Ruskington Parish Council

Minutes of an ordinary meeting of Ruskington Parish Council held on Thursday 18 January 2024 at the Winchelsea Centre, High Street North Ruskington, NG34 9DY at 7pm.

County and District Councillor R Wright was in attendance for part of the meeting.

D/Cllr M Waldeck had sent apologies.

Approximately 30 residents attended the meeting, plus the Council’s Environment Caretaker.

The Chairman welcomed the delegates and members of the public and advised that he was aware from social media and posters around the village that residents would be attending the meeting to talk about the recent flooding events. The Chairman advised that Council was not the authority on flooding but could be a conduit to the agencies responsible. One resident acted as the spokesperson, but other residents got the chance to raise their flood concerns and comments and questions had been submitted by a resident and shared with Council prior to the meeting.

At 7.02pm, Cllr Bain arrived at the meeting.

It was suggested that the causes of the flooding included: negligence, broken pipes at the cemetery, the condition of Horseshoe Hollow, rising pavement levels causing water to ingress a property via its air brocks, housing development and the drains only being cleared after the flooding.  Damaged pipes near the railway line behind Chestnut Street were also mentioned but another resident corrected the speaker on this matter and advised that the Environment Agency regularly inspected the Beck in this location.  Cllr Cotter advised that Horseshoe Hollow was a flood plain and its maintenance was designed to slow down the speed of the water. 

Questions were asked about the number of properties flooded, why properties were flooding, what help was offered, what surveys had been completed, riparian responsibilities, and the actions from the Section 19 Investigation following flooding in 2012. It was noted that sandbags were of little use.

Solutions suggested included dredging the Beck and ditches, and diverting the Beck. 

At 7.17pm, Cllr Tomlinson arrived at the meeting.

The Chairman invited District and County Councillor Wright to address the concerns raised and the suggested solutions.  Cllr Wright advised that Lincolnshire County Council was the lead flood agency, working in partnership with the Environment Agency to gather information to inform the Section 19 Investigation into the flooding events that had affected many communities, not just Ruskington. The flooding was due to heavy and prolonged rainfall and ground saturation. A widespread solution was required as a solution in one area must not cause issues in another community. Cllr Wright also advised that it was more complicated than dredging the Beck or the Parish Council using a field as sacrificial land, and advised residents that they were responsible for protecting their own properties. NKDC covered 256 square miles of which less than 6% was developed as housing and all new developments included sustainable drainage methods. Cllr Wright advised residents to protect their properties and signposted them to the government funding available for those whose homes had been flooded.

The Chairman advised that flood information was available on the Council’s website, on social media pages, in the Signpost magazine and RPC noticeboard. He thanked Cllr Wright and the members of the public for their attendance and closed the public session at 7.35pm.

All the residents left the building except for one resident who was waiting to hear the outcome of agenda item 11.

The Chairman opened the Council meeting at 7.39pm.

1. Apologies for absence.

All Councillors were present at the meeting.

2. To receive Declarations of Interest under the Localism Act 2011- being any pecuniary interest in agenda items not previously recorded on Members’ Register of Interests.

Cllr Cotter declared an interest in agenda item 22 (staff pensions) as she was related to a member of staff.

3. To approve as a correct record the notes of the meeting held on Tuesday 12 December 2023.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the notes of the meeting as accurate Minutes. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved with six votes for and two abstentions (had not been present at the previous meeting.)

The Chairman asked Council if agenda item 11 (Great Tommy Sleep Out) could be brought forward to this point so the member of the public could leave the meeting if they wished.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to move agenda item 11 to agenda item 4. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved unanimously.

4. To consider a request from a resident to hold a Great Tommy Sleepout at the Garden of Remembrance overnight on 30 March 2024. (Information previously circulated.)

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the request with the conditions for the use of the garden as outlined for the 2023 Sleep Out. Proposed by Cllr Cotter, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.

The resident left the meeting.

