2025 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Minutes of Fishtoft Parish Council meeting held Monday 10th March 2025 at The Pavilion, Fishtoft Playing Fields, Fishtoft commencing at 7.25pm

PRESENT:     Councillor Helen Crawford presiding as Chairperson
Councillors Elizabeth Armstrong, Richard Lenton, Geoff Day, Judy Skinner and Lucy Webb
Councillor Paul Skinner representing as Parish and Lincolnshire County Councillor 

Boston Borough Councillors S Sharpe and H Staples (Ward members)
Boston Borough Councillor Anne Dorrian 
Fishtoft Parish Council Clerk – Sarah Knowles

PUBLIC FORUM
BBC Cllr Staples relayed that she had emailed LCC Cllr Griggs of which to date she had had no reply from him in association with the accident at the crossroads near to Toot Lane and Woodthorpe Avenue which has become a bit frustrating. 

BBC Cllr Sharpe gave her report (See Appendix C).
LCC Cllr P Skinner had forwarded his report previously to the meeting (See Appendix D).

During the time allocated for members of the public present to ask any questions or make short statements, BBC Cllr Dorrian came to raise an issue at the Parish Council meeting of which Cllr Crawford responded, that it was not appropriate to raise this matter in this way and if Cllr Dorrian would like to take this matter further, to forward correspondence to the Parish Clerk detailing what is believed to have been said so that the matter can then be investigated.

BBC Cllr Scoot had forwarded his apologies for not being able to attend the meeting therefore, sent his report (see Appendix C).  
Cllr Crawford noticed on the report sent in by BBC Cllr Scoot that Boston Borough Council and Highways are now actually looking into Scalp Road which is good news. References were made into information relating to the disbursement of this.

The meeting opened at 7.37pm

1.    Chairman’s remarks
Cllr Crawford welcomed everyone to the meeting and how nice it was to see Cllr Webb again following her maternity leave. However, it was sad news to report that Cllr Williams has forwarded his resignation with immediate effect.

2.     Apologies for absence - To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Clerk prior to the meeting
All Parish Councillors were in attendance so no apologies were required to be given.

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 Lenton declared an interest in Item 8f on the agenda due to being a trustee

4.     Notes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 13th January 2025 - 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 Day 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 Armstrong, seconded by Cllr Webb 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 invoices have been received from Fishtoft Pavilion & Playing Field Trust in respect to the Hire of the Pavilion November 2024 and January 2025 at the cost of £40 each. Following proposal by Cllr Armstrong, seconded by Cllr P Skinner and with no objections it was resolved that these payments should be made.

Fishtoft Pavilion & Playing Field Trust have also submitted an invoice to the Parish Council for unexpected costs of £425 that they incurred in relation to the sandblasting of the buoy which caused a drainage issue. It was decided to discuss this later in the meeting under agenda item 8f.

The clerk relayed that Lloyds Bank have informed the Parish Council that due to the interest rates being cut last month that they will be decreasing the gross interest rate on the Commercial Account from 2.3% to 2.15%.

c)     Payments & receipts: since 13th January 2025: Appendix A
Since the 13th January 2025 one payment had been made to S Knowles relating to Staff Costs and one payment had been received relating to Wayleave.

d)     Balance of Community Account as of 31st January 2025
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 January 2025 was £609.66.

e)     Balance of Community Account as of 28th February 2025
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 28th February 2025 was £313.16

f)     Balance of Savings Account as of 31st January 2025
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 January 2025 was £33,210.71.

g)     Balance of Savings Account as of 28th February 2025
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 28th February 2025 was £33,239.98.

h)    Balance of 30-Day Notice Savings Account as at 31st January 2025
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 January 2025 was £35,130.38.

i)    Balance of 30-Day Notice Savings Account as at 28th February 2025
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 28th February 2025 was £35,192.44.

