August Minutes 2025
Public Forum
- Chairman’s Opening remarks
Nice to see so many of the community here this evening. To explain, due to the low numbers of cllr we are not quorate to make decisions on any allotment issues. Due to conflicts of interest, many, fairly minor
issues cannot be resolved in a timeous fashion. Requests for more Councillors will continue to be
advertise in all media platforms. WMEL National Grid proposal for a pylon route South of Rippingale reminder that this proposal will affect us all. A Great thanks to Cllr Creek on the work and time dedicated to the Anglian water project is greatly appreciated, the details of the report will be heard later in the meeting.
- Comments, Questions & Queries from Press & Public
Resident raised concerns regarding the drone flying over the allotments that this is opening the allotments for more break ins. It was explained that the thought process is to try and attract new members via raising social media interest. Other members of the community agreed with their concerns, bring the count to 3 objections in the room.
Formal Meeting Agenda
1.0 To receive Apologies for Absence and approve Reasons Given.
Cllr Jones has sent her apologies due to personal reasons. Accepted & Resolved
2.0 To receive any new Declarations of Interest.
None
3.0 To approve the Minutes of the last Parish Council Meeting held on 14th July 2025
To previously circulated minutes were approved as a true reflection of the meeting. Resolved
4.0 Parish Clerk’s Report (excluding matters raised later in the agenda)
4.1 JPF Septic tank cleaning – ongoing
4.2 Allotments: - The RGAG has requested the following:
s not quorate unable to make decisions, no decisions made on 7.2.1 – 7.2.7
4.2.1 Permission to install a Water collection stations on the site. Phase 1: - 2 IBC’s (white 1000litre tanks) at the back of the seating area, 4 IBC’s at the side of the container/shed. Proposals have already been circulated to Cllrs
4.2.2 permission to hold an Open Day Sunday 7th September 10-12 noon – RGAG will carry out a risk assessment. Advertising poster previously circulated
4.2.3 clarification regarding the insurance cover for volunteers working on RPC areas within the site - grass cutting, vacant plots, open days etc
4.2.4 permission to take drone footage of the allotments for advertising purposes. This will be carried out while no-one is on site. Owner of the drone has the appropriate licence.
4.2.5 permission to advertise in the Village Voice and an article in the Newsletter. A copy of ‘On the plot’ flyer has previously been circulated to Cllrs
4.2.6 To terminate Plot 4 tenancy due to 5 – E (maintenance) of the tenancy not being upheld
4.2.7 To discuss plot 30 & 31 end of tenancy clearance.
4.2.8 Feedback regarding break in event on 5th August 2025
The allotments had a break in on the 5th August, the police were informed and a visit was received from the police. As items had been stolen and it has come to light that other allotments in the area have been broken into similarly. Any information please report to either the clerk or RGAG.
External & Community Group Updates:
4.3 County & District Council Reports
Cllr Dixon- Warren report National Grid – Great Grid Update – Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire
National Grid has introduced proposals for approximately 37 1⁄2 miles (60 km) of new 400 kV (400,000 volts) overhead power line from Lincolnshire to Leicestershire (https://www.nationalgrid.com/the-great-grid-upgrade/weston-marsh-to-east-leicestershire). The preferred corridor will carve a swathe of pylons 165 feet (50 m) high and 328 yards (300 m) apart through southern Aveland. If approved, the effects of this project will be felt throughout the Ward. Timeline: 2025: Stage 1 Consultation to 6 August 2025 – complete, 797 pieces of feedback, 842 people attended consultations in person or online 2026-33 details to follow: 2026: Stage 2 Consultation, 2028 – 2029: Application submission, consideration, decision, 2029 – 2033: Construction.
SKDC Improved Waste Collection – ‘Go Live’ 15 September 2025
Why – 12-years since one was last undertaken, over 5,000 new homes have been built, and current rounds are unsustainable. What – new set of rounds which organise the district into 5 zones, longer days, fewer resources, better service for residents by reducing ‘missed bins. Communication https://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/binsupdate
SKDC Weekly Food Waste Collections – ‘Go Live’ 14 April 2026 Why – mandated from 31st March 2026 in Environment Act 2021. What – weekly kerbside collection of food waste for recycling.
Experience – lessons learned from ‘bin gate’ applied.
