2026 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Minutes of Fishtoft Annual Parish Council meeting held Monday 11th May 2026 at
The Pavilion, Fishtoft Playing Fields, Fishtoft commencing after the Fishtoft Annual Parish Meeting

PRESENT:     Councillor Helen Crawford presiding as Chairperson
Councillors Elizabeth Armstrong, Richard Lenton, Lucy Webb and Steve Appleyard
Fishtoft Parish Council Clerk – Sarah Knowles

Boston Borough Councillor Sarah Sharpe
Boston Borough Councillor David Scoor (arrived at 6.54pm)
Lincolnshire County Councillor Alistair Arundell (arrived at 7pm)

Three members of the public were also present

The meeting opened at 6.40pm

1.    To elect a Chairperson for the ensuing year (2026/27)
It was proposed by Cllr Crawford seconded by Cllr Lenton and with no objections to elect Cllr Day as Chairperson for the ensuing year (2026/27).

2.     To receive the Declaration of Acceptance of Office of Chairperson of Fishtoft Parish Council 2026/27
Cllr Day was not in attendance at the meeting therefore he Declaration of Acceptance of Office of Chairperson could not be signed but this would be organised to be done prior to the next Parish Council meeting.

3.     To elect a Vice Chairperson for the ensuing year (2026/27)
It was proposed by Cllr Crawford seconded by Cllr Armstrong and with no objections to elect Cllr Webb as Vice Chairperson for the ensuing year (2026/27).

As Cllr Day was not in attendance, therefore Cllr Webb presided over the meeting

4.     Public Forum 
BBC Cllr Staples has sent her apologies due to personal commitments at the time of the meeting.

No questions or queries were raised by the public during this part of the agenda item

5.     Chairperson’s remarks
Councillor Webb welcomed everyone to the meeting.

6.     Apologies for absence - To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Clerk prior to the meeting
Cllr Day had sent his apologies for absence of which the Parish Councillors were aware of the reason of which it was resolved to accept this reason.

7.     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.

8.    Notes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 13th April 2026 - 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 Crawford and with no objections it was resolved to accept these notes as a true and accurate record.

9.    Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) 2025/26
a)     To receive the report of the internal auditor and RFO’s response.
The report from the Internal Auditor had been circulated to the Parish Councillors. It was relayed that the previous year’s expenditure was more due to the cost incurred relating to changing of the 73 street lights to part-time LEDs. It was thereby proposed by Cllr Crawford, seconded by Cllr Lenton and with no objections it was resolved to recognise the information given in the report.

b)     To receive the Balance Sheet for the year ended 31st March 2026, to be signed by the Chairperson and Responsible Finance Officer.
The Balance Sheet had previously been circulated of which it was proposed by Cllr Armstrong seconded by Cllr Crawford and with no objections to be signed by Cllr Webb and the Responsible Finance Officer S Knowles.

c)     To approve the Annual Governance Statement (Section 1 of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR)) for financial year 2025/26 and authorise signing by the Chairman and Parish Clerk
Section 1 of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return for financial year 2025/26 had been circulated to the Parish Councillors of which it was proposed by Cllr Armstrong seconded by Cllr Crawford and with no objections authorised to be signed by Cllr Webb and the Parish Clerk S Knowles.

d)     To approve the Accounting Statements (Section 2 of the AGAR) for financial year 2025/2026 and authorise signing by the Chairperson and Responsible Finance Officer.
Section 2 of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return for financial year 2025/26 had been circulated to the Parish Councillors of which it was proposed by Cllr Crawford seconded by Cllr Lenton and with no objections authorised to be signed by Cllr Webb and the Responsible Finance Officer S Knowles.

10.    Finance
a)     Payment of accounts to be approved

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

b)    To approve renewal of Parish Council Insurance
The renewal of the Parish Council Insurance is due on 1st June 2026. Zurich Municipal has quoted this year £282.55 an increase of £39.59 from the previous year. After discussion it was proposed by Cllr Armstrong seconded by Cllr Crawford and with no objections to accept and pay the Insurance renewal quote.

c)     Additional payments to be approved after setting of the agenda
An invoice has been received from Fishtoft Playing Field and Pavilion Trust in relation to room hire for Parish Council’s meeting held in March 2026 for £40. Following proposal by Cllr Appleyard, seconded by Cllr Crawford and with no objections it was resolved that this payment should be made.

d)     Payments & receipts: since 13th April 2026 - Appendix A
Since the 13th April 2026 three payments had been received - HMRC re VAT Rebate, Allotment Rent and Boston Borough Council re 1st Precept Instalment less the charges for Street Lighting.

