2025 Minutes

KIRTON PARISH COUNCIL 
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL 
HELD ON TUESDAY 4th NOVEMBER 2025

Present: Councillors:     Cllr M Sohail, Chair, Cllr A Bowen, Vice Chair, Cllr F. Baillie, Cllr J Barton, Cllr M Elston, Cllr P Head and Cllr Pryke.
                
Also Present: Clerk D. Fairweather &  County Cllr B. Daish
    

PUBLIC FORUM
Reports of continued parking issues at King Street. Still issues with the traffic order enforcement and Police. Traffic wardens only spend two patrols per month, due to the contract capacity and overage within the Borough. Should Kirton employ its own traffic warden?
Suggestions that a local Community group to channel the issues. 
 
REPORTS FROM ELECTED COUNTY COUNCILLORS & BOROUGH COUNCILLORS
Cllr Daish – parking issues have had success at Skeldyke Road/Horseshoe Lane/Station Road after County engagement.
Varying fly tips reported.
Local Government reorganisation proposals: Partnership of East Lindsey, Boston, South Holland, finalising proposals for submission.

140-25 TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Cllrs Hartfil-Allgood, Jarvis & O’Connor, & Borough Cllrs Middleton and Rylott and County Cllr Lock.
All resolved to accept reasons given.

141-25 TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST UNDER THE COUNCIL’S CODE OF CONDUCT RELATING TO BUSINESS ON THE AGENDA
Cllr Pryke as Trustee of Dame Sarah Swift.

142-25 TO APPROVE NOTES OF MEETING HELD ON 7TH OCTOBER 2025.
Proposed Cllr Bowen seconded Cllr Sohail that these be accepted as a true copy to be called minutes. Four for, one abstention.

143-25 TO RECEIVE UPDATES FROM CLERK
Report received following a comprehensive inspection to identify the extent of the water damage and sources of problem. Company agreed the initial problem was the rainwater goods and air bricks in the property. It was agreed the remedial works conducted so far confirmed that point as drying out of the affected areas could already be seen. There was no dry or wet rot under the main floor but evidence of woodworm. Quotations of work forwarded to Insurance Company.
Rec and Dame Sarah Swift. Two companies have assessed, one quotation quite high, awaiting second.  Concentrating on Rec first as some railings required from there.
Reply received from Sir Thomas Middlecott Exhibition Foundation, with questions which could have been answered if they had invited Cllr Harftil-Allgood and Clerk, as requested. 
Request from public for bus shelter where tree had been removed at war memorial. Cllr Lock had forwarded details of funding which may be available.

144-25 TO CO-OPT NEW COUNCILLOR
Kevin Shipp, having attended a previous meeting had put himself forward. Proposed Cllr Bowen, seconded Cllr Sohail. Declaration of Acceptance of Office duly signed.

145-25 TO RECEIVE UPDATES FROM TOWN HALL MANAGEMENT REPRESENTATIVE
Cllr Elston if details of proposed inspections and works could be reported directly regarding the Town Hall. It is imperative thought be given when works commence due to bookings and use of Hall.

146-25 TO RECEIVE EVENTS UPDATES
Remembrance Sunday, all prepared. Road Closures have been approved including the one-way street this year. Request received if a mobile food stall could serve at the war memorial. It was agreed unanimously that this would not be in keeping with the solemnity of the service.
Bingo. Monthly numbers increasing, a bingo machine had been purchased. Usually, last Friday of month but Christmas had been moved to 19th and a special raffle, with better prizes.
Christmas meal – 11th December. School children agreed to sing for us. Choir of 45/50 members would be able to stand at the back of the hall and not interfere with the table.
Future fund-raising events to include: A Community Talent show, official opening of the new park to coincide with the Picnic in the Park.
Christmas Tree. It was agreed to switch lights on 29th November, the same day as the Town Hall Christmas Market. Tree to be at Town Hall again with lights at the war memorial as complaints received last year that the PC did nothing in the village.
 
147-25 TO DISCUSS REACTIVE SPEED SIGNS
Cllr Pryke had requested this as there are residents of Frampton that are also wanting signs. Frampton Parish Council however were not interested in purchasing any.
Whilst Kirton was in support it had not been budgeted for and would leave until next year. Proposed Cllr Pryke seconded Cllr Baillie to purchase if grant funding could not be found. Boston Borough Councillors had been given £1,000 to donate towards projects in their parishes. Cllr Pryke had spoken with the two Borough Councillors. He was prepared to donate two thirds of his towards the signs.

148-25 TO NOMINATE FINANCE COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVE
Two vacancies and Cllr Elston resigned at meeting. Cllr Head reappointed and Cllr Bowen agreed to stand, proposed Cllr Pryke, seconded Cllr Baillie. Cllrs Sohail and Bowen had enrolled on finance courses.

149-25    FINANCE
a) To Approve Payment of Accounts as per schedule proposed Cllr Pryke seconded Cllr Bowen. Request that bingo forms a separate entry on the report.
b) To Discuss Rental of Town Hall for Annual Carol Service. Ann Booth advised the Town Hall had invoiced the Church and it had been paid so no further discussion.
c) To Discuss Letter to Heaven Post Box. Concept supported in principle but coordination unresolved. Refer to Cllr O’Connor for a workable plan.

150-25 PLANNING – To Discuss Applications Received Since Last Meeting
Nothing this month.

151-25 MEMBERS REPORTS
AB – had noticed an increased Police presence in the village. Positive feedback given. Multiple potholes in Hardwick and Dennis Estate reported.
FB – Hardwick Estate footpaths and leaves becoming dangerous. Still uneven. Also, tree at doctors crossing and war memorial. Clerk to investigate if offending tree could be removed,
JB – a further request for extension of double yellow lines at the church in Willington Road.
ME – Clean Up Squad and Kirton Crew had been working hard to prepare the war memorial for armistices day. Callum from BBC had joined and it was felt a thank you should be sent to them.
KS – finger post at Station Road/Horseshoe Lane/Skeldyke Road requires attention.
RP – still regular report of dog mess in village. Live and Local were not offering their services anymore as BBC had cancelled the subscription to them.

Date of next meeting Tuesday 2nd December 2025