FC September 2025 DRAFT Minutes
Minutes of the full Council Meeting held on Wednesday 24th September, 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), P Gale, M Gibson, C Hewlett, E Marsh (Town and District Councillor), T Robson, and W Rose; and County Councillor M Hume.
Town Clerk - J Sargent and Deputy Town Clerk - S Thomas.
There were no members of the public in attendance.
To receive a report from Lincolnshire County Councillor M Hume.
Cllr Hume reported that flags installed on lampposts would remain in place, unless they were illegal or causing an obstruction to drivers. Cllr Hume advised that the County Council’s position is that the flags represent national pride and were a sign of unity.
Cllr L Marsh confirmed that flags had been installed at the A16/Church Street junction in Spilsby, expressed concern with the message they were conveying and suggested they are a distraction to drivers. Cllr E Marsh advised the flags appeared at the same time as the anti-immigration graffiti and suggested LCC are inconsistent in their approach to items attached to lampposts. Cllr E Marsh confirmed the graffiti had been reported to the Police.
Cllr Rose expressed concern of the legality and safety aspect of the flags. Cllr Rose requested confirmation of the locations of the graffiti; the Town Clerk advised that graffiti has been reported on walls at Picturehouse Passage, Robin Hood Car Park and on the Terrace, close to the Post Office, most of which has been removed by ELDC’s Pride Team.
Cllr Mangion suggested that supporters of the right-wing national politics were using the flags to protest against illegal immigration rather than to display national pride.
Cllr Hume advised that if any flags have been put up illegally then they would be removed by the Highways Department.
Cllr Hume advised that residents can still provide feedback on the proposal for the Greater Lincolnshire Authority, although the final decision will be with central Government. Cllr Hume confirmed that the County Council would like to keep together the administrative areas already in place, to keep disruption to a minimum.
Cllr Hume advised there was no new update on the Grimsby to Walpole pylon project, has set up a Wainfleet Ward Facebook page and that funding might be available for Cracker Day.
The Town Clerk invited Cllr Hume to come to Spilsby to discuss County Council issues that need addressing around the town.
To receive a report from East Lindsey District Councillor E Marsh.
Cllr E Marsh reported that complaints have been made about a car being parked on the footpath at the side of the Normics building, Market Street. The owner of the car was confronted by a pedestrian which is now being dealt with by the Police. Parking Enforcement Officers are also aware of the pavement parking at this location.
Cllr E Marsh will put an article in the autumn/winter edition of the Spilsby Explorer magazine requesting residents to make and donate poppies to this year’s display around the town.
Fines that have been issued to vehicles parked in the Buttercross car park on Mondays will be cancelled when the auction has not taken place. Cllr E Marsh also advised that the ticket machine in the Buttercross car park will not be installed yet as it needs a new 3-phase cable which would involve digging up the road.
Gleesons, the developers of the proposed Halton Road housing estate, have agreed to take part in a public meeting in November, with the date and time to be confirmed. Once agreed, other stake holders will be invited to the meeting. Cllrs E Marsh and Gale will deliver notices to all properties that will be affected by the development.
Cllr Marsh reported that the Christmas lights switch on will take place on 6th December 2025 to coincide with Cracker Day, however, there will be no Christmas market this year.
With no further comments, it was resolved unanimously to move into formal session.
66. Welcome
Cllr L Marsh welcomed all present, reminding Councillors about emergency exits and safety protocols, to turn phones off and appropriate conduct.
67. Apologies
The Town Clerk advised that Cllr Kemp had not attended a meeting since February, however, as apologies had been accepted, did not meet the requirements for disqualification. Cllr L Marsh asked the Town Clerk to write to Cllr Kemp requesting every effort is made to attend future Council meetings and to ascertain what is preventing Cllr Kemp from attending. It was resolved unanimously to accept apologies from Cllrs L Day (Mayor), A Day, T Kemp and T Taylor.
68. Declarations of Interest
None received.
69. To approve as a correct record the minutes of the full Council Meeting held on
23rd July, 2025.