Victory Over Japan Day 15 August 2025 - 80th Anniversary
‘Lest we forget...’ National two-minute silence at midday on Friday 15 August. If you do nothing else, please give 120 seconds of your day to be quietly still.
4.4 Community Groups & Organisations –
4.4.1 Village Hall Management Committee
4.4.1.1 Meeting between PC & VHMC - Village Hall Trustee policy
RPC & VHMC both want to hold this meeting, but higher priorities have made it difficult to arrange. This has been communicated between the Chair and the VHMC that this will take place in October, in line with AGM. Action Cllr Ross to coordinate.
4.4.2 Hospital Car Scheme
There is very little to report really. There have been 5 requests in all the last period. 2 of which were subsequently cancelled. 1 of which we had no driver available because it was a very short notice request. We now have 3 drivers and 1 other who can do very short trips. I have asked for all claim forms by the end of August to cover 1st Jan 2025 to end of July 2025 which will then submit for payment. Forms were not been submitted at the end of the 1st quarter, because there were so few trips.
4.4.3 RGAG
Row Garden Allotments Group - Report for Parish Council’s August Meeting. There is now a completely new committee in place Debi Palmer - Chair Peter Hudson - Vice Chair Paul Rice - Secretary Sue Creek – Treasurer. The meetings on the 13th July and 2nd August were very positive meetings with new initiatives discussed. Short term priorities are, Advertising of the plots to get the empty ones filled - Posters and social media village pages, newsletter, village life magazine. The RGAG are starting in August a monthly mail out to RGAG members of - August Job. This will be sent out each month with a brief update of what the committee is going to be up too.
Ongoing tiding of the site Rain water harvesting - awaiting agreement in principle from the PC RGAG Facebook page has gone live Compost heap Manure bays. To continue to work closely with the PC on smaller plot sizes Begin to plan a September open day on a smaller scale 7th September 10-12noon. There was a proposal to the PC for grass cutting at the allotments. The social media advertising ‘campaign’ that we have started in July seems to be having a positive effect, there have had 3 general enquiries, 3 have contacted the PC and we now have 2 positive sign ups. This campaign will continue through August. The RGAG is in the process of almost rebranding itself. Will be offering more help and support to all plot holders where we are able. There are 4 new members in July, and are currently in the process of arranging demonstrations/ training on the equipment we have. All members will be made aware equipment is used at their own risk.
4.4.4 PCC
4.4.5 None
4.4.6 Police Update
4.4.7 None
4.4.8 Feast Committee
The Committee has learned a lot in the process and have agreed to continue into 2026. With a small profit. The need for more volunteers is required to help. Pleas for more volunteers to be submitted to the Newsletter Action Cllr Lumb to coordinate
5.0 Parish Matters:
5.1 Newsletter To discuss and review printing quotations
5.1.1 Cllr Lumb to circulate comparisons to enable a decision to be taken at next RPC meeting . Action Cllr Lumb to circulate 3 quotes
5.2 JPF –
5.2.1 To review the SKDC Prosperity Fund grant
5.2.2 Cllr Ross to provide grant details to Cllr Dixon- Warren for him to take forward to SKDC on what the grant can & can’t be spent on. Action Cllr Ross to forward response to Cllrs once received
5.2.3 To review the Tesco Community Grant
Clerk has submitted the order for the tennis court & goal post, work due to commence in September, Clerk will chase for start date end of August. Action Clerk to communicate date
5.2.4 To review and discuss the Goal post installation
Clerk has submitted the order for the tennis net & goal post, work due to commence in September, Clerk will chase for start date end of August. Action Clerk to communicate date
5.2.5 To discuss the Tennis net & post repairs
Clerk has submitted the order, work due to commence in September, Clerk will chase for start date end of August. Action Clerk to communicate date
5.2.6 To discuss and review progress on the removal of old Store – including emptying of its contents & disconnecting Services.
Cllr Ross reported that details of a possible replacement store is due from a resident. Offers to remove the old unit and deal with the services free of charge may not be available if this does not happen soon. Unless we appoint more Councillors, this opportunity to save significant public costs may be lost. Action – Cllr Ross to discuss with other cllrs to arrange the with new store offer & arrange transfer of good.
