2026 Minutes (Full Council)

Minutes of the full Council Meeting held on Wednesday 23rd September, 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), A Day (Deputy Mayor), P Gale, M Gibson, D Mangion, E Marsh (Town and District Councillor), T Robson, W Rose, and T Taylor; Town Clerk - J Sargent and Deputy Town Clerk - S Thomas.

There were five members of the public in attendance.

Public Forum
Cllr L Marsh invited members of the public to speak.

Resident 1 alleged that the July minutes were not an accurate summary of the meeting’s public session. The resident advised emailing the Town Clerk about the accuracy, was unhappy with the response and disagreed with the content of minutes pertaining to their comments and questions. 

Resident 2 asked for the Council to provide proof of ownership of the Allotments.  

Cllr L Marsh advised that the Council’s Solicitors are still carrying out their investigations and will provide an update when more information is available. 

Resident 1 explained that their questions at the July meeting included: querying the access lane being referred to as the Occupation Lane; who owned the lane at the back of their property; who the owned the allotments - querying Cllr Marsh’s recorded response; claimed comments about charging people to use the lane were fabricated and claimed to recommend the Council look at a House of Commons Report on private or unadopted roads. The resident also repeatedly denied claiming to own half the back as recorded in July and suggested the Clerk fabricated this remark. 

The Clerk disagreed with the resident’s recollection of the July meeting and reported providing the resident with a copy of the public session transcript from the July meeting to support the accuracy of the minutes. 

Resident 1 acknowledged being sent the transcript, suggested issues on the Occupation Lane have been ongoing for 3 years and advised residents of Masonic Lane had carried out maintenance in the Occupation Lane. The resident concluded by claiming the Council don’t do anything and requested the minutes accurately reflect the public session. 
Cllr L Marsh thanked the resident for their comments and questions, and advised the Council would respond in due course. Cllr Gibson voiced his discontent at the resident’s insistence that the Clerk had misrepresented members of the public. Cllr Marsh confirmed that residents are permitted 3 minutes per person to speak during the public session. 

Resident 2 stated that the Town Council do not own the Occupation Lane and suggested the Clerk claimed to have received permission from the County Council to use the lane. The resident suggested the lane was unadopted and owned by the Earl of Ancaster estate, therefore LCC could not give permission. The resident claimed that the Occupation Lane had never been used for vehicular access and protested the access lane being referred to as the Occupation Lane. The resident claimed to have evidence of an alternative name but declined to provide it to the Town Council. 

Resident 2 also suggested issues on Occupation Lane had been ongoing for 3 years and informed the Council of their intention to install concrete posts in the Occupation Lane, suggesting any attempts to remove the posts would be trespassing and criminal damage. 

Cllr E Marsh advised that both residents exceeded the allotted time of 3 minutes each to speak at the meeting as per the Standing Orders. Cllr E Marsh advised the time-scale to find a resolution to issues on Occupation Lane is out of the Council’s control; repeatedly raising the same issues was not a good use of time for either party. 

Cllr A Day advised the Council will note similar comments at future meetings, and are not required to respond or debate issues raised during the public session but may respond in writing.

Cllr Gale suggested that a separate face-to-face meeting is arranged between the Councillors and the residents of Masonic Lane at a neutral site for further discussions. 

Cllr Taylor queried why access on the Occupation Lane had now become an issue with the Masonic Lane residents, suggesting previous complaints were about the condition of lane.

The Town Clerk explained that there were 3 candidates for co-option, with 2 in attendance. With multiple candidates for 1 vacancy, LALC advised that the candidates introduce themselves and explain why they would like to join the Council during the Public Session.

Cllr Marsh invited candidates to introduce themselves and speak for 1-2 minutes on why they would like to join the Council. 

Candidate 1, a Spilsby resident for almost 25 years with a business in the town reported being interested in the role to bring a new voice and diversity to the Council. The candidate spoke of the community spirit residents of Spilsby showed during their time here, helping complete the necessary documentation to become a British Citizen and now wants to give back to the community. The candidate wants to be a voice for the people who are not heard.  

Candidate 2 served 22 years in the Military and is now a Chartered Civil Engineer; moved to Spilsby 7 months ago, recently became a tenant at the allotments and is trying to set up a group to carry out regular litter picks in the community, with contacts at several large companies who interested in sponsoring some equipment.

To receive a report from Lincolnshire County Councillor M Hume.
No report provided.

