January 2026 DRAFT Minutes
Minutes of the full Council Meeting held on Wednesday 28th January, 2026 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 Day (Mayor), L Marsh (Deputy Mayor), A Day, P Gale, M Gibson, C Hewlett, D Mangion,
E Marsh (Town and District Councillor), T Robson, T Taylor and W Rose, Town Clerk - J Sargent and Deputy Town Clerk - S Thomas.
Public Session
There were 2 members of the public in attendance.
Resident 1 - a personal trainer requested support for the development of a sports and wellbeing centre in Spilsby, aimed at improving accessibility to fitness for all ages, physical health and mental wellbeing. The resident recommended the centre includes fitness areas, studio space, classrooms, and rehabilitation rooms, accessible to all ages and abilities. The resident raised issues such as rising obesity levels and the lack of affordable facilities in the area, job creation and increasing footfall.
The resident asked if the Town Council would help with finding a suitable location such as an industrial unit on Ashby Road, funding pathways through Sports England or the National Lottery and building community partnerships so the facility could take on NHS referrals.
Councillors welcomed the idea and commended the research conducted for the presentation.
Cllr Taylor suggest more work needs to be carried out such as building relationships before finding a location for the Centre. Cllr E Marsh suggested contacting the Recreation Ground who will soon be expanding the pavilion and build up a client base.
Resident 2 is currently renovating the Beehive, 27 High Street and reported water issues outside the property caused by a lack of gulleys that take away the rain water and an air conditioning unit on the neighbouring property discharging water onto the footpath and into the foundations of their property
The resident has tried to contact various departments at LCC and ELDC about the issue but is not having any success with rectifying the issue and suggested that officers who have attended, have not examined the issue correctly. Cllr E Marsh asked for the resident contact details to liaise with LCC.
To receive a report from Lincolnshire County Councillor M Hume.
Cllr Hume was not in attendance; no written report provided.
To receive a report from East Lindsey District Councillor E Marsh.
Cllr E Marsh reported posters are now ready to be displayed for the 2026 Super Saturdays, with organisation of the events underway. The public toilets in Spilsby are due to be renovated with the works to last up to 10 weeks, completing by 21st July 2026. Portaloos will be available during the renovation. Cllr Taylor advised that the toilets will have a 20-year warranty.
Cllr E Marsh as received complaints of dog fouling in Spilsby. Unfortunately, ELDC’s Dog Wardens work between 9:00 - 17:00; it appears that the majority of the dog fouling occurs outside those hours and suggested applying for a Public Space Protection Order for some parts of the town.
The renovation of the Sessions House is progressing well. ‘Light Night’ will not be held this year; however, it is planned to return in 2027 to coincide with the reopening of the Sessions House.
ELDC are expecting a briefing with regards to the Local Government Review in February.
There has been a significant downturn in attendance from traders at the Monday Market and no auction over the winter. Cllr E Marsh requested ELDC remove parking restrictions in the Buttercross Car Park on a Monday when the auctions are not being held to help support local businesses.
The Council Tax Support Fund has been voted on and will continue so that anyone with Children will be eligible for 85% support and those without Children will be eligible for 75% support.
With no further comments, it was resolved unanimously to move into formal session.
118. Welcome
Cllr L Day welcomed all present, reminding Councillors about emergency exits and safety protocols, to turn phones off and appropriate conduct.
119. Apologies
It was resolved unanimously to accept apologies from Cllr T Kemp, however, Councillors expressed concern over Cllr Kemp’s lack of attendance.
Cllr L Marsh to discuss attendance with Cllr Kemp and his position on the Council. Cllr Robson suggested asking if Cllr Kemp envisages any changes in the near future that will allow him to be a more active Town Councillor and attend meetings.
120. Declarations of Interest
Cllr W Rose declared an interest in item 17 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. Cllr Robson declared an interest in items 111 and 15. Cllr Robson could participate in the debate, but not vote.
121. To approve as a correct record the minutes of the full Council Meeting held on
Wednesday 26th November, 2025.
With no matters arising, it was resolved unanimously to accept the minutes for September as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
122. To approve the accounts for:
a. November.
b. December.
