July 2026 Draft Minutes
Minutes of the full Council Meeting held on Wednesday 22nd July, 2026 at 6:00 pm 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), P Gale, M Gibson, C Hewlett, E Marsh (Town and District Councillor), T Robson, and W Rose; County Councillor M Hume and Town Clerk - J Sargent.
There were 2 members of the public in attendance.
Public Forum
Cllr L Marsh invited members of the public to speak.
Resident 1 - a resident from Masonic Lane queried the ownership of the Spilsby Allotments.
Cllr L Marsh advised the allotments were gifted to the Town Council. The resident requested proof of this; Cllr Marsh advised this is being worked on with the Town Council’s solicitors.
The resident queried who owns the Occupation Lane used to access the allotments. Cllr L Marsh advised it is an unadopted lane, further information regarding the lane is being clarified with the Town Council’s solicitors. The resident claimed to have a copy of a document which detailed vehicles were not permitted on the lane but did not provide a copy to the Council.
The resident suggested the Town Council were charging the people of Spilsby to use the lane and that the area is not being maintained. The resident also claimed to own half the lane as frontagers.
Cllr Marsh acknowledged the request from residents to clarify issues with the allotments and the lane but advised the resident that the onus is also on them to provide evidence to support their arguments; none has been provided so far.
Resident 2 advised that there has been an increase in dog fouling on the Recreation Ground, which may be due to the heatwave with dog owners not walking long distances. The resident suggested providing more dog bins or additional signs.
Cllr E Marsh advised that ELDC’s Dog Warden will not monitor the playing field and that the working hours of the Dog Warden are 9:00 am - 5:00 pm; Cllr E Marsh suggested most people would walk their dogs before and after this time frame and are therefore not getting caught.
The resident asked if the highways will be tidied up for the Tour of Britain, particularly around the A16. Cllr L Marsh advised this will be mentioned to ELDC and will likely be cleaned in the weeks before the event.
The Clerk advised the Recreation Ground Committee might be able to explore the option of a Public Space Protection Order for the playing field, which would ban dogs.
Cllr L Marsh advised the Council are looking for volunteers on the day the Tour of Britain comes to Spilsby - Thursday 3rd September, and thanked the resident for attending the meeting.
To receive a report from Lincolnshire County Councillor M Hume.
Lincolnshire County Councillor M Hume reported that the School Crossing Patrol Officer on Ashby Road has been temporarily stood down due to safety concerns.
Cllr L Marsh asked for the School Crossing Patrol Officer to be re-deployed to Church Street until the safety issues on Ashby Road have been resolved.
Cllr Hume reported that the next verge cut on the A16 will be in September, and that potholes on Vale Road are being filled, with further repairs taking place in August and October.
Cllr Hume asked for an update a GDPR issue between the Town Council and a resident. Cllr L Marsh confirmed there was no breach in confidentiality.
Cllr E Marsh advised not receiving a reply from County Councillor Clegg - LCC’s Executive Member for Adult Care and Health regarding cuts to dementia care; Cllr Hume to follow up.
To receive a report from East Lindsey District Councillor E Marsh.
East Lindsey District Councillor E Marsh reported that the Government provided a model for the Local Government re-organisation which appears to be Labour-centric and favours Lincoln City Council. The Government model is not what ELDC hoped for. The initial plan is for Councillors to stay in the role until 2028, with an election in 2027 for new unitary Councillors with a cross over. Wards will be bigger and there will be fewer Councillors. Cllr E Marsh suggested some responsibilities will be passed down to Parish Councils. More details will be revealed soon.
Cllr E Marsh advised Councillor grant funding is now available for groups in Spilsby, the refurbishment of the public toilets is due to be completed in the next four to five weeks and a planning application has been submitted for 51 Boston Road which has an injunction on to stop unauthorized development.
Cllr E Marsh reported parking issues with contractors at the Sessions House and has spoken with the trustees about the resident’s concerns. Cllr E Marsh also reported parking issues on Eresby Avenue near the school and issues with the new development on Granary Close including noise complaints and problems with dust.
