2024 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Minutes of Fishtoft Parish Council meeting held Thursday 13th June 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, Richard Lendon, Judy Skinner, Geoff Day and Lucy Webb
Councillor Paul Skinner representing as Parish and Lincolnshire County Councillor 

Boston Borough Councillor David Scoot
Alex Murray – Roythorne’s Solicitors (left at 7.19pm)

Fishtoft Parish Council Clerk – Sarah Knowles

PUBLIC FORUM
There were no members of the public to ask any questions or make short statements during the time allocated.

The meeting opened at 7pm

1.    Chairman’s remarks
Councillor Crawford welcomed all 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
Cllr Moore have sent his apologies of which the Parish Councillors were aware of the reasons for not attending. Following proposal by Cllr Crawford, seconded by Cllr P Skinner and with no objections it was resolved to accept the reason 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
Cllr Armstrong declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 5a iii. on the agenda.

4.     Notes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 13th May 2024 - To resolve as a correct record and to authorise the Chairman to sign the official minutes
It was proposed by Cllr Armstrong, seconded by Cllr P Skinner and with no objections it was resolved to accept these notes as a true and accurate record.

5.    Finance
a)     Payment of accounts to be approved

Following proposal by Cllr J Skinner, seconded by Cllr Day and with no objections it was resolved that these payments should be made.

b) Additional payments to be approved after setting of the agenda
There were no additional payments to be approved

c) Payments & receipts: since 13th May 2024 - Appendix A
Payments received since 13th May 2024

d) Balance of Treasury Account as of 31st May 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 31st March 2024 was £16,528.09.

e) Balance of Savings Account as of 31st May 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 31st March 2024 was £74,204.36.

At 7.04pm it was resolve to go to agenda item 8d to discuss Outer Dowsing matters associated with the Parish Council’s representing solicitor Alex Murray

The matters associated with the Outer Dowsing project that would be crossing over a parcel of land that was owned by the Parish Council was reported by Mr Murray. This included the Option Agreement that needed to be signed prior to the 16th June 2024.

A question raised “What if the Parish Council did not wish to accept the Option Agreement?” Mr Murray replied that the Development Scheme would be going before the Secretary of State under the Compulsory Purchase Legislation for the project to be agreed.

Therefore, a unanimous decision was resolved by the Parish Councillors to accept the Option Agreement of which was signed by the Chairperson and the Clerk.

At 7.19pm it was resolved for reports to be given by Borough and County Councillors

BBC Cllr Sharpe sent her apologies for not being able to attend the Parish Council meeting but sent the following report for the Councillors information:
•    Unfortunately, due to being in purdah with the impending General Election, I cannot promote anything the council is currently doing, but will give a full update in July. During this time, I can assure you that I have been dealing with ward issues and we continue to report issues on Fix My Street and directly to officers.
•    I do need to address the issue of Scalp Road. After taking advice from the Monitoring Officer, I put a post on my personal Facebook page after a member of the public made many posts and comments saying the potholes on Scalp Road are fixed and thanking Matt Warman for his help with the issue. After two trips down there, I can confirm some small ones at the beginning of the road have been repaired but the larger ones after Haven House remain. I was worried members of the public would see these posts, think it is safe to travel down there and come into difficulty. At no point did I point the finger at anyone, say anyone was to blame, or what should be done. I was acting as a concerned member of the public. A member of the Parish Council has made comments on Facebook in response to my post and so I would like to ask all of you, if you have an issue with anything I have said or done, please come directly to me. I stood for election to work with others to improve the Ward and Borough for the good of the residents, and working together we can achieve this. This is where all my energy is being directed and I don’t want to waste any time getting into squabbles when we can work together to achieve this aim. All I was doing was warning people it wasn’t as safe as they may think.

