Kirton Parish Council Meeting Minutes
- February 2025

Present: Councillors: Cllr D Jarvis, Chair, Cllr A Bowen, Vice Chair, Cllr C. Astill, Cllr F. Baillie, Cllr M Elston, Cllr P Head, Cllr F Huggins, Cllr R Pryke, and Cllr M Sohail. Also Present: Clerk D. Fairweather. County Cllrs Austin & Brookes. Not Present: Borough Cllr Middleton.

Reports From Elected County Councillors & Borough Councillors

Cllr Brookes - Kirton End Speed limit reduction to 30mph, and Willington Road (Kirton End to Kirton) speed limit reduction to 40mph. A job has been issued to install new signs for the new speed limits with target dates for delivery in early Spring.

London Road Kirton. Request from a resident attending the previous months’ meeting for speed limit to be reduced from 40mph to 30mph. Highways manager is forwarding this request to the Traffic Regulation Order team for assessment. Cllr Austin is also discussing this with the highways manager and may well report on it herself, as resident lives in her area.

Cllr Austin. Continuing from Cllr Brookes comments, Cllr Austin had attended with Highways Officer on London Road, in Princess Road area but a proper survey could not be carried out due to temporary traffic light restrictions which affected the normal traffic flow.

Cllr R Pryke Reports from BBC. Pylon Scheme link and Green Link 3 and 4. National Grid have produced an update on their website. Environmental Agency have advised BBC they are to amend the warning for flood alerts. Also advising Parish Councils. Policing Plan 2024/2025. To be put on website. Police in Lincolnshire have to reduce numbers significantly but this will be through natural wastage. Perhaps matter to discuss with Mr Richard Tice MP. Clerk informed Police Inspector Cotton is happy to attend the May meeting.

Lincolnshire Plan, consultation link for public to complete, to be put on FB.

Boston Plan 2023, planning for celebrations of the Mayflower event, 400th anniversary of Boston USA’s foundation which Boston are joining in with. Consultation Planning Event but details of which are not clear. Boston Plan 2040, consultation now to February 7th, only online. Important to make representation for parishes as it is felt they are forgotten, and plans are all focused on Boston Town.

To Receive Apologies
For Absence

Cllr L O’Connor, and Cllr C Rylott All resolved to accept reasons given.

To Approve And Sign Minutes Of Meeting Held On 7th January 2025

Proposed Cllr Pryke seconded Cllr Baillie that these be accepted as a true copy to be called minutes. Unanimous.

To Receive Matters Arising And Clerk’s Updates From Minutes Not Included
On The Agenda

Dame Sarah Swift - Advised BBC no longer wanting to continue with inspections. Latest correspondence from BBC advised inappropriate graffiti that should be dealt with, and park should be closed. Received some more reported and notification they are working on getting together old reports, as requested some time ago.

Town Hall Recreation Bin. Quotation for installation, £366. Will try and include in UKSP works.

Green Lane disappointing response that area is not sufficiently poor for works at this stage.

Town Hall Roof Tiles - will include with UKSP works.

UKSP

CCTV fitted, images very clear, with vehicle registration. Received details of legal requirements from Peter Hunn at BBC.

Trees at War Memorial. Have requested permission of bus company for temporary closing for tree works. Contract may be able to carry out work on a Sunday for less disruption.

Church wall cost of material know known, awaiting how many pupils from Boston College will be on site at any one time.

Orthodox Chapel – Following correspondence from PC, Florin Buda apologised for the traffic at Christmas and advised if there was photographic evidence he would mention it to the guilty owners. He did advise there were many people from afar attending that were not aware of their parking rules. Florin Buda had previously mentioned that they may be interested in maintaining the area around the chapel. Having asked the question, they would only be interested if the property would be sold to them.

COVID Celebration Day for 5-year anniversary. Plaque to be organised, best place being Town Hall. Could bench be purchased in time? Cllr Pryke proposed there be something in situ for the date on 22nd March. Clerk to obtain quotation for next meeting. Cllr Pryke looking into a standard template.

New planter being purchased with UKSP funding for War Memorial, plaque could be placed on that.

To Receive Event Updates

a) Art Trail – Businesses have been contacted, posters displayed. Map to be drawn when applicants all submitted. Cllr Sohail will produce map showing where pictures are on view.

It was agreed to hold the Best Kept Garden competition again.

A scarecrow competition suggested in the Autumn.

Christmas Senior Meal – Wednesday 3rd December already booked. Change to Tuesday 9th December.

VE day celebrations. Kirton Holme having already commenced preparations. There is a correct course of procedures for the day to be adhered to. Kirton PC preferred to be involved a little more in the preparations and not just make a financial donation. Agreed for Kirton Holme to continue but Clerk to speak with Royal British Legion on their wishes for the day.

Lighting of beacon 8th and Picnic in the Park to be later in the year. Cllr Huggins to be the point of contact, for the Kirton Holme beacon.

b) To Nominate Representatives For An Events Group. Following discussion, it was agreed there was not the need for a Committee/Group but to nominate personnel depending on event being arranged.