The Chairman asked Council to consider if Cllr Wright could provide his report (agenda item 20) at this point in the meeting as he had another engagement to attend.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to move agenda item 20 to agenda item 5. Proposed by Cllr Cox, seconded by Cllr Tomlinson and approved unanimously.

5.  To receive District and County Councillors’ Reports – for information only.

Cllr Wright reported the following:

• The plans for Sleaford Market Place had received negative publicity.
• Cllr Wright had removed himself from the planning considerations concerning the market place.
• Cllr Wright was seeking legal advice following potentially libelous allegations made on social media about him and the market place development and he made clear that no misconduct in public office had taken place.
• The planning for the market place commenced in 2011 with a public consultation taking place in 2022.
• NKDC were considering the budget and precept statement.
• The traffic regulation order for Westcliffe Road had not met a trigger point for a weight restriction. However, a committee would be forming to consider changing the criteria as the volume and type of traffic now using local roads was recognised.

Cllr Wright left the meeting.

6. Financial Matters.

Information had previously been circulated.

   6.1. To consider approval of payments made since the last meeting held on 12 December 2023. (Please see Appendix A)

The RFO advised that the renovation contractor had submitted a second invoice rather than amend the first invoice which had included items not yet completed. The RFO and Clerk had inspected the building and crossed off the invoice all work not completed, as advised by the project manager at a meeting held with him on 10 January 2024.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve all the payments as detailed on the list of payments. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.

   6.2. To consider approval of the bank reconciliations for November 2023.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the bank reconciliations for November 2023. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved unanimously.

   6.3. To consider raising the expenditure the Clerk, or in their absence the Deputy Clerk, can authorise in an emergency. (Currently up to £1,000.)

Action: The Council RESOLVED to raise the emergency expenditure for the Clerk, and in their absence the Deputy Clerk, to £2,000 as recommended by the Finance Committee at its meeting on 16 January 2024. Proposed by Cllr Bain, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.

   6.4. To consider renewing the subscription to the Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils (LALC) for FY 2024-2025 at a cost of £995.08.

The Cost of the subscription included the subscription to the National Association of Local Councils (NALC).

Action: The Council RESOLVED to renew the subscription to LALC at a cost of £995.08. Proposed by Cllr Jennings, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved unanimously.

   6.5.  To consider renewing the subscription to the LALC training scheme for FY 2024-2025 at a cost of £198 including VAT.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to renew the subscription to the LALC training scheme at a cost of £165.00 excluding VAT. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved unanimously.  

   6.6. To consider/approve the type of new noticeboard and agree the expenditure.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to research a new notice board at a cost of no more than £2,500. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved unanimously.

   6.7. To consider a business plan for Council to find ways to reduce expenditure and increase income, and to help manage future projects.

Cllr Bain provided background information on this proposal.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to create a business plan under the direction of the Finance Committee. Cllr Bain and Cllr Conway would meet with the RFO and Clerk monthly to develop the plan.  Proposed by Cllr Bain, seconded by Cllr Tomlinson and approved unanimously.

   6.8. To consider/approve the budget for fiscal year 2024-2025 as recommended by the Finance Committee following a meeting held on 16 January 2024.

The RFO had circulated information prior to the meeting and displayed the information at the meeting. Councillors who had not been present at the Finance Committee when the budget had been scrutinised were invited to ask questions which the RFO answered. The budget included operational costs and projects agreed for 2024-2025. Operational costs for 2024-2025 had been reduced by £3,000 and the estimated income was £12,831.00.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve a budget of £289,217.05 for 2024-2025, as recommended by the Finance Committee. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved with seven votes vote for and one vote against.

   6.9. To consider / approve the precept for fiscal year 2024/2025 as recommended by the Finance Committee following a meeting held on 16 January 2024.

The RFO displayed the precept calculator as issued by NKDC, explained how the precept was calculated, and answered questions.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the precept of £276,386.05 for fiscal year 2024/2025 as recommended by the Finance Committee.  (This equated to a 22p per week rise in Council Tax for Band D and equivalent properties in Ruskington.) Proposed by Cllr Jennings, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved with seven votes for and one against.

