Annual council meeting 21st May 26
WILLOUGHBY DISTRICT PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL COUNCIL MEETING
HELD 21ST MAY 2026
Present: Cllrs Eyre; Banham, Cooper, Mulhearn, Hale & Ropaz
Mrs J. Cooper (Parish Clerk)
4 Members of the public
During the public session thanks were given to the Village Hall Committee for tidying up the frontage, some flowers will be planted in the trough at the front shortly.
Further concerns were raised regarding vehicles on Station Road, one being worked on in the highway, and vehicles parked on Tavern Way which were currently either SORN or without MOTs. Further vehicles were parked on the bridleway. Clerk to report to the Housing Association and relevant bodies.
Concern also regarding the constant flooding on the corner opposite the Willoughby Arms, with the possibility of the under road pipe being blocked. Cllr Banham had reported this via Fix My Street and will chase.
1. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN
It was proposed (Cllr Mulhearn), seconded (Cllr Banham) that Cllr Eyre remain in the Chair. Cllr Eyre accepted and as there were no further nominations it was resolved that Cllr Eyre be elected Chairman for the forthcoming civic year.
He signed his Declaration of Acceptance which was counter signed by the Clerk as Proper Officer to the Council.
2. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN
It was proposed (Cllr Banham), seconded (Cllr Mulhearn) that Cllr Hale remain as Vice chairman. Cllr Hale accepted and as there were no further nominations it was resolved that Cllr Hale be elected Vice Chairman for the forthcoming civic year.
3. APOLOGIES
Apologies and valid reasons were received from Cllr Jenkinson, White and Fairfield.
4. DECLARATION OF INTEREST
There were none.
5. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 16TH APRIL 2026
It was resolved that the Chairman sign these as a correct record.
6. UPDATES
There were none
7 ANY MATTERS FROM THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
The meeting covered the proposed new kitchen waste caddies. There were no matters for Parish Council attention.
8. UPDATES ELDC/LCC
There was no LCC representative
Cllr Eyre (ELDC) gave brief update on the Local Government Reorganisation, it appeared the Government were favouring the Lincoln City proposal that Lincoln City and its immediate villages formed one Unitary Authority, with the rest of Lincolnshire forming another.
9 DEFIBRILLATORS
It was noted that the defibrillator at the Willoughby Arms was missing and that the one outside the school was no longer functioning. Cllr Mulhearn would find out if the cabinet at the Willoughby Arm was still functioning, Clerk to check the status of the defibrillator at Sloothby and to look at costings and any grants available.
10 FINANCE
a) Accounts for payment:
It was resolved that the following be paid:
Clerks salary & PAYE (May) £186.58
Grass cutting (including 2 cuts Bowling Green) £539.41
Internal Auditor £ 30.00
Insurance £676.96
b) It was noted that the Council would be invoiced for meetings in the village hall at £12 per meeting.
c) It was proposed that the Chairman sign the Audit AGAR forms:
i) Exemption Certificate
ii) Governance
iii) Accounting Statement.
Internal Auditor notes were noted.
11 VILLAGE MATTERS
Playing Fields – Cllrs Hale & Ropaz to replace some worn shackles and tighten some mats It was noted the grass was due a cut.
Village Green – no issues
Allotments – all let
12 POLICIES
It was resolved to approve the following without amendments:
Standing Orders, Risk Assessment, financial Regulations, Asset Register (value amended as per Internal Auditor note), Data Protection, Code of Conduct, Allotment and Planning. It was also resolved to adopt the IT policy.
13 CORRESPONDENCE
Clerks & Councils Direct, with article on the planting of bulbs at village signs.
Invitation for Councillors to EGL event at the Corn Exchange
Traffic restrictions at Sloothby due to Broadband workings.
Request from school to use Village Green for annual games afternoon. This included potential straw bales to protect the area from any traffic. This was approved, Clerk to contact grass contractor with dates.
14 PLANNING
Application 611/26 – the Paddock, Sloothby – erection of timber shed for use as Golf Simulator. This was supported provided for personal use only.
15 ANY OTHER MATTERS
Concerns at parking outside school during drop off/pick up times, ignoring double yellow lines. Clerk to request traffic warden to attend.
16 NEXT MEETING
This was confirmed at 18th June 2026
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8:50pm