FC October 2025 Minutes
Minutes of the full Council Meeting held on Wednesday 22nd October, 2025 at 6:00pm in Franklin Hall, Spilsby. These are notes of the meeting until approved by the Council as a true and accurate record.
Present:
Cllrs L Marsh (Deputy Mayor), A Day, P Gale, M Gibson, C Hewlett, T Taylor, W Rose, E Marsh (Town and District Councillor) and County Councillor M Hume.
Town Clerk - J Sargent and Deputy Town Clerk - S Thomas.
Public Session
There were no members of the public in attendance.
To receive a report from Lincolnshire County Councillor M Hume.
Cllr Hume spoke briefly about the polarisation of opinions, the current political landscape and how we should still be able to get along amicably despite a difference of opinions. Cllr Hume called upon Councillors to encourage debate using facts rather than feelings.
Cllr Hume reported that the County Council recently held a meeting regarding the Tillbridge Solar Farm near Gainsborough, which included representatives from other political parties, confirming LCC are continuing to object to the project. More solar farms are being proposed in Lincolnshire, consultations are ongoing.
Road safety improvements are being carried out along the A52, after an intensive investigation by LCC and the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, to include average speed cameras.
Cllr Hume advised that if any Councillors receive complaints about flags being displayed to pass on her contact details, a consultation is also taking place about the current LCC School Admissions Policy. They are looking at increasing the number of schools parents can choose from 3 to 4. Spilsby Road will be closed and diversions put in place for essential roadworks in November.
A service called ‘Inspire You’ has been set up for young people to use. It helps with Apprenticeships, Work Experience and further Education. Service hubs are located in Boston and Skegness.
Cllr Rose asked if diversions signs could be clearer, having received complaints from people who say they have stayed away from Spilsby because details of the road closures are unclear.
Cllr E Marsh commented about the poor response from Lincolnshire County Council’s regarding the display of flags discussed at the previous meeting, having emailed Council Leader Sean Matthews from LCC but to date has not received a response. Cllr Hume to follow up.
To receive a report from East Lindsey District Councillor E Marsh.
Cllr E Marsh reported an appeal has gone out for poppies to be made and to go on display around the town for Remembrance Day. All local schools together with various community groups are involved and poppies are being collected this week. All of the local businesses in town have agreed to display some of these poppies in their windows next week. Cllr E Marsh asked for volunteers to help decorate the town for the Parade.
Cllr E Marsh reported that the auction has started again on the Monday Market and is well attended. Some new stalls have also started attending the Monday Market which is another positive move. The car parking tickets issued when there was no auction have now been redacted by ELDC.
ELDC have agreed to Boston Road Car Park being used free of charge when a number of football matches are taking place at the Recreation Ground and praised this co-operation for the benefit of the town and residents.
A Public Meeting with Gleesons has been confirmed for Thursday 20th November between 3pm and 7pm at the Franklin Hall. As well as representatives from Gleesons, there will be representatives from the ICB, Anglian Water and Spilsby Town Council. Cllr Hume confirmed she will attend and will invite an Officer from the Highways Department to join her. Cllr E Marsh suggested a representative from the Education Department would also be beneficial. ELDC will not be sending an officer from the Planning Department.
King Edward VI Academy are arranging a number of litter picking/cleaning events around Spilsby. Dates are to be confirmed. The Clerk will inform Councillors of when they will take place.
With no further comments, it was resolved unanimously to move into formal session.
82. Welcome
Cllr L Marsh welcomed all present, reminding Councillors about emergency exits and safety protocols, to turn phones off and appropriate conduct.
83. Apologies
It was resolved unanimously to accept apologies from Cllrs L Day Mayor (illness), T Kemp (ELDC Executive Meeting), and T Robson (holiday).
Cllr L Marsh confirmed contacting Cllr Kemp to query his commitment to the Town Council, despite valid reasons for absence and will contact Cllr Kemp again regarding future attendance and efforts towards Town Council activity.