7. To receive an update on co-option to Ruskington Parish Council.

The Clerk had issued one application pack with an invitation to meet with a councillor and the Clerk and to observe a meeting. No application had been received to date.

8. To receive the Clerk’s report.

(Please see Appendix B). This had been circulated prior to the meeting and the Clerk answered questions.

9. To consider / approve the policy document below:

   9.1. Co-option to Ruskington Parish Council policy

The policy had been reviewed by Cllr Ditch and one amendment recommended.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the co-option policy with the recommended amendment. Proposed by Cllr Cox, seconded by Cllr Conway and approved unanimously.

10. To consider the arrangements and any expenditure for the Annual Parish Meeting being held on Tuesday 12 March 2024, prior to the ordinary March meeting.

A budget of £750 had previously been allocated for the Annual Parish Meeting.

Action: The Clerk to find out if a speaker from the Environment Agency, the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum would be available to speak about flooding and flood prevention. The speaker could be paid for, if required. Questions for the 2024-2025 public consultation to be considered.

11. To consider the catering supplier for the ICCM cemetery management training at the Winchelsea Centre on 25 April 2024. (ICCM will reimburse the costs at £10.00 per head.)

Action: Three quotes from local catering companies to be obtained.

12. To consider a request from Ruskington Scouts to continue their use of the pavilion until the Scout Hut is refurbished flowing flood damage.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to allow the Scouts to continue the use of the pavilion, at no cost, until the Scout Hut was fit for use. Proposed by Cllr Cox, seconded by Cllr Cotter and approved unanimously.

13. To consider ways to celebrate Day D- 80 on 6 June 2024, and agree any expenditure.

Information from the Pageant Master had been circulated prior to the meeting and included the lighting of a beacon and church bell ringing.

Action: The Clerk to contact the PCC, the Tower captain (bell ringing), and the Ruskington Veteran’s Group to find out if they had any plans to celebrate the event.

14. To consider the quote for cutting the hedge on the east boundary of the cemetery so it is below the height of a resident’s fence to prevent the regrowth blocking out light to their property.

One quote had been obtained.

Action: Other quotes to be obtained, and following information on cost, Council to consider the Environment Caretaker undertaking chain-saw training.

15. To consider a request from Home from Home Care to hold a colour run and BBQ at Parkfield playing field on Wednesday 19th of June 2024.

Action: Council agreed the colour run in principle but required further information on the number of attendees, the facilities required, and the environmental credentials of the coloured powered to be used and how this would be removed.

16. To consider a request from the Ruskington Fun Day organisers to hold a Funday at Parkfield playing fields on Saturday 29 June 2024.

No application form had been received although the date for the event had been made known.

Action: Council agreed the Funday in principle. Councillors were asked to volunteer to attend on the day to share information on Council business, and its public consultation.

17. To receive an update on the office renovation following a meeting with Newman Moore on 10 January 2024.

The outline of the meeting had been circulated and the notes and actions sent to Newman Moore. Apart from the issuing of a second invoice, none of the actions had been conducted by the date agreed. The renovation, due to have been completed at the end of November 2023, was only just undergoing the first fix of its electrics.

Action: A formal letter of complaint to be written to the director of Newman Moore requesting a formal reply and an end date for the work. Proposed by Cllr Cox, seconded by Cllr Tomlinson and approved unanimously.

   17.1. To consider the quote for the additional trunking to allow electrical sockets to be located on more than one wall in each room, if available.

The quote was not available.

At 8.55pm the Chairman asked Council to consider closing the meeting for a comfort break.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to close the meeting for a comfort break. Proposed by Cllr Trolley seconded by Cllr Cotter and approved unanimously.

The meeting closed at 8.56pm and reconvened at 9.10pm.

18. To consider quotes for the refurbishment of the lych gate at Sleaford Road cemetery, if available.

Quotes were awaited.

