May 2023 Minutes Annual Town Meeting
Minutes of the Annual Town Meeting held on 24th May, 2023 at 6:30pm in Franklin Hall, Spilsby. These are notes of the meeting until approved at the next Annual Town Meeting as a true record.
Present:
Cllrs E Day (Deputy Mayor) chaired the meeting.
Cllrs M Gibson, L Marsh, D Mangion, W Rose, and M Wragg attended.
Town Clerk - J Sargent and Deputy Town Clerk - Ros Ford.
28 members of the public were in attendance, including representatives from:
• Spilsby Recreation Ground
• 2nd Spilsby Scouts Group
• Spilsby Events Team
• Spilsby Twinning Association
• Lincolnshire Police
1. Welcome from the Chairman.
Deputy Mayor Cllr E Day welcomed all present, mentioning safety procedures in the event of an evacuation, to turn phones off and appropriate conduct when speaking.
Cllr E Day moved up agenda item 4d - to receive a report from Lincolnshire Police, in case they were called out.
Sergeant Andy Burtenshaw provided an update on anti-social behaviour and anti-social behaviour notices that have been issued to Spilsby residents. The Sergeant highlighted the following issues on the roads:
• Speeding
• Seat belts not being worn
• Intoxicated drivers - alcohol and drugs
• Using mobile phones
However, these are not going to be a priority for the Neighbourhood Policing Team as a new Road Force has been established to run out of Louth to oversee these matters.
Sergeant Burtenshaw mentioned that scams have been increasing in the area and brought some information leaflets to be distributed to attendees and left in the Franklin Hall entrance.
An update was provided on PCSOs, as numbers county-wide are dropping from 91 to 50 due to funding cuts. The 50 remaining PSCOs will be re-deployed on 1st October 2023 to the most vulnerable areas in the county - Spilsby does not fall into this category. The Sergeant recommended writing to Lincolnshire Police Chief Constable Chris Haward, Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones and Victoria Atkins MP expressing concerns over the loss of PCSOs and funding to the county’s Police Force.
Sergeant Burtenshaw also reported that the monthly newsletter from the Neighbourhood Policing team will cease and be replaced by bi-annual zoom meeting with Councils.
Sergeant Burtenshaw opened the floor to questions with permission from Cllr E Day.
Resident 1 asked to take the information on scams to place at his business, and to give to his employees who work with vulnerable and elderly people.
Resident 2 asked how the Police will maintain community engagement. Sergeant Burtenshaw confirmed community engagement would be reduced and the level of service would suffer as a result of the cut in numbers.
Resident 3 asked if Police numbers had increased. Sergeant Burtenshaw advised that nationwide numbers had increased but could not confirm numbers for Lincolnshire but mentioned that Lincolnshire Police have been recruiting in large numbers over the past 3 years.
Resident 4 mentioned how the PCSOs were a visible deterrent to anti-social behaviour. Sergeant Burtenshaw re-iterated writing to Lincolnshire Police Chief Constable Chris Haward, Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones and Victoria Atkins MP expressing concerns.
With no further questions, Sergeant Burtenshaw thanked residents for listening and their questions. Cllr Day thanked Sergeant Burtenshaw and PCSO Key for attending the meeting.
2. To approve the minutes from the previous Annual Town Meeting, held on 24th May 2022.
With no matters arising, it was resolved unanimously to accept the minutes as a true and accurate record.
3. To receive the un-audited statement of Income and Expenditure for the Financial Year 1st April, 2022 to 31st March, 2023.
The Clerk provided attendees with an un-audited statement of income and expenditure for the year. No questions were put to the Clerk and the Deputy Mayor regarding the statement of income and expenditure.
4. To receive annual reports from:
a. The Town Mayor
Mayor T Kemp provided a written report for Deputy Mayor Cllr E Day read in his absence.
“The Council has continued to provide an essential service, conclude projects such as the Church wall restoration and start new projects - as plans to redevelop the play area at the recreation ground have been submitted to the Council for consideration. This is only possible due to sound financial planning.
I would personally like to thank all of the volunteer groups in the town who have been invaluable over the years. And all the Councillors who have given their time freely and been a great service to the town.