To receive a report from East Lindsey District Councillor E Marsh.
East Lindsey District Councillor E Marsh reported that Alison White has been appointed as the new Head of the Place Team, who met Cllr L Marsh and the Town Clerk to discuss ways that ELDC can help to improve the appearance of the town, increase tourism and improve the Monday Market. Cllr E Marsh requested feedback on the Monday Market to pass on to the Markets team at ELDC. 

Cllr E Marsh also reported that the proposed Local Government Reorganisation planned for 2027 will not be going ahead. District Council elections will be held in May 2027; there will be no elections for County Councillors or the proposed LGR administration in 2027.

The refurbishment of the public toilets in the town has been completed and are now open.  

Residents living on Eresby Avenue have complained about Eresby School staff parking along the grassed area of the avenue. Cllr E Marsh spoke with the Head of the School to ask that staff park at a more suitable location.

Recently, there have been a few issues with regards to anti-social behaviour, with reports sent to the Police. Cllr E Marsh encouraged everyone to report any anti-social behaviour to the Police.  

With no further comments, it was resolved unanimously to move into formal session.

83. Welcome 
Cllr L Marsh welcomed all present, reminding Councillors about emergency exits and safety protocols, to turn phones off and appropriate conduct.

84. Apologies
It was resolved unanimously to accept apologies from Cllrs L Day and Hewlett.

85. Declarations of Interest
Cllr Robson declared an interest in items 99b, 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 102, although not a pecuniary interest, it is listed as other registerable interests. Cllr Rose could participate in the debate but not vote.

86. To approve as a correct record the minutes of the full Council meeting held on Wednesday 23rd July 2026.
The Clerk confirmed that the minutes were accurate, despite the residents’ protestations. With no matters arising regarding the accuracy, it was resolved unanimously to accept the minutes for July as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

Cllr Taylor suggested recording the Public Session as verbatim to avoid disputes. 

Cllr Robson suggested keeping the recording of the minutes due to the dispute which may be referred to the solicitors in the future. 

87. Co-Option:
a. To invite applicants for co-option to present themselves to the Town Council and to allow the Councillors to ask questions of the applicants.
Candidates spoke during the public session as per LALC guidance.

b. 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 the public and the media to discuss confidential matters.

c. To consider applications for co-option.
Councillors considered 3 applicants for co-option, and it was put to a vote.

d. To resolve to reopen the meeting to the public and the media.
It was resolved unanimously to reopen the meeting.

e. To declare the result of the vote.
Cllr L Marsh declared the result of the vote with the successful candidate co-opted on the Council.

f. To invite the successful candidate(s) to join the meeting after signing the declaration of acceptance of office.
The successful candidate signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office and joined the meeting.  Cllr L Marsh welcomed the new Councillor Z Cicekli. The Clerk asked the new Councillor to complete the Disclosable Pecuniary Interest form before the October meeting.

88. To approve the accounts for:
a. July.
b. August.
With no matters arising, it was resolved unanimously to accept the accounts for July and August 2026. The Accounts Report included as an attachment to these minutes.

89. To receive a bank reconciliation for:
a. July.
b. August.
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.

90. 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 E Marsh reported that the Committee’s AGM was held in August with some new members joining the Committee. Tony Bailey has stood down as Chair as he is now employed by the organisation; new joint Chairs are Roger Belton and Lathan Tuplin. 

It was reported that 14 football teams use the Recreation Ground including 2 girl’s teams. It is estimated that the Pavillion Redevelopment is going to cost approximately £800,000.00. The new 3G Pitch is in regular use. Works for the new car park is going to cost approximately £45,000.00 and they are still looking at how this is going to be funded. Money from the Football Foundation, the National Lottery and Spilsby Town Council are going towards the works.  

The Committee are also looking at having 8 CCTV cameras installed and a further 2 at the play area. There is a problem with dog fouling so they are looking at increasing the number of dog fouling bins.  

Grammar School Foundation
Cllr Gibson provided a written report, circulated with Councillors prior to the meeting, and included as an attachment to these minutes. The grants to the schools who applied will be distributed accordingly next week. The individuals application form has been amended to reflect changes to the catchment area of secondary schools that the applicant attended.  

Poorlands
Nothing to report.

Twinning
The Deputy Town Clerk reported that at the July Twinning meeting the main topic was the upcoming visit to Bassum which took place in August. Discussions also took place about what fundraising they would do in 2027.  

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 Afternoon Tea took place on 17th September 2026 which raised £47.00.  