19. Correspondence – For information only. (Circulated prior to the meeting.)

    a. LALC (via email) – Fortnightly newsletter

    b. LCC (by post on 8/12/2023) – Public consultation on the Greater Lincolnshire devolution proposal.

   c. Village business (be email on 8/12/23) – Donation towards lights for the Christmas tree outside the Garden of Remembrance.

   d. Springwell Solar Farm (via email on 11/12/23) – Public consultation for the proposed Springwell Solar Farm.

   e. Lincolnshire Police (via email on 11/11/23) – Byelaws and dog fouling information

   f. LALC (via email on 12/12/23) - Notification of School Admission Policy Consultations 2025/26 for Bourne Grammar School

   g. NKDC (via email) – Clerk received the link to the latest digital electoral roll.

   h. LALC (via email on 19/12/23) - Notification of School Admission Policy Consultations 2025/26 for Lincoln Bishop King Church of England Community Primary School

   i. Resident (via email on 21/12/23 - Information request re garden fence ownership. (Advised to seek legal advice or contact the Land Registry.)

   j. NKDC (via email on 22/12/23) – E-newsletter

   k. Resident (by hand on 02/01/2024) – Correspondence relating to Storm Babet / flooding on 20 October 2023.

   l. Ruskington Scout (via email on 2/1/24) – Request to extend the use of the pavilion for Scout meetings whilst the Hut is made fit for purpose.

  m. Resident (via email on 2/1/24) – Request to use the Garden of Remembrance for the Great Tommy Sleepout on 30 March 2024. (Agenda item, above.)

   n. Pageant Master (via email on 4/1/24) – Celebrating Day-80 on 6 June 2024. (Agenda item, above)

   o. NKDC (via email on 4/1/24) – Notice of closure of footpath 7/2 for displaying on the noticeboard from 10/1/24 – 22/2/24.) (On display).

   p. LALC (via email on 8/1/24) - Online LALC survey / council data validation exercise/ update of council and councillors’ details. (Completed by the clerk on 8/1/24.)

   q. Home from Home Care (via email on 8/1/24) – Request to use Parkfield playing field and pavilion for a private outdoor event.

    r. Home from Home Care (via email on 11/1/2024) Request to use Parkfield facilities for a colour run and BBQ on Wednesday 19 June 2024, and advised that this is instead of the private outdoor event, above. (Agenda item, above.)

20. To receive Councillors’ reports for information only and items for inclusion on the next agenda.

• Cllr Tomlinson advised that the Lions Junior Football Club had submitted a funding bid to replace the goal posts at Parkfield playing fields. These could be used by the sports teams and public if no vandalism occurred.
• Cllr Cox reported a mound of soil at Parkfield along the boundary with properties on Park Lea. A resident had reported rats in the vegetation.
• Cllr Jennings advised that residents who were members of local basketball teams had enquired about the installation of basketball hoops at the MUGA. (Agenda item for the next meeting.)
• Cllr Cotter asked if flooding could be an agenda item at the next meeting.
• Cllr Ditch reminded councillors that the inaugural meeting of all the committees needed to take place.
• Cllr Conway had ideas for ways of sharing information when the Signpost magazine was no longer published. (Agenda item for next meeting.)

21. To resolve whether to exclude the public and press, in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960, to discuss staff pay pensions.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to exclude the public and press to discuss the staff pensions below. Proposed by Cllr Cox, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.32pm.

Cllr Cotter, the Clerk, RFO and Environment Caretaker left the meeting.

The meeting reconvened at 9.33pm.

22. To consider the recommendation of the Finance Committee for increasing the Council’s contribution to staff pensions, following a committee meeting held on 16 January 2024.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to increase its contribution to eligible staff Nest pensions to 15% from 1 April 2024, as recommended by the Finance Committee. The pension provider and a further increase in Council contribution would be considered for the budget for 2025-2026. Staff to be advised that they could also increase their personal pension contributions but to take independent financial advice before requesting any changes.  Proposed by Cllr Bain, seconded by Cllr Cox and approved with seven votes for and one vote against.

23. To agree any final adjustments to the budget and precept for 2024-2025.

No adjustments were required to the budget for 2024-2025 as the pension contributions had been included in the budget and precept figures approved above.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.38pm.