With no matters arising, it was resolved unanimously to accept the minutes for July as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
70. To approve - as a correct record the minutes of the Extraordinary Council Meeting held on 27th August 2025.
With no matters arising, it was resolved unanimously to accept the minutes for the August Extraordinary Council Meeting as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
71. To approve the accounts for
a. July 2025.
b. August 2025.
With no matters arising, it was resolved unanimously to accept the accounts for July and August 2025. The Accounts Report included as an attachment to these minutes.
72. To receive a bank reconciliation for
a. July 2025.
b. August 2025.
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 included as an attachment to these minutes.
73. To receive brief reports from the Town Mayor, Town Council’s working groups, representatives on outside bodies and the Town Clerk.
Mayor’s Report
No report provided.
Recreation Ground
Cllr Robson reported that the installation of the new Playzone is progressing well.
Grammar School Foundation
Cllr Gibson reported that a meeting had been held on 24th September 2025 and that grant funding will be given to three primary schools and King Edward VI Academy. Cllr Gibson has contacted Helmsey Town Council about the letter discussed at the previous meeting; a museum in Helmsey might be interested in displaying the letter.
Poorlands
Cllr L Marsh advised that no meetings have been held recently, however, one is scheduled for later in the year.
Twinning
Cllr L Marsh reported a small group from Bassum, Germany will be visiting Spilsby from 31st October to 3rd November 2025. The itinerary includes visiting Spilsby Fire Station’s Halloween event, 8 sail Brewery, East Kirkby Aviation Centre’s firework display, the Bubble Car Museum, and having lunch at The Nelson Butt.
No report from the Twinning Group in Fresnay Sur Sarthe, France. The Twinning Association will have a stand at the October Super Saturday and discussions at the last meeting included ideas for fundraising events such as the Bluestones Concert in January and the annual meal.
Community Speedwatch
No report provided.
Good Neighbourhood Scheme
Cllr Gibson reported that the next afternoon tea will take place on Friday 3rd October and a coffee morning will be held on 12th December 2025. Cllr Gibson also reported that there are funds in the group’s bank account which can be used for any expenses. It is thought that any surplus monies could be donated to another cause. There were 24 attendees at the last afternoon tea. The group are continuing to do a raffle at these events and are accepting donations as prizes. A networking event for community groups is taking place in the Victory Hall on the 12th November 2025. A representative from the YMCA will be attending to give support and guidance.
Spilsby Events Team
Cllr E Marsh reported that the group’s AGM is being held on Monday 6th October. The August Super Saturday went well, which had entertainment funded by the Events Team. The Events Team are hosting a Halloween Bingo on Sunday 26th October at 14:00 in Franklin Hall.
There will not be a Christmas Market in Spilsby for 2025 due to difficulties with organisation and road closure costs. Instead, the Events Team will be providing assistance with the Rotary’s Christmas Cracker Day event and Christmas tree lights switch on.
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 also reported that it could be a more cost-effective solution to install new flag pole brackets rather than carry out testing on existing brackets. Only one business contributed to the costs of safety testing. The bracket on their building is now the responsibility of the Town Council and included on the Town Council’s Asset Register.
74. To receive notification of any planning permissions, refusals, withdrawals, or amendments.
a. Application reference 02122/25/LBA | Spilsby Theatre
b. Application reference 02123/25/FUL | Spilsby Theatre
c. Application reference S/165/02389/21 | 10 dwellings on land north of Ashby Road, Spilsby
d. Application reference 02865/25/FUL | Tong Engineering Ltd
e. Application reference S/165/00287/24 | Housing development on land at Halton Road and Ashby Road, Spilsby.
All planning application notifications were 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.