Cllr Robson reported that a new ladder has been purchased with the grant money given by the Town Council to access the clock and bells at St James Church. The clock is now working, although some further works are required. Cllr Robson is looking to obtaining a further grant so that these works can be done.  

Community Speedwatch
Nothing to report.

Spilsby Events Team
Cllr E Marsh reported that upcoming events include the AGM on 5th October 2026, a Halloween prize bingo on 26th October 2026, and the Christmas Extravaganza along with Cracker Day, organised by the Rotary Club in the Franklin Hall, will be held on the 5th December 2026. Spilsby Christian Fellowship’s Christmas Craft event and St James Church will have their Christmas Tree display on the same day. The outdoor event will take place from 3:00 pm to 6.30 pm which includes a performance from a School Choir, the Christmas Lights Switch-On, and Father Christmas going around town on his Sleigh. The band 11th Hour, will be performing after the light switch-on. Shops are also opening late; there will also be various stalls and food vendors in town.

Town Clerk’s Report
The Clerk reported receiving plenty of positive feedback from residents regarding the effort the Town Council made to decorate the town and provide souvenirs for the Tour of Britain; that Lincolnshire Police have requested further CCTV footage following recent incidents in Spilsby; a wasp’s nest at the Cemetery and arrangements made to have it removed and the new equipment will be installed at the play area in October.  

The Town Clerk emailed Councillors about ELDC investigating the new windows that were recently installed at Stepping Stones Coffee Shop with the property being within the Conservation Area. The Clerk spoke with a representative of the coffee shop who was not the owner of the building. Cllr Ceckli knows the property owner and will as them to contact the Council. 

Cllr L Marsh thanked the Town Clerk and Deputy Town Clerk for the excellent decorations in town for the Tour of Britain, as well as Councillors for their contribution before and during the day of the event. Cllr Marsh also wanted to place on record thanks those who had helped during the incident that occurred at the September Super Saturday event.  

91. To consider Policies for review:
a. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy;
b. Document and Records Retention Policy;
c. Environmental Policy;
d. Data Breach Policy;
e. Disciplinary Policy.
All policies were circulated with Councillors via email prior to the meeting, in line the Policy Review Procedure. It was resolved by majority to adopt all policies tabled for review.

92. To receive notification of any planning permissions, refusals, withdrawals, or amendments.
a. Application Consultation 01125/26/FUL | Erection of a two-storey detached dwellinghouse with a single-storey ancillary building comprising of a garage, leisure and ancillary areas on land adjacent to 25 Masonic Lane.
b. Planning Application Consultation S/165/01987/24 | Reserved matters application relating to the erection of 14 no. dwellings on land south of Woodlands Fishery, Ashby Road, Spilsby.
c. Planning Application Consultation 01261/26/LBA | Internal alterations to existing theatre, Spilsby Theatre, Church Street, Spilsby.
d. Planning Application Decision 00952/26/FUL | Alterations to existing industrial building on Ashby Road Business Park.
e. Consultation - Highways Act 1980, Section 119 (as amended) Spilsby - Proposed diversion of part of Public Footpath No. 160.
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.

93. To consider a splash pad at the play area.
A member of the public asked the Council to consider installing a Splash Pad water feature play area. Cllr E Marsh queried whether the water supply would come from a sustainable source and whether there would be mains water access available at the Recreation Ground.  

Cllr Taylor suggested that this idea could be explored further once the Play Area refurbishment is complete, but that the Council needs to be mindful of the costs and work involved. No proposals were made. 

94. To consider Speed Sign locations in Spilsby.
The Town Clerk met with the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership who made several recommendations via email as to where the signs could be located. It was resolved unanimously to locate signs on Ashby Road, Boston Road, Halton Road, and A16 by Woodlands Academy.

95. To consider offering the current Monday Market discount that new traders receive to all traders as a permanent discount at the weekly Spilsby Monday Market.
Cllr L Marsh reported that ELDC’s Markets Officer suggested that the Town Council are not doing enough to support traders attending the Monday Market. Cllr L Marsh suggested offering an ongoing 50% contribution to stall costs, to encourage traders to come to Spilsby. It was resolved unanimously to provide an ongoing 50% contribution all market traders attending Spilsby’s Monday Market.

Cllr L Marsh asked the Town Clerk to contact ELDC’s Markets Officer regarding Town Council’s offer to traders attending Spilsby’s market. 