Cllr E Marsh advised there are also issues with ELDC’s Monday Market which is struggling to recruit traders and suggested ELDC should look at alternative solutions.
With no further comments, it was resolved unanimously to move into formal session.
57. Welcome
Cllr L Marsh welcomed all present, reminding Councillors about emergency exits and safety protocols, to turn phones off and appropriate conduct.
58. Apologies
It was resolved unanimously to accept apologies from Cllrs A Day (Deputy Mayor), E Day and T Taylor. No apologies received from Cllrs Kemp or Mangion.
59. Declarations of Interest
Cllr Robson declared an interest in items 15 and 19a, although not a pecuniary interest, it is listed as other registerable interests. Cllr Robson could participate in the debate but not vote.
Cllr Rose declared an interest in item 26, although not a pecuniary interest, it is listed as other registerable interests. Cllr Rose could participate in the debate but not vote.
Cllr Hewlett declared a pecuniary interest in item 22.
60. To approve as a correct record the minutes of the full Council meeting held on Wednesday 24th June 2026.
With no matters arising, it was resolved unanimously to accept the minutes for June as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
61. To approve the accounts for June 2026.
With no matters arising, it was resolved unanimously to accept the accounts for June 2026. The Accounts Report included as an attachment to these minutes.
62. To receive a bank reconciliation for June 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.
63. To receive an accounts summary to the end of the first quarter of the financial year:
a. Treasurers Account.
b. Reserve Account.
The Clerk provided an accounts summary to the end of the first 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.
64. To receive a budget review for the first quarter of the financial year.
The Clerk provided a budget review to the end of the first quarter of the financial year, to keep Councillors up to date with the Town Council’s financial status, for information purposes only. No questions were raised.
65. 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 provided a detailed written report, circulated with Councillors prior to the meeting, and included as an attachment to these minutes.
Recreation Ground
Cllr Robson reported that the toilets now have external access, with the car park extension works due next.
Grammar School Foundation
Cllr Gibson provided a written report, circulated with Councillors prior to the meeting, and included as an attachment to these minutes.
Poorlands
Nothing to report.
Twinning
Nothing to report.
Good Neighbourhood Scheme
Cllr Gibson provided a written report, circulated with Councillors prior to the meeting and included as an attachment to these minutes.
Cllr Gibson announced that he would be standing down as a Secretary for Franklin Hall committee and advised that the Council’s rent will be reviewed at the next trustee meeting.
Community Speedwatch
The Speedwatch team have been out a couple of times. When packing away the equipment, 3 vehicles went by at high speed which unfortunately was not recorded.
Spilsby Events Team
Cllr E Marsh reported that the July Super Saturday was a success with the highest footfall so far this year, it was held in the Buttercross car park to provide better shelter from the wind and with the car park being enclosed, seemed to be better. The August Super Saturday will be held in Buttercross car park.
Town Clerk’s Report
The Clerk advised ELDC will be coming to tidy up the trees in the Buttercross car park on 31st July which will be closed for the day. ELDC’s new Tree Officer is campaigning for a maintenance programme for trees across the district. The Tree Officer also reported that one tree has been felled on the grounds of health and safety and has scheduled five others to be felled due to safety concerns. Maintenance works are due to take place on the trees, which is expected to take ten days as no maintenance has been carried out for at least ten years.
ELDC’s Pride Team have cleared weeds on the footpath along Halton Road from Lamegs to Franklin Hall and tidied up the car park on Post Office Lane.
The Clerk also reported having a liaison meeting with ELDC’s Place Officer which focused mainly on the Tour of Britain.
Cllr Gale queried whether the tree outside Tong’s on the High Street would be replaced. The Clerk advised LCC will install flexible paving to try to resolve the issues.
66. To receive notification of any planning permissions, refusals, withdrawals, or amendments.
a. Application reference 072/26/TCA Proposed works to trees at The Old Vicarage, 1 Church Street.
b. Application reference 00952/26/FUL Alterations to existing industrial building at Ashby Road Business Park, Ashby Road.
