2025 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Minutes of Fishtoft Parish Council meeting held Thursday 10th April 2025 atRochford Tower Hall, Fishtoft commencing at 7pm

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 (Ward member)
Fishtoft Parish Council Clerk – Sarah Knowles

PUBLIC FORUM
There were two members of the public in attendance of which the following questions/short statements were made to the Parish Council.
•    It is believed that HGVs are using the village as an alternative route to get to Metsa/George Kimes premises and by the way they are travelling not adhering to the speed limit. In addition to this HGVs are also coming into the village in the other direction as they have been following Satnav directions which has caused them to miss the entrance to Metsa/George Kimes and then causing havoc when trying to reverse in the village to go back to the correct destination.
•    Thanked the Parish Council for doing the street lights in the parish.
•    Concerned about the speed limit along Wainfleet Road. Noticed the A16 by Pilgrim Hospital has had its speed limit reduced and cannot see why this isn’t being done within this area. The resident also believes that there should be a pedestrian crossing near to Burton House/Premier Inn as well as “Keep Left” signs on the bollards as some vehicles seem to go the wrong side of these.

LCC Cllr P Skinner relayed that due to the upcoming County Elections he is now in purdah so no information can be relayed but informed that previous projects planned are either in hand or discussion.

BBC Cllr Sharpe gave her report (See Appendix C).

BBC Cllr Scoot had forwarded his apologies for not being able to attend the meeting therefore, sent his report (see Appendix C).  

BBC Cllr Staples had forwarded her apologies via the Chairperson.

The meeting opened at 7.24pm

1.    Chairperson’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
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
No Declarations of Interest were received.

4.     Notes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 10th March 2025 - To resolve as a correct record and to authorise the Chairman to sign the official minutes
There was an issue with the notes from this meeting therefore these were not approved.

5.    Finance
a)     Payment of accounts to be approved

Following proposal by Cllr P Skinner, seconded by Cllr Crawford 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 10th March 2025: Appendix A
Since the 10th March 2025 one payment had been received from Lincoln University in relation to a grant towards the Buoy.

d)     Balance of Community Account as of 31st March 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 March 2025 was £1,233.69.

e)     Balance of Savings Account as of 31st March 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 March 2025 was £25,565.48.

f)    Balance of 30-Day Notice Savings Account as at 31st March 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 March 2025 was £35,256.76.

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/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
As this was only related to Scoping, there were no objections to this application.

b)    B/25/0122 - Removal of existing conservatory and replace with single storey rear extension and alterations including replacement roof and installation of rooflights at 93, Kingsway, Fishtoft, Boston
There were no objections to this planning application.

Two additional planning applications have been received since the posting of the agenda
i)    B/25/0140 - Application for a variation of Condition 3 (use of Manege) of approval B/16/0088 (Change of use from agricultural land to equestrian use including the construction of timber framed stables, hay store, manege, access and boundary treatment) to allow for use by the new proprietor and for commercial use to run an equestrian complex as a small livery stables and for buying and selling of ponies at Field View Stables, Cut End Road, Fishtoft, Boston, PE21 0SN
There were no objections to this planning application.

ii)    B/25/0142 - Listed Building Consent for internal and external alterations including the removal of the modern chimney at Skirbeck House Rawsons Lane, Fishtoft    
There were no objections to this planning application.

c)    Gaysfield Road Development 
This planning application is to be discussed at the BBC Planning Committee hearing on Tuesday 6th May 2025. Of which a member from the Parish Council can address the committee with their concerns. Cllr Crawford agreed to be the representative of which the following issues would be included in her statement:
•    Risk of flooding to neighbouring residents
Cllr P Skinner relayed that this is already being looked into.
•    To have no housing that backs onto properties of Gaysfield Lane so that they are not overlooked.
•    Impact of the additional traffic especially with the Primary School within this location and that there has been a change of the movements from Anglian Water since the planning application was put in for consideration.

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.

d)    Planning Reports and Information received including Planning Application decisions
The following planning applications have been granted:
Planning Application B/25/0044 – Erection of two storey rear extension at Otterburn, Wainfleet Road, Boston has been granted.

7.    Highway - To consider and make observations associated with Highways matters that are not associated with Appendix B
a)    A16 to Sibsey
Resurfacing work is currently being done.

b)    Scalp Road
Cllr Crawford has draft a letter to Boston Borough Council which was approved to be forwarded to the relevant authority members.

c)    Road Closure – Richardsons Bridge
The road for Richardsons is closed during the day for Bridge Maintenance with diversions in place during this time.

8.      Members reports and business
a)     Clearing and tidying the wooded area near the Hobhole pumping station - Update 
Cllr Day relayed that following correspondence that the work has started and it looks like they are doing a good job.

b)     Fishtoft 400 Community Group- Any updates 
Cllr Armstrong relayed that she would like to thank BBC Scoot for the £100 donation to the Community Group this was much appreciated. Additionally she reported that they will be celebrating VE Day on the 6th May 2025.

Cllr Crawford informed that she had relayed information and advice to the group recently due to that a member had recently been involved in a Scam.

c)    Outer Dowsing Liaison Community Group – update from Councillor P Skinner
Cllr P Skinner relayed following the recent Community Group meeting they are waiting for the next stage.

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

e)    Parish Council Liaison Meeting
The meeting originally scheduled for the 12th June 2025 has been reschedule for the 26th June 2025.

f)    Emergency Plan
This matter was deferred to another meeting.

g)    Fishtoft Primary School – Councillor Lucy Webb
Cllr Webb relayed that the Fishtoft Primary School Committee meeting was useful of which she had informed them the following that she had conveyed at the last Parish Council meeting
•    Have a school location sign erected – Asked Cllr P Skinner if he could aid with this
•    Would like to work with the Community i.e. Litter Picking.
A date is being arranged for a litter picking and asked about obtaining smaller Litter Bags
•    Speeding – Mini Police
•    Summer Fete

Cllr Webb also relayed that BBC Cllr Staples had invited members from Fishtoft Primary to look around Boston Borough Council.