BBC Cllr Staples sent her apologies but forwarded the following report via Cllr Crawford:
Due to the impending General Election as you are aware we are now in purdah and not permitted to discuss certain matters, however the issues l can report to parish on are:
1.    Sarah, David and l are jointly supporting a man and his young family who are soon to become residents in our Parish.  Fishtoft Parish Councillor Liz Armstrong has also been very generous and given household items to this family, which have been greatly appreciated.
2    I have dealt with the report of an injurious plant growing on the Havenside Nature Reserve, this is Hemlock which when fully grown looks like giant Rhubarb and is highly toxic to humans and animals. Sadly, this I am informed has spread onto the Nature Reserve from The Havenside Business Park, following this being reported Boston Borough Council acted with great speed, signage has been placed and appropriate action taken.
3.    An accident occurred with a pedestrian on the corner of Rochford Tower Lane due to the poor state of the pavement, this l duly photographed and reported to FixMyStreet. l am happy to report they have agreed to do the necessary maintenance to this area of the footpath and should soon be done.
4.    Two areas of overgrown hedges growing onto footways have been reported to FixMyStreet and l can confirm action is being taken.
5.    Land on Whitehouse Lane awaiting Planning Permission for 109 properties, l received a complaint from a resident about the weeds that are growing on the land. This was reported to Alan Watts of which l have a copy of his response which l am happy to share with the parish. Basically, though Mr Watts feels that there are no serious weed problems and land being left to fallow in those conditions is not uncommon action against the owner could be taken, this decision is in the hands of the complainant.
6.     I continue to attend and be an active member of the Fishtoft 400 Community Group every Tuesday Morning, l can report that those of us that Knit, Crochet and Sew are going to be making a Christmas Tree with a difference. Our plan is to approach Pilgrim Hospital to see if they might like to display it this Christmas in their foyer.
7.    As most of you now know l am very proud and honoured to be the 489th Mayor of Boston and am being kept very busy fulfilling engagements. Last week at the Service in the Memorial Gardens to mark the 80th Anniversary of the D Day Landings l was humbled to meet George a 100-year-old Veteran of the D Day Landings, the Mayoress and l felt it such a privilege to have met him and feel this will perhaps be the highlight of our year.
8.    We are desperately trying to resolve the ownership of the section of road from Haven House to the Car Park along Scalp Road, which is now incredibly unsafe for anything other than a 4x4 or a car with a very tiny wheelbase. l have personally applied to the Land Registry to find out just who does own this last section of the road as we are all concerned there will be a fatality.

LCC Cllr P Skinner relayed that he has over the past two and half years tried to get the matter associated with Scalp Road rectified. He informed that if 50% match funding could be obtained, the County Council would look into getting this road into state. Though when he was a Borough Councillor, he was hoping that the UKSPF money of £30,000-35000 could be used to put this road into a passable state, but at the present moment LCC will not spend any money on this road as they do not own. 
 
Cllr J Skinner questioned that if the road is in its current state should a warning sign be erected.

BBC Cllr Scoot reported the following:
•    The buoy has no excessive value 
•    Dealing with various issues raised by residents in the Parish

