2026 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Minutes of Fishtoft Parish Council meeting held Monday 13th April 2026 at
The Pavilion, Fishtoft Playing Fields, Fishtoft commencing at 7pm

PRESENT:     Councillor Helen Crawford presiding as Chairperson
Councillors Geoff Day, Elizabeth Armstrong, Richard Lenton and Steve Appleyard 

LCC Cllr Sam French
BBC Cllrs David Scoot and Sarah Sharpe 
Fishtoft Parish Council Clerk – Sarah Knowles

PUBLIC FORUM
There were no members of the public in attendance to ask any questions or make any short statements to the Parish Council:

LCC Cllr French gave his report (See Appendix C).
BBC Cllr Scoot and Sharpe gave their reports (See Appendix D).

Apologies were received from Lincolnshire County Councillors Arundell but no report had been received to be relayed at the meeting and via BBC Cllr Sharpe apologies from Boston Borough Councillor Staples.

The meeting opened at 7.19pm

1.    Chairman’s remarks
Cllr Crawford welcomed everyone to the meeting and relayed the sad news that former Fishtoft Parish Councillor Ordway’s husband has passed away.

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 Webb had sent her apologies for absence of which the Parish Councillors were aware of the reason of which it was resolved to accept this reason.

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
There were no Declarations of Interest received.

4.     Notes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 9th March 2026 - To resolve as a correct record and to authorise the Chairman to sign the official minutes
It was proposed by Cllr Crawford, seconded by Cllr Lenton 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 Day, seconded by Cllr Appleyard and with no objections it was resolved that these payments should be made.

b)    Additional payments to be approved after setting of the agenda
Prior to the meeting no other payments had been received for approval.

c)     Payments & receipts: since 9th March 2026: Appendix A
Since the 9th March 2026 one payment had been made relating to Bank charges.

d)     Balance of Community Account as of 31st March 2026
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 2026 was £6,747.72.

e)    Balance of Savings Account as of 31st March 2026
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 2026 was £35,791.38.

f)    Balance of 32-Day Notice Savings Account as at 31st March 2026
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 2026 was £35,966.45.

g)    Grant request from Fishtoft Playing Field & Pavilion
The accounts received with the request letter was up to the end of 2024. So that the request could be reviewed more effectively, the clerk was asked if they could forward the accounts up to the end of 2025. Thereby, until this information was received this agenda item was deferred to a future meeting.

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/26/0076 - Proposed portable cabin to be used as a dog grooming business at Potterdale, Cut End Road, Fishtoft, Boston, PE22 0QZ
There were no objections to this planning application.

b)    B/26/0129 - Application to determine if the proposed use of an outbuilding within the curtilage of Romany Lodge as a part-time Aesthetics Clinic is lawful at Romany Lodge Fishtoft Road, Fishtoft, Boston PE21 0QX
There were no objections to this planning application.

c)    B/26/0130 - Application under s73 for the removal of Condition 3 (Agricultural Habitation Clause) of permission B09/0857/80 at Cholwells, Burton Croft Road, Fishtoft, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE21 0SA
There were no objections to this planning application.

d)    Planning Reports and Information received including Planning Application decisions
Full Planning Permission has been granted to the following:
•    B/25/0322 – Construction of a composite wood effect garden room for hospice therapy services and ancillary staff training and meetings at Butterfly Trust, Rowan Way Boston
•    Proposed single storey rear extension, two storey rear extension, extension above existing garage and proposed front porch including alterations and change of external materials at 107, Pilleys Lane, Boston

7.    Highway - To consider and make observations associated with Highways matters that are not associated with Appendix B
a)    A16 to Sibsey
An email had been received from Jeanne Gibson - Maintenance Design Engineer - Traffic saying “I will be happy to review this in March as our accident data will not have been updated since the last time this length of the A16 was assessed.

We will only assess the section between the existing speed limits in place in Boston and Sibsey so only the accident data on the unrestricted stretch will be included in the calculation. The areas already covered by speed limits have been justified on density of development rather than accident rate so the number of collisions along these lengths does not influence whether or not a limit can be introduced”

b)    Street Names – Wainfleet Road development
Cllr Armstrong suggested something associated with flowers or trees would be appropriate being something countryfied.

c)    Interactive Speed Signs
The signs need to be collected from the delivery address.

