Agendas and Minutes 2026

Public Forum

2 members of the public attended.

A member of the public advised the PC that a few residents have raised concerns over the noise from HGVs travelling along Main Road. It was acknowledged that they should be encouraged to report the noise to SKDC under the Environment Protection Act 1990.

Meeting commenced at 7.02pm

Present

Mark Newton (MN) Chair, Geoff Fearn (GF), David Kelly (DK), John Leventhall (JL), Martin Rose (MR), Steven Maxwell (SM), Mick Walker (MW), Paul Wood (PW), Andy Taylor, Daryl Walton (DW) and Jane Evans (Clerk)

26/001

Apologies for Absence

Carole Lee (CL) due to illness. Apologies accepted.

26/002

Declarations of Interest.

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

None

26/003

Minutes & Matters Arising from Previous Meeting 1st December 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. Still pending

It was RESOLVED that the minutes be signed as a true record, subject to an amendment to include referral to an accident at the Village Hall.

26/004

Appointment of new/replacement Parish Clerk – to confirm

It was confirmed that four application were received for the vacancy and two interviews took place. After careful consideration, the position has been offered to and accepted by Martin Wright who will start on 1st February 2026. Cllrs confirmed unanimous support for the decision of the Personnel Committee.

26/005

County Council Report

No report

26/006

District Councillor Report

Cllrs were advised that the recent by-elections in the district were won by Reform candidates.

There is currently a dispute surrounding the amount of councillor training, mainly from ex conservative councillors now representing the Reform Party.

Food waste collection will be introduced April 2026, being a central government directive.

PW was referred to an outstanding action from last month regarding S24/2214 and JL agreed to speak with Kevin Cartwright at SKDC regarding consultee comments. ACTION JL

26/007

Planning

Applications - S25/2354 Ruffle. Application for singe storey front extension with

roof lights, alterations to the front porch and fenestration, along with internal modifications at 33 Westborough Lane, Long Bennington. Small extension. RESOLVED no comments

Planning Approvals – see agenda.

Planning Refusals – none

Planning Appeals/Withdrawals – S25/1795 and S25/1796 Eden. Withdrawal of application for single storey extension and demolition of outbuildings at 58 Main Road, Long Bennington

Other planning issues – none

26/008

Update re meeting with Anglian Water / Sewage Capacity – to discuss

No further comments as meeting arranged for 13th January.

26/009

Village Defibrillators – to discuss CPR face masks.

Cllrs referred to a previous email where CPR face masks have been recommended to be held with AEDs. Cllrs RESOLVED to proceed with the purchase of four at a cost of £21.44. ACTION CLERK

26/010

Parish Council Improved Communications – to update on discussions.

Cllrs were referred to the trial run questionnaire circulated to Cllrs. It was acknowledged this is a pilot exercise that is to be taken forward. Posters are to be put up and communicated via social media. Returns from forms will be transferred to a spreadsheet. Volunteers will be sought to help with communications.

How this is to be managed is still to be decided and the level of response to the pilot will be key to progression.

Branding was discussed and a suggested logo was shown to Cllrs. It was agreed this would be acceptable but further investigations are to be made via a local graphic designer. ACTION CLERK

26/011

Speed Cameras and Community Speed Watch – to discuss

AT confirmed seven volunteers have now come forward and arrangements for training is in hand.

26/012

Welbournes Close – to discuss email from resident re grass verge damage.

Cllrs referred to the email circulated ahead of the meeting and it was agreed that, as agreed when it was discussed a several months ago, whilst the PC sympathises, residents should report concerns to SKDC or Lincs CC, Highways.

26/013

Chairman’s and Clerk’s Report

Chairman’s Report

Clerks Report

Councillors referred to the attached report. No questions raised.

26/014

Finance

Councillors were referred to the attached schedule of invoices for payment totalling £4743.91

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.

To discuss and approve quote from Greenio for the VH re inverter. Cllrs agreed the proposal from the VHMC to purchase an inverter to improve efficiency of the heating in the VH. Payment of invoice for £1268.48 approved with an exceptional donation from the VHMC expected.

26/015

Reports

Playing Fields Management Committee – no report

Village Hall Management Committee – an open morning is planned for March, to encourage more volunteers. A couple of events held recently have raised over £1.5k. Comparison of energy bills from Nov 24 (£1726) and Nov 25 (£1041) indicate immediate benefits of the solar panel installation.

Emergency Planning Group – no report

Road Safety – no report

Police Report – no report

Footpaths & Streetlights – no report

Witham Meadow – no report

26/016

Correspondence

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

No further comments raised.

26/017

Items for next agenda and Parish News Report.

Anglian Water Communication – to update following meeting.

Annual Training Scheme – to discuss

Being the last meeting, MN presented Jane Evans a leaving card and gift from the Parish Councillors and thanks were expressed for her 15 years supporting the Parish Council.

26/018

Date of next meeting – 2nd February 2026

Meeting Closed 8.00pm

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

Date ……………………