5.2.7 To discuss waste bins emptying
RPC has not been able to identify anyone to empty these bins, so it was proposed to remove them completely. If volunteers did come forward (Cllr Ross to include plea for volunteers in the Newsletter), these bins would need to be replaced. A provisional cost may need to be included in future budgets for this. Action Clerk to request quote to empty
5.3 Flooding
5.3.1 To receive an update from Anglian Water.
Cllr Creek received an update from Anglian Water have concluded their initial investigations. These investigations have been undertaken to identify any areas that can reduce the impact of infiltration of surface or groundwater. They have identified;
8 locations where the sewer would benefit from a patch being installed to prevent surface / groundwater entering the system.
5 lengths of sewer between manholes where there is more than one location for water to enter so we are recommending these full lengths are relined to prevent this. This is a total of 642 metres of relining work we hope to undertake. We should know the outcome in the coming weeks.
10 locations that at present show only minor signs of allowing infiltration into the network, that will need to be monitored over the coming months / years to ensure this does not change.
Along with the infiltration investigations, they have identified 1082 metres of the highways surface water network in Dunsby to be connected to their foul sewer. They are currently working with South Lincolnshire Highways to remove this from our network which will also help with the overloading in times of heavy weather. They do not currently have a confirmed date for these works but would be happy to share this with us when they do. AW have carried out investigations to a number of large properties and haven’t found a considerable amount of surface water connectivity entering the network. As is stands they have paused investigations in the area and hope to undertake the combined mitigation works outlined above. This would then allow us to compare data once these works are completed with what we have seen previously, to allow us to understand what impact the works have had. AW are planning to return closer to the winter months when ground water levels are higher to understand the true extent of the impact ground water is having on the network. The closure on Station Street this is not related to the above works and is related to the foul sewer that was damaged by a third-party contractor doing work on a drive.
5.3.2 To receive an update on the SKDC & LCC walkabout.
Cllr Creek The Environment Officer he is liaising with at SKDC is on leave until the 19th, so will push for an update from SKDC about the walkabout and Dykes for the next Parish Council meeting.
5.3.3 To receive an update on the following dykes:
These actions remain unchanged as they form part of the SKDC report from Tom Lighthowler
5.3.3.1 Grinder’s Lane/Dovecote,
5.3.3.2 Dyke to rear of Linnet – ownership and action to clear,
5.3.3.3 Station St East to Station - ownership and action to clear,
5.3.3.4 Station St West from Allotments to A15 - ownership and action to clear
5.4 Allotments.
5.4.1 Allotment Water Supply
5.4.1.1 To receive an update of the Deed of Easement
Clerk has made payment and has started the ball rolling with the deed of Easement. Action Clerk
5.4.1.2 To discuss and review the alternative quotes for on-site pipework
Cllr Ross has previously had 3 quotes to install the onsite work updates on quotes a proposed dates for work to be carried out. The date must follow the completion of the DEED of EASEMENT process. Action Cllr Ross
5.4.1.3 To receive an Anglian Water updated quote for Hydrant connection only
Clerk has been advised that the quote with AW needs to be resubmitted and this will be at a cost of £425, which will come off the work. Unable to vote on this cost due to not being quorate.
5.4.2 New Plot holders
Unable to action some requests as the allotment sizes have not been agreed. Thou new plots are increasing which is a positive. The PC thanks to the RGAG involvement advertising and inviting visitors.
5.4.3 To discuss and review re-sizing plots to provide smaller areas that may increase interest
No decision as not quorate.
5.4.4 Discuss grass cutting at the allotment –quotations from Gary’s Gardens & RGAG
No decision as not quorate.
5.5 Overgrown Hedges
5.5.1 To receive an update on the 84 Station St to footpath – Ivy hedge
After the discussion that the fence was not that of the PC reasonability and a letter was drafted and circulated. Letter has been approved for sending. Action Clerk to send letter
5.5.2 Grinder’s Lane
5.5.3 This remains unchanged as it forms part of the SKDC report from Tom Lighthowler. Action to add back to the SKDC report, as will be covered in this report.
5.5.4 To Discuss tree removal from footpath on JPF
Works complete, invoice passed for payment. Resolved
5.5.5 To discuss a proposal to add a “Tickle cut” to the annual contract
It was discussed the effectiveness of a tickle cut in relation to the existence of briars, brambles etc. Cllr Lumb expressed her concern that such a trim would not permanently resolve the problem. Other Councillor agreed and voted to add the extra tickle cut to the annual contract and investigate the costs of a more permanent solution. Action Clerk to add tickle cut to Hedge cutting tender.