8.      Members reports and business
a)     Fishtoft 400 Community Group- Any updates 
Cllr Armstrong relayed the following information:
•    The group has now moved to the Boston Sub-aqua Club Hut. Other venues had been looked into and evaluated the various requirements. Though not as convenient as Rochford Tower Hall the members seem to be happy with the current situation. New flyers will be produced to advertise the new location. It was relayed that the group would benefit if for more men attended.

b)    Parish Council Website
A query was relayed that does the Mobile Library still run? BBC Cllr Sharpe said that she would look into this and forward the information to the clerk.

c)    Update from Cllr Appleyard in regards to Noticeboard, Lectern and Bench
The Men’s Shed have been held up by members of the group being ill. The bench has been started with the look of starting soon with the noticeboards.

d)    Litter Picking Report – Cllrs Armstrong and Day
A couple of residents joined Cllrs Armstrong and Day at their recent litter pick of which nine bags of rubbish was collected.

e)    Rochford Tower Hall
Cllr Lenton informed that the visual report had been received earlier today. A copy had been sent to the clerk who was asked to circulated this to the rest of the Parish Councillors for their information of which the following was relayed
•    The roof is too heavy as there are concrete tiles on a very weak structure and the trusses are not big enough following opening up of the inspection chamber - Recommendation is that new trusses be fitted along with a new lighter roof.

Cllr Day said that we need to know who the trustees of Rochford Tower Hall are so that decisions can be made to avoid delays in getting the work done and the future of the hall.

f)    Light outside Fishtoft Playing Field Pavilion – update 
Cllr Armstrong said that she has written twice and to date had no response. The clerk was asked if she could try and obtain a response.

g)    Fishtoft Primary – Report from Cllr Webb
This agenda item was deferred to the next Parish Council meeting.

h)    Clearing and tidying the wooded area near the Hobhole pumping station -Update from Cllr Day
The Prison have informed Cllr Day that they are still going down but asked if there was anything specific that the Parish Council would like to be done. Following a recent visit to the site they relayed back that they are happy for the work that is occurring to continue as previously as it is looking very neat and tidy. They will thereby be returning to the site once the Prison Service has obtained the relevant licences for the work to be able to continue.

Cllr Day asked if they would like to make a sign to stipulate that the area is owned by Fishtoft Parish Council and maintained by North Sea Camp of which they agreed.

i)    Water Treatment Plant
Cllr Armstrong relayed that one of the parishioners had spoken with her with the concern to the number of lorries to and from the site. Cllr Armstrong’s reply was for the parishioner to monitor the ongoings and then relay back the information. Following this the parishioner had informed that by 10.50am and eight lorries have already just gone to the site, therefore believed then they would then be making a return trip during that day, with two more lorries going to the site not long after.

Cllr Armstrong then relayed that during her walk in the vicinity between 3 and 4pm of which lorries went passed her from the site and on her return trip thirty minutes later, three lorries passed her one way and two further lorries in the opposite direction.

In addition to this the smell from the site is not very nice.

Cllr Crawford relayed at the September 2025 Parish Council Meeting, Mr Scott the representative from Anglian Water informed that the Odour Suppression Unit would be in place hopefully by the end of the year but as they will be following new Environmental Agency Regulations this may be delayed. Though, he did inform the Councillors at the meeting there will be approximately twenty-five lorries in and out of the site per day including weekends.

10.     Correspondence received, Events & Reports - To discuss any correspondence received including after setting of agenda
UHLT Patient Services HUB – update 
The Health Scrutiny Committee for Lincolnshire Overview & Scrutiny Management Board relayed that the Chairman has asked ULHT to comment further and both the Parish Council’s letter and ULHT's response will be put before the scrutiny committee when it next meets.

Cllr Crawford relayed that there is an Outer Dowsing liaison meeting on Tuesday 5th May 2026 and asked if any members of the Parish Council would like to attend of which following deliberation it was decided that she would attend on behalf of the Parish Council.

11.     Fix My Street, Highways and Boston Borough Council - To receive any updates on reported issues Appendix B
It was decided that the report needed to be evaluated and updated.

12.     Dates for future confirmed meetings

A query was raised into whether the June Parish Council meeting should actually be held on Monday 8th June 2026 of which the clerk was asked if she could reschedule this date.

The meeting closed at 8.23pm

Appendix A

Item 5c on agenda 

FISHTOFT PAYMENTS AND RECEIPTS FOR PERIOD

MARCH 2026

Payments approved at 9th March 2026 meeting

Payments made since 9th March 2026 meeting

Appendix B

Item 10 on agenda                                   FixMyStreet, LCC & BBC

Appendix C

LCC Cllr French

The following information was relayed:

• Food Waste bins will not be associated with treatment plant this will be going to North Hykeham.

• Following the Local Government Review, concerns had previously been raised about the Parish Council will be getting more responsibilities, it may be required to discuss renumeration for the Councillors time when more information is known. The response from queries raised was quite poor all that what said was that they are going to be working with the Parishes to see what they want to take on.

