Kirton Parish Council Meeting Minutes
- May 2025

Present

Cllr D. Jarvis Chair, Cllr A. Bowen, Vice Chair, Cllr C. Astill, Cllr M. Elston, Cllr F. Huggins, Cllr T. Hartfil-Allgood, Cllr R. Pryke, Cllr C Rylott & Cllr M. Sohail, Clerk D. Fairweather.

Also Present: fourteen members of the public.

Updates From
Borough Councillors

Cllr Pryke: pothole Woodside reported. Had attended a UKSP briefing detailing further Grant money available.

Cllr Rylott: various potholes reported to Fix My Street.

The Election Of Chair And Completion Of Declaration Of Acceptance Of Office

Cllr Sohail was proposed by Cllr Bowen, seconded Cllr Astill. No further nominations, Unanimous.

To Receive Apologies For Absence And Reasons Given

Cllrs Baillie, Head & O’Connor. All resolved to accept reasons given.

To Receive Declarations Of Interest In Accordance With The Council’s Code Of Conduct Relating To Business On The Agenda

Cllr Rylott – Planning

Cllr Sohail – Member of Town Hall Management Committee.

The Election Of Vice Chair

Cllr Sohail proposed Cllr Bowen, seconded Cllr Pryke. No further nominations. Carried unanimous.

To Elect Parish Council Committee Representatives

a) Finance Committee: Cllrs Astill, Elston, Pryke and Rylott. Proposed on block Cllr Sohail seconded Cllr Bowen. Cllr Head was sure on finance last year. As not at last meeting agreed to include.

b) Human Resources Committee: Cllrs Baillie, Hartfil-Allgood, Huggins & Rylott. Proposed on block Cllr Astill, seconded Cllr Bowen.

c) Social Media Officer, Cllr Sohail wished to stand down and proposed Cllr Huggins, seconded Cllr Elston.

To Elect Parish Council Representatives

a) Kirton Town Hall Management Committee – 1 member. Currently Cllr Elston, proposed Cllr Rylott seconded Cllr Huggins, Cllr Elston to continue.

b) Sir Thomas Middlecott Foundation Charity – 1 member. Currently Cllr Pryke, Proposed Cllr Bowen seconded Cllr Hartfil-Allgood, Cllr Pryke to continue.

To Receive And Approve Minutes Of The Parish Council Meeting Held
On 1st April 2025

Proposed Cllr Pryke, seconded Cllr Bowen these be accepted as a true copy.

To Receive Updates
From Clerk

Hemington Way: meeting with Highways, resident and her son. Highways only responsibility was to clear footway. They neither own nor are responsible for any trees and apologised this was never made clear to either party. Suggests ownership of land sourced and approach them for damage. Cllr Astill felt some contribution should be made to the owner for the broken fence, shed and distress of this. PC to discuss contributing towards her costs. Agenda item for next meeting.

War Memorial Trees: meeting with Highways Officer, Chris Faulkner, he will spoke with tree specialist who is to attend and carry out a survey. Cllr Astill stated they have all been pollarded previously and should have been pollarded before now. Bus company now complaining difficult to get into bus stop. Should be a standard practice these trees are dealt with. Trees belong to LCC as they are on footpath, out of Parish control. No TPO’s on trees at present. Cllr Rylott reiterated, Highways problem report to Fix My Street.

Streetlights: emailed twice for Andy to confirm columns are covered by BBC insurance. Cllr Rylott advised to speak with officer directly. Could our Borough Councillors ask the question?

Section 106: 13th house sold on Philbeech Development. Planning Officer is to contact Developers, who will pay the money directly to the PC. Agreed to monitor monies separately on finance reports.

Churchyard Wall

Another training day with Lincs Heritage arranged in conjunction with Church on 15th May. Approximately 8 volunteers to attend.

Townhall Roof & Guttering

Contractor to look and quote before next meeting.

Cllr Rylott requesting update on Dame Sarah Swift. Although contractor to remove now available, various conversations had taken place with regard to the future of the skate ramp with children. No further update.

To Discuss & Approve Maintenance Tenders

Proposed Cllr Sohail take this in closed session at end of the meeting, seconded Cllr Pryke.

4 contractors figures given to Council. After discussion it was agreed on a new contractor and a cemetery keeper with suggestion made to have walk around sites in order, they are clear of PC requirements. Significant savings from previous year. Proposed Cllr Sohail seconded Cllr Pryke.

To Discuss Security Fencing At Town Hall

Cllr Astill provided plans regarding placement of bollards to protect access to field. Although original thoughts were to move fencing from Dame Sarah Swift, it was felt this may be more expensive than originally thought. Bollards may be the answer. Clerk confirmed they cannot be on the tarmac driveway as it is owned by Fire Brigade.

3 bollards already purchased. Agreed to install bollards would be quickest and easier.

13 bollards originally proposed, Cllr Rylott asked why the PC were not getting on with original plans. £2760 total cost, may have increased now. Cllr Rylott proposed proceed with this option. Cllr Astill proposed the PC return to contractor for an updated price. Seconded Cllr Hartfil-Allgood.

Finance

a) To Approve Payment of Accounts as per Schedule. Cllr Astill suggested non- payment of bollards until quotation received, to be returned. Cllr Elston reminded PC there were previously two bollards at ends of both end of Churchyard footpath, could they be used. Clerk also advised one could be utilised in cemetery, following the joy riders who caused significant damage to a memorial. Cllr Elston proposed therefore to keep the three bollards. Proposed Cllr Astill seconded Cllr Elston payments approved.

