Kirton Parish Council Meeting Minutes
- October 2025

Present: Councillors     

Cllr A Bowen, Acting Chair, Cllr F Baillie, Cllr M Elston, Cllr Hartfil-Allgood, Cllr P Head & Cllr K Shipp. Also Present: Clerk D. Fairweather, Borough: Cllr D. Middleton, County: Cllr B. Daish

Public Forum

Cllr Bowen welcomed all to the meeting, acting Chair as Cllr Sohail had personal issues and could not attend. He also advised the meeting that Jack Hall, 103, had unfortunately died at the weekend. Clerk to speak with family regarding a commemoration of his dedication to the village,

Letter from residents raising several issues with the pensioners Christmas Meal. Disjointed service, little choice of drinks and no tea and coffee. Question why Frampton residents were allowed when a Kirton one was refused. Perhaps raffle could be drawn at the end of the event as several people left once it had been done. Chair advised the PC would take on board comments and the Clerk will reply directly.

Disappointment also expressed with Christmas tree location at Town Hall. Poor display of lights. PC acknowledged that whilst originally it looked good when the children turned on the lights, with the poor weather, and lights being blown from tree, there is room for improvement. This has already been discussed with the events group and arrangements will commence earlier in the year in 2026.

Asking for update on the bus shelter requested at a previous meeting. Clerk had been advised there is a grant available.

Reports From Elected County Councillors & Borough Councillors

Both Cllrs Daish and Middleton advised that their Councils will be commencing full meetings next week and financial decisions will be part of their discussions.

Cllr Bowen reiterated it was important if comments made by Borough Councillors, these be recorded in the minutes.

To Receive Apologies For Absence And Reasons Given

Were received from Cllr M Sohail, Cllr J Barton, Cllr D Jarvis, Cllr L O’Connor, Cllr R Pryke. County Cllr P Lock. All resolved to accept reasons given.

To Receive Declarations Of Interest Under The Council’s Code Of Conduct Relating To Business On The Agenda

None.

To Approve And Sign Minutes Of Meeting Held On 2nd December  2025.

Proposed Cllr Hartfil-Allgood seconded Cllr Head these be accepted as a true copy and signed accordingly. 

To Receive Clerk’s Updates From The Minutes And Matters Arising

Town Hall -Communicating regularly with Chris, regarding underfloor damp, which is improving gradually. To instruct a second opinion on cause, to both initiate resolutions and to reassure Insurance Company actions are being taken. Proposal to set up a focused working group, with the Town Hall Management Committee, for future maintenance requirements. Cllr Elston still asking if a full drainage inspection could be caried out, to ascertain if any underground drains are damaged or broken.

Play area – order placed – awaiting date for commencement of works.

To Co-Opt New Councillor

Due to notice required postpone until February meeting.

To Receive Event Updates

a) To Agree Dates of Coming Yeas Events

Agreed to hold Picnic in the Park to coincide with the official opening of the new park equipment. Date arranged for Saturday 23rd May. Discussion on various dignitaries you may be able to officiate.

Other ideas of events to be discussed by the events group to bring to the next meeting.

Bingo – a highly successful night for Christmas. Clerk receiving requests for age limits. Due to licencing laws under 18’s cannot win cash prizes, and it was agreed this to be noted on future banners.

Finance

a) To Approve Payment of Accounts as per schedule

With the removal of a duplicated payment, proposed Cllr Bowen seconded Cllr Head.

b) To Approve Precept Recommendations as Proposed by Finance Committee

Proposals from Finance Committee distributed. Following discussion, and a couple of amendments, it was agreed with the recommendations to increase precept by £10,000. Revised print of figures to be forwarded by Clerk. A contingency must be in place for any future maintenance programmes required at any of the Parish Councils assets, particularly the Town Hall. Proposed Cllr Head seconded Cllr Hartfil-Allgood to request precept of £107900. All in agreement.

Revised, expectantly reduced, electricity invoice for streetlights not yet received.

East Coast have put in revised figures for this year. £1370 per cut now, £1575 for the coming year. Spraying, as required and tree work to be charged as and when. Requesting if contract could be renewed for a two-year period. Cllr Elston proposed, on the provision that all small tasks required be included in the tender in order there will be no unexpected expenses in the year. Could watering of the flower tubs also be included in his contract? Clerk to have confirmed by contractor, that hedges, borders etc will be included. Seconded Cllr Head.

Cllr Baillie asked if church pathway could be included in budget this year as seems to have been forgotten. Clerk to speak with Vicar regarding this and bollards for church path.

Planning

To Discuss Applications Received Since Last Meeting

Wash Road Development. Cllr Pryke comments his concerns the developers are flouting conditions by not routing their larger vehicles via Station Road. This was causing blockages adjacent to the site. He felt the notice to the Parish Council regarding proposed changes to trees and vegetation lacked details.

B25/0506 – construction of new self-storage facility at Stonebridge Business Park, Avalon Road.

B/26/004 – Advertisement consent for painted lettering, land used for storage, Baytree Lodge, Burnham Lane.

To Receive Members Reports

AB – Felt a thank you was for East Coast who, in preparation for our new play equipment, had been crown reducing the trees in very wintry conditions.

FB - footpaths and overhanging trees in Hardwick Estate had still not received attention.

THA – Community Safety & Neighbourhood Watch. Abandoned and untaxed vehicles on Hardwick Estate reported to Police. Enforcement notices have been issued, and vehicles will be removed if no actions taken. Grant approved to purchase signage and membership packs. Cllr Hartfil-Allgood encouraged residents to sign up for the scheme. Dennis Estate also now completed along with Hardwick for inclusion in the scheme.

KS – finger post at finger post on Skeldyke Road/Horseshoe Lane, still not heightened for safety.

RP - handwritten comments. Complaints of dog mess in various places. No cash machine in the village. Live & Local, which Cllr Pryke had spoken of in the past, would not be performing as Boston Borough Council had ceased their subscription to them. Conducting survey of salt bins in parish.

To Receive Correspondence Received Since Last Meeting

Advised RBLI changed to RBVE Royal British Veterans Enterprise. Changed name but not mission.

Date of next meeting

3rd February 2026.

Contact details for your local Councillors:

Kirton Parish Council:

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

Cllr Myriam Sohail - Chair
Email: myriamsohail@yahoo.co.uk

Cllr Anthony Bowen – Vice Chair
Email: adbowen@btinternet.com

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

Cllr June Barton
Tel: 07484 826312

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

Cllr Tom Hartfil
Email: Cllrt.hartfil@kirtonparishcouncil.gov.uk

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

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 Also Borough Councillor

Cllr Kevin Shipp
Email: kevandandrea@btinternet.com

Clerk: Mrs Diane Fairweather
Email: clerk@kirtonparishcouncil.gov.uk

Boston Borough Council:

Cllr Claire Rylott
Email: Claire.rylott@boston.gov.uk

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

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

Lincolnshire County Council:

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

Cllr Barry Daish
Email: Cllrb.daish@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Cllr Paul Lock
Email: Cllrp.lock@lincolnshire.gov.uk

The Parish Council meet on the first 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.