Meeting date: 18 January 2024

Author: Kathryn Locke – Clerk to Council

Purpose of report: To provide an update report from the Clerk on business conducted since the Meeting of the Parish Council held on 12 December 2023.

Actions completed from the meeting held on 12 December 2023.

Min ref 4 - The water bill is paid monthly via direct debit. Every six month a bill is received to showing debits and credits. The RFO had paid the money owned. There had been a leak in the bedroom sink and a tap had been left on in the rear of the property.

• The renovation contractor has been made aware their invoice would be paid when the work itemised on the bill had been completed.

Min ref 4.6 – The electric vehicle is on order for delivery in January, if financial checks on the Council are satisfactory.  It will be boarded inside and permission to install decals on the exterior is being obtained.

Min ref 4.7 - BT were advised their quote for the superfast broadband had been approved on 14/12/2023. The contract was approved and signed on 19/12/2023. The upgraded broadband installation was rescheduled by BT from 10/1/2024 to 19/1/2024.

Min ref 4.10 – LALC have been asked to arrange the internal audit for 2023-2024.

Min ref 4.16 – The Emergency Plan equipment and other items have been purchased and delivered.

Min ref 4.17 - The two CR2 defibrillators were delivered on 15/12/2023 to replace the two out of warranty.

Min ref 4.19 – It is possible to cancel the financial management software package but there would be a penalty for this. Edge will be contacting the RFO to discuss the ongoing issues and the actual cost of the penalty. The T&Cs and cancellation policy were circulated to Council on 22/12/23. Legal advice has not been sought at this stage.

Min Ref 13 – A second letter has been sent to the resident to reiterate that Council will be taking no further action as the fence belongs to NKDC.

Min Ref 14 – A date for the Recreation and Environment Committee meeting is yet to be confirmed.

Min Ref 15 – If staff need to close the office within staff working hours a note is displayed on the door. Christmas opening / closing times and how to report issues was displayed on the office window, the noticeboard and social media.

Min ref 16 – The warm packs are being stored at the New Life Church in Sleaford so there is no longer a requirement for them to be stored at the Parish Office.  

Min Ref 17 – Communication within Council is via email with WhatsApp used to raise awareness of matters of importance and emergency.

Min ref 24 - LALC were contacted for advice re Local Government Pension Schemes on 14/1/22023, and other Lincolnshire councils were approached for information on their pension providers using the clerk’s online forum. (Information circulated.)

Other Council Business:

Allotments – Following three attempts to contact a plot holder and no payment being paid for the 2023-2024 season, the plot was cleared and rotovated by Council and reallocated to the next person on the waiting list. The RFO hand delivered a letter to the former lease holder to explain the plot had been cleared and reallocated and their deposit would not be returned.

Air conditioning units – Confirmation from the renovation contractor is awaited as it is unclear if the costs were included in the agreed quote. The renovation contractor advised that it would probably be best to use the company who had supplied and maintained the unit.

Bench on the bridge opposite the church – During the weekend 16/17 December part of the bench seating has gone missing. Despite an extensive search and publicity of social media, this has not been found. The Buildings Caretaker is obtaining quotes for wood (oak) to replace the missing section.

Community garden – Quickline had been sent information, the plan and a “before” photo of the planned sensory area of the garden as requested following receipt of their funding.  Items such as the coloured glass wind spinner and solar powered water feature have been delivered. The structural work and planting will commence in spring 2024.

• Matthew Johnson the new-in-post Property Manager for the Co-op visited the community garden on 21/12/23 and met with the Clerk and Environment Caretaker.
• The installation of a path consisting of a paving grid and non-permanent fixings was discussed and has been approved by the Co-op.  The Property Manager will also be arranging for the hatch markings to be painted onto the parking pay at the Co-op entrance to the garden.
• Home From Home Care have expressed an interest in volunteering with the development of the garden or donating towards plants.

Community shed roof – The Buildings Caretaker has removed the roof tiles, and replaced the roofing felt to stop the leak. The Environment Caretaker has installed shelves and tidied the shed. The new emergency plan equipment is now in the community shed.