LCC Cllr P Skinner reported the following:
•    A new group has been set up for those in the agriculture and horticulture industries in Lincolnshire. 
The Greater Lincolnshire Agriculture and Horticulture Forum will champion the agenda for this sector. 
Assisted by officers from the county council, the group of around 25 members from the industry will give insight into local agricultural and horticultural needs and issues, that can be fed back to national policymakers. 
To coincide with the launch, advice, guidance and help on offer for farmers and growers in Lincolnshire is being highlighted through a new campaign – Keep Lincolnshire Growing.
Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economy, environment and planning at the county council, said: “This is a vitally important sector - for Lincolnshire’s economy and the nation’s food security. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to support the setup of this new forum to make sure that our farmers and growers have a strong voice. 
“The council supports farmers in multiple ways – from supporting with legislation and compliance, to training and business advice. We’ve now brought all of that together in one place in our bid to protect this sector and see farming businesses thrive and excel.” 
Details of the support available can be found at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/KeepLincolnshireGrowing
•    The Department for Education (DfE) has approved the county council’s bid for a new 154-place special free school providing support for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. 
The project is currently in the very early stages, with the council exploring potential locations in the centre of the county. Design work will be progressed over the coming months, in partnership with the DfE. 
Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for children’s services, said: “This new school has been a long-term aspiration for the council, and we’re very grateful to the DfE for making it possible.” 
“Over the last few years, the council has invested around £100m in improving and expanding special schools across the county, meaning more pupils with special educational needs and disabilities can now attend a local school instead of having to travel large distances for their education.” 
“This new project will continue that good work, ensuring that all pupils can get a good start in life, with any additional support they might require. I’m sure the school will bring lasting benefits for children and their families, and I look forward to seeing the work move forward.” 
The council will be working with the DfE and partner organisations to find a preferred operator for the new free school in the months ahead, after which the DfE will select a multi-academy trust to run it.
•    Lincolnshire has something for everyone this summer Beer festivals, headline music acts, days out with your dog and arts and cultural events. As the weather heats up, see what’s on by checking the Visit Lincolnshire website.
•    Boston’s Better Bus Bonanza! 
Brylaine’s Into Town and Boston To Lincoln now enhanced. 
Bus users of Boston are facing an improved summer of getting around thanks to enhanced services from Brylaine. 
The Boston into Town and the Boston to Lincoln B5 buses are getting uplifts to make getting about easier this summer. 
Customers for the Boston into Town can make the most of the firm’s extended hours – now running from 07.00 to 19.30 - while the Boston to Lincoln service is getting better connections, more journeys and an improved Saturday service. 
The improvements have happened thanks to Bus Improvement Service Plan money made available by Lincolnshire County Council. 
Cllr Richard Davies, executive member for Transport at LCC said: “The support we have been able to provide to Brylaine for these services means a real increase for everyone who wants to get about on the bus a bit easier. 
“We know how important services like the Boston into Town and Boston to Lincoln are so to be able to be part of the uplift for the people of Boston and the other areas included is terrific. We are already seeing a big uptake in the numbers of people using buses again and I hope that this latest improvement is as well supported by as many people as possible.”
Marrianne Garbutt, Managing Director of Brylaine added: "Brylaine is exceptionally happy to be receiving BSIP support from Lincolnshire County Council for our local bus services, enabling us to deliver extended services on both Boston Town (B1A/B/C/D) and of course our flagship Boston - Lincoln - Boston (B5/B5A/B5X). 
“The support has allowed us to implement more services between Boston and Lincoln including a new 18.15 through to Woodhall Spa, and extra departures in the day from Lincoln. 
“There are now later services departing from Lincoln with the 18.15 through to Boston and the 19.15 through to Coningsby. 
“The benefit of the support means that we also deliver hourly services in each direction for all towns and villages along the route including; Coningsby, Tattershall, Woodhall Spa, Metheringham, Dunston, Nocton, Potterhanworth and Branston, whilst also serving both Lincoln County Hospital and Pilgrim Hospital in either direction. 
“Boston Town B1A/B & B1C/D will operate from 07.00 to 19.00 every 30 mins, enabling Bostonians the option of using the bus instead of the car. Town service tickets enable passengers to travel from one side of Boston to the other if used within 30 minutes of arriving at the Interchange, simply hop on the outbound. 
“With the £2 fare cap for a single journey in play until December 2024 (this includes the B5) there has never been a better time to switch to using local bus services."
•    Archer Survey is being done along the A16 with the hope that the speed limit can be reduced to 30mph. With the hope that a crossing near to the Burton can also be initiated.

At 7.36pm it was resolved to go back to agenda order
 

6.     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)     B/24/0205 – Proposed extensions and alterations to form carport(s), ensuite and dressing room at The Bramleys, Gaysfield Road, Fishtoft
There were no objections to this planning application

b)    B/24/0215 – Application under s73 for the variation of Condition 3 (Approved Plans) of permission B/23/0066 (Erection of new substation building, Containerised Standby Generator and associated facilities) to reposition the building at Pilgrim Hospital, Sibsey Road, Boston 
There were no objections to this planning application

c)    Planning Reports and Information received including Planning Application decisions
Full planning permission has been granted for B/24/0149 – Proposed single storey rear extension at Otterburn, Wainfleet Road, Boston, PE21 9RN

Cllr Crawford asked if information was known in relation to a piece of land adjacent to the Pilgrim Hospital which has been made into a car park. BBC Cllr Scoot relayed that this is only for temporary usage whilst the building work at the hospital and once complete will have to revert back to its former use, unless the hospital would like to continue having it has allocated parking of which they would then need to put in planning permission.

