2026 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

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

PRESENT:     Councillor Geoff Day presiding as Chairperson
Councillor Helen Crawford acting as Parish Council Clerk
Councillors Lucy Webb, Elizabeth Armstrong, Richard Lenton, Steve Appleyard and Joff Williams

LCC Cllr Alistair Arundell

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

LCC Cllr Arundell gave his report (See Appendix C) and then left the meeting.

Apologies were received from BBC Cllr Staples and Cllr Sharpe who had previously submitted their reports (See Appendix D)

No apologies were received from Lincolnshire County Councillor French or Boston Borough Councillor Scoot.

The meeting opened at 7.25pm

1.    Chairman’s remarks
Cllr Day welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked Cllr Webb for previously presiding as Chairperson in his absence.

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
There were no Declarations of Interest received.

4.     Notes of the Annual Parish Council Meeting held on 8th June 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 Webb 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 Webb, seconded by Cllr Armstrong and with no objections it was resolved that these payments should be made.

An invoice from TA Blackamore Ltd for £4279.05 in relation to pro rata of Ground Maintenance for April, May and June 2026 had been presented to the Parish Council for payment. Previously it had been decided that payment should be delayed pending a response from Mr Blackamore concerning the lack of communication for several areas not having been cut.  It was proposed by Cllr Webb that when the response from Mr Blackamore is known to the Councillors that the deferred payment be made.  This proposal was seconded by Cllr Armstrong and with no objections, it was resolved to agree payment to Mr Blackmore pending his response to the Parish Council concerns.

b)    Additional payments to be approved after setting of the agenda
One invoice had been received from TA Blackmore Ltd for £168 in regard to weed spraying around Rochford Tower Hall.  Following proposal by Cllr Armstrong, seconded by Cllr Day and with no objections it was resolved that this payment should be made.

c)     Payments & receipts: since 8th June 2026: Appendix A
Since the 8th June 2026 one payment had been made relating to Bank charges.

d)     Balance of Community Account as of 30th June 2026
All members had received a copy of the bank statement via email prior to the meeting which showed that balance of the bank account as of 30th June 2026 was £11,227.72.

e)    Balance of Savings Account as of 30th June 2026
All members had received a copy of the bank statement via email prior to the meeting which showed that balance of the bank account as of 30th June 2026 was £55,844.46.

f)    Balance of 32-Day Notice Savings Account as at 30th June 2026
All members had received a copy of the bank statement via email prior to the meeting which showed that balance of the bank account as of 30th June 2026 was £36,132.73.

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/26/0250 - Proposed food store, drive-thru coffee shop, petrol filling station and car parking including creation of new access and associated works at Land to the South of Wainfleet Road, Fishtoft, Boston.
Councillors raised concern that the proposal was a large frontage on Wainfleet Road and proposed that it be turned 90 degrees to lie alongside the new housing development.  Councillors also considered that the proposal raised serious traffic management concerns and felt that access to the site should be from within the new housing estate and with a roundabout on the A52 Wainfleet Road.

b)     B/26/0260 - Erection of 1 dwelling at 187, Church Green Road, Fishtoft, Boston, PE21 0RN
There were no objections to this planning application

c)    Planning Reports and Information received including Planning Application decisions
Full planning permission has been granted to B/26/0178 – Erection of new cladded store building at Westfield, Sibsey Road, Fishtoft, Boston PE22 0RL.

7.    Highway - To consider and make observations associated with Highways matters that are not associated with Appendix B
a)    Street lights within Parish
BBC Cllr Sharpe has discussed the overhanging tree on Gaysfield Road with the owner of the land who has agreed to cut the branches back when the weather cools down.  Councillors agreed to review the correspondence from BBC on this matter at that time.

b)    Take on responsibility of other open spaces within the Parish to be maintained.
The Councillors are not aware that BBC holds other open spaces but Cllr Armstrong said that BBC Cllr Staples had raised concerns that the Parish may be cutting areas that are not their responsibility.  Cllr Armstrong asked the Parish clerk to write to Mr Blackamore to provide a list of the areas he is cutting to confirm it agrees with the Parish Council.

