Meeting 2026

Minutes of the General Meeting of Rippingale Parish Council, held in the Village Hall on Monday 10th August 2026

Present: Cllr T Creek (Chair), Cllr A Lumb (Vice Chair), Cllr D Warcup, Cllr Lambord and Clerk L Davies.

Chairman’s Opening remarks
Cllr Simmons has resigned from the Parish Council. During his short time on the Council, he made a positive contribution, including visiting the Row Garden Allotments and liaising with the RGAG. The Council is sorry to see him leave and appreciates his contribution to the community.

Formal Meeting Agenda
1.    To receive Apologies for Absence and approve Reasons Given.
Apologies received from Cllr Earl of a personal nature. Accepted and resolved
2.    To consider cooption of S Davis.
The co-option of S. Davis to the Parish Council was considered and accepted. Members agreed that his experience and knowledge would be a valuable asset to the Council and would contribute positively to its work. Resolved
3.    To approve the Minutes of the last Parish Council Meeting held on 13th July 2026 & Extraordinary meeting 3rd August.
The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 13 July 2026 were considered for approval. Cllr Lambord raised a concern regarding the wording relating to the Feast Committee Constitution, stating that the wording was not sufficient and did not accurately reflect that the proposed changes had been discussed during the meeting, rather than prior to the meeting as stated in the minutes. It was agreed that the wording be amended accordingly. Members further agreed that the Clerk could make the necessary amendments without the matter being brought back to a future meeting for approval. Clerk to action. The Minutes of the Extraordinary Parish Council Meeting held on 3 August 2026 were also approved.

Matters arising from previous minutes (not raised elsewhere in this Agenda)
4.    To receive an update on the .Gov email for Clerk.
The new Parish Council email address, clerk@rippingaleparish.gov.uk, is now operational. The Clerk is currently updating the use of the new email address and will gradually migrate correspondence and contacts across to the new address. Resolved
External & Community Group Updates:
5.    County & District Council Reports – as available.
6.    Community Groups & Organisations –
a.    Village Hall Management Committee -  None received
b.    Hospital Car Scheme -The Hospital Car Scheme still operating, although take-up has been slow. There are currently four volunteer drivers, with only one journey undertaken to date.
It was agreed that the scheme should be promoted in the next village newsletter to raise awareness and encourage residents to make use of the service where required.
c.    RGAG  Received too late
d.    PCC – No meeting until September.
e.    Police Update - None
f.    Feast Committee The Feast Committee is currently planning its next event, which will be a Car Boot Sale on 12 September 2026. It was confirmed that the date for the next Feast has also been set for 10 July 2027. It was agreed that details of the Car Boot Sale should be included in the next village newsletter to help promote the event.
g.    Jubilee Playing Field / Youth Engagement Initiative – None received.
Parish Matters

7.    Newsletter
To vote on moving printing to Graystones
Following a conversation between the Editor and K. Lumb, it was agreed that they would prefer to use Graystones for the printing of the newsletter. It was felt that, due to the online printer requiring the artwork and content to be correct at the time of submission, a more local and hands-on approach would be preferable. Graystones have also agreed to match the current cost of £90 for printing the newsletter.
The Editor has confirmed that they are happy to collect the printed newsletters from Graystones. Resolved

8.    Jubilee Playing Field
a.    To receive an update the SKDC Prosperity Fund grant.
Due to the ongoing banking issues and the limited time remaining during the summer period, it was agreed that the Parish Council needs to release the funds for the project. As the Clerk and a former Councillor are signatories on the account, it was proposed that a cheque be written for the amount required and the funds transferred into the Parish Council bank account to enable the necessary expenditure to be made. Cllr Earl will provide details of the required payments, all of which have been previously agreed by the Parish Council. The Clerk will ensure that all payments are appropriately recorded in the minutes and cross-referenced to the relevant approvals. This is to provide transparency of the governance of both accounts and is temporary measure due to the time taken o resolve the banking issues.
b.    To receive an update on annual playground inspection for insurance purposes.
The playground inspection is now at Week 8 since the initial request. The quoted lead time for the inspection is between 10 and 16 weeks. In view of this, the Clerk has contacted the inspection provider to request a confirmed date for the inspection.
c.    To Discuss location and placement of Yeti notice board
As the funds are currently held within the RJPFT account, this matter is linked to Item 8(a) above.
d.    To receive an update on the footpath “tickle cut”
The footpath along side the JPF the “Tickle Cut” has been actioned. Cllr Creek will inspect the footpath to confirm that the required work has been completed. Post meeting confirmed as complete.
9.    Allotments.
A.    Siting for Phase 3 of the water harvesting initiative needs to be discussed and agreed. – No action has been taken at this stage. The Clerk is due to meet with the RGAG on 18 August 2026 to discuss the matter and agree the next steps.
B.    b. Split plots should be re-measured as a priority and all plots re-measured over time. No action has been taken at this stage. The Clerk is due to meet with the RGAG on 18 August 2026 to discuss the matter and agree the next steps.
C.    Maintenance and safety of the Orchard.  The large trees in the orchard need to be dramatically reduced in height and scale.  The seating under one of the trees is broken, it is recommended not repairing these until the trees are deemed safe to sit under.  No action has been taken at this stage. The Clerk is due to meet with the RGAG on 18 August 2026 to discuss the matter and agree the next steps.
d. To discuss and consider new numbers for all of the plots as some are missing and others broken. The Clerk has received an offer from an allotment holder to replace the allotment plot markers. The number of markers required will need to be established before proceeding, long with the cost.
e. To discuss CCTV/trail cameras on plots.
The Parish Council currently has no relevant policies in place regarding CCTV or the use of cameras. The Clerk stated that they had no objection to the installation of CCTV for the security and protection of tools and equipment. However, concerns were raised regarding the use of trail cameras on individual allotment plots, as this could potentially create issues for the Parish Council. It was agreed that the Parish Council would not support the use of trail cameras on individual allotment plots. However, cameras installed for the purpose of security of RGAG tools and equipment would be supported, subject to the RGAG making the necessary arrangements and ensuring that appropriate requirements are met with respect to GDPR legislation. It was noted that appropriate policies and procedures should be considered and put in place by the RGAG before any CCTV are installed. Clerk to liaise with RGAG. Resolved
f. Plot 13 has requested to plant a vine. The Parish Council raised no objections to the request.