Cllr P Skinner asked what is the capacity of the school of which Cllr Webb replied 70 of which they are currently at the full amount.

h)    Litter Picking
Cllr Day asked if there any signs for “Litter Picking in Progress”. Clerk said that she will investigate.

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
•    Abandoned Maple Road Car
As reported earlier in the meeting by BBC Cllr Sharpe the reported car that was abandoned had now been removed, of which the clerk thanked Cllr Sharpe for her help
•    Boston Water Recycling Centre Response
New Weekend and bank Holiday times has been informed by Anglian Water but these were still out of the perimeter suggested by the Parish Council but they said that these times have now been decided but are dedicated to minimising any disruption that may be caused by the tankers and if they do not follow any procedures that they encourage that they are informed of this as soon as possible
•    Letter from Boston Borough Council 80th Anniversaries of Victory In Europe and Victory over Japan
This was reporting that they had bunting and a flag for each Parish for free if they wish to have these. The clerk was asked to reply to obtain these.

10.     Fix My Street, Highways and Boston Borough Council - To receive any updates on reported issues Appendix B
Cllr P Skinner relayed that any new issues that seemed to being reported via Fix My Street were being dealt with quite quickly.

Cllr Crawford relayed that she had reported a hole near to the Playing Fields to be told that this is not Highways responsibility but that of BT Openreach.

11.     Dates for future confirmed meetings

The meeting closed at 8.10pm

At the close of the meeting, it was resolved to go into close session for the following agenda items to be discussed

12.    Tender for 2025/26 Fishtoft Ground Maintenance Contract
One tender had been received from the former contractor who had put in is bid which was a 5% increase of that from the previous year. Following proposal by Cllr Crawford, seconded by Cllr J Skinner and with no objections it was resolved to accept this tender

13.    To address personal matters associated with the Parish Council
Various personal matters had been addressed to the Chairperson of which were discussed, deliberated and resolved.

Appendix A

Item 5c on agenda 

FISHTOFT PAYMENTS AND RECEIPTS FOR PERIOD MARCH 2025

Payments approved at 10th March 2025 meeting 

Payments received since 10th March 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 despite a 12% increase nationally in Fly-Tipping figures, Boston Borough Council are pleased to report a 7% decrease, with March seeing an 11% decrease compared with last year. Our portfolio holder for the Environment, Cllr Butler, has worked diligently with officers around this issue, as an administration it was something we promised to tackle, and we are pleased this is showing the correct results.

Cllr Baxter has been working hard with his team on many issues, one of which is working with owners to not only maintain their properties to a higher standard but also carry our urgent repairs to them. This has seen fines issued to the owners of the old Post Office of 65a-67 Wide Bargate this week.

The demolition of Crown House and B&M at the Rosegarth site has taken place, new hoardings will be erected within the coming days around the site, with the diversions for pedestrians well signposted. If you wish to keep up to date with developments, we have a website www.rosegarthboston.co.uk Showing all information and up-to-date plans.

The enabling works have started at GMLC, this will include work on a new entry and reception area, moving alarms, removing the biomass boiler and more. Once these are underway, a timeline of exact dates for different parts of the project will be communicated.

The 900th anniversary of the Mayfair exhibition is now on at Boston Guildhall Museum, we hosted a talk by renowned historian Neil Wright on 29th March and on Saturday 26thApril at 1:30pm there will be another talk from Neil Watson on Boston’s Fairground Heritage 1850-1920.

I am delighted to say that the 10 new display showcases have been delivered and constructed, they look absolutely amazing and will enable the museum to showcase so much more of not only our collection, but that of other museums too. The next exhibition will be celebrating Herbert Ingram, an astounding gentleman who not only brought so much to the town but also changed the way news was communicated through his founding of the London Illustrated News.

We will be helping the 3rd Boston Scouts with a litter-picking evening on 29th April if anyone wishes to join us starting at 7pm.

I am pleased to see the large potholes on Fishtoft Road have been filled, but still wait to hear about the issue with the road edge erosion which I reported on 1st March. The caravan on Church Green Road has been moved and I was very pleased with the quick response from Boston Police removing the car from Maple Road after being made aware of the issue by being copied into an email by one of the parish council members.

Upcoming events:-
Tomorrow – Children’s Easter activities in the Market Place
3rd May – 11th May – Boston Mayfair
30th May – Children’s Theatre Workshop, Market Place
31st May – Boston Hanse Day, Herbert Ingram Statue, Market Place

BBC Cllr Scoot Report
I have been waiting to send my report through as I was hoping for an update on Scalp Road, however that has not been forthcoming.

As stated in my last report the Borough had received contact from the County with regards to Scalp Road. I can now confirm a meeting on site took place between a representative of County and a member of the Borough’s team. They discussed what could be done with regards resurfacing and bringing the full road leading to the Pilgrim Father’s Memorial up to County standard. The County representative was going to contact the Borough following that meeting with costings. The Borough was hoping that this would be done prior to the financial years end. Despite trying to contact the County representative a reply as not ben received. The Borough will continue to try, and once I have been notified of the outcome I will communicate it to the Parish.

I have dropped off the requested rubbish collecting bags with Helen last week.

Following the announcement of the first Boston Pride festival in July I was contacted by a ward member with some queries which I have addressed.

The planning committee meeting scheduled for the 30th of April has been cancelled and re-arranged for 6th of May.