June 2026 Draft Minutes
Minutes of the full Council Meeting held on Wednesday 24th June, 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 Marsh (Mayor), A Day (Deputy Mayor), P Gale, M Gibson, C Hewlett, E Marsh (Town and District Councillor), T Robson, W Rose, and T Taylor; County Councillor M Hume and Deputy Town Clerk - S Thomas.
There were four members of the public in attendance.
Public Forum
Cllr L Marsh invited members of the public to speak.
Resident 1 - a tenant at the Allotments, expressed concern that some other tenants are breaching rules of the Town Council’s Allotment Policy, including selling produce and not keeping plots cultivated. The resident advised that a tenant was previously removed but then allowed a different plot which is now overgrown, causing a nuisance to surrounding tenants with rats seen at this plot. The resident updated the Town Clerk on the condition of the plot. The resident asks why the Council have not evicted the tenant when there is a waiting list.
The resident raised other issues including expressing concern over safety as another tenant has allowed children to use a petrol lawnmower and strimmer; that domestic waste is being brought to the Allotments including kitchen cupboards, cardboard boxes, and pizza boxes; that speeding along the access lane continues to be an issue; and that bonfires are lit without the appropriate care, causing a nuisance to other tenant and local residents. The resident requested a ban on bonfires. The resident also suggested another tenant is looking after five plots, which is unfair to those on the waiting list and a breach of the Policy.
The resident asked what the Council will do about these breaches and what the current position is regarding investigating these issues. The resident also thanked Cllr Gale and a resident of Masonic Lane for relocating the first gate to make it easier to access the Allotments.
Cllr L Marsh thanked the resident and will arrange a meeting with Town Clerk to discuss the issues raised.
Resident 2 from Masonic Lane, Hundleby requested the Town Council provide copies of the Deeds to the Allotments to prove ownership. The resident advised that the original access to the allotments was sold as a building plot and asked what happened to the money received from that sale. The resident also requested evidence from the Council that the access lane is a public vehicular right of way.
Cllr L Marsh advised that the Council’s Solicitors are looking into this matter and will arrange a meeting with Town Clerk to discuss the issues raised. Cllr L Marsh expressed the desire to have a harmonious relationship with tenants and residents of Masonic Lane.
Resident 3 also from Masonic Lane, Hundleby advised contacting both LCC and ELDC about ownership, both Councils have confirmed that they are not the landowners.
Resident 4 also from Masonic Lane, Hundleby reported that there has been a couple of incidents where tenants have harassed members of their family when parked on the access lane for a short period of time and suggested that some tenants think that the lane is for the allotments only.
To receive a report from Lincolnshire County Councillor M Hume.
Lincolnshire County Councillor M Hume reported that Anglian Water are currently carrying out works on Talbot Close and will be carrying out works on Granary Close on 3rd July. The Highways Department are scheduled to repair potholes on Vale Road and Spence Street.
Cllr David East is now the Chief Executive of Highways and can provide contact details if required.
Cllr Hume previously reported on the LCC Initiative ‘InspireU’ for people aged 16-24 years old to help find apprenticeships and life skills. Positive feedback has been received about the scheme and if any young people are interested in taking part to get in contact for further information.
LCC Councillors now have two grants available, for smaller projects up to £3,000.00 and for larger projects up to £10,000.00. Contact Cllr Hume for more information.
Clean-Up Day is on 4th July 2026 and asked the Council to advise if there are any areas in Spilsby that need cleaning up.
Cllr Hume is aware of the recent accidents on the footpath outside Tongs on the High Street due to the raised tree roots. Cllr L Marsh reported that there now appears to be an issue with uneven access covers outside Dreamz Hairdressers which have not been re-laid correctly following the recent works by Cadent.
Cllr E Marsh reported that an inspection of the High Street footpath has taken place. The Highways Department are planning on laying some flexible tarmac in the autumn. Following the inspection in 2025, the Highways Department stated that there was no significant problem but since that time there have been two serious falls. The Deputy Clerk advised that the shop owner has requested that the tree is removed.
