12th December 2024 Resolved Minutes
Minutes of Fishtoft Parish Council meeting held Thursday 12th December 2024 at Rochford Tower Hall, Fishtoft commencing at 7pm
PRESENT: Councillor Helen Crawford presiding as Chairperson
Councillor Joff Williams presiding as Vice-Chairperson
Councillors Elizabeth Armstrong and Richard Lenton
Councillor Paul Skinner representing as Parish and Lincolnshire County Councillor
Fishtoft Parish Council Clerk – Sarah Knowles
Boston Borough Councillor David Scoot
Three representatives from Anglian Water
PUBLIC FORUM
There were no members of the public present to ask any questions or make short statements during the time allocated.
BBC Cllr Scoot gave his report (See Appendix C).
Boston Borough Councillor Sharpe sent her apologies due to having to attend a Cabinet Council meeting this evening and forwarded a report for the Parish Council’s information (See Appendix C).
Cllr Crawford relayed that unfortunately the Carols at the Buoy has had to be cancelled.
LCC Cllr P Skinner gave his report (See Appendix D).
The meeting opened at 7.09pm
1. Chairman’s remarks
Cllr Crawford welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. Apologies for absence - To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Clerk prior to the meeting
Cllrs Webb, Day and J Skinner have sent their apologies of which the Parish Councillors were aware of the reasons for not attending. Following proposal by Cllr Williams, seconded by Cllr Lenton and with no objections it was resolved to accept these reasons for absence.
3. Declarations of interest – (if any) To receive declarations of interest under the Localism Act 2011 – being any pecuniary interest in agenda items not previously recorded on Members’ Register of Interests
No declarations of interest were received.
4. Notes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 11th November 2024 - To resolve as a correct record and to authorise the Chairman to sign the official minutes
It was proposed by Cllr P Skinner, seconded by Cllr Armstrong and with no objections it was resolved to accept these notes as a true and accurate record.
5. Representatives from Anglian Water to discuss planned tanker movements at Boston Water Recycling Centre (WRC).
Representatives Tim Hoult, Process Performance Manager, Steve Scott, Operations Support Manager, and Linda Elliott, Regional Engagement Programme Lead were in attendance to discuss the proposed planned tanker movements at Boston Water Recycling Centre and how this would affect the Fishtoft Parish and to ask for the Parish Councillors views and feedback relating to this.
Various questions were asked and views of concerns made by the Parish Councillors especially associated with the times and quantity of vehicles through the parish. The proposal was to be available to allow movements over 7 days to include bank holidays, instead of the current week days only routine. The councillors believed that without clarity of the amount of planned tanker movements that and the additional timings of the extra days a formal agreement could not be established as this information would be required to consult with the residents for their views. However, based on the information relayed by the Anglian Water representatives this would not be too much of an impact on the parish, though the current embargo times would not be appropriate during the weekends and bank holidays and believe more fitting times would be more courteous to the residents.
6. Finance
a) Payment of accounts to be approved
Scheule of approved payments
Following proposal by Cllr Williams, seconded by Cllr Armstrong and with no objections it was resolved that these payments should be made.
b) Additional payments to be approved after setting of the agenda
Two additional invoices were been received:
i) TA Blackamore Ltd Ground Maintenance (Dec 2024) £1306.17
ii) Boston Borough Council Recharge of Footway Lights £31,440.00
Following proposal by Cllr P Skinner, seconded by Cllr Armstrong and with no objections it was resolved that these payments should be made.
c) Payments & receipts: since 11th November 2024 - Appendix A
d) Balance of Treasury Account as of 30th November 2024
All members had received a copy of the bank statement via email prior to the meeting of which showed that balance of the bank account as of 30th November 2024 was £28,925.54.
e) Balance of Savings Account as of 30th November 2024
All members had received a copy of the bank statement via email prior to the meeting of which showed that balance of the bank account as of 30th November 2024 was £74,631.07.
f) Set budget for 2025/2026 Precept
After re-assessing the proposed budget at the previous meeting and in order to consider other costs, following proposal by Cllr Armstrong, seconded by Cllr Crawford and with no objections it was resolved to request the 2025/2026 precept value of £48,350.
7. Planning matters - Town and Country Planning Act 1990: To consider and make observations on all planning applications received and to note planning approvals, refusals, enforcement complaints and appeal decisions advised by the Borough Council. To include applications received after this agenda has been posted and the day of the meeting
a) Tree Preservation Orders
i) TPO/24/0044 - Land to the south of Dwellings fronting Rawsons Lane, Fishtoft, Boston
There were no objections to this Tree Preservation Order.
