Mintues 19th March
WILLOUGHBY & DISTRICT PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE
ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING
HELD 19th March 2026
Present: Cllrs Hale (took the Chair) Mulhearn, Cooper, Rapoz, Fairfield and White
Mrs J. Cooper (Parish Clerk)
4 Members of the Public
During the public session concerns were raised at a van parking in the entrance to St Helena’s church, and it was believed the van may be occupied overnight. Clerk to contact National Grid to see if it belonged to one of their contractors, and also ELDC if necessary.
118 APOLOGIES
Apologies and valid reasons for absence were received from Cllrs Banham, Eyre and Jenkinson and these were accepted.
119 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were none
120 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 19TH FEBRUARY 2026
Query was raised as to whether the Events Committee held general public liability insurance (public session), Clerk confirmed she understood that general public liability insurance was held for events, and had received a copy after the village fete, but that no specific insurance was held for fireworks/bonfire events. This was noted, and it was resolved that the Chairman sign the minutes of that meeting as a correct record.
121 UPDATE
Minute 109 – Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust had requested that a bin NOT be placed at the entrance to Hoplands Wood as they discouraged dog walkers in the wood. It was agreed to monitor the situation to see if a bin would be required elsewhere in the vicinity.
Minute 114 – Hogsthorpe Road Sloothby – Clerk had reported this as a dangerous road which needed urgent attention. Response received that it had been passed to the Highways Team.
Clerk had also contacted LCC regarding the extension to the footpath around the village green, and had received response from LCC that there was no funding for such minor works at present. Clerk had forwarded email from an LCC Officer in April 2025 which stated that the work was to be included in the next programme of works.
Additional barriers at school – the Headmaster had confirmed that the barrier had been purchased but they needed to be fitted by LCC, Clerk had forwarded to him the LCC Highways contact.
122 ELDC/LCC UPDATES
There were no members present.
123 FINANCE
It was resolved that the following accounts be paid:
Clerks salary & PAYE (March) £180.83
124 VILLAGE MATTERS
a) Playing Fields – no issues, Cllrs Rapoz and Hale to look at doing the minor works once the weather picked up.
b) Village Green – contractor cut 19th March, had looked at the bowling green which needed cutting.
c) Allotments
Invoices to be sent out in April to avoid income falling in the current financial year.
d) Request to use Bowling Green as part of fete – deferred to next meeting.
125 CORRESPONDENCE
Clerks and Councils Direct – circulated
126 LCC OFFER OF GRIT BIN, SLOOTHBY
Two potential locations had been identified by LCC, both on LCC land. It was agreed the best location would be on the verge opposite the phone box/defib, which was near the junction and bus stop. Clerk to advise LCC of preferred location.
127 SCHOOL SAFETY ZONE
Clerk had contacted LCC for advise on this matter, but not received a response. The Traffic Management at Schools policy on LCC website indicates that a request for a School Safety Zone must be made by the school. Clerk to let school know.
128 PLANNING
Harmony, Sloothby High Lane – extension to form a conservatory – no objection.
129 ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING
It was agreed that the Clerk contact the LCC Cllr to ask him to be the main speaker, and topics could include LCC’s stance on National Grid proposals, new bin caddies and devolution. Date set as 7th May 2026 at 7.30pm.
130 ANY OTHER GENERAL MATTERS/NEXT AGENDA ITEMS
Clerk had sent small article to Clerks and Council’s Direct on the bulbs and daffodils at the village signs.
It was provisionally agreed to ask the contractor to cut the bowling green once permission to do so was received.
Next agenda:
Confirmation speaker; end year accounts.
131 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
This was confirmed at 16th April 2026.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.40pm