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)    TPO/24/0135 – Land at the corner of Rawsons Lane and Horncastle Road, Boston, PE21 9HT
There were no objections to the TPO.

b)    B/25/0045 – Prior Notification under Schedule 2, Part 6 of The Town & Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 for the erection of a Polytunnel at Laurel Farm at Laurel Farm Pinfold Lane, Fishtoft, PE21 0SL    
Notification had been received that this application had been determined that prior approval is not required and that the development hereby is permitted to begin before the expiration of five years from the date of approval.

c)    B/25/0044 – First floor extension at Otterburn, Wainfleet Road, Boston, PE21 9RN 
There were no objections to this planning application.

d)    B/25/0061 – Application under s73 to vary Condition 3 (Opening Hours) of planning permission B/22/0465 (Installation of modular steel building to be used as community classroom, craft and cooking workshops and small café at Willoughby Road Allotments, Boston, PE21 9HN
There were no objections to this planning application.

e)     B/25/0058 – Advertisement consent for 1no. internally illuminated fascia sign at The Blue Shop, 2 Eastwood Road, Fishtoft, PE21 0PH
There are concerns that with this being on a busy junction that this could be a distraction and therefore a hazard.

f)    B/24/0528 – Demolition of outbuildings and construction of a pair of semi-detached dwellings at Cowbridge Inn, Horncastle Road, Boston. PE22 7AX
There were no objections to this planning application.

g)    B/25/0080 – Erection of Dorma garage with one bedroom annex (Self/Custom build) at Rose Cottage, Frith Bank, Antons Gowt, Boston, PE22 7BE
There were no objections to this planning application.

One additional planning application had been received since the setting of the agenda B/25/0087 – Scoping opinion under Regulations 10 and 11 of the Town and County Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations with respect to the Ossian Offshore Windfarm
The application had only been received the day of the meeting so needed to be evaluated before any comments were made.

h)    Planning Reports and Information received including Planning Application decisions
The following planning applications have been granted:
•    B/24/0509 – Outline planning permission for the construction of a 1 no. detached dwelling at 49, Sibsey Road, Boston
•    B/24/0430 – Application under s73 for the Variation of Conditions 2 (Approved Plans, C7 (Flood Rish Assessment) and C8 (Environmental Noise Impact Assessment Acoustic Consultancy Report) of permission B/21/0493 (works already started) at Pilgrim Hospital, Sibsey Road, Boston
•    B/24/512 – Application for confirmation of compliance of Conditions 1 to 8 of approval B/23/0290 at Pilgrim Hospital, Sibsey Road, Boston
•    B/24/0514 – Application under s73 for the Variation of Condition 5 (Proposed Elevations) of permission B/23/0290 (works already started) at Pilgrim Hospital, Sibsey Road, Boston

7.    Highway - To consider and make observations associated with Highways matters that are not associated with Appendix B
a)    A16 to Sibsey
The 30mph limit on the A16 near the Pilgrim has now been in place with the pedestrian crossing to be implemented soon.

b)    A52 Speed Limit reduction
No further information to relay as this cannot be fully evaluated until the new houses are built.

c)    Scalp Road
This matter was discussed earlier in the meeting.

d)    Review speed limit on Church Road, Freiston, from 40mph to 30mph
There were no concerns in relation to the speed reduction within this area.

e)    Parking in Church Green Road
This matter was discussed earlier in the meeting.

8.      Members reports and business
a)     Clearing and tidying the wooded area near the Hobhole pumping station - Update 
Cllr Day relayed that a risk assessment had recently been undertaken in association with the public and the prisoners. A further meeting is set with the Governor and the Manager later this month.

b)     Fishtoft 400 Community Group- Any updates 
Cllr Armstrong relayed that unfortunately that one of the group members had died since the last meeting and a further two are in hospital. It has therefore proved how useful this group is and everyone in it knows information relating to the members and the contact and help that has been provided.