Cllr Hume has also been discussing issues with the Town Clerk such as fitting a handrail running along the footpath alongside Franklin Hall; issues with parking on Market Street; issues with overgrown hedges and trees which are LCC’s responsibility; the crossings on Halton Road and the Terrace, traffic calming measures along Halton Road; the dirty bus shelter on the A16, the uneven footpaths on Boston Road from Ancaster Avenue to Winston Road and on Church Street; the possibility of having a new road from the A16 to Halton Holegate and drainage issues at 45 High Street.
Cllr E Marsh queried the £35 million in savings announced by LCC, suggesting that local residents are still concerned about the poor road conditions in the area and wanted to know what LCC will do to improve them county-wide. Cllr E Marsh also questioned LCC’s cuts in Dementia Care, suggesting that the provision, from firsthand experience, is already inadequate and asked for LCC’s plan on how they will provide a good level of care, especially in Spilsby where there are no services available.
Cllr Rose requested that Highways improve their roadwork diversion and road closure signage as they are not always clear.
To receive a report from East Lindsey District Councillor E Marsh.
East Lindsey District Councillor E Marsh reported that residents have been complaining about inconsiderate parking by contractors working at the Sessions House and subsequently held discussions with Bruce Knight and the ELDC Project Manager to resolve the issues.
The next Super Saturday on 4th July will be run jointly with the Events Team and is running alongside the Scarecrow Festival; new volunteers are always welcome. Scarecrows will be collected and displayed at Spilsby Show, where an overall winner will be chosen and a prize given.
The renovation of the public toilets in the Middle Market has started with Portaloos available for use during the works. There is also a container which the gazebos are stored in for Super Saturday events.
Food Waste caddies will start to be delivered week commencing 27th July 2026, with residents receiving both a small caddy for inside and a large caddy for outside. Residents will also be supplied with a roll of compostable liners. Collections will start on 19th October.
As there was no ‘Light Night’ this year; a new art project called ‘Light Waves - from the Wolds to the Waves’ - is being organised by Sessions Arts and East Lindsey District Council. This will take place on the 10th October across Spilsby and then move onto other towns including Sutton-on-Sea and Mablethorpe.
Cllr Robson requested an update on plans for the proposed estate on Halton Road. Cllr E Marsh advised that the developers were reviewing their development plans countrywide due to the downturn in the market. Outline planning permission has been granted, and some works have started in order to keep the planning permission valid. No works on constructing houses can start until the infrastructure is in place for both the houses and the medical centre.
With no further comments, it was resolved unanimously to move into formal session.
36. Welcome
Cllr L Marsh welcomed all present, reminding Councillors about emergency exits and safety protocols, to turn phones off and appropriate conduct.
37. Apologies
It was resolved unanimously to accept apologies from Cllr E Day. No apologies received from Cllrs Kemp and Mangion.
38. Declarations of Interest
Cllr Robson declared an interest in items 11 and 12, although not a pecuniary interest, it is listed as other registerable interests. Cllr Robson could participate in the debate but not vote.
39. To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 27th May, 2026.
With no matters arising, it was resolved unanimously to accept the minutes for May as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
40. To approve the accounts for May 2026.
With no matters arising, it was resolved unanimously to accept the accounts for May 2026. The Accounts Report included as an attachment to these minutes.
41. To receive a bank reconciliation for May 2026.
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.
42. 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 L Marsh will be attending Spilsby Show on 12th July 2026 and intends to post series of short videos to social media to promote the Town Council’s activities and highlight the challenges faced during the year.
Recreation Ground
Cllr Robson reported that works are currently being done to the Pavillion toilets so that they can be accessed from outside. The AGM is being held on 29th June 2026.
Grammar School Foundation
Cllr Gibson provided a written report, circulated with Councillors prior to the meeting, and included as an attachment to these minutes. Cllr Gibson confirmed that he will be attending the opening of the new gym at the Academy on 29th June 2026 and that applications for the next round of funding have been received from all local schools except Toynton Primary School.
Poorlands
Cllr Robson reported that a meeting was held in June where monies were distributed to those who had applied. There has been a drop in the number of applicants, therefore more money is available to those in need.
Twinning
The Deputy Town Clerk provided a written report, circulated with Councillors prior to the meeting, and included as an attachment to these minutes.