84. Declarations of Interest
Cllr W Rose declared an interest in item 16 regarding the Allotments, although not a pecuniary interest, it is listed as other registerable interests. Cllr Rose could participate in the debate, but not vote.
85. To approve as a correct record the minutes of the full Council Meeting held on
24th September, 2025.
The Clerk advised receiving an email from County Cllr Hume who queried the accuracy of the minutes. The Clerk confirmed making amendments to the draft minutes after checking the notes from the debate following Cllr Hume’s feedback. Updated draft minutes were emailed to all Councillors prior to the meeting and the Clerk read out the amendments.
Cllr Hume arrived at 7:07pm.
Cllr Marsh welcomed Cllr Hume, advised the minutes were being considered and asked Cllr Hume if amendments requested were satisfactory. Cllr Hume suggested the minutes did not reflect the comments made at the September meeting. The Clerk compared Cllr Hume’s feedback provided to the draft minutes, coupled with the notes from September. The Clerk advised the draft minutes reflected an accurate summary of the discussion.
Cllr Hume expressed concern that comments made regarding the reasoning behind the installation of the flags and the possible opinions of the installer were omitted from the notes. The Clerk confirmed that these comments were not made at the meeting. The Clerk also confirmed that graffiti was reported to the Police as an act of racism, not the installation of the flags. Cllr Hume suggested that other comments on fascism and racism had been omitted. The Clerk confirmed these comments were not made at the meeting nor recorded in the draft minutes.
Cllr L Marsh advised the minutes are notes of the meeting, not verbatim.
Cllr E Marsh arrived at 7:12pm.
Cllr Hume felt wording around the use of the flags is ambiguous. Cllr L Marsh suggested the correct use implies on a flagpole rather than a lamppost. The Clerk advised wording it this way was a summary.
Cllr Hume expressed concern about the accuracy regarding requesting the location of the graffiti. The Clerk advised noting this request from Cllr Rose.
Cllr L Marsh suggested that Cllr Hume meet the Clerk in Spilsby to listen to the recording and discuss the amendments together. It was resolved unanimously to defer to the next Council Meeting.
86. To approve the accounts for September.
With no matters arising, it was resolved unanimously to accept the accounts for September 2025. The Accounts Report is included as an attachment to these minutes.
87. To receive a bank reconciliation for September.
The Clerk provided a bank reconciliation to keep Councillors up to date with the Town Council’s financial status, for information purposes only. The Bank Reconciliation Report is included as an attachment to these minutes.
88. To receive a budget review for the second quarter of the financial year.
The Clerk provided a Budget Review for the second quarter of the current Financial Year to keep Councillors up to date with the Town Council’s financial status, for information purposes only.
The Clerk advised income was higher than expected due to a large VAT refund and from Cemetery fees. Expenditure was as expected; however, some large payments are due following works at the Play Area and the installation of the new CCTV system in Q3 and Q4.
The Clerk asked for ideas to build into the next budget before the next meeting and advised the Reserves still need to be replenished. Cllr Taylor asked for regular inspections of the Church Wall at St. James to be budgeted for, even though the Church Wall is insured. The Clerk to investigate.
89. To receive brief reports from the Town Mayor, Town Council’s working groups, representatives on outside bodies and the Town Clerk.
Mayor’s Report
Cllr A Day reported that Cllr L Day attended Cunningham’s Coffee Shop 1st anniversary celebrations; Cllr A Day reported that it was a lovely event and Cllr L Day was treated very well.
Cllr L Marsh reported attending the Sibsey Lancaster Memorial Event, representing Spilsby Town Council, over 100 people attended, including representatives from the RAF and family members of the fallen crew.
Recreation Ground
Cllr E Marsh reported that the installation of the 3G Pitch is progressing well. Construction of the car park extension will start once all funding has been received.
Grammar School Foundation
Cllr Gibson submitted a written report circulated with Councillors prior to the meeting, included as an attachment to these minutes. Cllr Gibson reported receiving an email the North Yorkshire Archives who will accept the letter but would prefer if the letter is delivered rather than posted and will update the Clerk on the location of the archives.