With no matters arising, it was resolved unanimously to accept the accounts for consideration. The Accounts Report is included as an attachment to these minutes.
123. To receive a bank reconciliation for:
a. November.
b. December.
The Clerk provided the bank reconciliation report 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.
124. To receive an accounts summary to the end of the third quarter of the financial year:
a. Treasurers Account
b. Reserve Account
The Clerk provided an accounts summary to the end of the third quarter of the financial year for both the Treasurers Account and the Reserve Account, to keep Councillors up to date with the Town Council’s financial status, for information purposes only. The summary is included as an attachment to these minutes.
125. To receive a budget review of the third quarter of the financial year.
The Clerk provided a budget review to the end of the third quarter of the financial year, to keep Councillors up to date with the Town Council’s financial status, for information purposes only. The Clerk noted income was higher than expect due to receiving grant funding for the play area and a VAT refund; expenditure is as expected. The review is included as an attachment to these minutes. No questions were raised.
126. Financial Planning 2026-26, to confirm the budget and precept request for 2026-27.
The Clerk provided a Draft Budget for 2026-27, with an updated taxbase - an increase to 911, which means that the increase agreed in November or 5% could remain for the precept request and would only be a 4% increase for residents or if the Council applied the 5% increase on a band D property would add a further £2,000.00 to the precept request. It was resolved unanimously to continue with the 5% increase to the precept request, accept the draft budget and submit a precept request to ELDC of £186,508.31. The Clerk to submit.
127. 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.
Recreation Ground
Cllr Robson reported that the new facility is being well used, booked most nights. There are plans to create new clubs such as netball and hockey to use the facility.
Grammar School Foundation
Cllr Gibson provided a written report, included as an attachment to these minutes and added that the investors of the Foundation’s funds have sent a written apology regarding the poor return in 2025. Donations depend on the applicant’s course and the Foundation intends to donate to the Music Festival again in 2026.
Poorlands
Cllr Robson reported that 60 residents had been contacted about receiving a donation.
Twinning
Cllr L Marsh reported that a letter of thanks will be sent to the owners of Sweet Vanilla for their window display during the German Twinning weekend. The Twinning Committee in Bassum will be hosting a group from Fresnay Sur Sarthe this year, so the official Twinning Weekend between Spilsby and Fresnay Sur Sarthe will not be going ahead. The Spilsby Twinning Committee will welcome a small group should they decide to visit this year. The Spilsby Twinning Committee have accepted an invitation to visit Bassum in August 2026.
The Bluestone Big Band are performing in Franklin Hall on Saturday 31st January, there will be a race night on Saturday 21st March at Partney Village Hall and the AGM will be held on Wednesday 15th April at the Nelson Butt.
Community Speedwatch
No report.
Good Neighbourhood Scheme
Cllr Gibson provided a written report, included as an attachment to these minutes.
Spilsby Events Team
Cllr E Marsh reported that posters confirming the Super Saturday dates have been printed and will be posted around the town. Two bingo events will take place, a 60’s themed event is arranged for October and a Senior Social with bingo and a raffle is taking place on 3rd February, which is free of charge, soup and a roll with also be available to attendees.
Town Clerk’s Report
The Town Clerk circulated a reported via email prior to the meeting. No questions were put to the Clerk.
128. To receive notification of any planning permissions, refusals, withdrawals, or amendments.
a. Application reference 03570/25/LBA | Internal and external alterations to existing theatre at Spilsby Theatre.
b. Application reference 03678/25/FUL | Extension to existing dwelling at 27 Reynard Street.
c. Application reference 03784/25/FUL | Spilsby Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan.
d. Application reference 03799/25/FUL | Extension to existing dwelling at 38 Woodlands Avenue.
e. Application reference 03809/25/LBA | Internal alterations to existing theatre at Spilsby Theatre, Church Street.
f. Planning Application Consultation S/165/00287/24 | Reserved Matters application relating to the erection of 600 dwellings and associated infrastructure on Land at Halton Road and Ashby Road.
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.
The Clerk provided a draft response to Planning Application Consultation S/165/00287/24. Cllr Rose suggested including a request for a pedestrian crossing on Church Street, either near St. James Church or Eresby Avenue. It was resolved unanimously to submit the response to ELDC with the amendments noted. A copy of the response is included as an attachment to these minutes.