Lastly, the Town Clerks have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Jack has settled into the role and made it his own. Ros has provided a calm voice, and steady hand. Ros will be sorely missed when she retires later this year. I would like to take this opportunity to wish Ros a long and happy retirement.”
b. Spilsby’s County Council Representitive.
Cllr Bowkett provided a written report. This was distributed amongst residents to read at the meeting.
c. Spilsby’s District Council Representitive.
The outgoing District Councillor - D Mangion and incoming District Councillor E Marsh both provided written reports. These were distributed amongst residents to read at the meeting.
d. Lincolnshire Police
This item was moved up the agenda just in case the Police received a call out.
5. To receive reports from groups in the town who have received grants from the Town Council in 2022-23:
a. 2nd Spilsby Scouts Group
Gemma Holland from the 2nd Spilsby Scouts Group provided a verbal report on the groups activities over the past year, detailing that the group have 76 scouts, including squirrel scouts as well as a waiting list all with the help of 25 volunteers. The group try to keep subscription costs as low as possible through fund raising which Gemma described as being like a full time job. Spilsby Town Council provided a grant to the 2nd Spilsby Scouts Group. The funds were used to improve the archery facility, increasing the provision for more participants. Other groups have also been using the facility such as groups from Spilsby Christian Fellowship.
The group’s future plans include re-vamping the outdoor space at the Scout’s hut to improve access and a group camp in August.
The 2nd Spilsby Scouts Group will be at the Spilsby Show in July with their archery equipment and tomahawks for members of the public to try.
Gemma thanked the Town Council for the financial contribution that enables the Scouts group to provide opportunities to children in the area.
b. Spilsby Rotary Club
Ian Steltner - the representative from the Rotary Club provided a brief update on activties including the successful Bike Night held in the town centre, where a commemorative plaque was revealed for the King Charles III’s coronation. Tong’s Engineering kindly created and donated the plaque with the help of the Rotary Club and the Town Council.
Ian Steltner thanked the Town Council for donating a bench to their Peace Garden on Ashby Road and for helping towards the costs of the Christmas tree placed in the town centre.
c. Spilsby Business Partnership
No report submitted by the Business Partnership. The Town Council provided grant funding to go towards union flags that are often on display around the town.
d. Pirouette School of Dance
No report submitted by the Pirouette School of Dance. The Town Council provided grant funding to go towards the purchase of new equipment for the dance school.
e. Spilsby Christian Fellowship
Judith Coe from the Spilsby Christian Fellowship submitted a written report prior to the meeting. This was distributed amongst residents to read at the meeting. The Town Council provided grant funding to go towards the running costs of the food bank at Spilsby Christian Fellowship.
f. Spilsby Events Team
Leslie Bourne from the Events Team thanked the Town Council and members of the public for their support of events held in the town. Leslie detailed how the Town Council provided funding that went towards insurance helping to put on eight events in the town.
The Events Team are working with ELDC to hold a Teen Market and other future events which inlude the Saturday 60s event. Leslie asked for the continued support of the Town Council and members of the public.
Deptury Mayor Clle E Day thanked the group for all their hard work.
g. Spilsby Twinning Association
The Chair of Spilsby Twinning Association Shaun Thomas explained how the association have twin towns in both France and Germany. Things have been quiet since Covid, however, visits between the towns have started again. The groups German friends will be visiting on the weekend of the Spilsby Show - 9th July 2023. Other events for the visitors will be held. The friends from France will hopefully be visiting in 2024.
Sean thanked the Town Council for a donation which will go towards events planned for hosting the twinners. Regular monthly meetings are held at the Spilsby Christian Fellowship, these are advertised on Facebook - new members are always welcome.
h. Friends of RAF Spilsby
Kein Mapley from the Friends of RAF Spilsby submitted a written report prior to the meeting. This was distributed amongst residents to read at the meeting. The Town Council provided grant funding to go towards the restoration of the stone work on the memorial columns at the site.
i. Spilsby Indoor Bowls Club
Terry Parslow from the Spilsby Indoor Bowls Club submitted a written report prior to the meeting. This was distributed amongst residents to read at the meeting. The Town Council provided grant funding to go towards new bowling matts.
