Minutes 16th July
WILLOUGHBY DISTRICT PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING
HELD 16th JULY 2026
Present: Cllrs Eyre; Mulhearn, Jenkinson, Cooper, Banham and White
Mrs J. Cooper (Parish Clerk)
6 Members of the public
During the public session it was reported that the footpath running across the field at the back of the allotments/industrial area was overgrown, and concerns raised at the length of the grass in the field where the bonfire was held. Cllr Eyre to look into.
Representatives from the Willoughby Arms gave the Council an update on the defibrillator situation – it is to be a community led purchase and managed but would be keen to receive any donations. Currently there is a pledge of £600 towards the cost of a new defibrillator and cabinet.
30 APOLOGIES
Apologies and valid reasons for absence were received from Cllr Fairfield and these were accepted.
31 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were none
32 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 18th JUNE 2026
It was resolved that these be signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
33 UPDATES
The bin on Station Road is still missing. Clerk to chase.
34 UPDATES ELDC/LCC
There was no LCC representative present.
Cllr Eyre gave a brief update on the reorganisation plans for Lincolnshire – the Government seems to have accepted the Lincoln City proposal that it, together with surrounding villages, forms one unitary authority, North and North East Lincolnshire to stay, and the rest of the County for form another Unitary authority, which would be very large.
35 DEFIBRILLATORS
The Clerk advised that the defib in Sloothby would be installed shortly, on a lease basis.
Discussion on donating towards the cost of the new defib at Willoughby Arms followed. The Clerk confirmed that the Council was not able to give funds to a single person and it was finally resolved that the Parish Council pay Safelincs on receipt of invoice the sum of £600. The Clerk also confirmed the Council would not be able to claim the VAT back in this situation.
Authorisation was given for the Clerk to bank transfer the sum upon receipt of invoice.
36 FINANCE
It was resolved that the following accounts be paid:
Clerks salary & PAYE (July) £186.58
Grounds (inc 1 cut bowling green) £463.99
37 VILLAGE MATTERS
Playing field – no update
Village Green and Bowling Green – No update on the village green. An email had been received which seemed to ask the Parish Council if it had agreed the use of the Bowling Green to site a bouncy castle on as part of a birthday party booking at the hall. The Clerk had confirmed back to the sender that the Parish Council did not deal with bookings at the hall. After more discussion it transpired that a booking had been received by the Village Hall which requested the use of the Bowling Green to site a bouncy castle, and that the thought had been that the Parish Council had control over that area. It was confirmed that the Council were cutting the area. Further discussion followed and it was agreed that, in so far as the Council has consent to let the Bowling Green it would say yes to its use for siting a bouncy castle subject to (and in accordance with the Village Hall Committee) the hirer or the bouncy castle provider must provide evidence of a£5m public liability insurance; certificate of safety for the castle and that the provider or hirer must be present at all times by the castle whilst it is sited. The Village Hall Committee needed to see the insurance and certification and the Parish Council must also see same before the event.
It was also agreed that there needed to be a meeting with the owner and the Chairman of the Council regarding bringing the bowling green under the lease of the village green.
It was also agreed that Cllrs Cooper and the Clerk get together to produce a Memorandum of Understanding for future hirers of the village and bowling green.
38 CORRESPONDENCE
There was none
39 PLANNING
The Hollies, Station Road – extension – support.
Decision – The Paddocks – storage building. Conditionally approved – to be in accordance with plans and for storage and laundry purposes only.
40 ANY OTHER MATTERS
The speed device to be in Willoughby shortly.
41 CONFIRMATION NEXT MEETING
No meeting in August – next meeting 17th September
42 TO AGREE TO MOVE INTO CLOSED SESSION
It was resolved that the Council now move into Closed Session and members of the public left the meeting.
43 LAND
See pink confidential paper