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.
67. To consider layout of Grave Plots and Ashes Plots in new section of Spilsby Cemetery
The Clerk presented the proposed layout of the new section of the cemetery. The Clerk recommended keeping the ashes plots separate from the new grave spaces. It was resolved unanimously to approve the new plan.
68. To consider purchasing Bleed Control Kits.
The Clerk advised that new quotes provided recommend bleed kits have their own cabinets which comes with an added cost. Cllr L Marsh suggested trialling one bleed kit in the Middle Market defibrillator cabinet and monitor it. It was resolved unanimously to purchase one bleed kit and store in the Middle Market defibrillator cabinet.
69. 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 following recent improvements. Cllr L Marsh suggested the Council consider an annual grant when the 2027-28 budget is discussed. The Clerk confirmed there is £1,000.00 allocated to the Recreation Ground in the current budget and advised the insurance costs are forecast to increase over the next few years. It was resolved unanimously to provide £1,000.00 towards the costs of insurance.
The Clerk also reported that the Chair of the Recreation Ground Committee has advised the football club will need a fence around the first team’s pitch in order to progress up the leagues; the Clerk to add to the next agenda to consider. The Committee also intend to install ten CCTV cameras covering the Recreation Ground.
70. Play Area:
a. To consider repairs to existing equipment in the play area.
b. To consider quote for new equipment.
The Clerk advised two quotes had been provided by the suppliers, one for £29,000.00 and one for £40,000.00. Both quotes included repairs to current equipment, installation of new trampolines and installation of benches. The £40,000.00 quote included a mast play feature. The Clerk suggested opting for the £29,000.00 quote to make funding available for speed signs, the Tour of Britain promotional materials and the Recreation Ground. It was resolved unanimously to opt for the quote for £29,000.00 and for further improvements to be included in the next phase in the 2027-28 budget. The Clerk to contact the supplier.
71. To consider re-allocating funds in the budget from the play area to speed signs, Tour of Britain, and/or the Recreation Ground.
By opting for lower quote for the play area additions, funds could be re-allocated to purchase speed signs, buy Tour of Britain promotional items, and help support the Recreation Ground.
Cllr L Marsh confirmed the following locations for the speed signs Ashby Road, Boston Road, Church Street, Halton Road, and Partney Road (x2). The Clerk to contact the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership regarding location of posts for the signs.
It was resolved unanimously to reallocate funds from the play area to buy the new speed signs, and promotional materials for the Tour of Britain. The Clerk to update the budget.
72. To consider ways of supporting Tour of Britain cycling event coming through Spilsby on Thursday 3rd September 2026.
The Clerk suggested possible promotional items such as a cowbell, cycling caps, and water bottles, with Council branding as well as a logo from local businesses if they can support the items with a financial contribution. These souvenirs could also be branded with ‘Tour of Britain 2026’.
The Clerk suggested closing the Middle Market car park to set up the gazebos for a spectator zone and to give away the promotional items. The Clerk advised ELDC will provide some flags and bunting, and have offered £200.00 to groups holding an event.
Cllr E Marsh suggested putting up Franklin flags as well as union flags; Cllr L Marsh suggested putting up Lincolnshire flags and bunting.
ELDC requested a short blurb about Spilsby to provide to the TV commentators to read out as the race comes through the town. The Clerk to circulate a draft with Councillors for approval.
It was resolved unanimously to allocate £2,000.00 to purchase 500 cowbells, 150 cycling caps, 500 water bottles, flags, roller banners, banners, chalk paint, paint for bikes and wheels and wooden boards for a ‘Spilsby’ sign.
The Clerk mentioned that ELDC are hoping to create a legacy project inspired by the Tour of Britain which will include a day at Cadwell Park for cycling and promoting Lincolnshire as a holiday destination for cyclists.