75. To consider grant applications for:
a. Spilsby and Hundleby Walkers are Welcome
b. Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Spilsby area group
c. 2nd Spilsby Scout Group
d. Spilsby Christian Fellowship
The Town Clerk reported the Walkers are Welcome group had requested a grant of £120.00 for promotional materials and fees, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust had requested a grant for Franklin Hall hire fees, explaining that the total amount for hall hire for the year was £520.00, 2nd Spilsby Scout Group had requested a grant to go towards cooking equipment and Spilsby Christian Fellowship had requested a grant to go towards resources for a Christmas crafts event. It was resolved unanimously to donate £120.00 to the Walkers are Welcome group and £250.00 each to the other applicants. The Clerk to arrange payment.
76. To consider Policies for review:
a. Absence Policy;
b. Accessibility Statement
c. Complaints Procedure;
d. Cemetery Policy and Fees;
e. Dignity at Work Policy & Guidance Notes;
f. Health & Safety Policy;
g. Publication Scheme.
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.
The Town Clerk also circulated a proposed list of updated Cemetery Fees to all Councillors prior to the meeting and advised that an Exhumation Fee should be included. The Town Clerk advised there had been no price increase in the last 3 years and recommend implementing the increase from the beginning of 2026. The updated fees still compare well to nearby cemeteries. With no further comments, it was resolved unanimously to accept the Cemetery Fees increase.
77. To consider using LALC’s internal audit service for financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27.
The Town Clerk advised the of the costs of LALC’s internal audit service of a minimum of £300.00, as LALC calculate the costs based on the size of the electorate, as well as factoring in additional services the Town Council provides such as allotments. It was resolved unanimously to continue using LALC’s internal audit service.
78. To consider the final external auditor report for the Annual Return 2024-25.
The Town Clerk circulated the final report prior to the meeting. A copy is available on the Town Council’s website and included as an attachment to these minutes. It was resolved unanimously to accept the final report.
79. To receive a copy of the play area annual safety inspection report.
The Town Clerk circulated the annual safety inspection report prior to the meeting. As the equipment is new, there were few remedial works to carry out. The report noted some graffiti and missing caps from fence posts, works which the Town Clerk will arrange.
80. Local Council Award Scheme:
a. To receive confirmation of Spilsby Town Council’s bronze accreditation of the Local Council Award Scheme.
b. To consider applying for the Silver Award.
The Town Clerk circulated the confirmation of Spilsby Town Council’s bronze accreditation of the Local Council Award Scheme with Councillors prior to the meeting and posted a copy on the Town Council’s website. Cllr L Marsh congratulated both the Town Clerk and Deputy Town Clerk on their work for achieving the bronze award, making Spilsby Town Council one of only six Councils in Lincolnshire with any type of accreditation. Cllr Mangion requested thanks to the Town Clerk and Deputy Town Clerk is record in the minutes.
The Town Clerk estimated that the Town Council already meet 50% of criteria for the Silver Award, and expects to be able to apply for accreditation in 2026. It was resolved unanimously to apply for silver accreditation when all criteria are met.
81. To consider Super Saturday events for 2026, including themes.
Cllr E Marsh reported a very successful first year of Super Saturday events, and hoped the Town Council would continue to support the events in 2026. Cllr E Marsh advised that new volunteers are always welcome to help organise the events. An advert appealing for volunteers will be in the next edition of the Spilsby Explorer magazine.
Proposed themes for 2026 Super Saturdays include: Easter on 4th April, 1940s event on 2nd May, a food market on 6th June, a summer party on 4th July, a craft fair on 1st August, a Steampunk event on 5th September and a pink themed event for Breast Cancer Awareness month in October.
Cllr E Marsh advised that stands for traders were free in 2025, but will be charged £5.00 in 2026 to raise funds for entertainment. Additionally, ELDC have now given permission for the Town Council to use their gazebos and tables for these events. Cllr Rose recommended building in a bad weather contingency plan for 2026 events.
It was resolved unanimously to continue the Super Saturday Events in 2026. Cllrs Mangion and Robson thanks Cllr E Marsh and the team of volunteers for making these events a success.
With no further comments, Cllr L Marsh closed the meeting at 7.20pm.
Signed…………………………………………………………….
Deputy Town Mayor - Cllr L Marsh
Signed…………………………………………………………….
Town Clerk to the Council - J Sargent
22nd October 2025