Good Neighbourhood Scheme
Cllr Gibson provided a written report, circulated with Councillors prior to the meeting and included as an attachment to these minutes. The Committee were disappointed with the number of people who attended and will attempt collect details of those who attend their events so that they can be contacted directly about future events. Following the donation from the Masons, funds need to be spent wisely. Revd. Peter Coates will be producing posters for distribution next week.
Cllr Gibson also reported that the Franklin Hall Committee supports the installation of a new Memorial from RAF Spilsby in the hall which will be done in the near future.
Community Speedwatch
Nothing to report.
Spilsby Events Team
Cllr E Marsh reported that another Bingo event will be held in August; that they are looking into arranging an ‘open mic/talent evening’ in November instead of the 1960’s event. Sessions Arts will also be attending all remaining Super Saturdays in 2026.
Town Clerk’s Report
The Clerk emailed a report to Councillors prior to the meeting, included as an attachment to these minutes. The Deputy Town Clerk reminded Councillors that the Town Council will have a stand at Spilsby Show and asked if Councillors could organise a rota for the stand. The Deputy Clerk advised if anything was required for the stand to let the Town Clerk know to arrange. Cllr Gibson and Robson volunteered, and Cllr L Marsh will also be at the show. The gazebo will be collected and erected on Saturday 11th July.
43. To receive notification of any planning permissions, refusals, withdrawals, or amendments.
a. Application reference 00080/26/FUL | Siting of a single storey portable cabin to be used as two clinical rooms at The Surgery, Simpson 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.
44. To consider Policies for review:
a. Scattering of Ashes Policy
The Policy was 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.
45. To receive a closing report on the 2026 Recognition Awards event.
Cllr L Marsh reported that the event was a great success and that the sponsors were happy with how it went, however, there were fewer members of the public attending the event. Cllr L Marsh also reported an increase in the price of the trophies, which will be reviewed.
46. To consider a contribution towards the insurance for the Recreation Ground.
Cllr L Marsh reported that the Chair of the Recreation Ground Committee asked the Council for a contribution to their insurance costs due to an increase in their premium following recent improvements. Cllr L Marsh suggested requesting further information from the SRG regarding the increase in the costs and advised there are no funds allocated in the budget to assist with the costs, however, could be factored into the next budget.
Cllr Rose suggested the Recreation Ground Committee submit a grant application for assistance. Cllr L Marsh expressed concern that if a contribution was made via a grant, then there would be no further funds available to other groups in the community who wish to apply for a grant.
Cllr E Marsh queried whether the SRG would expect an annual contribution, similar to the significant contributions the Town Council make to other groups in the community. The Clerk to contact the SRG for further information.
Cllr Taylor thought the SRG should have factor an increase in their business plan for the new installations.
It was resolved unanimously to defer until more details are obtained including the uplift in premium.
47. To consider a new lease agreement for the Recreation Ground.
Cllr L Marsh reported that the current lease is valid for another 20 years and suggested the SRG investigate the costs associated with a new agreement if they wish to pursue it further.
Cllr Robson explained that grant applications usually ask for details of the lease including the expiry date. If it shows that the expiry date is close, the application may be rejected. Cllr Robson also suggested that the Council could look into donating the land to the Committee. Cllr L Marsh suggested extending the lease up to 50 years to assist in grant applications.
Cllr Taylor suggested the new lease should include the current facilities as well as any future developments in order to futureproof the new lease and should be done before the changes in local government.
Cllr Rose felt that things should remain as they are with the Council to safeguard the facility.
It was resolved unanimously to defer until more information is provided by the SRG.
48. To consider new speed signs.
The Town Clerk provided a quote for speed sign equipment from Elan City which had an offer for 2 radar speed signs. Cllr Taylor reported that a village close by had invested in this equipment which has had a positive impact. The signs operate 24 hours a day and provide up-to-date statistics of every vehicle that goes past it, which can be downloaded.
The quotation was for 6 posts and 2 signs and the posts would be located at Halton Road,
Ashby Road, Boston Road and both approaches to Spilsby on the A16 and Church Street.
With no further comments, it was resolved unanimously to purchase new speed signs and posts.