Finance

£126878.62. To Approve Payment of Accounts as per schedule and Receive Bank Balances. Proposed Cllr Astill, seconded Cllr Elston.

Cllr Astill asked for a list of direct payments made.

Payment rejected for mole eradication due to state of cemetery. Cllr Elston felt work in cemetery was not of a good enough job for the money. Clerk reported contractor does make regular visits and makes contact with clerk if problems. Clerk to speak with contractor and ask to visit and make a concerted effort to eradicate before breeding commences.

3 invoices rejected for maintenance. The hedge on Town Hall boundary not cut along the top and damage to a resident’s fencing. Clerk to speak with contractor.

To Discuss BBC CCTV

Following the Council Leader conversation with the Chair, an offer had been issued to the PC to either pay the outstanding invoice and keep the old cameras or to relinquish the cameras if no payment made. It was unanimously agreed the cameras were of no use due to their age. Proposed Cllr Jarvis, seconded Cllr Baillie to confirm Parish Council would not be making the final payment for the CCTV’s.

To Receive Update
On Streetlights

Clerk had been advised by BBC, the PC should not be replacing bulbs, as streetlights were not our asset. There was no communication in the transformation details of 2016 that the PC could not do this, but neither was there anything to say that BBC must. Is causing a problem as the bulbs had already been purchased and half of the work completed. Awaiting to hear from BBC what course of action they are to take. Concern being will BBC invoice for only low wattage bulbs in 2026. Clerk to ask for clarification that this will be the case and confirm exactly which bulbs the PC have changed.

Confirmation as at last written by BBC the lamps are insured by them for liability.

To Approve Tender Specification

Documents sent for Councillor to review in advance of tenders being requested for maintenance work for the coming year. Approved.

To Discuss Future Of
Dame Sarah Swift

Comments, from the public, heard by PC that skate equipment should not be removed. Not justified as the cost of repair and ongoing financial commitment to the Parish Council was not one that could be accepted. Clerk had sourced someone to take away equipment free of charge.

Handrails at top of skate equipment to be salvaged for future use. Cllr Elston advised it could still be an open space for wildlife, dog walking etc. Cllr Head reminded there were a couple of goals available for this area if required. Proposed Cllr Baillie to close park and remove equipment, with any new equipment being placed at Town Hall. Seconded Cllr Astill. Cllr Head wished for clarification that we were to remove equipment. Cllr Pryke advised Kirton has the smallest open space per head than any other parish in the Borough and was opposed to removal of equipment. 8 fore 1 abstention.

Cllr Astill advised the gate required attention as it had dropped. A mobile welding company required. Funding opportunities to be sought for further new equipment. Cllr Head asked if there is mileage in a Youth Council. To be brought to a future meeting.

To Discuss The Perimeter And Eastern Boundary Of The Town Hall Play Area

Cllr Astill advised that boundaries of Town Hall were unkempt and require attention. Clerk had spoken with contractor to clear before growing season begins again. New specification should resolve this for the future.

To Discuss Bollards For Town Hall Security

This had been discussed previously but no action taken. Some metal work from skate ride could be used to keep large vehicles off the grassed area. Agreed to deal with skate ride initially.

To Discuss Parish Notice Boards For Kirton & Kirton Holme

Some time ago an additional noticeboard for Kirton Holme had been discussed. Cllr Astill suggested, now the one at the bus stop is not used, could it be taken to Kirton Holme. Clerk felt it was too large as it had previously been agreed by the Chapel a second notice board acceptable the same size as existing. Cllr Huggins to check on this.

Planning

To Discuss Applications Received Since Last Meeting

B/24/0176/NMA – non-material amendment to Land north of Oak Tree House, Horseshoe Lane

Receive Members Reports

DJ – Peacock, rubbish has not been moved. Trying another avenue as Environment Agency at BBC have made no progress.

CA – fallen tree in Drainside North

RP – car back on roundabout on A16

To Receive Correspondence

Officer from BBC

Email stating, we wish to cease playground inspections at Dame Sarah Swift play area. The inspection was carried out last week and the report sent. Inspections will cease as from 14.02.25.

They are still working on scanning all past inspection sheets as per previous requests. There are still archived inspections that need to be located and scanned.

Email from Leader of Council – following Cllr Jarvis’ conversation with Leader, we have been asked for all dates and times we have contacted BBC on any subject and not had a response. Replied to confirm details of CCTV, Streetlights and Dame Sarah Swift will be forwarded in due course.

DHSC Community AED Grant Team – Clerk had previously made application of interest in for this. Unfortunately, were advised we had not been successful.

Inspector Ian Cotton – had previously advised he would be willing to come and speak with PC – 4th May has been confirmed.

West End Road Resident – disappointed with results of survey as they do not prove sufficient evidence for static speed camera. Asking if a speed reactive sign can be installed. Advised it is in Frampton area and should contact the Clerk there. She is also keen to be part of CSW and advised they would have to do training.

Kirton End Resident - clerk had been in correspondence and has asked Clerk to visit him to look at work he has done and would like to do, to make sure acceptable.