129. To consider flag pole bracket safety testing.
The Town Clerk reported receiving some complaints about the uncoordinated display of Christmas Trees on buildings in town. Cllr L Marsh suggested a letter be sent to all businesses asking whether the businesses want to responsible for the brackets, for the Council take on the responsibility and maintenance of the brackets and for the business to make financial contribution towards the testing or for the bracket to no longer be used. It was resolved unanimously to send the letter. The Clerk to arrange.
130. To consider supporting Proposed Waiting Restrictions on Market Street.
Cllr E Marsh advised being contacted by several businesses on Market Street who suggested these restrictions would adversely affect business. Cllr E Marsh suggested a designated loading only bay with time limits outside No. 15 Market Street, where the road starts to widen, to support the businesses and keep the no loading restrictions elsewhere on Market Street. The proposed loading bay near the Buttercross car park is too far away from the businesses.
Cllr E Marsh acknowledged the issue with on-street parking was primarily with blue-badge holders who can park on double yellow lines for up to 3 hours causing problems with the flow of traffic, rather than delivery vehicles. However, blue-badge holders should not be parking where it would make the road narrow, where it would hold up traffic, where it would endanger or obstruct other road users. It is arguable that this is the case when vehicles are parked on Market Street.
Cllr A Day suggested providing a loading bay on the Terrace, in place of a parking bay.
Cllr Taylor proposed that the LCC proposal is accepted; Cllr L Marsh proposed supporting the restrictions but with a time-restricted loading bay. It was resolved by majority to support the proposals with an amendment to include a designated loading only bay with time limits outside No. 15 Market Street. The Clerk to submit to LCC.
131. To consider quotations received for Structural Survey of Church Wall at St James’ Church.
Cllr Rose queried why a survey had been suggested; Cllr Taylor suggested the survey as a sensible measure to assess the ongoing integrity of the wall.
Cllr Robson expressed concern that the Council could be seen as negligent should the wall fail in the future, and questioned whether the insurance could refuse a claim. Cllr Mangion suggested implementing an inspection plan and that the Council should proceed with the survey to better understand the maintenance requirements.
It was resolved by majority not to proceed with a survey. To Clerk to contact the insurers for more information on the maintenance requirements.
132. To consider a request from the Rotary Club to have a flower bed on the land at Church Street and A16 junction.
Cllr Robson advised the Rotary Club would like to plant a tree and install a Peace Pole. The Clerk confirmed that this area was maintained by the Town Council under agreement with LCC, as the land belonged to LCC. The Clerk confirmed contacting LCC for approval, no response to date. It was resolved unanimously to approve the Rotary Club’s plans, subject to approval from LCC. The Clerk to contact the Rotary Club.
133. To receive an update on Spilsby Recognition Awards 2026.
Cllr L Marsh advised that all but one of the awards sponsors had agreed to return for 2026. A date for the event is yet to be decided and might be moved to a Sunday to better accommodate the sponsors. The nomination form has also been updated to include a rationale behind the nominations.
134. To receive an update on Spilsby Surgery.
Cllr E Marsh advised that no new concerns had been raised. LADMS will continue to run the practice, with the process for determining the future arrangements yet to start. Cllr Rose advised the Patients Participation Group will be meeting soon.
135. To consider a quote to investigate a leak at the Cemetery.
The Clerk advised a leak had been reported by Anglian Water, who recommended Ajet Drain Services for the investigation and repairs. Cllr Taylor suggested capping off the leaking pipe, installing a new pipe from the water mains rather than digging up the old pipe would be an easier and more cost effective. It was resolved unanimously to obtain a quote for new pipe to be laid and the current pipe be capped off.
136. 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.
137. Allotments: To consider quotes for a new gate.
The Clerk provided 3 quotes. The Council considered all quotes to be too expensive relative to the income generate by the allotments as a whole. It was resolved unanimously to defer.
138. To consider quotes for the maintenance contract.
The Clerk contacted 5 contractors with 3 providing quotes. It was resolved unanimously to go with the best value quote. The Clerk to arrange.
With no further comments, Cllr L Day closed the meeting at 7:40pm.