The advert for the student grants is going in the next edition of the Spilsby Explorer with a deadline at the end of January. The meeting regarding the allocation of funds will take place in February. Cllr E Marsh asked if the student grant advert had been put out on social media. Cllr Gibson to check.
Poorlands
Cllr L Marsh reported that no meeting had been held. A meeting is due to take place at the end of November or beginning of December ready for the Christmas payout.
Twinning
Cllr L Marsh reported that a meeting was recently held, with preparations for the upcoming visit from Bassum discussed; the events for the weekend were confirmed. Cllr E Marsh agreed to put some German flags up around the town. The Deputy Town Clerk confirmed that a Twinning window display will be in Sweet Vanilla for when the Germans are here.
Community Speedwatch
No Speedwatch sessions have taken place.
Good Neighbourhood Scheme
Cllr Gibson submitted a written report circulated with Councillors prior to the meeting, included as an attachment to these minutes.
Cllr Gibson advised that the Franklin Hall committee are looking to recruit new trustees due to a resignation and for any interested persons to contact the Hall Manager.
Spilsby Events Team
Cllr E Marsh reported that the group’s AGM will be on Monday 24th November at 5.30pm at the New Life Centre to discuss events in 2026, where ideas for future events can be put forward or contact a committee member. New volunteers are welcome; the group also need a new treasurer.
The Halloween Prize Bingo and Fancy-Dress Competition is to take place at the Franklin Hall on
Sunday 26th October. The Events Team, in conjunction with the Rotary Club, are organising Cracker Day on Saturday 6th December in Franklin Hall with some food stalls in the Buttercross Car Park. The Christmas Lights will be switched on at 4.30pm.
Town Clerk’s Report
The Town Clerk provided a written report, circulated with Councillors prior to the meeting and included as an attachment to these minutes.
The Town Clerk advised that the grit bins on Halton Road and at the Boston Road/Church Street junction have been removed due to lack of use. LCC advised these roads are on the Precautionary Gritting Routes so are salted as required in accordance with LCC’s Winter Service Plan.
Cllr A Day asked if the grit bin in the Middle Market could be removed as well, as it is unsightly. LCC advised the bin is not theirs and ELDC have suggested it is not theirs despite being in an ELDC car park. ELDC’s Pride Team have tried to clean it, but it is above birds nesting in the roof of the Normics building.
The Clerk confirmed footpath between Post Office Lane Car Park and Old School Mews is to be closed for 24 hours on Monday 24th November as it’s designated as a permissive path only, not statutorily protected under the Highways Act.
Cllr Taylor reported a grit bin located at the top of Tasman Road, was removed as it was damaged and not been replaced. The Clerk to contact LCC to see if one of the removed grit bins could be relocated to Tasman Road.
90. To receive notification of any planning permissions, refusals, withdrawals, or amendments.
a. Application consultation reference 03223/25/FUL | 24 Market Street
The planning application notification was circulated with the Planning Committee and responses, where required, were submitted to ELDC, in line with the Town Council’s Scheme of Delegation. The Town Council’s feedback can be viewed on ELDC’s planning portal or a copy can be provided by the Town Clerk.
91. To consider grant application for the Friends of RAF Spilsby.
The Town Clerk reported that the application was for ongoing maintenance to the Memorial. Their last grant application was in 2023 for repairs due to subsidence. It was resolved unanimously to donate £250.00. The Clerk to arrange payment.
92. To consider Policies for review:
a. Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy;
b. Confidential Reporting Policy;
c. Maternity Policy;
d. Menopause Policy; and
e. Paternity Leave Policy.
Policies were circulated with Councillors prior to the meeting in line with the Policy Review Procedure. With no further comments, it was resolved unanimously to adopt the policies.
