Minutes 19th February 2026
WILLOUGHBY & DISTRICT PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE
ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING
HELD 19th February 2026
Present: Cllrs Eyre, Mulhearn, Cooper, Banham, Hale, and White
Mrs J. Cooper (Parish Clerk)
7 Members of the Public
During the public session representatives of the Willoughby Events Committee spoke to try to alleviate concerns raised by residents following the bonfire event in November 2025. Concerns covered proximity to dwellings, clearing of site, public liability insurance, car parking, emergency access and evacuation, first aid provision and loudness. Representative covered the proximity to dwelling by production of layout plan to scale showing nearest property approx. 40m from firework area, agreed site to be thoroughly cleared as soon as weather conditions allowed, he confirmed that whilst the events committee held public liability insurance it did not hold specific cover for bonfires or fireworks, there was a plan in place for emergency evacuation and first aid cover was provided on site; car parking was an issue as the event attracted more people than before or anticipated; there were no category 4 fireworks used which are the loud ones. It was agreed that insurance should be a priority, to protect nearby properties from potential costly damage and private prosecutions, representatives agreed to take on board all concerns and look at how these can be met in the future, which may mean looking at alternative sites with no neighbours but still within the village boundary. It was agreed that communication between the committee and residents could be improved and the organisers agreed to look at all up to date HSE guidance. A concern relating to the village fete and the loudness of the bands was also raised, and the committee agreed to look into this and to meet with the Parish Council a few times a year to discuss any concerns.
Other matters raised included the possibility of a School Safety Zone, poor parking by a minibus, speeding traffic, need for several road signs to be cleaned and the frontage of the Village Hall to be cleared. Potholes on Bonthorpe Road were raised, together with concerns at the amount of litter on the verges. Clerk to contact school to enquire regarding the additional safety barrier, and to report road flooding opposite Willoughby Arms and request drains be cleared out.
3 members of the public then left the meeting.
104 APOLOGIES
Apologies and valid reasons for absence were received from Cllrs Rapoz, Fairfield and Jenkinson and these were accepted.
105 DECLARATIONS
There were none.
106 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 15TH JANUARY 2026
It was resolved that the Chairman sign these as a correct record.
107 UPDATE
Approval has been given for additional sites for the speed device .
108 ELDC/LCC UPDATES
There were none.
109 FINANCIAL
a) Accounts for payment
It was resolved that the following be paid:
Clerks salary & PAYE (Feb) £180.83
Reimburse Clerk official enquiry £ 24.99
Hedge cutting Village Green 2 years £500.00
b) Whilst it was generally agreed to purchase a dog bin for the entrance to Hoplands Wood, there was concern as to whether dogs were permitted in there. It was agreed to write to Wildlife Trust to see if they would be happy with a dog waste bin in that location.
110 VILLAGE MATTERS
Playing Field – no concerns
Village Green – noted daffodils coming through
Allotments – one half plot rent received, invoices not been sent yet due to Clerks injury, would be going out as soon as possible.
111 CORRESPONDENCE
Clerk had circulated consultation on reorganisation.
112 ROADSITE VEHICLE PARKING
No further updates, still concerns at poor parking of minibus on a bend.
113 PLANNING
There were no applications or decisions.
114 ANY OTHER GENERAL MATTERS
Road between Hogsthorpe and Sloothby was now in a dangerous state – Clerk to contact highways.
Next agenda – School Safety Zone; Annual Parish Meeting speakers
115 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
This was set at 19th March
116 CLOSED SESSION
It was resolved that the Council move into closed session for te next item, and members of the public left the meeting.
117 LAND OWNERSHIP
Progress was noted.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8:55pm