour.
Cllr Holtby abstained from voting.
71. To consider and agree options to purchase large planters (replica of planter at the Millennium Oak) for a cost up to £400 each as part of remodelling the village green from the Sturton and Stow Agricultural and Horticultural Association.
It was agreed and RESOLVED that this agenda item was no longer required as the council had agreed to replace the damaged planters with two of similar size.
72. To agree cost of fire inspection up to £400
It was noted that the annual fire inspection is due and tends to be arranged at short notice given that both the village hall and OSR are inspected at the same time. To meet they short payment terms it was agreed and RESOLVED to agree cost of the annual fire inspection up to £400.
An OSR key was given to Cllr S Christie incase the clerk or Chairman were not available to facilitate the inspection date.
73. To agree the cost of £120 to replenish sand supplies (500kg) using CIL money.
It was agreed and RESOLVED to purchase additional sand supplies up to the cost of £120 using CIL money.
74. To agree cost of £40 to replenish sandbag supplies (100 bags) using CIL money
It was agreed and RESOLVED to replenish sandbag supplies up to a cost of £40 using CIL money.
75. To consider and agree additional £300 to purchase a replacement litter bin in the Allan Close playpark if required using CIL money.
The clerk informed the council that she had successfully contacted Simon Smoothy at WLDC, and he had confirmed that a replacement free standing litter bin would cost £450 plus extra the installation of a concrete base. She stated that to her knowledge the Playpark does not get a lot of foot traffic and suggested a smaller bin on a pole would be sufficient at a lower cost £150.
Simon Smoothy has suggested that the bin may be beable to be attached to the fence for a cost of £100 if preferred.
If was agreed and RESOLVED to replace the littler bin up to a cost of £300 to cover all options using CIL money and to install, if possible, on the playpark fence.
76. To discuss annual walkabout arrangements.
The annual walkabout arrangements were discussed. Due to commitments, it was decided that it would
be difficult to arrange a time and date for all councillors to attend as one unit.
It was agreed and RESOLVED to approach annual walkabout by assigning the village, Westwoods and Bransby into groups.
Due to their being an odd number of councillors Cllr Hawke volunteered to cycle around the longer routes allowing the remaining councillors to be paired up and inspect on foot.
Cllr Cook and Cllr Capuano
Cllr Holtby and Cllr C Christie
Cllr S Christie and Cllr Calder
Clerk issued inspection sheets to document findings and will circulate an asset list. Cllrs were reminded to inspect roads for potholes, street lighting, ditches and surrounding areas as well as assets.
Cllr C Christie volunteered assign the village including Westwoods and Bransby equally to each group. Councillors were asked to document their findings and return the sheets to the clerk for the June Meeting.
77. Reports from local organisation.
It was noted that Mens Sheds are waiting for the donated materials to make the new Owl Box for Jubilee Wood. Clerk to contact with the farmer.
78. General maintenance in the Parish
The handyman has completed all of his tasks other than installing bolt caps onto the multi play equipment at The Glebe.
Cllr Holtby highlighted apologised that the St Georges flag did not fly as scheduled on the 23rd April due to the toggle getting caught in the halyard. He noted that many of the flags are in a poor state and requested permission discard flags that are no longer flyable. The council agreed and gave permission to discard flags that are in poor condition and where needed a cost of a replacement can be added to the agenda.
Cllr Holtby also noted that the flagpole is leaning noting that the wedges in the base of the flagpole need securing. It was organised that Cllr Holtby, Cllr Cook and Cllr S Christie would meet on Monday 11th May at 10.30am to realign the flagpole and knock the wedges back into place.
Cllr C Christie mentioned the school hedge on School Lane needs cutting as it is now encroaching the kerb as and has enveloped, a streetlighting column, telecommunications pole and the fire hydrant marker.
The clerk noted that there is now a new headteacher at the school and perhaps it would be better to make a formal request for hedge maintenance via her.
The clerk mentioned that the editor is looking for articles for the July newsletter if the councillors have any ideas, then to share them via email.
She suggested an article about the locations of the Speed Monitor Devices that are due to be installed in June.
79. Items to be noted for the next meeting.
Walk about inspection summary
Arrange for remaining 25/26 reserves to be transferred to the deposit account.
Arrange for 26/27 reserves to be transferred to the savings accounts to gain interest.
Hedge Contract June- Clerk and Cllr S Christie to meet to review the document.
Cllr Mullally left the meeting at 9.36pm
Meeting Closed at 9.38pm
Smoke alarm tested and passed at 9.40pm.