2026 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

Minutes of Fishtoft Parish Council meeting held Monday 8th June 2026 at
The Pavilion, Fishtoft Playing Fields, Fishtoft commencing at 7pm

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

BBC Cllrs David Scoot, Sarah Sharpe and Helen Staples
Fishtoft Parish Council Clerk – Sarah Knowles

PUBLIC FORUM
There was one member of the public in attendance of which the following questions/made short statements to the Parish Council:
•    Parking of various vehicles are blocking the views of oncoming traffic from both ways mainly between 203 to 207 Church Green Road and also the visibility of the sign depicting double bends.
•    Lorries and tractors speeding that have bouncing movements are causing vibration to the existing poor road condition, which are having effects on the resident’s home forming cracks. Plus, the constant vibration from early morning vehicles is waking up other residents.

BBC Cllrs Scoot, Staples and Sharpe gave their reports (See Appendix C).

No apologies were received from Lincolnshire County Councillors Arundell or French

The meeting opened at 7.37pm

The clerk informed the Parish Councillors that Cllr Day had signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office of Chairperson of Fishtoft Parish Council for 2026/27 of which as Proper Officer witnessed the signature.

1.    To consider any application for co-option to vacancies of Parish Councillors
Mr Joff Williams who had previously been a Fishtoft Parish Councillor had shown interest into being co-opted onto Fishtoft Parish Council. Following deliberation, it was proposed by Cllr Armstrong, seconded by Cllr Crawford and with no objections it was resolved to co-opt Mr Williams onto the Parish Council.

2.    Chairman’s remarks
Cllr Webb welcomed everyone to the meeting.

3.     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.

4.     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.

5.     Notes of the Annual Parish Council Meeting held on 11th May 2026 - To resolve as a correct record and to authorise the Chairman to sign the official minutes
After an amendment had been made to the notes prior to the meeting, it was proposed by Cllr Appleyard, seconded by Cllr Lenton and with no objections it was resolved to accept these notes as a true and accurate record.

6.    Finance
a)     Payment of accounts to be approved

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

An invoice from TA Blackamore Ltd for £2852.71 in relation to pro rata of Ground Maintenance for April and May 2026 had been presented to the Parish Council for payment but as several areas over the two months had not been cut due to learning that the contractor had mechanical problems of which had not been addressed directly to the Parish Council it was proposed by Cllr Williams that payment should be withheld until the ground maintenance had been rectified and to inform them that communication would have been appreciated and in the future to relay any information as soon as possible when there is a problem or issue relating to the ground maintenance. This was seconded by Cllr Crawford and with no objections it was resolved to withhold the payment and relay the reason to Mr Blackamore.

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 11th May 2026: Appendix A
Since the 11th May 2026 one payment had been received in relation to allotment rent and one payment had been made relating to Bank charges.

d)     Balance of Community Account as of 31st May 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 May 2026 was £12,345.85.

e)    Balance of Savings Account as of 31st May 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 May 2026 was £55,822.28.
 
f)    Balance of 32-Day Notice Savings Account as at 31st May 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 May 2026 was £36,074.17.

7.     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/26/0203 – Area 1: Installation of new GRP Substation on brick plinth and Area 2: Installation of new Air Handling Unit (AHU) including supply and extract ducts at Pilgrim Hospital, Sibsey Road, Boston, PE21 9QS
There were no objections to this planning application.

The clerk relayed that A notice of acceptance of an application for a Development Consent Order by the Planning Inspectorate (on behalf of the Secretary of State) under Section 56 of the Planning Act 2008 – EN010169 - Meridian Solar Farm will comprise the construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning of a solar photovoltaic (PV) and electrical battery storage generating facility with a generation capacity of up to 750MW. This will include the associated development and infrastructure required to facilitate a connection to the National Grid.

b)    Planning Reports and Information received including Planning Application decisions
Full planning permission has been granted to 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, PE21 0SA

Prior approval has been refused in relation to B/26/0179 – Schedule 2, Part 1, Class A for proposed single storey extension and internal alterations at 98, Eastwood Road, Fishtoft, PE21 0PN

Planning permission has been refused in relation to 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, PE21 0QX

7.    Highways - To consider and make observations associated with Highways matters that are not associated with Appendix B
a)    Street lights within Parish
An email had been received from Boston Borough Council in relation to the following street lights:
•    S/L 8 Gaysfield Road – (opposite Scout group). The LED lantern has been damaged by the tree branches. The canopy was hanging and the lantern had filled with water, so our engineer removed it as it was a danger to the public.
•    S/L 9 Clampgate Road & S/L 16 Pilleys Lane- both these old columns are dented and S/L 9 Clampgate Road is showing signs of rust at the base.