49. To consider the disposal of the old Mayor picture frames.
The Deputy Town Clerk explained that the Mayor photos have been put in new frames which will be put on display in due course. With no further comments, it was resolved unanimously to dispose of the old frames.
50. To consider purchasing Bleed Control Kits.
The Deputy Town Clerk reported that the Council would be responsible for the maintenance of the kits. The Masons agreed to make a financial contribution towards the purchase of the kits, but the Rotary were unable to. Kits would be stored in various locations in a defibrillator cabinet.
Cllr Hume advised that bleed control items can be added to a standard first aid kit and specific kits are not always necessary.
It was resolved unanimously to defer to the next meeting. Cllr L Marsh suggested that Councillors submit any questions they have to the Clerks who will report back at the next meeting.
51. To consider costs of defibrillator location maps.
The Deputy Town Clerk reported that 7 businesses/community groups have agreed to display a map next to their defibrillator and that a quote had been received from a company who would produce them for
Cllr Robson explained that locations of all defibrillators can be found on a registered network and wondered whether maps were necessary. Cllr L Marsh advised that idea came from another Council who have installed maps in their community.
With no further comments, it was resolved unanimously to purchase the maps. Cllr E Marsh suggested that once the maps have been fitted the Council could arrange for residents and community groups to attend a meeting demonstrating how to use the defibrillator.
52. To consider servicing the Defibrillator in Middle Market Place.
The Deputy Town Clerk reported that it had been some time since the defibrillator had been serviced. With no further comments, it was resolved unanimously to arrange for the defibrillator to be serviced.
53. To consider purchasing new Mayor boards.
The Deputy Clerk reported that a local company had been found to update the current Mayor Board but were ultimately unable to carry out the work. The Town Clerk therefore suggested a new Mayor Board be produced that can be easily updated. With no further comments, it was resolved unanimously to purchase a new Mayor Honours Board.
54. To consider action regarding advertising banners on railings at the A16/Church Street junction.
Cllr L Marsh reported that a member of the public complained about banners at the Annual Town Meeting. The Deputy Town Clerk explained that LCC are responsible for the barriers.
Cllr Taylor supports having the advertising banners but agreed that when there are lots of banners on display it can become cluttered. Cllr L Marsh suggested that the Town Council contact LCC to provide the Town Council with authority to install and remove banners as well as stipulate those who advertise on them the size and appearance of the banners.
Cllr Hewlett suggested that those wanting to advertise on the barrier pay a nominal fee to the Town Council. Cllr Robson recommended that only local businesses/community groups have adverts on display. With no further comments it was resolved unanimously for Cllr L Marsh to contact Cllrs Hume and East for the Town Council to manage the banners.
55. To consider repairs to existing equipment in the play area.
Cllr L Marsh reported that the accessible roundabout has been vandalised and that the foundations for the accessible swing have still not been repaired. Cllr L Marsh suggested that the play equipment provider repair the accessible roundabout and carry out works to the swings foundations so it can be reinstated with new wetpour flooring. With no further comments it was resolved unanimously to contact the supplier to repair both the accessible roundabout and swing.
56. To consider ways of supporting Tour of Britain cycling event coming through Spilsby on Thursday 3rd September 2026.
The Deputy Town Clerk advised receiving communication from ELDC that the men’s Tour of Britain cycling race would either be coming through Spilsby or very close to the town and suggested ways to promote Spilsby on the day with flags, signs, bunting, painted bikes as well as items to give away including water bottles, cowbells and cycling caps. The Deputy Town Clerk has already received a donation of six bike wheels together with two bikes. Cllr Hewlett confirmed receiving three bikes and that some bike wheels.
Cllr L Marsh suggested that this is a great opportunity to promote the town and asked Councillors to contact the Clerks with ideas for decorating the town. The Town Clerk to circulate ideas and formulate a plan at the July meeting to promote the town at this event.
With no further comments, Cllr L Marsh closed the meeting at 7:55pm.
Signed…………………………………………………………….
Town Mayor - Cllr L Marsh
Signed…………………………………………………………….
Deputy Town Clerk to the Council - S Thomas
22nd July 2026