• In the new financial year, each County Councillor will have a grant for Community projects.

Appendix D
BBC Cllr Scoot
•    Constantly in contact with resident in Gaysfield Road. Nothing has happened yet apart from adjacent to the Scout hut. Concerns have been raised about the drainage systems. It is down to the Planning Authority to ensure that everything is done as originally agreed.
•    In correspondence with another resident in relation to a planning issue.
•    A race night event was recently held in regards to the Mayor’s Charity was held of which £1030 was raised. Additionally, a cash collection day at Asda raised £1112, a quiz night raised £700 and the Coffee morning held by the Fishtoft Ward Councillors which raised £500.
The Mayor is well happy, because he is well on the way of reaching his target of £10,000. There are future events being held in May to raise even more funds.

BBC Cllr Sharpe
Ward Work
Litter Pick
Helen, my husband, and I had a very successful litter pick on 22nd March, collecting 10 bags of rubbish from Burton Croft Road and Church Green Road. Once the dykes are dry, we will return to finish the litter picking at the bottom of the ones which had water in them.

Resurfacing of roads
The resurfacing of Church Green Road and Fishtoft Road is due to be taking place/has taken place. I raised this with the then LCC councillor – Paul Skinner last year when I noticed the resurfacing wearing away at a very quick pace, so am delighted this is now being done. I have had confirmation from Cllr Arundell that this will not be at a cost to the taxpayer due to the previous resurfacing being done to a substandard, the contractor is bearing the cost.

Street Naming
I am collating the proposed naming of the roads on the Wainfleet Road development and will put these to the developer to see if they will consider the names.

Council Updates
CGR
The second stage of the Community Governance Review is open until 2nd May. Please do take some time to complete the online questionnaire on the council’s website to have your say on this important change.

Mayfair
The annual Mayfair starts on 2nd May until 10th May. This will involve some road closures affecting the Market Place, Wide Bargate and Park Gate. The taxi rank in the Market Place will be moved from 30th April to the accessible parking area opposite until 10th May. The Wide Bargate taxi rank will be closed during this time.

Portfolio Work
Town of Culture
I am delighted that Boston has submitted its Expression of Interest to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport for the new ‘Town of Culture’ initiative. This expression of interest has seen us engage with many stakeholders to ensure as many people as possible can have their ideas heard and possibly put forward into the submission. I have also spoken on Radio Lincolnshire regarding our entry and have an interview on Wednesday to speak about why Boston should win. We will find out if we have made the shortlist by June.
Boston 2030
Work is underway on Boston 2030; we have formed a Culture Compact to deliver this once in a lifetime event. The reasoning for this is due to LGR. This will ensure the event will continue to be delivered regardless of what unitary authorities are created.

GMLC
The steel works to the front of the building are really taking shape and gives a good idea of how large this extension is going to be, the roof works will begin imminently.

Guildhall events
At the Guildhall we are delighted to have completed our event programme for this year, including an Ingram day, Summer Holiday activities, and our new guided tours taking place on the second Wednesday of every month at 11am and priced at £4 each. We have also undergone a rebrand so new logos and colour schemes will be used on all promotional material. 

Tourism money
In 2024, our administration successfully applied to the government for some additional Levelling Up money, this saw money for projects such as an improved enhancement scheme for Geoff Moulder, including addressing an historic maintenance backlog, money for BUFC to build their 4th stand and there was £690,000 awarded to Destination Lincolnshire, to deliver a project called Boston Connected, getting Boston ready for 2030. Sadly, last year Destination Lincolnshire went out of business so my officers and I worked on a proposal to put to MHCLG to show what projects we could deliver ‘in house’ for Boston 2030 if they allowed BBC to keep this money, this has now been agreed and for the first time in my portfolio, I have a significant amount of money to deliver amazing tourism projects for Boston, this includes better wayfinding, digital and physical infrastructure improvements, new tourism products etc. But, most excitingly for our ward, this means we can now fund the resurfacing of Scalp Road from Haven House to the car park. As you know, my fellow ward members and I have been working on trying to find a solution to this since our election, but with limited budgets, it has proved impossible until now, but with incredible support from the Leader, Cllr Broughton and my fellow ward members, Scalp Road will be fixed very soon. I cannot thank the officers enough for their hard work and many discussions with MHCLG, which has allowed this money to come into the council and mean we have money available for this very important project, especially with 2030 just a few years away.

FPC Cllr Crawford relayed that with the new Council Tax Bill the additional literature did not this time include the bin collection calendar as previous years. BBC Cllr Sharpe replied that due to the new Food Waste collection scheme due to begin in the Autumn, there is likely to be changes to the collection of the bins therefore was decided to wait until more information is known