One additional planning application had been received today prior to this evening’s Parish Council’s meeting - B/24/0509 - Outline planning permission for the construction of a 1no. detached dwelling at 49, Sibsey Road, Boston, PE21 9QY. It was decided to see if there were any views relating to this application from any residents and therefore deferred to the next meeting for further discussion.
b) Discuss which policy the Parish Council believe is relevant to have the following planning application called in by Fishtoft Ward Boston Borough Councillors
B/24/0242 – Application under s73 of the variation of Condition 1 (Approved Plans) of permission B/21/0441 (Application for Approval of Reserved Matters (Appearance, Landscaping, Layout and Scale) following Outline Approval B/17/0511 for residential development of up to 200 no. dwellings) at Land South of Wainfleet Road, Boston
Cllr P Skinner relayed that as this application was within the Local Plan maybe the grounds given by the Planning Officer for not being any relevant reason to call it in. However, there maybe justification for consideration for the Density and the Communitive effect on Drainage.
c) Planning Reports and Information received including Planning Application decisions
Planning application B/24/0380 – Proposed two storey rear extension at Franklyn Farm, White House Lane, Fishtoft has been granted Full Planning Permission
8. Highway - To consider and make observations associated with Highways matters that are not associated with Appendix B
a) A16 to Sibsey
The extension of the double yellow lines are being assessed along with the 30mph speed limit reduction outside Pilgrim Hospital and pedestrian crossing.
b) A52 Speed Limit reduction
No further information known.
c) Speed Awareness (Interactive Signs)
It was resolved to look at purchasing these in the new financial year.
d) Scalp Road
This agenda item was deferred to the next meeting.
e) Street Lights repairs/renewals
The repairs and renewals have now been completed, though there is still an explanation required from BBC into why charges for previous running costs were invoiced though either not fixed, replaced or actually in place.
f) Archer Survey – Rochford Tower Lane
It was believed that the site allocation was in the wrong place for an accurate reading. The Parish Councillors decided to review this at a later date when a reading can be assessed by the new Interactive Signs.
9. Members reports and business
a) Clearing and tidying the wooded area near the Hobhole pumping station - Update
Cllr Day had relayed via Chairperson that he was still waiting on a reply to his correspondence.
b) Fishtoft 400 Community Group- Any updates
Cllr Armstrong relayed the following:
• Following the recent AGM a new committee has been elected.
• The group enjoyed the recent Christmas Party with buffet and music.
• The finances seem to be in good shape.
• A portable defibrillator has been purchased
• Five sessions of Mobility and Balance Classes have taken place. It has been decided to look into funding for this to continue to group members FOC.
Cllr P Skinner asked if the group would benefit from a Scam Awareness Session. Cllr Armstrong said that this could be a good idea of which Cllr P Skinner said he would look into arranging this.
c) Fishtoft 400 Buoy – Any updates
Cllr Armstrong relayed that the base is almost complete. However, had received a complaint from Glen Hislop which was deemed irrelevant.
d) Outer Dowsing Liaison Community Group – update from Councillor P Skinner
The project is now all down to the review from The Secretary of State.
e) Parish Council Website
It was deemed the website was ok.
f) Emergency Planning – Councillor Williams
Cllr Williams asked does the Parish Council want this? The Councillors believed that it was. Cllr Williams relayed that we need support from First Responders and Higher Levels as the Parish Council cannot do this alone, therefore the best thing to do for now is to fill in the circulated form and try to engage with Borough and County otherwise there is no purpose to move forward with this.
g) Litter Picking
Following instructions to meet at location only three people turned up to aid with Litter Picking. Later that morning they met with Cllr P Skinner who was collecting rubbish in a different area. During the two hours of picking four bags of litter was collected.
h) Noticeboard, Fishtoft Playing Field
Cllr Armstrong relayed that though one side of the Noticeboard is ok, the other side does not align with the bolt and the door has blown open. It was agreed to have the Noticeboard assessed to see on how to move forward.
i) Parish Council Liaison Meeting – 26th February 2025
Cllrs Armstrong and Crawford agreed to attend the Parish Council Liaison Meeting.
10. Correspondence received, Events & Reports - To discuss any correspondence received including after setting of agenda
The following correspondence was discussed.
• Email from Richard Tice MP
An email had been received in asking if the Parish Council would like to discuss any matters of concern associated with the parish at a private meeting.
The Councillors agreed that this could be beneficial and asked the clerk to contact the MP to arrange this.
11. Fix My Street, Highways and Boston Borough Council - To receive any updates on reported issues Appendix B
Cllr Crawford relayed that she had reported fly-tipping and a drain issue whilst on the Litter Pick
12. Dates for future confirmed meetings
Meeting date Commencing Location
Monday 13th January 2025 7.00pm Pavilion, Fishtoft Playing Fields
Monday 10th March 2025 7.00pm Pavilion, Fishtoft Playing Fields
The meeting closed at 8.57pm
Appendix C
BBC Cllr Scoot Report
• Been speaking with a resident of Willoughby Road associated with his personal alarm
• In talks with a non-resident associated with concerns of being an inpatient at Pilgrim Hospital
• Sent a Thank you note to Metsa in relation to donating this year’s Christmas Tree
• Is a representative with a joint committee associated with Environmental Crimes
BBC Cllr Sharpe Report
• The three-day Christmas Festival, held from 29th November to 1st December, was a tremendous success. This year’s newest addition for the event featured a synthetic ice rink, which proved to be a popular attraction, with most skating sessions selling out. It was fantastic to see so many families enjoying the rink. We also received excellent feedback from the stallholders, many of whom have expressed interest in returning next year and the Annual Illuminate Parade, delivered by Transported, was another highlight. I would like to commend Cllr Broughton and his team for their hard work in making the event such a success for the people of Boston.