Cemetery – A pest controller has been asked to investigate mole hills that are affecting graves at the east end of the cemetery.

• Notices have been put on some graves with a request to remove non-regulatory items such as gravel, edging, and planted plants and shrubs.
• The Clerk, Cllr Conway and the Caretaker for Buildings met with Carre Heritage on 10 January 2023 to inspect the lych gate which is showing worm holes and areas of rotten wood. A quote will be provided.  
• Glendale will be submitting a quote to cut the hedge at the east end of the cemetery to below the height of a resident’s fence. It has been cut to the height of the fence as part of the cemetery management contract.

Changing Rooms and Pavilion – An electrician and the Clerk visited the pavilion and changing rooms on Friday 15/12/23 to review the electrical installation report its recommendations previously received and to consider if solar panels would be suitable for the pavilion. A quote for solar panels was circulated on 2/1/24.  The pavilion roof would require reinforcing, but the changing room roof was suitable. The recommendations from the electrical report were either advisory or involved filling in holes in the pavilion. A quote for the work was requested.

• It was noted that framed photos had been hung from the pavilion walls without permission from Council.

Christmas – Joe Carr Removals donated lights and their time to decorate the tree outside the Garden of Remembrance. Three of the trees in brackets on the High Street snapped and required removed. Two were damaged due to the high winds and the other reason is unknown. All trees have now been taken down and chipped, the chippings scattered as mulch on the flower beds in the Garden of Remembrance, and the lights dried and stored after removal of batteries.

Co-option – An application pack has been sent out with an invitation to meet a councillor and the clerk and to attend the meeting 18 January 2023. No application form has been received.

Damaged grass at the playing fields – NKDC inspected the damage caused by the waste truck on 19/12/23 and is putting this right at no cost to RPC.

Ditches – A plan to show the land drains on the north field was found in the council archives from the time of the land being purchased in 1993 and was circulated to council. No written information for drainage on the south field has been found to date.  The Environment Caretaker has agreed to look for evidence of drains emptying into the ditch behind Tomlinson Way once the water level has subsided.

Electric Charging Point – Imp Electrical will be installing this. The original date of 9 January was postponed until the actual location of the charging point on the van was known.

Flooding event 2 January 2024 - Please see the report from the Environment Caretaker below regarding Storm Henk.

Hedges – The first delivery of free hedging is expected. This will be planted outside the boundary of the community garden on Pinfold Way, and at Horseshoe Hollow.

Horseshoe Hollow – The bridge over the Beck at Horseshoe Hollow requires maintenance after being submerged in the October 2023 flooding. LCC have been asked to confirm who is responsible for the repair and maintenance of this bridge. It is safe to use.

Meeting with Sleaford Town Council – This took place on 11 January 2024 at Ruskington parish office. RPC shared information on how it dealt with Storm Babet and its experience on refurbishing a play area and liaising with the contractor.

Parish Office Renovation and Conversion –A meeting with the building contractor took place at 12 noon on Wednesday 10 January 2023 to discuss the lack of progress. Cllr Trolley, Cllr Conway, the Clerk and RFO were in attendance. The outline of the meeting and actions have been circulated and sent to Newman Moore.

• Roof – A date for the replacement of the flat roof and the repair to the slates over the toilet is expected.

Public Toilets – A leak in the ladies’ toilets was repaired on 20/12/23 and an isolator valve installed at a cost of £40.00.

• The metal fence between the toilets and the Shoulder of Mutton carpark has been repaired following vehicle damage.
• The grass area around the toilets is being used as a dog exercise area and dog fouling is becoming an issue. Signs to remind dog owners to put dog poo in the litter bin provided have been erected.

LCC Highways – Work to the drains outside Cuppa Bliss (due to the willow tree roots) and outside the Red Lion (due to a collapsed drain) on High Street North were completed in December 2023.

Solar Panels for the Parish Office – The solar panels were installed on Saturday 16/12/23 by Imp Electrical, commissioned on 20/12/2023 and the software installed on 22/12/23.  

