Minutes 17th September 26
WILLOUGHBY DISTRICT PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING
HELD 17th SEPTEMBER 2026
Present: Cllrs Eyre; Mulhearn, Jenkinson, Cooper, Rapoz, Fairfield, Hale and White
Mrs J. Cooper (Parish Clerk)
7 Members of the public
Before the meeting commenced a minutes silence was held in memory of Cllr Banham who had recently passed away.
During the public session concerns were again raised at the amount of parking on Station Road, the parking of a low loader on the bridleway and the danger to vehicles and pedestrians. To be reported again to Housing Association. It was reported that a large branch had fallen across a footpath, Cllr Eyre would take a look. Members of the events committee advised that there would not be a bonfire this year, however the committee was intending to hold a Victorian Christmas Market, with stalls on Church Lane and were hoping to use the village green for stalls and a Christmas tree. They were advised to put their request in writing with all the details.
2 members of the public then left the meeting.
44 APOLOGIES
There were none
45 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were none
46 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 16TH JULY 2026
It was resolved that these be signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
47 UPDATES
The Clerk confirmed the bin on Station Road had been moved to near the bus stop.
48 UPDATES ELDC/LCC
There was no LCC representative.
Cllr Eyre (ELDC) advised that the planned reorganisation of local government had been postponed by the Government, which meant May 2027 elections would be for District Council as well as Parish Council.
He also advised that the planning committee on 1st October 2026 would be the last, and all applications would be dealt with by officers. Any contentious applications would be looked at by Chief Planning Officer and Head of Planning Committee to see if they would be referred to a special meeting, with the Officer having the final say. It was felt this was an erosion of local democracy and members of the Parish Council agreed to write to voice their concerns.
49 DEFIBRILLATOR UPDATE
There were now three machines in the area – phonebox at Sloothby, outside Willoughby Arms and now outside the school. It was agreed to write to the Willoughby Arms to thank them for their work in providing one at the pub and allowing the school to take the older one.
50 ACCOUNTS
It was resolved that the following accounts be paid:
Clerks Salary & PAYE (Aug/Sept) £373.16
R. Aldrich grass (including one cut bowling green) £463.99
Payments made between meetings were also ratified:
Safelincs – donation towards defib in the village £600.00
Defib Machines – one years “rental” and one off
Deposit on machine £588.00
51 VILLAGE MATTERS
Village Green – email received concerned about a tree growing into its guard and some others needing staking. Cllrs Eyre and Hale will look at these.
Allotments – request to transfer tenancy of Plot 7 to tenants of plot 6. As there was a waiting list, and it appeared Plot 8 was not being cultivated, Clerk to deal with. To obtain status of Plot 8 tenancy, and if vacated, to offer to next on waiting list. Members to look at overgrown plots later in the year, early 2027.
Playing Field – Cllrs Hale & Rapoz had dealt with the repairs to the shackles.
52 CORRESPONDENCE
Email advising that the notice board at the old Rectory on Station Road was leaning. It was agreed to ask the grass cutter if he could look at it to make it sound.
53 PLANNING
There were no applications or decisions.
54 ANY OTHER MATTERS
It was understood that the Events Committee wanted to put a banner on the village green to advertise their market – to put request in writing along with other matters.
Speed indication device – currently at Welton le Marsh. Needs a volunteer to take it on, fitting, recharging and liaising with Welton le Marsh.
Hedge alongside Village Green needs cutting – Cllr Hale to speak to contractor.
Bowling Green – to be handed to Parish Council backdated to 1st August, and added to current lease with Village Green.
55 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Confirmed as 15th October 2026.
56 CLOSED SESSION
It was noted there were no updates therefore no requirement to discuss anything in Closed Session.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.35pm