c)    Dog Poo Bin Chestnut Road/The Chase
Cllr Crawford has visited the area and seen no evidence of dog waste being left.  There was also little evidence of litter.  However, although the grass is not growing the weeds are and asked that the clerk write to Mr Blackamore and confirm schedule of cuts for the area.  Cllr Crawford said that she would ensure signage regarding the collection of dog waste is placed in the area and asked the clerk to issue to the resident a copy of the Litter & Dog Bin Policy from BBC requesting that they complete it as fully as possible.  On receipt of this, further consideration may be given to the matter by the Councillors.

8.      Members reports and business
a)     Fishtoft 400 Community Group- Any updates 
Cllr Armstrong advised there is no update.

b)    Parish Council Website
This was deemed to be fine.

c)    Update from Cllr Appleyard in regards to Noticeboard, Lectern and Bench
Cllr Appleyard confirmed that the bench was now in place on the corner of Pilleys Lane and Sibsey Road.

Cllr Crawford advised that a resident of Pilleys Lane has given her a cheque for £100 as a contribution towards the cost of the bench.  The Councillors asked that the clerk write to the resident thanking them for this contribution.  

Cllr Appleyard advised that there has been a problem obtaining hardwood but understood that a delivery should be received this week for both the noticeboard and lectern.

Cllr Armstrong advised that the Perspex screen on the Parish Council noticeboard on Eastwood Road has been smashed.  There are also 2 new padlocks on it, the keys for which are held by the Co-Op.  

d)    Rochford Tower Hall – update from Cllr Day
Cllr Day understands that BBC Cllr Scoot now holds the financial documents for Rochford Tower Hall and will confirm this with him.  He has attended the Hall with an architect and a builder and their advice is that the hall is in good condition and subject to the structural engineers' approval, a partial re-opening of the Hall could be possible.

Cllr Webb will ask Fishtoft Scouts if they would be willing and able to help clear the weeds at the Hall.  

e)    Hobhole Wooded Area – Report from Cllr Day
Cllr Day reported that Anglian Water have cleared a section of the wooded area to conduct tests.  It is unclear where they propose to place the new pumping station.  In the meantime, he has arranged to meet representatives from HMP North Sea Camp to place 3 wire figures at the site. 

f)    Unauthorised business in Rider Gardens 
Cllr Crawford advised that she has spoken with another resident of Rider Gardens living close to the property concerned and they have no problem with the business.  Their impression is that all food is pre-booked and paid for and collections are made very quickly.  Some vehicles use the drive of an adjoining property to manoeuvre their vehicles but no complaint has been received from that resident.  From the information available it would seem that Boston Borough is aware of the business and have no concerns about it.  Whilst Councillors sympathise with the views of the complainant, we are not in a position to override BBC's position.  

g)    Parish Council Liaison Meeting report from Cllrs Day and Armstrong
Cllrs Day and Armstrong were disappointed with the poor attendance by other Parish Councils at this meeting and said that it had given information on the new food waste collection system.  This is due to commence on September 29th and could involve amended collection days for residents.  
They were also told that a decision on the Unitary Authority should be received later this month.  This could result in an increase of work for Parish Councils.

9.     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
Councillors confirmed their approval of these responses.
•    Lincolnshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan: Proposed Submission Version Regulation 19 consultation
Councillors highlighted that the consultation plan ran to 174 pages with 19 supporting documents and it is not realistic for a layperson to comment on this.
•    Letter received re Fishtoft Playing Field Trees
Cllr Lenton has written to the Playing Fields Trust on this matter and the Trust holds its' AGM on 14 July. He may know more after this.  Cllr Webb opined that if there are TPOs on the trees it could be a difficult and expensive problem to resolve.
•    Letter received re Speeding and Drainage issues in Sibsey Road
The clerk is asked to again seek LRSP authority to set a temporary speed indicator sign on Sibsey Road and to request a speed enforcement van.    
The resident will be advised in the first instance to raise the matter of blocked drains on FMS.
•    Cllr Armstrong has been approached by residents of Saxon Gardens concerning a tree on the corner with Clampgate Road restricting drivers' view.  She has spoken with the resident of the property concerned and they have said they will lop the tree.
•    10 Pilleys Lane
Cllr Crawford has been approached by neighbours of the property concerned about overgrown gardens and vermin.  BBC Cllr Staples has raised this with BBC Housing Officer.
•    White House Lane – Interactive Speed Sign
LRSP have agreed to consider sites on White House Lane to fix temporary speed sign.  Cllr Staples to be advised.