96. Spilsby Recreation Ground: 
a. To consider supporting the Recreation Ground Committee’s request to install a permanent fence around a football pitch and concrete block dugouts. 
Cllr Robson advised that a permanent fence for football matches is required. Cllr Robson advised that the Senior Team had been at the top of their league for a number of years but have not been promoted due to the lack of facilities required in higher leagues. Cllr Taylor queried whether the football club would benefit from their own dedicated football ground, in the town to help them move up the leagues.

Cllr E Marsh explained that the football club are the main users of the Recreation Ground so the Council should support their growth and aspirations; other users should adapt accordingly.

The Town Clerk advised the Council seek assurances that the football club will remove the fence and dugouts at their own cost should the club fold or relinquish the lease. The Town Clerk also recommend encouraging the football club to use dugouts that can be moved and stored safely rather than installing permanent dugouts which could vandalised or damaged.

It was resolved by majority to support the request to install a fence and temporary dugouts, and that the football club make good at their expense should the club fold or the lease is given up.

b. To consider a contribution towards the installation of new CCTV. 
The Town Clerk advised the SRG Committee had received a quote from an electrical contractor to install CCTV at the Recreation Ground. The cost for 2 cameras at the Play Area is £7,222.05.

Cllr E Marsh suggested also ensuring that the Town Council have access to the Play Area’s cameras. Cllr Robson suggested the Council insist the cameras are in cages to prevent them from being damaged.

The Town Clerk suggested applying for a grant from Platform Housing to help with the costs, and that the cameras might act as a deterrent from vandalism. It was resolved by majority to accept the quotation. The Clerk to update the Chair of the Recreation Ground Committee. 

97. To consider supporting a request to extend local bus routes to include Spilsby.
Cllr L Marsh reported that a resident requested local bus routes from Spilsby to Alford and Mablethorpe are extend to Louth. Cllr Taylor reported that a positive response has been received when the resident posted this idea on social media. 

The Town Clerk advised that County Councillor Maria Hume recommended via email that the bus company involved is contacted directly to ask if this could be trialed.

Cllr L Marsh suggested to the resident that they contact Alford and Mablethorpe Town Councils for support. It was resolved by majority to defer until more information is available. 

98. To consider 2D Christmas Light Silhouette on Roof of Public Toilets.
Examples of the lights were circulated with Councillors prior to the meeting. It was resolved by majority to purchase decoration Number 4.

The Deputy Town Clerk advised that Mablethorpe Town Council donated some Christmas lights to Spilsby which will be refurbished by the Town Council’s contractor. 

99. To consider grant applications from:
a. Pirouette School of Dance, Spilsby
The Pirouette School of Dance are hoping to buy an airtrack to help with their gymnastics classes. It was resolved unanimously to donate £250.00.

b. Spilsby Rotary Club
Spilsby Rotary Club requested a contribution to their fireworks event. It was resolved by majority to donate £250.00.

100. To consider who will be attending Remembrance Sunday Parade.
Cllr Taylor volunteered to represent the Town Council at RAF Spilsby’s Remembrance Service. Cllrs Gale, Rose, L Marsh, E Marsh and Hewlett will represent the Council at the Remembrance Parade. 

Cllr Robson will represent the Rotary Club as their Chair.

Cllr E Marsh reported that the town will be decorated in poppies with contributions from the schools, scouts and guides. There will also be an installation of 650 poppies on cargo nets outside the Church. 

Cllr L Marsh to install 30 wooden silhouettes of soldiers and 2 sailors in the Toc H land near Shamfields. 

101.    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.

102. To review the future of the Allotments
Cllr L Marsh updated Councillors on a recent meeting with tenants. Topics discussed included self-governance and the formation of a committee; however, tenants were content with the status quo. 

Tenants requested:
• An additional skip in another location;
• Banning Bonfires permanently;
• Reduce the size of the larger plots;
• The Allotments Policy more robustly implemented;
• Any tenant who is evicted, is not allowed to have a plot in the future;
• An addition in the Policy that states that if the allotment is not cultivated by May of each year, the eviction process starts; and
• The picnic tables in the play area are returned.

Tenants thanked the Council for not increasing the rent.   

The Town Clerk confirmed vacant plots are being offered to those on the waiting list.   

With no further comments, Cllr L Marsh closed the meeting at 7.55pm.

Signed…………………………………………………………….
Town Mayor - Cllr L Marsh

Signed…………………………………………………………….
Town Clerk to the Council - J Sargent
28th October 2026