• Looking ahead, Boston Brilliance will take place on the 14th and 15th of February 2025.This innovative event will use state-of-the-art projection mapping technology to transform the town into a vibrant and colourful spectacle. In collaboration with Boston College, the project has provided young people with invaluable opportunities to work alongside world renowned artists, learn new skills, and explore career paths they may not have considered.
• Additionally, Helen, David, and I will be hosting our first Christmas event, ‘Carols by The Buoy’, this Saturday from 7pm to 9pm at Fishtoft Pavilion. We would be delighted if you could join us for an evening of carols and festive refreshments.
• There are also two more Free Parking Saturdays available in all borough-owned car parks, on the 14th and 21st of December.
• On a more local level, I have been addressing several ward matters, including liaising with the LHP, dealing with bin-related issues, and addressing concerns around nuisance parking.
• Finally, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for your hard work this year. I look forward to working together again in 2025.
Appendix D
LCC Cllr P Skinner Report
In September the formation of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA) was approved by the new government.
The ‘Statutory Instrument’ has now been laid in Parliament following written consent being sent from Lincolnshire County Council and North and North East Lincolnshire unitary authorities. This opens the way for the creation of the new GLCCA.
Next steps:
We expect the above to be complete early in the new year, allowing the first meeting of the GLCCA to be arranged and held – an historic day that we want to celebrate. The first Mayoral election will then be in May 2025. I will keep you updated with the timelines for Mayoral candidate declarations and nominations and other significant dates.
What’s already happening:
Working groups with cross-council membership (Lincolnshire County Council, and North and North East Lincolnshire unitary authorities) are focusing on the GLCCA’s priority areas as agreed with government which include Transport, Employment and Skills, and Business and Infrastructure. Some stakeholders are already being actively engaged in these, and that engagement will grow as we move forward.
Business growth and innovation is a priority. The work that has been done across Greater Lincolnshire and along the Humber Bank is very much front and centre of what the GLCCA plans to carry forward. Business engagement is also key, and everyone is keen that the authority incorporates a strong business voice.
We are creating content for the first GLCCA website, which will be live early in 2025, along with dedicated social media channels. Between now and then we will also be increasing our communications about the GLCCA as we look to promoting the benefits of devolution and raising awareness ahead of the Mayoral election.
Governance is also vital and there is a large focus on ensuring the right structures are in place to allow the GLCCA to run smoothly. Our finance and legal teams from Lincolnshire County Council, and North and North East Lincolnshire Councils are working together on this.
Transformation Programme continues to make great progress
A wide range of important corporate initiatives make up our Transformation Programme. Read our November updates for the latest news on how these are making a positive impact on the way we work for the benefit of local people.
During National Tree Week, 23 November -1 December, it’s great that we can celebrate our new Trees and Woodland Strategy which has been launched as part of our Green Masterplan.
The Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service’s resource availability and claims project, which is part of the Business Performance Improvement programme, is progressing well with a successful pilot completed by several fire stations.
The project phase of our culture and leadership work has been successfully completed and this work is now business as usual. You can continue to be involved by taking part in the employee values survey highlighted above.
Find out how School Transport, Education, Highways, Adults, Children's and 0-19 Children's Health could benefit from further digital opportunities as part of our Customer Digital Delivery project.
Children’s Health Services have introduced digital appointments for 8–12-month reviews, and video consultations for follow-up appointments as part of the Digital Appointment Bookings and Virtual Conferencing project.
Our December Change Influencer collaborative learning sessions will take place on 18 and 19 December at 11am. These sessions will focus on implementing lasting change and have a festive theme looking at how we can increase the success rate of our New Year resolutions as well as linking these key behaviours back into our daily work. If you’d like to join us, please fill in our form.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities takes place on Tuesday 3 December. This year’s theme is ‘amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future’. This reminds us of the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in all that we do.
Evolve, our disability staff network, aims to provide a supportive environment where employees can share their experiences, resources and insights. Our goal is to foster understanding, advocate for accessibility, and promote the full inclusion of colleagues with disabilities in all aspects of our work.
Christmas Bus Services
At this time of year many people are looking for information and updates regarding Christmas bus service operating hours and timetables throughout Lincolnshire - please visit https://lincsbus.info/christmas/ for information and operator details.
Here you can also find information regarding Callconnect operating and office hours throughout Christmas and new year.
For more help and advice with public transport in Lincolnshire, your transport helpline is available on 0345 456 4474 Monday – Friday 9.30am- 5.30pm and Saturdays 9.30am – 4pm. Our friendly team will be happy to help.
Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel:
• Statement by Lincolnshire Police on funding cuts: https://www.lincs.police.uk/news/lincolnshire/news/2024/nov2024/lincolnshire-police-request-for-systemic-assistance-to-achieve-fairand-sustainable-funding/
• Coverage by the BBC - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyvgdkmj94o