10.     Fix My Street, Highways and Boston Borough Council - To receive any updates on reported issues Appendix B
It was agreed that the reference to Scalp Road could be removed.  The clerk is to write to Cllr Arundell to ascertain progress on the extension of the footpath along Church Green Road.

11.     Dates for future confirmed meetings

12.    To decide to go into close session to discuss the following agenda items

At 8.15pm it was proposed by Cllr Day, seconded by Cllr Crawford and with no objections it was resolved to go into close session 

a) Outer Dowsing – Update and Discuss Easement Agreement
Cllr Crawford had circulated to members the result of her discussion with Kathy Partridge, the former Parish Council clerk who advised that the current tenant did not succeed his father to the tenancy and commenced the tenancy after 1 September 1995.  In the absence of evidence that the Parish Council at the time agreed the tenancy would fall within the framework of Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 (AHA), Councillors are satisfied that the tenancy is deemed a Farm Business Tenant (FBT) and therefore maintain their offer of 10% of easement.

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.

b)  Grass Maintenance Areas and Contract
Several areas of this matter had been discussed earlier in the meeting.  Councillors agreed that once areas of responsibility have been confirmed with TA Blackamore, a formal contract should be raised.

The meeting closed at 8.21pm

Appendix A

Item 5c on agenda    
FISHTOFT PAYMENTS AND RECEIPTS FOR PERIOD
JUNE 2026

Payments approved at 8th June 2026 meeting 

Payments made since 8th June 2026 meeting

Appendix B 
Item 10 on agenda            FixMyStreet, LCC & BBC

Appendix C
LCC Cllr Arundell

As many will know, the Tour of Britain Men’s cycling race will come through Boston and Skegness in September, supported by both Boston Borough Council and Lincolnshire County Council. As this is a huge event for both the region and the county, I can confirm that there will be some improvements to the infrastructure around the county to ensure that the roads are suitable for the race.

The start and finish of the race will be in Lincoln, with Boston and Skegness also both featuring prominently.

I’ve had a few complaints recently about parking on Church Green Road. I have spoken to officers regarding this and they’ve advised the following response: We have received previous enquiries regarding the parking issue, as a consequence an assessment was completed in 2025, the site did not meet the criteria for any action to be justified, unless circumstances have altered significantly, we will not reassess so soon. We would advise people to report issues via Parking enforcement – Lincolnshire County Council

There are a number of reasons why some properties experience vibration, these reasons can include but are not limited to, condition and type of foundation, subsoil type, water table fluctuation, service pipes to the property. We would suggest anyone experiencing such issues to contact their insurers who may send a building surveyor to assess the situation.

Church Green Road is a Hierarchy 3 route, considered a local road which provide a good quality connection between the main settlements to the MRN, H1 and H2 roads, including rural bus routes and links to major HGV generators. There are no restrictions in place for larger vehicles using this route.

A complaint was raised to Councillor Scoot regarding tree regress into a dyke on Wythes Lane. Following various correspondences between Anglian Water, Witham Fourth Drainage Board and LCC Highways officers, my colleagues have confirmed they will request officers to attend the site and assess the overgrown trees.

Both Val and I have been in communication with Design Technicians at Highways looking at the 40mph proposal for a currently listed 60mph area on Brand End Road / Homers Lane. Officers will undertake an assessment in the next couple of weeks to see if the area meets the criteria set out in Lincolnshire County Councils Speed limit Policy for a reduction in speed limit. 