93. To consider Town Council representation at St. James Church Christmas Tree festival.
The Clerk advised an invitation had been received to display a Christmas Tree at St James’ Church. The Council have displayed a tree for the past two years. The charge is £10.00. Cllr E Marsh suggested the theme could be a pictorial display of what the Town has achieved in 2025. Cllr L Marsh suggested that the groups who have received grants from the Town Council in 2025 should to send a photo in for the tree to promote their group. The tree needs to be in the Church by the Saturday 29th November. It was resolved unanimously to take part in the Christmas Tree Festival.
94. To consider which Councillor will attend RAF Spilsby’s Remembrance Service.
Cllr Taylor agreed to represent Spilsby Town Council at the Remembrance Service at RAF Spilsby. Cllr Hume will also endeavor to attend. The Town Clerk confirmed that wreaths are in the office.
95. To receive an update on Spilsby Surgery.
Cllr Rose reported that the Patient Participation Group (PPG) held an emergency meeting with a representative from the ICB after the temporary closure of the Surgery. Another meeting is to take place in the near future and hopes to be able to provide a more detailed update at the next full Council Meeting. Cllr Rose reported that after the Surgery closed, Lincolnshire and District Medical Services (LADMS) took over the Surgery.
Cllr Rose advised that one of the doctors reported that the Surgery was not in a good position, the biggest issue being an administrative one. There had been several staffing issues together with patient complaints. LADMS have offered all staff members to continue in their jobs, with most agreeing; some members of staff who left, have now returned. The majority of GPs are locum but arrangements have been made that they remain consistent for the best possible care. LADMS has the Surgery contract for the next 12 months. The representative from the ICB advised there are several parties interested in taking over the Surgery.
Cllr E Marsh confirmed that LADMS has the Surgery contract for 12 months and in that time the ICB have to find alternative partners willing to take over the practice, otherwise it could be closed.
Cllr E Marsh has discussed with ELDC about the importance of providing medical provision in the town before any further houses are built, notably on the Halton Road development. Potential new partners need to be made aware of the proposed Surgery on Halton Road to see if they are willing to take this on once completed. The Practice is currently running well and Patients appear to be happy with the service. Cllr E Marsh confirmed the CQC removed the practice registration due to poor administration and governance, not poor care.
Cllr E Marsh advised it would take some time to find new Partners, with the options being: 1, three independent partners are found; 2, a group of medical services who already operate a Surgery take over and 3, the Surgery closes. The ICB will endeavor to find a solution and should be able to give further information at the Gleesons Public Meeting in November.
Cllr Rose suggested an investigation is needed as to why the ICB allowed this to happen and what can be done to stop this happening again.
Cllr Rose requested a letter of thanks be sent to the Co-Op Pharmacy from the Town Council for their help when the Surgery was closed. They quickly arranged Flu Vaccination Clinics when Clinics organised by the Surgery did not take place. With no further comments, it was resolved unanimously to send a letter of Thanks to the Spilsby Co-Op Pharmacy.
96. To resolve to exclude the public and the media to discuss confidential matters in accordance with The Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960.
It was resolved unanimously to exclude members of the Public and Media to allow the Town Council to discuss confidential matters.
97. Allotments:
a. To consider arrangements for removal of asbestos from the Allotments.
Options for the removal of the asbestos were considered. The Clerk to review the cost implications and update the Council.
b. To receive an update on issues at the Allotments.
The Town Clerk provided an update of ongoing issues at the allotments and the action planned to bring the issues to a conclusion.
c. To consider quotes for the gate.
The Clerk reported receiving only one quote for this. It was agreed that two alternative quotes need be provided and be discussed at the next Council Meeting.
98. To receive an update on an Ashes interment from 1982, not listed in the burial records.
The Town Clerk provided an update on an Ashes interment from 1982 that is not listed in the burial records. The Town Clerk sought advice from the ICCM, who recommended adding the names in the burial records but with a note to say these interments were not recorded at time of burial, therefore the Town Council cannot confirm with certainty of the interment, however, family members confirmed the interments did take place.
The Clerk will meet the grave digger at the Cemetery to discuss the possibility of future interments in the grave.
With no further comments, Cllr L Marsh closed the meeting at 7.35 pm.