It is pleased to announce that a £500 grant from Eleemosynary Charity has been received which will aid with a coach trip for the members later this year. Also like to thank both Cllrs Sharpe and Staples for also donating £100 each to the Community Group.

c)    Fishtoft 400 Buoy – Any updates
Cllr Armstrong relayed that the work on the buoy is now complete though would still like to do something with the remaining mosaics if possible.

d)    Outer Dowsing Liaison Community Group – update from Councillor P Skinner
The next meeting is scheduled for the 24th March 2025 of which Cllr P Skinner relayed that he will be attending. He also informed that on the 5th March 2025, The Examining Authority issued a Rule 17 Request for Information.

e)    Parish Council Website
It was deemed the website was ok.

f)    Pavilion & Playing Field Trust Grant request
A letter from the Pavilion & Playing Field Trust had been circulated to the Parish Councillors along with their latest accounts with a request for a grant to aid with the Ground Maintenance of Field of which they additionally asked if it could be considered an increase into the value of the previous awards. 
After deliberation and following proposal by Cllr P Skinner, seconded by Cllr Webb and with no objections it was resolved that this year the grant awarded would be £1100, though to inform them that if they require a larger consideration in the future that notification needed to be received prior to November when the budget for precept is set for this to be reflected when deliberating the amount to be fixed in the following financial year grant allocation.

In addition to this, the invoice they sent to the Parish Council for the Trust’s unexpected costs of £425 that they incurred was discussed. After deliberation and following proposal by Cllr Armstrong, seconded by Cllr P Skinner and with no objections it was resolved that a donation of £212.50 would be awarded as a goodwill gesture.

g)    Report from Meeting with Richard Tice MP
The meeting with the Parish Councillors and Richard Tice MP was impressive and it be nice to see by the end of this term if he has proved his significance as an MP for this area. 

Several matters were deliberated associated with the Parish especially the concerns relating to the development of Gaysfield Road. He would like to be kept informed in relation to this planning application, particularly when this is being reviewed by the Planning Committee.

Also, Scalp Road was discussed of which he asked if the Parish Council had considered putting in a bid to Boston Borough Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to aid in rectifying the issue.

h)    Parish Council Liaison Meeting
Cllrs Crawford and Armstrong recently attended the Parish Council Liaison Meeting on the 26th February 2025 of which items being discussed was Community Flood Resilience and Emergency Planning of which the information provided was really useful. 
Cllr Crawford relayed that she had spoken with another Parishes Councillor who had found it difficult in originally setting up a local Emergency Plan and ended up amalgamating with neighbouring Parish Council’s. After discussing this with the clerk, Cllr Crawford wondered if the neighbouring Parish Council’s (Sibsey and Frithville) in which she also clerks for would consider joining forces.

The next meeting is scheduled for the 12th June 2025, of which the clerk was asked to forward apologies as this was being held the same evening as Fishtoft Parish Council.

i)    Emergency Plan
This matter was discussed in the previous agenda item.

j)    Fishtoft Primary School – Councillor Lucy Webb
Cllr Webb relayed that whilst on Maternity Leave, she had been volunteering at Fishtoft Academy and asked to join their equivalent Governors Committee of which their next scheduled meeting was being held on the 11th March 2025 of which some of the following information she had asked to relay/find out:
•    Have a school location sign erected 
•    Would like to work with the Community i.e. Litter Picking
•    Speeding – Mini Police
•    Summer Fete

9.     Correspondence received, Events & Reports - To discuss any correspondence received including after setting of agenda
The following correspondence had been received and discussed:
•    Neighbourhood Policing Quarterly Update
•    Email from Anglian Water
The suggestions that Anglian Water had made were that they would like to work on Saturday and Bank Holidays between 9am and 5pm. Following discussion, it was deemed that this would affect the residents in the area and it viewed more appropriate to have a later start and earlier finish with a recommendation of 10am to 4pm. It was also believed for their public relations to convey with the residents of Gaysfield Road and Scalp Road to explain their operation and proposals.

10.     Fix My Street, Highways and Boston Borough Council - To receive any updates on reported issues Appendix B
Cllr Webb relayed that she had reported fly tipping in Wythes Lane that she had recently discovered whilst walking her dog.