5.5.6 SKDC hedge at 113-121 Station St
Cllr Ross has been in regular contact with SKDC and as a result has had the hedge cut back. Action Resolved
5.5.7 The Pinfold – hedge & on-going maintenance
The Pinfold – looking to add to the grass cutting and hedge contract going forward. As the resident who has been actioning for the last few years, wishes to step back. Looking to cut once a year to maintain as a wild flower area. Action Clerk to add to grass & hedge contracts as required
5.6 Community Liaison
No update from Cllr Jones, but due to her commitments she will be focusing on the national grid, therefore there is no update.
5.6.1 To receive an update on the Youth Engagement Initiative
5.6.2 To receive an update on the “Street Champions”
5.7 Planning: To receive and consider planning applications: -
5.7.1 13 East Street – proposal to discharge onto JPF
Due to the JPF flooding, this was not a solution to discharge the SWD from the development on to the JPF. This proposal was unanimously rejected as the field already suffers from significant flooding issues. Clerk to send pre-agreed letter to developer suggesting other solutions to the surface water discharge problem As this issue was raised when the development was placed for planning. Action Clerk to send correspondence.
5.7.2 S25/0882 – Conversion of barn to dwelling.
No objections
5.7.3 Brambling Walk
As this not a formal planning application, no further action until a formal application is made. Resolved
5.8 War Memorial To discuss update of names and maintenance of the war memorial.
No update.
5.9 Dovecot – To discuss parking issue at the Dovecot
Mr Kirk has drawn out a proposed layout for parking bays instead of the existing grassed areas. However, he has had difficulty getting local residents to join with him in petitioning SKDC. Cllr Ross agreed to include an article in this month’s Parish Council’s submission to the Newsletter and to draft a letter to be distributed to local residents by Mr Kirk Action Clerk to send letter to Mr Kirk
5.10 Feedback from SKDC walkabout in Sept 2024
5.10.1 Removing 30mph signs on East St.
This has been rejected by SKDC as it does not meet the criteria. Cllr Ross continues to request the signs are removed.
5.10.2 Re-positioning 30mph signs on Station St West to A15 and/or adding a footpath
Cllr Ross reported that SKDC would charge £3608 for it to apply for a PPO (Public Path Order) and possibly a DMMO (Definitive Map Modification Order) which are necessary to start the process of building a footpath.
5.10.3 Installation of a replacement “BULL” sign on A15
This is not a parish matter, was not discussed on the walkabout. No further action.
5.11 WMEL – to discuss National Grid proposal for a pylon route South of Rippingale
Cllr Ross requested that this item be included on future Agenda as it a major issue within and around the village. Cllr Jones is leading on this matter and will report at future meetings
6.0 Financial Matters:
6.1 Bank Accounts
6.1.1 To receive an update on the JPFT
Cllr Ross & Cllr Creek have completed the application to become signatory. Awaiting NatWest to complete. If this does not happen will look to close the account.
6.1.2 To discuss Trustee status for the JPFT
Cllr Ross has confirmed that Trustees of non-incorporated charitable trusts can be held financially responsible for the Trusts activities. Cllr Ross stated that he cannot accept this and that either the trust is made to be incorporated, or he would have to resign the Trustee post.
6.2 Financial Reports:
6.2.1 To review FY 2025/2026 Accounts to date & Approval of Expenditure.
Payments were passed for payment, including Clerks Salary, newsletter, Grass cutting and village hall hire. Cllr Creek requests a monthly spend report is sent each month to see the financial status each month.
Code Description Supplier Total
Grass - Village Annual Costs Gary Garden £ 540.00
Clerk Salary Clerk Salary The Clerk £ 612.50
Meetings Annual Costs Village Hall £ 25.00
Printing Newsletter Warners Group £ 82.00
£1,259.50
6.2.2 To Discuss and review AGAR for 2024/25
6.2.3 This was passed as a true reflection of the accounts, aware that this is late, there will be late fees to pay.
6.2.4 Urgent reports or any other issues.
6.2.5 Cllr Lumb raised that she will be unable to attend next meeting, clerk to look to change the date as need to be quorate for decisions.
7.0 Close meeting
2nd Public Forum.
Next meeting: 1st September 2025 General Meeting at 7.00pm in Rippingale Village Hall Laura Davies - Parish Clerk