Sir Thomas Middlecott Exhibition Foundation – advising the rental invoice will soon be due and had the Parish Council any thoughts of their intentions?

Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind Community Liaison Group.

Letter to invite a representative from the Parish council(s) to represent and attend an Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind Community Liaison Group (CLG) meeting focussed on the proposed Substation location, which is near Surfleet Marsh (sometimes referred to as Spalding Marsh).

Date: Tuesday 25th March. Time: 7pm until 8.15pm

Location: Tonic 44 Community hub, 44 Station Rd, Surfleet, Spalding PE11 4DA

Boston Borough Pumping Station – received numerous emails from local clerks regarding the decommissioning of the pumps at Boston. Should the Parishes group together and put a plan forward?

Date Of Next Meeting

4th March 2025.

Parish Council Extra Ordinary Meeting 19/2/25

Present Councillors

Cllr A Bowen, Acting Chair, Cllr C. Astill, Cllr F. Baillie, Cllr M Elston, Cllr P Head, Cllr F Huggins, Cllr Pryke, and Cllr M Sohail. Clerk D. Fairweather. Not Present: Cllr L O’Connor

Public Forum

Resident advised following comments from last meeting they were not sure a group of carol signings would be entertaining for the full evening and the older generation do prefer a cup of tea at the end of the meal. To be discussed later, as an agenda item.

Reports From Elected Borough Councillors

Borough Council had asked for a scrutiny meeting regarding the flooding in the Borough. LCC had taken a stance and the results of that would have to be produced before any further action. Cllr Rylott had information from Black Sluice IDB for March meeting.

To Receive Apologies
For Absence

were received from Cllr D Jarvis. All resolved to accept the reason given.

To Receive Event Updates

a) Art Trail not as many contributions as was hoped, but some positive comments and everyone pleased with event. Unfortunately, Cllr Sohail was expecting assistance from the BBC which was not forthcoming. Cllr Sohail making a commemorative brochure for event showing where all exhibits are.

Picnic in the Park – Cllr Astill suggested this be a matter on March Agenda.

Cllr Head concerned another month passed and no date booked. Missing opportunities for booking entertainment, food etc. Cllr Rylott advised the Great British Food Festival on 5th May, should Kirton’s picnic coincide with this. Council had previously agreed the event should be in the summer. Proposed Cllr Sohail seconded Cllr Astill to be August 2nd. Group to take forward Cllrs Bowen, Head, Sohail and Clerk.

To Discuss Covid Memorial

COVID day of Reflection being 9th March decisions needed to be made before March meeting. Cllr Elston suggested the diseased tree, to be removed from the High Street, could be used as a memory tree. A place for commemorative tokens for varying events. Clerk passed illustrations. It was felt nothing as significant was required. Appropriate Kirton should partake in Government Suggestions

A plaque, to be put on planter at war memorial, with the simple wording. Proposed Cllr Rylott, seconded Cllr Baillie.

‘The COVID-19 pandemic had and continues to have a profound impact on all of us.

This Day of Reflection is an opportunity to remember the friends and loved ones of

Kirton Parish that we lost, as well as the sacrifices that so many people made.’

Suggested the PC hold a one-minute silence on ninth at midday with the unveiling of the plaque and to advise public should they wish to attend.

Discuss Senior Citizen Christmas Meal

A bus trip had been arranged for the date suggested with quite few residents going. Dates available for Town Hall, 4th, 5th, 11th, and 12th December. Clerk to ask Black Bull if they are available to cater on any of those dates.

Cllr Rylott will check if carol singers are available, once date agreed. They are particularly good and perform for free, although a donation would be appreciated. Another entertainer has been suggested if carol singers are not available. Cllr Rylott also suggested more helpers are required, if only another group to wash. Reiterated serving tea and coffee was quite tiring, after the three courses.

Ticket sales. Care must be taken with the booking of the White Gables. Suggestion that ticket sales take place in the Town Hall on Friday morning surgeries and Clerk can check residency. Eligibility being pensionable age and resident. White Gables to be advised with plenty of time before the event of this year’s proposals. It was not felt carers, or non-local relatives should be fed. Care needs to be taken on the number purely on a Health and Safety issues. Cllrs Bowen, Head and Clerk to be the group to take forward.

To Discuss Pest Control
In Cemetery

Having been advised the contract runs from January to December and no work had taken place this year, it was agreed to ask current contractor to start again but to provide detailed reports of visits and moles caught on a regular basis. To pay the annual invoice and monitor regularly. Proposed Cllr Astill seconded Cllr Pryke.

Date of next meeting

4th March 2025

Contact details for your local Councillors:

Kirton Parish Council:

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

Acting Clerk to the parish:
Mrs Diane Fairweather                     
Email: kirtonparishcouncil@hotmail.com
Tel: 07983 893011

Responsible Financial Officer:
Mrs Diane Fairweather
Email: kirtonpc@gmail.com

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

Cllr Chris Astill
Email: paychris2215@outlook.com
Tel: 07592 395555

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

Cllr Myriam Sohail
Email: myriamsohail@yahoo.com

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

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

Boston Borough Council:

Website: https://Boston.gov.uk

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.