Agendas and Minutes 2025

Public Forum

3 members of the public attended.

No questions/issues were raised

Meeting commenced at 7.02pm

Present

Mark Newton (MN) Chair, Geoff Fearn (GF), David Kelly (DK), John Leventhall (JL), Martin Rose (MR), Carole Lee (CL), Steven Maxwell (SM), Mick Walker (MW), Paul Wood (PW), Andy Taylor,  Ken Bamford (KB) and Jane Evans (Clerk)

25/156

Apologies for Absence

Daryl Walton due to personal commitments. Apologies accepted.

25/157

Declarations of Interest.

To receive Disclosable Pecuniary Interests in accordance with the Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012.   

None

25/158

Minutes & Matters Arising from Previous Meeting 6th October 2025

Matters Arising

24/186 the meeting with Roseland is still to be arranged ACTION CLERK

24/186 CCTV investigations still pending. ACTION CLERK

24/225 Witham Meadow. The sourcing of a shed is still pending. ACTION CLERK/SM

25/145 – it was confirmed a Football Foundation grant has been applied for the purpose of obtaining a container to house the tractor.

It was RESOLVED that the minutes be signed as a true record.

25/159

County Council Report

No report

25/160

District Councillor Report

PW advised that SKDC have to submit a bid before the end of November regarding the Local Government Reorganisation.

Cllrs were advised that he Planning Committee recently considered a couple of applications for HMOs, in Grantham, for asylum seekers.

25/161

Planning

Applications - S25/1795 Eden. Application for single storey rear extension

following demolition of existing outbuildings at 58 Main Road, Long Bennington. RESOLVED no comment.

S25/1796 Eden Application for Listed Building Consent to demolish outbuildings and extend dwellinghouse to rear at 58 Main Road, Long Bennington RESOLVED no comment.

S25/1869 Wilson Application for Lawful Development (Proposed) for single storey rear extension at 65 Main Road, Long Bennington. RESOLVED no comment.

Planning Approvals – see agenda.

Planning Refusals – none

Planning Appeals/Withdrawals – none

Other planning issues – none

25/162

Pavilion Upgrade Project – to discuss current position.

It was confirmed the interior works are now complete the railings for the disabled access the only outstanding work. A fire risk assessment and building inspection are to be completed this week. Cllrs were advised that a projected small surplus in project funds will go towards some interior improvements such as new blinds and interior painting.

25/163

Replacement defibrillator at Woods Close – to approve purchase of replacement and installation.

Cllrs formally approved the purchase of the replacement defibrillator at Woods Close. Three quotes/alternatives were considered, and it was agreed to purchase the defibrillator and cabinet from the British Heart Foundation, the cost being £1389.99+vat.

Following receipt of a quote, from Murphy Electrics for £130+vat for the installation, it was agreed to accept the quote. No further quotes were sought as the quote was regarded as good value and Ciaran Murphy installed the original so is familiar with the installation process.

Installation is planned within the next couple of weeks.

25/164

Parish Council Improved Communications – to update on discussions.

Cllrs were referred to a report circulated prior to the meeting. Following discussion, it was agreed to proceed with the proposals to improve communications. It was further agreed that a committee is required to take the project forward and before any further action is taken, Foston Parish Council is to be contacted for information on how their improved community communication was established. ACTION JL/SM

25/165

Speed Cameras and Community Speed Watch – to discuss

Cllrs were advised that a new community speedwatch group is to be established with a minimum of 6 volunteers required. Cllrs were asked to forward details of any interested volunteers and then AT will arrange some training. ACTION AT

25/166

Anglian Water Communication – to update on response to PC email

Cllrs were informed that a response was received advising that contact would be made by phone but this hasn’t happened. JL to chase

25/167

Chairman’s and Clerk’s Report

Chairman’s Report

MN advised the Council that the Clerk has tendered her resignation with 31st January 2026 being her last day. Action is to be taken to arrange advertising the position.

Clerks Report

Councillors referred to the attached report.

Cllrs were reminded that a Saving a Life Session has been arranged for 18th November.

No further comment.

25/168

Finance

Councillors were referred to the attached schedule of invoices for payment totalling £52,015.84

RESOLVED – to pay the invoices. ACTION Clerk to arrange payment.

Monthly financial reports were provided – no questions raised.

Resolved to approve Community Cleaner hours worked and payment.

Quotes for trees works at village hall gardens. Cllrs were advised two quotes have been received, both £300. Cllrs resolved to accept the quote from Stuart Favill, Specialist Forestry Services. ACTION CLERK

Quote for work at Witham Meadow – quote for £350 from Tony Mills accepted. Work includes strimming around tree and perimeters at Witham Meadow. Also includes labour costs for applying wood preserver to the gate. It was agreed no further quotes were required as the PC is happy with the quote being value for money and Tony Mills is known to do an excellent job.

25/169

Reports

Playing Fields Management Committee – Cllrs were advised there has been evidence of people allowing dogs on the playing field. Actions will be investigated. There has been evidence of anti-social behaviour. Cllrs were also informed that a tracker is being obtained for the tractor and it has been proposed that the remaining S106 funds available can be redirected towards upgrading the MUGA rather than towards installing a car park.

Village Hall Management Committee – no report

Emergency Planning Group – it was confirmed MR is to take this forward, liaising takeover with JL.

Road Safety – see 25/165

Police Report – no report

Footpaths & Streetlights – no report

Witham Meadow – no report

25/170

Correspondence

Councillors referred to attached list of correspondence received during the last month.

No further comments raised.

25/171

Items for next agenda and Parish News Report.

Agenda – PC improved communications.

PC News – reminder dogs not allowed on Playing Field

25/172

Date of next meeting – 1st December 2025

Meeting Closed 8.04pm

Signed………………………………….  Designation ……………………        

Date ……………………