6. Questions from members of the public – an opportunity for residents to ask questions or raise issues that relate to the local community.
Tony Bailey - Chair of the Recreation Ground Committee was invited to deliver a short presentation on the plans in place to regenerate the Recreation Ground. Mr Bailey detailed the make-up of the committee members adding that new volunteers were always welcome to join and add to the skillset already in place.
Tony detailed plans to regenerate the Recreation Ground that has a committee working towards the delivery of the project. Members of the committee are from Recreation Ground, Magna Vitae, ELDC, the Football Foundation for Lincolnshire, Spilsby Town Council and Lincolnshire FA.
There are 4 phases to the project. Phase 1 is aimed at pitch maintenance and improvement. Funds are available from the FA, hopefully going towards machinery. Over the next 6 years maintenance will include adding soil and further grass seed.
Phase 2 will be a play zone and skate park which will replace the derelict hard court currently in place. Within the business plan, the venue will be secure and an online booking system in place. It will be multi-sport surface to accommodate a variety of sports. The cost is approximately £200,000.00 with 75% provided by the Football Foundation.
The skate park will be designed and built by one company, with costs approximately at £100,000. It is hoped grant funding will be secured for the delivery of this side of the project,
Phase 3 aims to increase the capacity of the car park.
Phase 4 is to improve the Pavilion and as a result increase the revenue. The current pavilion means the football club are unable to progress up the football pyramid as it doesn’t meet the requirements for higher leagues. Plans include improving the changing facilities, adding spectator toilets, a café/bar/clubhouse and matchday serving hatch.
The groups are looking at building a second hall to continue to expand the opportunities to increase revenue as well as a site office, with the possibility of employing a site manager.
ELDC have recognised the need for increased funding in Spilsby.
A consultation period is underway where responses are needed to support the grant funding applications.
Tony closed by appealing for volunteers to help join the committees and deliver this exciting project. A further exhibit of the plans will be in the pavilion on 31st May 2023.
Deputy Mayor Cllr E Day thanked the group for all their hard work.
Deptury Mayor Cllr E Day asked if there were any further questions.
Resident 5 asked if there was any developments with the Monday Market. Cllr E Day advised of the Council’s offer to prospective stall holders of an introductory reduced rent for the first 3 months. The resident suggested changing the day the market is held to accommodate modern lives. Cllr Gibson advised it’s in the Town’s Charter that a market is held on a Monday.
Resident 6 suggested stall holders require electricity as a butcher left as a lack of access to power.
Resident 7 asked if there were any power sources in the town centre. Cllr Mangion advised he tried very hard to provide access to electricity points in the market place but was told by ELDC that if this was done for Spilsby, it would have to be done for other market towns in the district and they were not willing to commit to this expense.
Resident 8 asked whether the Lloyds mobile banking mobile unit could be located in the centre of town for easier access rather than in the Post Office lane car park.
Resident 9 suggested the Town Council request that the banks get together to create a banking hub in the town, using one of the empty shops in town.
Resident 10 expressed disappointment at the Council’s lack of effort towards the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the Queen’s passing and the King’s Coronation.
A member of the Rotary Club interjected to advise that the King’s coronation plaque was an idea from a Town Councillor working in conjuction with Tong’s and Rotary.
Resident 10 suggested that there are 2 areas in the town that could be improved - the seating near the Buttercross and the Rose Garden opposite Sainsbury’s.
Deputy Clerk R Ford advised the Council were working on benches and bike racks as commemorative installations. The Council did hold a party in the park for the Platinum Jubilee and worked with the Events Team to deliver a street party for the Coronation.
David Wetherby from Walnut Care on the High Street, Spilsby, advised when the facility is complete he would invite Councillors to view the venue which could be used for training events using the interactive whiteboard at the facility. It will also become a safe haven for vulnerable people seeking shelter in the evenings.
With no further matters, Cllr E Day thanked all for their questions and attending then closed the meeting at 7:30pm.