I am delighted to also announce that I have given my full support to LCC Travel Projects Team to install a new real-time Bus Information Display near to the junction of Rimmington Road. 

The stop is currently Custom & Practice (C&P) stops with no formal markers indicating their precise locations. While C&P stops have historically supported hail and ride usage, they do not provide passengers with the same clarity, security and confidence as formalised stops. 

Physical infrastructure helps passengers identify where to wait and can display timetable information to support their understanding of the service.

As many will have seen and heard, Aldi have submitted a planning application for a new development near to The Ball House, between the new housing estate being built and the pub on Wainfleet Road, with another junction to be constructed, a matter of meters from the new junction to the housing estate. 

I have asked our development and planning teams to look into the layout of this, and to maybe suggest alternative access arrangements to the site, either as a single entrance / exit to the housing estate, supermarket and petrol station, installation of traffic lights at this singular junction or building a roundabout. 

I have also requested that consideration to be given to the financial element of these highway changes and that the developer should either contribute or fully fund the changes to ensure that traffic flow is kept steady once both the housing estate and retail park have been fully completed.

Appendix D

BBC Cllr Staples
Good Afternoon everyone,
 
It has been a busy week or so dealing with a variety of complaints and issues: -

1.    Robert at 205, Church Green Road has contacted all three of us regarding the concerns he raised at Parish Council last month.  I explained that attempts had been made by all of us to try and get Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership to look at the speeding along CGR, also that the Police had been involved with the poor parking of two Luton Vans at the neighbouring property to no avail.
He is also accusing his neighbour of speeding in his new BMV and is annoyed that, yet another vehicle is now at his neighbour’s property, l explained that this is not Council business we cannot control how many vehicles people possess and speeding should be reported immediately and directly to the Police.  He is displeased at the number of large tractors and lorries that use Church Green Road, I gently suggested that perhaps when purchasing his property, the relevant searches had failed to inform him or his son that their property is situated in a semi-rural location within the heart of our Countries Vegetable Growing Industry and that large tractors are part of our everyday life, the lorries are in route to Havenside Industrial Park.  He stated that cracks were appearing in their property as a result of the heavy traffic flow, that’s subject to a structural engineers’ report, l feel.

Complaints were also levied about the overgrown dyke opposite; this l have dealt with. The field belongs to T.H.Clements of Benington, l have emailed them and asked them to do the necessary mowing work, no response to date.

2.    Dust from Seagate Development, Wainfleet Road. Alan Watts the Enforcement Officer is dealing with this; l will update you when l am able to although certain measures have been taken to mitigate it.
3.    Tree on the corner of Burton Croft Road is restricting the visibility when pulling out onto CGR, again l have emailed T.H.Clements as its on their property …. To date no reply.
4.    Nettles coming through onto Bladon Est. resident’s footpath, field belongs to Peter Woods and is rented to T.H.Clements , again have contacted them to date no action or response.
5.    10 Pilleys Lane, Boston is an empty property which is causing concern due to its neglect. This is now on the Empty Homes Register and an officer at BBC is making every effort to contact family of the owner, who has been dead over 3 years.
6.    Agae on the Maud Foster water course, the responsibility of the EA who basically haven’t sufficient funding to deal with it to the standard our complainant requires.
7.    It has been reported that a property 66, Rider Gardens in running an Indian Take Away from there, personally l have yet to witness any evidence, this again is in the capable hands of Alan Watts, Enforcement Office.
 
AROUND THE BOROUGH
 
We have been asked if we and Fishtoft Parish Councillors will support Old Leake and Wrangle Parish Councils regarding the speeding on the A52, we have all witnessed this and l hope we can all offer our support in trying to stop reckless driving by lobbying our LCC Councillors.
 
Boston Arthritis Support Group meets on the 22nd July at the Norton Lea Hospital Café on London Road, 5pm -7pm.
 
The Rev. Val Ogden is leaving Boston Centenary and Methodist Circuit on Friday 24th July for pastures new in London, she will be greatly missed for her energy, drive and compassion to those less fortunate than ourselves.