73. To consider ways to support the School Crossing Patrol officer working on Ashby Road.
County Councillor M Hume confirmed the School Crossing Patrol Officer on Ashby Road has been temporarily stood down due to safety concerns. LCC to review. The Clerk to contact Cllr Hume for an update towards the end of August.
74. To receive update of Testing of Christmas Tree/Flag Pole Brackets.
The Town Clerk reported that four businesses contributed to the bracket testing and have now been added to the Council’s asset register and are therefore covered by the Council’s insurance. Some businesses asked for their bracket to be removed or not used; most businesses did not respond and are not covered by the Council’s insurance.
75. To consider a grant applications from:
a. St. James Church.
The Town Clerk reported that St. James Church were looking to buy a ladder to help maintain the clock. The total cost of the project is £390.00. It was resolved unanimously to donate £250.00.
b. Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust - Spilsby Area Group
LWT submitted a grant request to support hall hire and stall costs at events. It was resolved unanimously to donate £250.00.
c. Spilsby and Hundleby Walkers Are Welcome
Spilsby and Hundleby Walkers Are Welcome submitted a grant request to help cover insurance costs and website costs. It was resolved unanimously to donate £210.00.
76. To consider purchase of Cross Street Christmas Light on Market Street.
The Clerk provided a quote for one cross-street illumination to go between the Normics building and John Wright Associates building. It was resolved unanimously to purchase the Christmas light.
77. To consider purchase of Christmas Light Display on Middle Market Place Toilets.
No details of this were included in the information circulated with Councillors. It was resolved unanimously to defer.
78. To consider quotation from G H Electrical for 2026 Christmas Lights Display.
GH Electrical provided a quote to install new electric points, install and dismantle the Christmas lights display. It was resolved unanimously to approve the quote. The Clerk to contact GH Electrical.
79. To consider installation of stud wall and a new glass door in the office.
The Hall Manager for Franklin Hall provided an example of what a new storage area might look like, but it required taking some space from the Council office that was previously used by ELDC as a service hatch. The Clerk had no objections to losing some office space if it helps improve Franklin Hall. It was resolved unanimously to approve the works which will be carried out and paid for by Franklin Hall.
80. To consider payment of an invoice from Seal Builders for a roof repair at 51 Ancaster Avenue after damage from trees.
Cllr L Marsh advised a tree within the Recreation Ground, which is the Council’s responsibility, damaged the roof of 51 Ancaster Avenue in the high winds earlier in the year. The resident arranged the repair rather than come through the Council’s insurance and subsequently submitted the invoice to the Clerk. It was resolved unanimously to try to recover the costs through the Council’s insurance. If the insurers are unable to cover the costs, the Council to pay the invoice. The Clerk to arrange.
Cllr L Marsh asked the Clerk to contact ELDC’s Tree Officer to arrange a survey of trees with a preservation order on in Spilsby that are the Town Council’s responsibility.
81. 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.
82. Allotments:
a. To consider action for tenants in breach of the Tenancy Agreement and Policy.
It was resolved unanimously to contact tenants found to be in breach of the Tenancy Agreement and Policy where evidence is available. The Clerk to write warning letters.
b. To consider updates to the Allotments Policy.
Cllr L Marsh expressed concern over tenants having bonfires during the heatwave and tenants using hosepipes. It was resolved unanimously to temporarily ban bonfires and ban the use of hosepipes until further notice. The Clerk to put notices up at the allotments and to consult with all tenants when the rent invoice letters are sent. Cllr L Marsh recommended that the Council provide two skips a year for green waste only. Cllr P Gale offered to regularly inspect the allotments.
c. To consider allotments fees.
It was resolved unanimously to continue with the current pricing structure.
d. To consider recent complaints at the allotments.
The Clerk received advice from LALC to confirm that there was not a breach of confidentiality.
With no further comments, Cllr L Marsh closed the meeting at 8:00 pm.
Signed…………………………………………………………….
Town Mayor - Cllr L Marsh
Signed…………………………………………………………….
Town Clerk to the Council - J Sargent
23rd September 2026