11.     Dates for future confirmed meetings

The meeting closed at 8.37pm

Appendix A

Item 5c on agenda 

FISHTOFT PAYMENTS AND RECEIPTS FOR PERIOD JANUARY 2025

Payments approved at 13th January 2025 meeting

Payments made since 13th January 2025 meeting

Payments received since 13th January 2025 meeting

Appendix B

Item 10 on agenda                                   FixMyStreet, LCC & BBC

No.    
1      AREA    Tower/Priory/Eastwood    
        ISSUE   Archers Report                
        OUTCOME Waiting outcome
2    AREA    Sibsey Road    
        ISSUE   2 x Damaged pavement, trip hazard        
        REF FMS 404599    
        OUTCOME Informed work be done when funds available
3    AREA    Church Green Road    
        ISSUE   Footpath uneven and damaged        
        REF     FMS 4153606    
        OUTCOME Proposal for works South Division – request update from LCC
4    AREA    Eastwood Road Footpath    
        ISSUE   Footpath uneven and damaged        
        REF     FMS 4164960    
        OUTCOME As above
5    AREA    Freiston Road Footpath    
        ISSUE   Footpath uneven and damaged        
        REF     FMS 4164961    
        OUTCOME As above
6    AREA    Church Green Road     
        ISSUE   Extension of path – Email             
        REF     LCC 4169782    
        OUTCOME Chase LCC for update
7    AREA    Scalp Road    
        ISSUE   Potholes      
        OUTCOME P.S. Unadopted – sponsors being looked for – Environment Agency has patched

Appendix C
BBC Cllr Sharpe Report
I am pleased to report that Boston Brilliance was a huge success. A true celebration of youth and place, showcasing not only some of our wonderful buildings and our stories but also what collaboration with partners can achieve. Listening to the young people from the college who had worked with the world-renowned artist Ross Ashton was inspiring. I was thrilled to listen to them speak on not only how the project had helped them develop many new skills, but also how it had improved their perception on the town.

Cllr Ghosh presented the balanced budget to full council last Monday, which was approved by all the Independent Councillors on both sides of the chamber. The work he puts into ensuring the Boroughs Finances are as efficient as they can be is remarkable and we are incredibly grateful to him. Within the budget we are pleased to announce an improved Council Tax Support Scheme, helping to lift more families out of poverty. We have also reduced the stall fees for our market traders.

Cllr Broughton is launching the New ‘Boston Makers and Farmers Market’, the first of which will take place on 29th March. This will offer handmade products, crafts and fresh produce and also have a special offer to traders standing of ‘buy one get one free’. These markets will be held on the last Wednesday of every month until October.

From my own portfolio, I am thrilled to announce we have received £280,000 in Sport England’s Swimming Pool support fund which will support work to the complex air-handling unit which like many other pieces of equipment there, is long overdue for maintenance.

I have been working with the Fishtoft Pavilion and Playing Field Trust to try and mitigate the ‘dog poo’ situation that is occurring on the playing field. BBC have created stickers to go onto the bins to show they are dual purpose and we have had visits from the EnviroCrime Officers to speak with users whilst on the field to raise awareness. Everyone spoken to was carrying bags, however, visits will still continue.

I have had many residents contact me over the Church Green Road parking issue. As you know, and as I have told the residents, I have been liaising with PC Brennan and George Crisp our EnviroCrime Officer, who have suggested lobbying LCC. I emailed Cllr Skinner regarding this, and he referred it to Highways. An Officer came to review the situation, and deemed no action necessary. I have relayed this to all the residents, who feel this isn’t a satisfactory outcome, and were disappointed she visited during a half term when the road was less busy, and the caravan wasn’t present. Therefore, would appreciate if LCC Cllr Skinner could ask the Officer to come out again and review the area of which she is happy to meet with her and discuss the issues that multiple people are worried about.

LCC Cllr P Skinner relayed that Fishtoft Parish Council voted against the development in the area on the grounds of parking. There are parking spaces to the rear of the properties that are not used. 

Cllr Sharpe informed that she had reported the matter to LHP also to be made aware.

LCC Cllr P Skinner notified that he had received an email stating that the caravan was not present. He also relayed that if any lines where laid there may be a concern that the issue will only move to another area in the parish.