e)     Balance of Community Account as of 30th April 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 30th April 2026 was £32,405.19.

f)     Balance of Savings Account as of 30th April 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 30th April 2026 was £35,806.58.

g)    Balance of 32-Day Notice Savings Account as of 30th April 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 30th April 2026 was £36,021.15.

h)    Agree to Transfer funds from Community Account to Savings Account
Following the receipts of the first Precept Instalment and the VAT Refund the Responsible Financial Officer recommended to transfer £20,000 from the Community Account to the Savings Account so that Parish Council funds were benefiting from Interest and just using the Community Account for day to day running as there should be sufficient funds remaining within it until the second precept instalment is received.
Following proposal by Cllr Lenton, seconded by Cllr Crawford and with no objections it was resolved to transfer the funds.

i)    Grant request from Fishtoft Playing Field & Pavilion
This agenda item was deferred until the information as requested had been received.

11.     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)    Street Names – Wainfleet Road development
The Parish Councillors were confused on the proposal for the Street Names for Wainfleet Road development that had been submitted for consultation. After an explanation was given for the choice by BBC Cllr Scoot being that this was linked with the 30-year Japanese exchange and that there was already a “Little Boston” associated in Japan that he thought that it would be good to do something here and that they would see this as an honour. Though it was believed that the pronunciation of some these streets may be a bit problematic. Following the explanation of the recommendation it was deemed that this would be a good choice and that the suggestions specified by the Parish Councillors be used with other developments within the parish in the future.

The Parish Councillors thought that a sign should be erected at the development to inform everyone the reason why these street names were chosen.

b)    Street Names – Land adj. Woodbine Cottage, 184 Fishtoft Road, Fishtoft
There were no objections with the proposed name of Walnut Close.

At 7.22pm it was approved to go back to Agenda Item 4

LCC Cllr Arundell gave the following report:
•    Good work record with regards to pot holes on Church Green Road of which he had received correspondence from residents relaying how excellent the work was.
•    Queried the matter associated with the request for footpath along Church Green Road. Cllr Armstrong relayed why this was required and informed him of the exact vicinity where it was required.
•    Outer Dowsing project is set to be finished by 2030 and reported on the recent planning committee meeting which was associated with this and the proposed pylons that following deliberation and resolution they were not in favour of this application.

Parish Councillors also relayed about the speeding of lorries within the parish and using routes that were not actually suitable for them.

Cllr Lenton asked about the proposed Dual Carriageway of which Cllr Arundell relayed that Richard Tice MP had recently done an article on his website regarding this and recommended looking at this.

At 7.31pm it was resolved to back to agenda order

c)     Planning Reports and Information received including Planning Application decisions
The following planning applications have been granted full planning permission:
•    B/26/0085 – Erection of double garage at Marsh Farm Bungalow, Wythes Lane, Fishtoft
•    B/22/0369 – Outline Planning permission for the erection of 52 dwellings and associated works at land to the south of 41, Church Green Road, Fishtoft
•    B/26/0067 – Proposed extensions and alterations to form annexe and garaging at Pear Tree House, 163 Church Green Road, Fishtoft
•    B/26/0072 – Change of use from a mixed-use development consisting of a dwelling (C3) and Bed and Breakfast (C1) into a single dwelling house and annexe (C3) at The Limes, Horncastle Road, Cowbridge, Boston

12.    Highway - To consider and make observations associated with Highways matters that are not associated with Appendix B
a)    A16 to Sibsey
Following a review from LCC Highways where they stipulated that this area still did not meet the criteria for reduction in the speed limit it was decided to review this in six months.

b)    Speed Indicator Signs
Cllr Appleyard relayed that these are all set up ready to go with a battery life currently at 80% waiting for the chargers to get them then up to full capacity. The clerk informed that they had been found at the vicinity where they were being stored waiting collection.

13.      Members reports and business
a)     Fishtoft 400 Community Group: Any updates from Councillor Armstrong
Cllr Armstrong had given her report earlier during the Annual Parish Meeting.

b)    Outer Dowsing Liaison Meeting – update from Councillor H Crawford
Cllr Crawford relayed that she had attend the Outer Dowsing Liaison meeting last Tuesday and relayed nothing was mentioned about pylons but the information learnt was what will be coming is AC not DC and do not need any large land converter installation. Work will commence in 2028 for completion in 2030 and will generate enough electricity for 1.6m homes. They are unable to begin at present as the archaeological survey still needs to be carried out. When the lorries start coming in through Fishtoft the only road that they can suitably use is Nunn’s Bridge, otherwise they will just come in through the route of the cables. 