Cllr Rylott questioned why we employ a litter picker when our employee is on holiday. It is costing a substantial amount of money. Is it needed? Was it or when was it agreed? Clerk advised it first happened when our employee went away for eight weeks abroad, was agreed by the full Council and has happened since. Could ask the question is it required when only a few days are taken? Proposed Cllr Sohail, seconded Cllr Pryke to take in closed session.

b) To Approve Governance & Accountability Statement. Cllr Elston queried the two invoices unpaid to BBC for Dame Sarah Swift inspections, should show as a debt. Clerk advised this had been budgeted for, so the figure was included in the balance carried forward. PC’s accounts are on a receipts and payment accounting system not accruing creditors and debtors. Cllr Elston also asked for a copy of the updated asset register as there had been items missing and was therefore not prepared to sign the declaration until Clerk had taken further advice and produced asset register. Clerk asked if Finance Committee would like to meet to discuss further. Monday 19th May 10.30 Clerks office.

c) To Approve Annual Statement of Accounts. Proposed Cllr Pryke seconded Cllr Bowen, to approve. Carried.

Planning

B25/0150 Application amended materials

B/19/0118/CD1 52 Station Road amendment of materials. Cllr Bowen to look further into as overdevelopment of site and danger on egress.

To Receive Members Reports

CA – car park being returned to community has been an asset to the Community.

THA – Visited Dame Sarah Swift Park, numerous people in the park. Parents and children advised they have not been approached for their ideas and do not wish the skate ramp to be removed. More play equipment is required. May form some part of funding. Cllr Bowen advised Councillors have spoken on various occasions to the children.

Parking on bend at Church is dangerous. Can this be put to new County Councillor?

Grassed area in poor state. Not best first impression to visitors.

Anti-social behaviour, many of it stems from LHP residents. Could LHP be invited to attend a Council meeting.

Brand new Mayor of Lincolnshire, although she will be busy could we invite her to a Parish Council meeting?

DJ – Concerned on state.

of Peacock. Environmental Officer does not appear to be able to contact owner.

RP - has received requests and should PC find out demand for allotment? Cllr Hartfil-Allgood meeting with BBC regarding allotments. Will speak with officer to ascertain if any assistance or land available for Kirton. Demand in Boston is high. Agenda item for next month. Has been approached to have the COVID event an annual one.

CR – Had been given a copy of Parish Council 1895 Agenda, with 4 items. To be framed and displayed on webpage.

Cllr Rylott is concerned with the running of the Parish Council particularly various shortfalls of the clerk and gave numerous incidents to this effect. Councillors are being let down by continual, regular mistakes and are disappointed that the PC is letting the residents down.

MS – working group for Party In The Park, things are in motion and many things booked. Further updates next month.

To Receive Correspondence

Parish Council Liaison meeting – reminder changed date to 26th June.

LALC – Health & Safety/Risk Assessment Course, Grantham 29th May not part of ATS £78. Cllr Hartfil-Allgood advised this is something he can help with being qualified to train in this field.

Resident advising there are missing 30MPH signs on Boston Road.

British Legion invitation to VE Day service at War Memorial on 8th May 11 a.m.

Date of Next meeting

3rd June 2025.

Contact details for your local Councillors:

Kirton Parish Council:

Website: https://kirton.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk/

Chairman: Cllr Myriam Sohail
Email: myriamsohail@yahoo.co.uk

Vice Chairman: Cllr Anthony Bowen
Email: adbowen@btinternet.com

Cllr Chris Astill
Email: patchris2215@outlook.com
Tel: 07592 395555

Cllr Fay Baillie
Email: fayngeoff@gmail.com
Tel: 01205 723529

Cllr Mark Elston
Email: markelstonservices19@gmail.com
Tel: 07340 526961

Cllr Tom Hartfil
Email: thartfil@outlook.com

Cllr Peter Head
Email: peterahead@gmail.com
Tel: 07900 255550

Cllr Faith Huggins
Email: Faith.huggins@yahoo.co.uk

Chairman: Cllr David Jarvis
Email: dh.jarvis@btinternet.com
Tel: 07920 447896

Cllr L O’Connor
Email: cllrlorraineoconnor@gmail.com

Cllr Ralph Pryke
Email: ralphprykekirton@gmail.com
Tel: 01205 722693

Cllr Claire Rylott
Email: Claire.rylott@boston.gov.uk
also Borough Councillor

Clerk: Mrs Diane Fairweather
Email: kirtonpc@gmail.com

Boston Borough Council:

Cllr David Middleton
Email: david.middleton@boston.gov.uk

Cllr Claire Rylott
Email: claire.rylott@boston.gov.uk
Tel: 07534 433218

Cllr Ralph Pryke      
Email: ralphprykekirton@gmail.com
Tel: 01205 722693

For reporting of Flytipping, Dog Fouling and other local issues https://www.fixmystreet.com/

Lincolnshire County Council:

Website: https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk

Cllr Michael Brookes (County)
Email: cllrm.brookes@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Tel: 01205 820616

Cllr Alison Austin (County)
Email: cllra.austin@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Tel: 01205 368351 or 07731 690034

The Parish Council meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month in the Upsall Rooms at the Town Hall, apart from April and August when they meet in the Chapel at Kirton Holme.