Parish Cllr Crawford asked if LHP incurred a charge to park behind the properties of which BBC Cllr Sharpe replied that they do not.

Parish Cllr J Skinner informed that letters had been circulated to the residents to please park vehicles around the back.

I have also contacted LCC Cllr Skinner over the poor resurfacing of Fishtoft Road. This road was repaired only 5 months ago, and has already developed potholes, one of which is 7 foot long, loss of the resurfacing in a lot of places and many areas are eroding at the edges which is dangerous. There was actually a car undertray by the side of the road at one of these places when my husband and I went to measure and report these potholes. Whilst I haven’t had a reply to my email, only a reply on my Facebook post from him to date, I look forward to hearing what the outcome of this is. So now the two roads entering/exiting the village both now have safety issues and LCC need to be looking into these.

LCC Cllr Skinner relayed that he had on the day of the Parish Council meeting received an email stating that there is an issue with the resurfacing and they will be revisiting with the contractor as this is not acceptable.

BBC Cllr Scoot Report
I was contacted by a Parish resident living on Lindis Road with regards to parking leading up to Nic ‘n’ Mix and the Blue Shop. I have emailed the relevant County Councillor but to date I have not received a response. I will keep trying.
 
Although it is not a Fishtoft matter, it could have an effect on shops within the town. Councillor Broughton and I have been contacted by various businesses in the town after they were contacted about parking restrictions concerning loading and unloading of goods to allow them to trade. Once again, I contacted the relevant County Councillor and have received several emails and have been able to pass on some valuable information which I hope will assist the businesses in continuing.
 
Following our surgery in September we have been able to now go back with answers to issues raised by the ward members attending.
 
I was proud to represent the Parish, along with Councillors Staples and Sharpe, and many other members of the administration, at the Boston Brilliance in February. If you attended, I am sure that you will join me in congratulating Councill Sharpe, her team and Boston College for a fantastic two evenings. I also feel all the school children that provided art work that was projected on our iconic buildings should feel very proud of their achievements.
 
Finally, I may have some good news about Scalp Road. I spoke with both Councillor Ghosh and Andy Fisher an officer at the Borough to see if they had received any costings in writing as per Councillor Skinner’s verbal offer of a split payment resulting in a repair to the road. Neither have however, Andy Fisher has been contacted by an officer from LCC Highways and a meeting has been arranged on site to look at the road surface and what exactly needs to be done, what the cost would be and what would happen to the road if and when it was brought up to County standard. Andy will keep me informed of any developments which I will obviously communicate to the Parish Council.
 
Appendix D
LCC Cllr P Skinner Report (circulated prior to the meeting)
The budget passed at LCC Full Council assumes a 2.99% council tax increase and £9.7m use of reserves. £1m was also allocated to Property Flood Resilience Scheme, for those that had Flooding in January who were not allocated or received Government Funds unlike Babet and Hensk.

Cllr Hill wrote to Rt Hon Angela Rayner MP asking for the Immigration Policy to be managed and implemented. The approach should not hinder public services but ensure sustainability at time when
services are experiencing increased pressure in Lincolnshire through inflation increased NI contributions etc.

Cllr Hill wrote to Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP Immigration putting pressure on services. LCC receive £2014 per person, £669 less than the average England figure. A fairer funding formula is needed to support large rural areas. The East Coast is already one of the most deprived areas in the UK, extra support is needed to meet the existing need of residents and the growing population in the future.

Devolution White Paper has Impacts on Planning reforms.

The ongoing assault on Lincolnshire as place to site Solar and Wind Farms Continues. Another National Infrastructure Project was debated in Planning 10th March.

Eastern IFCA Inshore Fisheries, DEFRA have confirmed the Wash Cockle and Mussel Byelaw 2021 which replaces the Wash Fishery Order 1991on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs comes into effect 1st May 2025.

Secondary School Places 87% of children receive a place at their first-choice school.

The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority is created. Prior Investment £28.4 m a further £720 over the next 30 years.

Scalp Road project to be presented to Boston Town Board hopefully for UKSPF funding. LCC Officers to present the case.