A question was asked to Cllr Crawford if the Parish Council had received any money yet of which the reply was no, and they therefore believed that because there was a tenant this was still being processed and therefore would forward any information to the Parish Council as soon as possible.

c)    Parish Council Website
There was no information to report.

d)    Committees, working groups and representatives - To discuss, update and resolve
Following discussion, it was decided for the assigned posts of Parish Councillors to the relevant committees, working groups and as representatives to other associations or relevant bodies to remain as they currently are but to add a Speed Indicator Working Group to the list.

BBC Cllr Scoot asked if the Parish Council would be interested in any information and help in relation to Emergency Planning of which the Parish Council agreed that this would be helpful.

e)    Fishtoft Primary – Report from Cllr Webb
This item was deferred to the next meeting.

f)    Rochford Tower Hall – update
It was agreed that the original Rochford Tower Hall Committee should communicate with the Parish Council. 
Weeds are excessively growing around the vicinity of which a quote for the work had been received by BBC Cllr Staples of which had been forwarded to the Parish Council. Via email Cllr Day recommended that the Parish Council should pay for the work but reimburse this at a later date from the Rochford Tower Hall Committee. Following discussion, it was resolved to agree to this quote and ask for the work to be carried out and to invoice the Parish Council for a reimbursement from the Rochford Tower Hall Committee once things were more established.

g)    Parish Council Liaison Meeting – Tuesday 16th June 2026
A Parish Council Liaison Meeting is being held on Tuesday 16th June 2026 of which Cllrs Armstrong and Webb agreed to attend.

h)    Light outside Fishtoft Playing Field Pavilion – update
Correspondence had been received from the Fishtoft Playing Field Pavillion Committees Secretary that there are now 3 lights outside the Pavilion. One facing the car park which has been in place for some time but the sensor was broken and has been repaired. Also 2 sensor lights one over the key safe and one near the outside Portaloo.

14.     Correspondence received, Events & Reports - To discuss any correspondence received including after setting of agenda
An email has been received from a reporter in relation to the thoughts of Fishtoft Parish Council in regards to the recent report of a new Aldi Store being sited off Wainfleet Road.

Aldi had not contacted the Parish Council previously to receiving this email of which the clerk researched and found a consultation relating to this which she circulated to the Parish Councillors though the reply to this ended on 10th May 2026, one day prior to the meeting.

Cllr Crawford relayed that she had replied to the consultation stipulating that the linear approach was not suitable and would be more of a square. Also suggested that in peak times Wainfleet Road can be congested and this would add real problems traffic ways therefore something would need to be done at the roundabout to aid with the movement of the traffic along with requirement for pavements and appropriate crossings. Cllr Crawford also relayed that she thought that it would be a good idea if they could put in either a Community Hall or Social Hub. Though in all the proposal was generally a good idea but envisage a lot of difficulties associated with this. Cllr Crawford also relayed that she thought that it would be a good idea if they could put in either a Community Hall or Social Hub.

Email had been received from TA Blackamore in regards to his quote relating to grass maintenance and if he would like the Parish Council for him to do the work. The Pairsh Councillors were concerned about previously being invoiced monthly on a pro rata basis of the work but unsure if all was being carried out as required and therefore suggested that a contract be in place to stipulate various conditions but the Parish Council required the exact areas that were covered in the original agreement that was set up with him and previous Parish Councillors when Boston Borough Council were relinquishing their responsibility for grass maintenance. BBC Cllr Sharpe had made an enquiry on behalf of the Parish Council but no record was found of the areas passed from Boston Borough Council to Fishtoft Parish Council, therefore they recommended that we look at what information is held at the Land Registry. Therefore, the clerk asked for permission to search the Land Registry records which will incur fees of which it was agreed.

15.     Fix My Street, Highways and Boston Borough Council - To receive any updates on reported issues Appendix B
Cllr Crawford relayed that she would go through the report and forward the clerk any updated information. It was relayed that Item 1 was no longer valid. Item 2 and 3 had no trace of any information on Fix My Street. Item 4 on 7th May 2026 it relayed that his was to be investigated (2890699). Item 5 had no trace of any information on Fix My Street. Item 6 information passed for evaluation to LCC Cllr Arundell. Item 7 Work commencing 20th May 2026.

Additional matters noted were 78 Pilleys Lane (2889881) High Hedge – Highways investigating

Therefore, it was suggested to start refresh the report and any information added when known.

16.     Dates for future confirmed meetings

There being no further business the meeting finished at 7.56pm.