Following discussion, it was relayed to contact the owners of the properties where the overhanging trees had aided with the malfunctions. The Parish Council do not own the lampposts therefore any issues directly relating to these were the responsible of the other authority to resolve (whether Boston Borough Council or Lincolnshire County Council. During the meeting BBC Cllr Sharpe relayed that she had contacted to owner of the property of Gaysfield Road and the reply came back to say that they will rectify this as soon as possible. Therefore, until the matter regarding the trees was dealt with it was decided to defer any decision regarding any action relating to the street lights to the next meeting.

b)    Scalp Road – Thanks to Boston Borough Council
The Parish Council relayed a thank you to the Boston Borough Councillor ward members for their help in resurfacing Scalp Road.

c)    Interactive Speed Signs
The speed sign has now been erected in Eastwood Road. However, it was relayed by Cllr Appleyard that the batteries were not holding charge as well as expected therefore thought it maybe best to purchase another set of spare batteries. Of which the clerk asked permission which was granted to go ahead and purchase another set.

Cllr Appleyard also mentioned that he was unable to download the data from the speed indicators, of which Cllr Crawford said that she would take on the responsibility for doing this.

The question was then asked on how often should these signs be manoeuvred within the parish designated approved areas. It was agreed that every six weeks would probably be a more sensible option to avoid road users’ knowledge that they were there but enough time for data to be collected and analysed for future decision on having speed indicators in a permanent location. The next areas that were decided for the speed indicators to be located were Priory Road and Church Green Road.

BBC Cllr Staples relayed earlier in the meeting that a resident had asked about having a speed indicator in White House Lane, but as permission had not been granted by Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership for one to be sited there for the present moment this could not be done. However, the clerk said that she will contact the relevant officer and see if this area could be reviewed.

8.      Members reports and business
a)     Fishtoft 400 Community Group- Any updates 
Cllr Armstrong relayed the following information:
•    A grant has been received of £480 from the Eleemosynary Charity to pay for the bus for the groups Annual outing and another grant of £4750 from Grantscape. This grant was applied for to help with venue hiring costs for holding the groups weekly sessions 

b)    Parish Council Website
These was deemed to be fine.
 
c)    Update from Cllr Appleyard in regards to Noticeboard, Lectern and Bench
Cllr Appleyard relayed that the Bench should be ready soon. It has already had three stains and then five coats of Danish oil will be applied. The delay is due to the time span each coat is required to be applied before adding the next one.

The noticeboards have not been started on yet, but feel that they are now going to go for metal posts as the previous wooden ones just snapped off when removed from its location, of which should be able to bring in at the cost as originally quoted. The work on the lectern will begin once the other jobs have been completed.

d)    Rochford Tower Hall - update
Cllr Crawford relayed that herself and Cllr Day are now on as new trustees on the Charity Commissions website of which Cllr Crawford informed that she is now the contact for the trustees for the hall and Charity Commission. 

Cllr Staples has organised a meeting with Shine Together Lincolnshire, which help and support organisations of which the hope is to guide the new trustees with the current situation of taking over with the knowledge the hall has serious problems, and before she agrees herself to be trustee wants reassurance that no one is culpable for any previous actions or failings of the previous trustees. 

Cllr Crawford relayed that all four of the previous trustees want to resign of which Mr Daubney has relayed that he has no keys or documents. Going to see what documentation is with either Janet and Janice Vickers of which a query has been raised who is going to be the Treasurer of which it has been relayed to be Cllr Scoot.

Cllr Staples relayed that she has been in contact with Richard Hardy who use to own the land that the Village Hall is on the off chance they have knowledge of the Deed of Covenant.

Cllr Lenton relayed that he has been speaking with the structural engineer of which he has instructed his builder to go ahead but this has not to date occurred but a full report of what is required to be done to the building will be forwarded soon.

e)    Fishtoft Primary – Report from Cllr Webb
Cllr Webb has sent a report from Fishtoft Primary of which has been circulated to the Parish Councillors with information relating to the day-to-day ongoings of the school and its future development.

f)    Outer Dowsing – Discuss Agreement 
This item was deferred to later in the meeting.

g)    Ground Maintenance agreement/contract
This was discussed previously in the meeting.

10.     Correspondence received, Events & Reports - To discuss any correspondence received including after setting of agenda
•    Response from Chairperson Cllr Day to David Seymours (Boston Standard) e-mail re Proposal for an Aldi on Wainfleet Road
•    Response from Chairperson Cllr Day to David Seymours (Boston Standard) e-mail re Scalp Road
Discussion in relation to this was deferred when Cllr Day would be residing.