There will be a chance to say goodbye between 3 and 5pm on Friday 24th July at the Centenary followed by an act of Worship at 6pm.
 
Hay -Lincolnshire is a new Youth Activities Service aimed to help young people between 6 to 18 years of age    . This may well be useful for us and our plans for the future of Rochford Tower Hall.
 
Saturday 18th July at 10am -a new group is being started at Asda Café for LGBTQ, plans are for this to take place on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. I will go along on Saturday to offer my support as Communities and People sit Under my umbrella.
 
3rd September The Lloyds Tour of Britain Men’s Cycle Race is coming to Boston, and from the reception in the Market Place it will progress onto John Adams Way and Horncastle Road … our patch!
So, Margaret Ordway and l along with Liz Armstrong and members of the Fishtoft 400 Community Group, supported by Sarah and David too have already got our creative hats on and are: -
1.    Going to produce a leaflet to send to every household in that area encouraging them to make flags and come out at cheer the men on.
2.    School go back that day; however, we will email the schools before they break up asking if some of the children can come along although we are mindful of the road safety issue.
3.    Cash Prize for the best Adults Decorated Cycle and also for the best Childs Decorated Cycle.
 
19th July in the Market Place The Strongest Man Competition
 
2nd August BFest Music Festival in the Park
Well over 3,500 tickets have gone, these are free
You are able to take into The Park your own food and soft drink.
 
3rd September Boston’s Flea Market if Parish Council, charity or group you know would like a stall please contact either me or Cllr Suzanne Welberry  Suzanne.welberry@boston.gov.uk 
All stalls are free of charge our aim is for this to be bigger and better than last year.
 
Food Waste Caddies any issues or problems more information is available on www.boston.gov/foodwaste or come to Fishtoft 400 tomorrow.
 
My apologies for not attending this evening, l am at Full Council.
 
BBC Cllr Sharpe
Ward Issues
Over recent weeks, a number of issues have been reported across the ward, and we are working with officers to ensure these are addressed as quickly as possible. These include overgrown hedges, to pot holes, and concerns regarding the increasing weed growth on the Maud Foster.

The current spell of very warm weather has accelerated vegetation growth, making many of these issues more apparent. Officers are aware of the concerns raised and are progressing the necessary work where appropriate.

Following concerns raised regarding the tree surrounding the street light opposite the Scout Hut, I can confirm that this will be trimmed once the weather cools down. 

The resurfacing has taken place along Fishtoft Road; however, Church Green Road still remains to be done. Three dates have come and gone, and signs are still up saying it will happen in June. This is disappointing, and I have emailed Cllr Arundell again for an update. 

Anglian Water Repiping Works
I recently emailed all members regarding the proposed Anglian Water repiping works, and I hope everyone received the information.

Upcoming Events
Residents may wish to note the following events taking place within the borough over the coming weeks:
•    Boston strongest and Food Fest – Sunday 19th July, Boston Market Place, for the third year running there will be athletes from all over the UK and Europe going head-to-head in a series of demanding strength challenges alongside wide range of street food vendors and this year there is also a dedicated ‘kids’ zone’ with free activities such as face-painting and balloon modelling
•    B-Fest 2026 – Sunday 2 August 2026, Central Park, Boston. A free live music festival featuring local artists, tribute acts, food traders, family activities and entertainment throughout the day. Tickets are available on Eventbrite
•    Boston Skate Jam – Saturday 22 August 2026, Central Park Skatepark. A day dedicated to skateboarding, BMX and scooter enthusiasts as part of the Borough Council's summer events programme. 
•    6 Weeks of Summer Activities – Weekly family activities taking place every Wednesday from 22 July to 26 August in Central Park, providing a variety of free activities for children and families. 
•Summer Activities at Boston Guildhall – over the summer holidays there are free family activities at Boston Guildhall every Wednesday through to Saturday during the 6-week holiday. From trails around the museum to earn stickers, to dressing up and ‘archaeological digs’ there’s plenty going on