3 February 2026 - DRAFT Recreation & Environment Committee
DRAFT Minutes of the Ruskington Parish Council Recreation and Environment Committee meeting on Tuesday 3 February 2026 at 6.30pm at Ruskington Parish Office.
Present: Cllr G Cox (Chairman of the Committee), Cllr L Tomlinson, Cllr M Trolley and Cllr P Cunningham.
In attendance: Kirsty Sinclair (Deputy Clerk & RFO) and Dr S Cotter (Co-opted Non-Council Member)
No members of the public or press were present.
The Chairman opened the meeting at 6.35pm and welcomed the delegates.
1. To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Parish Clerk prior to the meeting.
No apologies were received. Cllr D Conway was absent from the meeting.
It was noted that Andrew Doughty, Ruskington Parish Council’s Environment Caretaker, had formally resigned from the committee.
2. To receive declarations of interest and to consider applications for dispensations in relation to DPIs.
Cllr Tomlinson declared an interest in item 9.
3. To approve as a correct record the notes of the last meeting held on 2nd December 2025.
Action: It was resolved to accept the minutes of the meeting held on 2nd December as accurate. Proposed by Cllr Cox, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.
4. To receive an update on the budget and expenditure for recreation and environment projects and maintenance.
An update was given. The financial position of council is currently stable and within budget parameters.
5. To receive the Environment Caretaker’s report, if available (for information only).
No report was received.
6. To receive an update on the Community Garden lease and discuss any projects or works for the garden.
The 3-year lease for the land had been renewed on the same terms as the previous lease.
Action: It was resolved to share information and liaise with community groups regarding the development of the Community Garden and an appeal for volunteers to help maintain the garden. Proposed by Cllr Cox, seconded by Cllr Cunningham and approved unanimously.
7. To review the grounds maintenance and schedule and contracts.
No update was available regarding the collection of cuttings in Horseshoe Hollow and edges of Parkfield. RFO to chase this.
Action: It was resolved to propose to full council that Glendale be instructed to cutting the playing fields only at Parkfield for 2026-27 whilst the lease agreement and logistics for the Lions to take over is finalised. Proposed by Cllr Tomlinson, seconded by Cllr Cunningham and approved unanimously.
8. To receive an update on the funding application for the 3G surface in the MUGA.
Cllr Cox and the RFO met with Jake from the Football Foundation and have started the application for the funding. However, it was highlighted that the funding application was 75% of the costs but only up to £25,000.
Action: It was resolved to recommend to full council that a further £6,400 be allocated from the S106 money to cover the remaining amount required. Proposed by Cllr Cox, seconded by Cllr Cunningham and approved unanimously.
9. To consider the draft lease agreement for the Lions JFC for non-exclusive use of Parkfield playing fields and make any suggestions for revision.
Action: It was resolved to recommend to full council that the draft lease be approved with no further amendments recommended by the committee. Proposed by Cllr Cox, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved with 3 votes for and 1 abstention.
10. To discuss the results of the Hillside play area survey and agree next steps.
A discussion regarding the Hillside play area results was held and it was deemed underused and that the area may be better utilised as an open space with picnic benches and possibly a mini woodland walk with trim trail. NKDC as the landowner would need to be consulted for any other uses of the area.
Action: It was resolved to recommend to full council that Hillside play area be permanently closed and removed following the survey results showing infrequent use. Proposed by Cllr Cox, seconded by Cllr Tomlinson and approved unanimously.
11. To discuss the following correspondence received and agree any actions:
11.1. Request to site a cake shed at Parkfield on Saturdays
Action: It was resolved to approve the request for the cake shed to be located at Parkfield on a Saturday providing that the Lions FC were consulted and agreed in writing with the proposal. Proposed by Cllr Cox, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.
11.2. Request for a memorial plaque/bench
Action: It was resolved to accept the offer of a tree with a name plaque in the first instance and that a memorial bench would be considered when the gentleman has passed away. Proposed by Cllr Cunningham, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.
12. To note the date of the next Recreation and Environment Committee meeting.
Next committee meeting to be held on Tuesday 5th May 26.
The meeting was closed at 8.12pm.