7.    Highway - To consider and make observations associated with Highways matters that are not associated with Appendix B
a)    A16 to Sibsey
Reported by Cllr P Skinner previously in the meeting.
    
b)    A52 Speed Limit reduction
This item is still being assessed.

c)    Parking on Sibsey Road    
Residents requesting extension of double yellows due to excessive parking along this road. Cllr P Skinner said this will be an enforcement issue though will look further into this.

d)    Toot Lane/Hawthorne Close & Toot Lane/Kenleigh Drive Junctions 
Cllr P Skinner informed that this is not his ward but will speak with LCC Cllr Griggs to investigate this matter further.

e)    Speed Awareness
Cllr Webb asked is there something that could be done by the Parish Council to try and aid with speeding in the Parish.  The clerk was asked to find out information relating to this.

d)    Street Lights repairs/renewals
The quote had been received for the 72 street lights in the parish to switch to LED part-time lighting which would also incorporate those that are in need of repair. Which would be £30,600 inclusive of VAT. Cllr Williams asked if we had budgeted enough for this work to go ahead. The clerk informed that £25,150 is Earmarked with an additional £2500 Budgeted for this financial year, a total £27,650. The £2,950 shortfall can be paid from the General Reserves which will be replenished once VAT has been reclaimed. 
Following proposal by Cllr Armstrong, seconded by Cllr P Skinner and with Cllr J Skinner objecting, it was resolved to move forward with changing the street lights to part-time LEDs.

A query was then raised in association with the 10 street lights that had already been changed to LEDs but were on full-time lit. The clerk was asked to obtain a quote to have these changed to part-time.

8.      Members reports and business
a)     Clearing and tidying the wooded area near the Hobhole pumping station - Update 
Cllr William and Cllr Day informed that they had recently visited the site and thought that an initial clearance of the area by the Inland Water Board would aid with this as a goodwill gesture.

b)     Fishtoft 400 Community Group- Any updates 
Cllr Armstrong relayed the following:
    The group is continuing to thrive with social care group visitors also continuing to attend. 
    Questionnaires had recently been circulated to ask where they would like to go on an outing.
    Looking at changing the format of the group’s lottery.
    Looking into an easy exercise class to aid with stability as well as starting a walking group

c)    Fishtoft 400 Buoy – Any updates
Cllr Armstrong relayed the following:
•    A member of the Fishtoft 400 Community Group is making wooden trays for the last few mosaics to be set in resin so that they can also be displayed.
•    The next step is to have a permanent base in place and landscaping with then only a few odd jobs to be done to finalise the project.

d)    Outer Dowsing Liaison Community Group – update from Councillor P Skinner
Cllr P Skinner relayed that the next meeting at Benington is to be held on Tuesday 2nd July 2024

e)    Parish Council Website
All seems to be acceptable with the website.

f)    Police Liaison Meeting
The next Police Liaison online meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 2nd July 2024 of which a volunteer from the Parish Council to speak was required. Cllr Armstrong said that she would attend.

9.     Correspondence received, Events & Reports - To discuss any correspondence received including after setting of agenda
Correspondence had been received and circulated to the Councillors associated with the Proposed Reservoir in Lincolnshire. No comments were made in regards to this.
Additional correspondence that had been received was information relating to a Community Grant from Asda and the Public Rights of Way Survey.

10.     Fix My Street, Highways and Boston Borough Council - To receive any updates on reported issues Appendix B
There were no updates to the list.  However, Cllr P Skinner informed that he had visited with a Highways Officer the paths along Rochford Tower Lane and will chase. He also informed that he will get an update associated with the issue along Fishtoft Road.

Cllr Armstrong relayed that she had reported a matter associated with Cut End Road.

11.     Dates for future confirmed meetings

The meeting closed at 8.17pm

Appendix A

Item 5c on agenda 

FISHTOFT PAYMENTS AND RECEIPTS FOR PERIOD

MAY 2024

Payments approved at the 13th May 2024 meeting

Payments Received since 13th May 2024 meeting

Appendix B

Item 10 on agenda                     FixMyStreet, LCC & BBC