11.     Fix My Street, Highways and Boston Borough Council - To receive any updates on reported issues Appendix B
Cllr Crawford relayed that she has gone through Fix My Street specifically reports that have been closed due to nothing being done mainly associated with potholes, uneven roads and footpaths were the reply has come back stipulating that they are not too bad for any work to be done at this moment in time, however to inform them if the things get worse. Though Eastwood Road that is on the Parish Council’s report has been closed but say they have assessed the footway condition and at this time it does not require urgent repair. However, we have identified this location for a larger scale improvement scheme. At this stage we are unable to give specific dates for this or definitely commit to the scheme because we prioritise these schemes based on condition compared with the rest of the County footway network and the resources available to us each year. We will continue to monitor this location as part of our routine inspections of the highway in the meantime. It was suggested to leave this on the report and see what developments have occurred associated with this in six months’ time.

12.     Dates for future confirmed meetings

At 8.28pm it was proposed by Cllr Crawford, seconded by Cllr Armstrong and with no objections it was resolved to go into close session and discuss agenda item 8f) Outer Dowsing – Discuss Agreement

It was relayed that the Parish Council’s solicitor had corresponded in relation to the easement associated with the land that is being tenanted and that the tenant wants 25% of the monies. It has been discovered that there is no written tenancy agreement and it is understood that the tenancy had an oral AHA Tenancy Agreement, but there is no proof of this. Therefore, how would the Parish Council like to move forward with this bearing in mind if no agreement is made the easement can be withdrawn and no parties will receive anything.

Following discussion it was proposed by Cllr Crawford, seconded by Cllr Armstrong and with no objections it was resolved to continue with the offer of 10% of the monies.

The meeting closed at 8.36pm

Appendix A

Item 6c on agenda 

FISHTOFT PAYMENTS AND RECEIPTS FOR PERIOD MAY 2026

Payments approved at 11th May 2026 meeting

Payments received since 11th May 2026 meeting

Payments made since 11th May 2026 meeting

Appendix B

Item 10 on agenda                                   FixMyStreet, LCC & BBC

Appendix C
BBC Cllr Staples
Firstly, Highway Issues of which Church Green Road is a concern.
There has been an increase HGV usage along White House Lane heading to Haven Business Park, of which Cllr Sharpe witness one catch telephone cables recently. Complaints about the footpath on the bend of White House Lane is very narrow and the resident believes that this contravenes the 1980 Highway Safety Act. Also speeding within this vicinity, the safety of the mini roundabout and overhanging trees along with the safety of the children crossing to go to Hawthorne Tree School have concerns. Along with Cllr Scoot several months ago they had a ride around with a Highways Officer which to no avail anything has been done. 

Questions relating to these were recently raised to the Borough’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee of which at their latest meeting of LCC Portfolio Holder for Highways was supposed to be in attendance but failed to show. However, these will be submitted to him directly and wait his response. 

The question was asked to the Parish Council if a Speed Indicator Device could be sited along White House Lane to help pacify the local residents whom are raising their concerns.

Scalp Road is finally open and is being well used again. Though complaints have been received regarding the vegetation within this area. So, Cllr Staples relayed that she has asked the Environmental Agency if they could cut back within this vicinity for clearer visibility, though appreciate that this may not be done immediately due to nesting season.

There are ongoing issues associated with The Market Place with slabs coming out. Concerns have been raised with highways on numerous occasions by the ward councillors for this area. Sadly, a resident from Fishtoft fell at the zebra crossing of which resulted in fracturing their shoulder badly of which has evolved into that they are having to have a full replacement, of which they are pursuing to take legal action of which she gives her full support.

A Dementia Awareness day on the 20th May was held at St Botolph’s Church of which 785 people attended. This was to provide advice and help for people from a variety of professional organisations.

Last week was Volunteers Week of which many know they are the backbone of the Boston Society of which so many do amazing things which include Liz Armstrong, Helen Crawford and Richard Lenton have shown with the Fishtoft 400 group. It is definitely a flag ship of the volunteering community and the Art Community too. We have been asked to contribute to the Boston 2030 and felt very proud when the knitted Christmas Tree was mentioned.

Recently asked to attend the opening of Shodfriar’s Hall to view the renovations of which a marvellous job has been done. There is an open day on Friday 3rd July of which needs to be booked.

On Wednesday the Licensing Committee will be reviewing the Hackney Carriages, which there has been no increase since 2022. 

On July 19th there is a Strongest Man’s Event and Food Festival.

On 2nd August is B-Fest of which a ticket is required which can be obtained online for free.
BBC Cllr Baxter has set up a new group for sufferers of osteoarthritis of which meet at Norton Lee within the café.

