Minutes 20 November 2025
WILLOUGHBY & DISTRICT PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE
ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING
HELD 20th NOVEMBER2025
Present: Cllrs Eyre, Mulhearn, Cooper, Jenkinson, Rapoz and White
Mrs J. Cooper (Parish Clerk)
7 Members of the Public
During the public session concerns were raised following the recent village bonfire and fireworks display. These included proximity to housing – it was stated to be less than the recommended 100metres, poor access for any emergency vehicles, loudness of the fireworks, concerns at where they land and debris. An item had been requested on the agenda prior to the meeting and this would be raised there.
Member of the public confirmed that the drainage system seemed to be working on Bonthorpe Road/Church Lane following heavy rain recently. It was agreed to write to LCC to keep them up to date . There was also no sewage backup either. However it was felt the gullies needed cleaning – Clerk to report.
Thanks were expressed for the provision of the bulbs, and thanks given to those who planted them.
It was reported the hedge had now been cut.
77 APOLOGIES
Apologies and valid reasons for absence were received from Cllr Fairfield, Hales and Banham and these were accepted.
78 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Personal interests were declared by Cllrs Cooper and Mulhearn on agenda item 6 (bonfire/fireworks)
79 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 16th OCTOBER 2025
The Clerk pointed out that Cllr Jenkinson had sent apologies for that meeting and they had been missed off the minutes. With that alteration it was resolved that the Chairman sign these as a correct record of that meeting.
80 UPDATE
The Clerk had none which were not agenda items
81 ELDC/LCC UPDATES
There was no LCC representative
Cllr Eyre updated members on his recent attendance at a Planning course for Chairman of Planning. He advised that changes in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill would mean that minor applications would be dealt with by officers and only the Chair of Planning and the Chief Planning Officer would be able to call any in to committee. This will potentially mean less opportunity for input from local parish councils.
82 VILLAGE BONFIRE/FIREWORKS
(Cllrs Mulhearn and Cooper declared personal interests in this item)
Following on from concerns raised during the public session, other concerns were raised including the distress to pets (and some people suffering PTSD). Concerns were also brought to the Council’s attention regarding signage being put on the green without consent (which had been removed at request of Chairman). It was agreed to write to the Events Committee organisers outlining concerns and asking for confirmation on various matters, including whether any Emergency Plan was in place and Risk Assessment and whether the Government guidance on fireworks and bonfires had been followed.
83 FINANCIAL
a) Accounts for payment:
It was resolved that the following accounts be paid:
Clerks salary & PAYE (November) £180.83
b) Budget/Precept 26 27
After consideration of the budget figures and proposals prepared by the Clerk, it was resolved that the precept remain the same as 25 / 26 year, and a request for £8219 be submitted for 26 27 year.
c) Allotment Rents
It was resolved that the rents remain at £20 for the year 26 27.
84 VILLAGE MATTERS
a) Playing Fields – some minor work to equipment noted in the report still to be carried out.
b) Village Green – Cllr Fairfield had restaked the Coronation Tree. It was noted that the gate on the footpath was rotten, to report to LCC Footpaths.
c) Allotments – nothing to report.
85 CORRESPONDENCE
There was none
86 UPDATE ON ROADSIDE VEHICLE PARKING
Platform Housing still working with the tenant to ensure no unroadworthy vehicles parked on the highway, and that the bridleway entrance is kept clear. It was noted a further white van without headlights/front bumper was parked on the highway and has been in situ for approximately three weeks or so.
It was also noted that debris had been dumped in the bridleway.
87 PLANNING
There were no applications or decisions to note
88 ANY OTHER MATTERS
Clerk asked if the Parish Council would purchase and lay a wreath at 2026 Remembrance Day – this was agreed.
Clerk outlined the Net Zero projects in the pipeline for Lincolnshire and the area – including pylons, substations, interconnection stations, BESS areas, solar farms, carbon capture and hydrogen storage and transmission plans.
Chairman informed Committee that it appeared the Willoughby Bowls Club may have ceased and the Parish Council might be looked at to assist on keeping the grass neat.
89 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
This was noted as being 15th January 2026.
There being no further business the Chairman wished all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and the meeting closed at 8.45pm