10.    Planning: To receive and consider planning applications:
The Parish Council thanked all Councillors and members of the community who had given their time and assistance in preparing responses to the following planning matters:
•    S25/2183 – Appeal: Land off Brambling Walk – Erection of 10 Houses.
•    H22046626 – South Holland District Council – Construction of Air Insulated Substation – 44kV Weston Marsh Substation.
The Council acknowledged and appreciated the time and effort given by those involved in preparing the responses. The relevant objections have been submitted by the clerk.
1.    Feast
a.    To receive and consider the updated Feast constitution The updated Feast Constitution had been previously circulated to Members for consideration. It was agreed that the revised Constitution was appropriate, clearly presented and reflected the current arrangements of the Feast Committee. Resolved
b.    To Discuss how the village events calendar is up loaded on the Parish Website
The Clerk requested details of any events taking place during August to enable the Village Events Calendar to be updated accordingly.
c.    To discuss and review the Feast Bank account
As Item 8(a) has been approved and the Feast Constitution has been agreed, the Clerk will now proceed with the application to open a separate bank account for the Feast Committee.

11.    Other Matters
a.    To receive an update on National Grid proposal for a pylon route South of Rippingale (WMEL) The Parish Council noted that the next stage of the National Grid proposal for a pylon route south of Rippingale (WMEL) is not expected to take place until the autumn. Cllr Lumb asked that the Parish Council continue to receive updates regarding the proposal. The Clerk confirmed that they are signed up to the WMEL project webpage and will monitor the updates as they are issued.
b.    To receive an update on the flooding and the emergency volunteer group.
Cllr Creek provided an update regarding the clearance of the dykes, advising that, based on last year’s schedule, the clearance is expected to commence in September. Concerns were raised regarding the potential risk of flash flooding following the prolonged dry spell. The Council noted the importance of ensuring that the dykes are adequately maintained and cleared ahead of any significant rainfall.
c.    To discuss Parish Website, who has ability to update and what needs updating. The Parish Council discussed the Parish website, what information requires updating. The Clerk confirmed that they are currently undertaking updates to the website. Councillors were asked to advise the Clerk of any additional information or sections they would like to see updated.
Financial Matters:
12.    Bank Accounts
a.    To receive an update on the JPFT funds transfer to a new bank 
See 9a.
b.    To discuss insurance for Trustees on JPFT – as the current cover is not considered to be adequate to protect against the potential risks of managing a public space" 
Awaiting LALC advice regarding trustees and Cllrs.
13.    Financial Reports:
a.    To receive an update of the Expenditure in Period
Financial Report 2025/26The Parish Council reviewed the financial position for 2025/26. Income was slightly above budget at £27,516, against a budget of £26,901, an increase of £615. Expenditure was £25,522, against a budget of £41,974, representing an underspend of £16,452. A significant proportion of this variance relates to changes or delays to the Allotment Water Project and Jubilee Playing Fields Project, which were originally expected to be funded from contingency. Savings were achieved across Grounds Maintenance, Administration, Jubilee Playing Fields, Village expenditure, the Newsletter and the Neighbourhood Plan. Feast expenditure was higher than budgeted due to the costs associated with establishing and running the event. The Council continues to maintain sinking funds for future expenditure, including the Neighbourhood Plan, war memorial, equipment and IT replacement. The Council noted the positive financial position and the continued prudent approach to managing Parish Council funds. Full report available on website or via the clerk.
b.    To Approve payments .
Hospital car expenses Claims for the period 1st January 2026 to 31st July 2026 – Total £30.45 Approved

c.    To Discuss and review the AGAR for 2025/2026. Awaiting PKLittle John

Close Session
14.    Human Resources – Documents have been approved. 
a. To Consider a review of Parish Clerk employment documentation.  Job description
o    Appraisal process - Performance objective setting
o    Training expectations
o    Changes to terms of contact (changes would exclude core contract terms including hours, pay scale, notice period, place of work base unless there was explicit agreement with the incumbent employee) – Approved & Resolved

Next meeting 14th September 2026 General Meeting at 7.00pm in Rippingale Village Hall