Blackfriars Theatre has unfortunately been broken into twice over the past few days, thanks to volunteers the schedule shows were able to go on.

Cllr Lenton relayed that leading up to Scalp Road is still quite bad with pot holes. BBC Cllr Sharpe replied that she has put these on Fix My Street, of which one response had come back to say the work had been done which clearly hadn’t, so Cllr Staples has forwarded this information to LCC Cllr Arundell to push for these to be rectified. 

Cllr Lenton also asked if Lincolnshire County Council are now going to adopt this road of which Cllr Sharpe replied that though former LCC/BBC Cllr Paul Skinner had informed that correspondence relating to if the work was carried out within Scalp Road, then the County Council will adopt this was forwarded to the new Leader of Boston Borough Council Anne Dorrian but no information has been found in reference to this. Freiston Parish Council were informed by LCC Cllr Arundell that Lincolnshire County Council will have no part in paying for the last part of the road to be refurbished.
Cllr Crawford also asked has it been put to LCC to adopt Scalp Road. Of which Cllr Sharpe replied not at present.

BBC Cllr Scoot
As previously mentioned by BBC Cllr Staples the Highways Portfolio Holder for LCC was supposed to attend the Overview Scrutiny Committee, but cancelled the meeting of which is the third time in doing so. A letter is being forward to the County Council to stipulate that this was not acceptable especially as all questions and queries needed to be in the previous Friday before the meeting on the Thursday. 

Cllr Sharpe had presented a plan to the Overview Scrutiny Committee with one of the ideas being that a Councillor adopts an independent shop within the town and gets then to publicise Boston with flyers etc.

At the latest Planning Committee meeting, following still received queries relating to Gaysfield Road, of which he has spoken to the Director of Planning Phil Norman of which he has kindly agreed to meet with residents.

Correspondence was received from a resident of Wythes Lane about subsiding trees and a blocked dyke opposite. Anglian Water and Witham Fourth District IDB have been contacted. The reply from Anglian Water says that they are looking into this and the one from Witham Fourth have relayed that though this is not their responsibility they will get one of their engineers to review the situation and see if anything can be done.

Cllr Scoot relayed that a resident from Eastwood Road who lives in a LHP property whose has concerns with his neighbours garden who resides majority of the time in a caravan in Skegness and as he did not want to put in a formal complaint, therefore asked if a written list of what needs to be done can be provided of which in reply from LHP, Cllr Scoot relayed that unfortunately he personally had to contact them regarding the issue.

BBC Cllr Sharpe
I would like to begin by highlighting some upcoming events being organised by Boston Borough Council this summer though these have briefly been mentioned previously by Cllr Staples.

Boston's Strongest and Food Fest will return to Boston Market Place on Sunday 19th July, running from 10:00am until 6:00pm. The event promises a fantastic day of entertainment, with strongman competitions taking place alongside a wide range of food stalls and local traders. Entry is free, and it is always a popular event that brings visitors into the town centre.
In addition, the Borough Council will be hosting B-Fest 2026 on Sunday 2nd August in Central Park, Boston, from 12:00pm onwards. This live music festival will feature a variety of performers, food and drink vendors, and family-friendly entertainment. Although entry is free, tickets must be booked in advance via Eventbrite.

Turning to highways matters. We are now on the third promised date from Lincolnshire County Council regarding when resurfacing works will take place on Fishtoft Road and Church Green Road. The latest information indicates that the resurfacing is scheduled to be carried out this week. I am pleased that the old signs, which had unfortunately been left lying on the ground for around two months from the previously advertised dates, have finally been collected and removed. 

Members will also have seen that the unadopted part of Scalp Road has now been fully repaired. The quality of the work completed has been excellent, and it is encouraging to see many more people making use of the road and enjoying the area. The improvement has clearly had a positive impact. On 3rd August, Anglian Water will be carrying out some upgrades to water pipes at the side of Scalp Road, in the fields. This work will take approximately 7 weeks to complete, and they will be moleing under the road near the car park and one point – no digging up of the resurfaced part will be taking place. Our property services manager is in conversation with them over these works.

There are, however, still some larger potholes at the entrance to Scalp Road which have been reported to the LCC. At the time of writing, no remedial action has yet taken place, and I will continue to press for these repairs to be completed.

Finally, from my own portfolio, I am pleased to report that we successfully launched the Culture Compact last week. The Compact will help coordinate cultural activity and investment across the borough and support the wider ambitions set out in the Boston 2030 vision. The launch was well attended, generated positive feedback, and marks an important step in bringing together partners to help deliver a shared vision for Boston's future.