Zero-carbon funding award – The Clerk completed the funding claim form for £5,000 and sent the required information and payment receipt to the manager of the sustainability team at LCC. LCC are awarding Council the full £5,000 and will liaise with Council over the publicity.

Date for February meeting – The ordinary meeting will take place on Tuesday 13 February 2024.

Flood Event - Ruskington, Lincolnshire – 2nd January 2024

Andrew Doughty – Caretaker for Environment and Grounds, Ruskington Parish Council

Storm Henk brought heavy rainfall over a prolonged period on the afternoon and evening of the 1st January 2024 and into 2nd January 2024.

My report does not contain rainfall data of the period or measurements of the depth of the Beck in the high street as I was on annual leave.

02/01/2024

0925 - A flood alert (yellow) was issued for the lower Witham tributaries from Blankney to Sleaford. I relayed the alert to the RPC office for it to be shared on social media.

1200 - I checked the Beck and found it high but not excessively so.

1416 - My colleague Steve Collett sent a photo at the footbridge on the high street, and it had hardly risen. I continued to monitor the EA data from Lincoln Road.

1714 - Flood Warning (Red) was issued by the Environment Agency for the Beck. I relayed the warning to the RPC emergency WhatsApp group and then got ready to attend.

1730 - I arrived at RPC office.

1739 - After assessing the situation, I relayed information to the RPC WhatsApp group.

I set up lighting in the yard and moved pallets of sandbags to the end of the drive. I began distribution of sandbags to properties along the high street.

I was joined by Steve Collett.

Soon after joined by Scott Johnson, Kathryn Locke, Owen Ditch, Luke Tomlinson, and Mike Trolley.

Kirsty Sinclair also attended.

Between us we monitored the various points which are vulnerable for flooding and distributed sandbags.

1950 - KS reported that the Beck had breached at Manor Street.

2000 Manor Street closed.

Volunteers from L-CAT arrived and agreed to monitor the road closure on Manor Street

2018 - LCC highways informed by KL of flooded road on Manor Street.

2119 - High street south flooding across road. Road closed.

Properties flooded in Manor Street, High Street South.

2200 - Beck level peaks and begins to drop. I remain and monitor the situation at high street and manor street.

2330 - I return home. Manor Street still in flood, L-CAT volunteers remain in position. LCC highways still not attended.

03/01/2024

0545 - I returned to site.

Beck returned to channel, Manor Street reopened, High Street South reopened.

Relay information to RPC WhatsApp group.

LCC highways had delivered two loads of sandbags during the night. One at Manor Street, one at High Street North.

I palletised sandbags on high street. SJ informs residents to help themselves to the sandbags on manor street to save time and distribution in the next event.

Tidy up of yard and equipment.

0830 - I returned home.

04/01/2024

1748 - Flood warning no longer in place for The Beck. Flood alert remains in place for Lower Witham tributaries.

Observations

At 0400 on 02/01/24 The Beck had peaked at 0.806 m, through the course of the day the level dropped, reaching a depth of 0.626 m at 1230. This still being quite high, the level began to climb on a second spike, reaching 0.925 m by 1630, continuing until peaking at 1.139 m at 2130, by 2330, it had begun to drop steadily.

Below is two graphs showing the levels from both the Babet flood event and the Henk flood event. There is a comparable shape to the graph where there is an initial spike, followed by a larger spike. The level in the channel has not recovered sufficiently by the time the second spike begins and flooding occurs.

I think by careful monitoring of this data during storms it may be possible to predict the likelihood of the Beck breaching.

As stated in my report for the October flood that there must be a cause for this dramatic rise in level, and it has been illustrated again in this flood event.

Although not as extensive as the October flood, several properties were flooded on Manor Street, unfortunately ones that were flooded before. In my opinion, there are two avenues to look into here, the possibility of an area of land to be used as a flood basin to relieve the pressure of water flowing downstream into the village on Westcliffe, and the reason for the sudden spikes. Both avenues need to be explored with the Environment Agency.