Ruskington Parish Council

Minutes of an ordinary meeting of Ruskington Parish Council held on Tuesday 1 April 2025 at the Winchelsea Centre, 11 High Street North, Ruskington, NG34 9DY at 7pm. 
Present:    Chairman    Cllr O Ditch
  Councillors:    Cllr Bain, D Conway, S Cotter, S Hislop, M Trolley, L Tomlinson, Cllr Jennings
Also, in attendance:    Mrs Kathryn Locke - Clerk to Council
Apologies:    Cllr Cox 
County and District Councillor R Wright had previously advised Council that due to his attendance at an NKDC planning committee meeting, he would be late arriving at this meeting.

Public session: One member of the public was present. (Invited to observe the meeting as part of the co-option to Ruskington Parish Council policy). 

At 7.01pm, the Chairman welcomed the delegates and the member of public to the meeting and advised Council that the member of public was observing the meeting as part of their application for co-option to the Council.  The member of public was invited to ask questions or make a comment. There were no questions or comments from the member of public. 

1. Apologies for absence.
Cllr Cox was unable to attend the meeting and had sent valid apologies. 
Action: The Council RESOLVED to accept Cllr Cox’s apologies. Proposed by Cllr Jennings, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved unanimously.

2. Declarations of interest and to consider applications for dispensations in relation to DPIs. 
No declarations were made at this time.

3. To approve the notes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on 11 March 2025 as accurate Minutes.
Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the notes as accurate Minutes. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Cotter and approved with six votes for and two abstentions. (Two councillors had not been present at the previous meeting).
The Chairman signed the Minutes. 

4. Financial Matters. 
The accounts for payment had been circulated prior to the meeting.
   4.1. To approve the payments made and consider the invoices for payment received since the meeting held on 11 March 2025. 
Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the payments made and to pay the invoices received since the last meeting. (Please see Appendix A.)
   4.2. To consider /approve bank reconciliations for March 2025.
Due to the meeting being held on the 1st April 2025, and as this was a non-working day for the RFO, the RFO had not had the opportunity to create the bank reconciliation document. This would be considered at the next meeting on 13 May 2025. 
   4.3. To receive a financial report from the RFO, including an update on changing the electricity supplier. 
A report was not available at this time. 
Action: Council requested that a report be circulated to Council as soon as possible. A date for a Finance Committee meeting to be confirmed to review the end of year finances and Council’s reserves. 
   4.4. To consider/ agree the charging, or otherwise, of VAT for the rental of the office units, following advice from LALC and the recommendation of the RFO.  
The information and RFO’s recommendation had been circulated prior to the meeting. 
Action: The Council RESOLVED not to charge VAT on the rental of the office units at the rear of the Parish Office, as recommended by the RFO. Proposed by Cllr Hislop, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.
   4.5. To consider the costs of the proposed new electricity provider. 
Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve, retrospectively, the costs of the proposed new electricity provider. The costs to be circulated as soon as known. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Conway and approved unanimously.
   4.6. To receive the mid-year internal audit report following audit on 27 March 2025.  
The report had been circulated prior to the meeting. The internal auditor was satisfied that the accounts and balances for the financial and administration period (1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025) were financially correct and supported by detailed and accurate records.
Areas the auditor recommended for consideration were having a buildings valuation to ensure the insurance held by the Council provided adequate cover and building up financial reserves. The Chairman thanked the Clerk and RFO for their comprehensive and accurate record keeping.

5. To receive the Clerk’s report (for information only).
This had been circulated prior to the meeting. The Clerk provided updates and answered questions. 

6. To receive an update on co-option to Ruskington Parish Council.
An application form for co-option had been received. The candidate had met with the Chairman and Clerk on 26 March 2025 and was observing this meeting. Co-option would be considered at the next meeting on 13 May 2025. 

As County and District Councillor Wright was not yet in attendance at the meeting, Council RESOLVED to defer agenda item 7 to later in the meeting. Proposed by Cllr Jennings, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved unanimously.  

7. To review / adopt the revised policies as recommended by the HR Committee.
   7.1. Sickness policy and flow chart
Action: The Council RESOLVED to adopt the revised sickness absence policy and the flow chart following a further amendment and correction to a typing error. Proposed by Cllr Bain, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved unanimously.
   7.2. Dignity at Work, including sexual harassment
Action: The Council RESOLVED to adopt the revised dignity at work policy which included sexual harassment. Proposed by Cllr Bain, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved unanimously.

8. To receive an update on the arrangements for the Annual Parish Meeting.  
The Clerk had circulated information prior to the meeting and advised that although the meeting was not a Parish Council meeting it would be useful if Councillors helped at the event with setting up and clearing away, meeting and greeting, serving refreshments, and sharing and gathering information. Cllr Bain agreed to collate and print a series of photographs showing Ruskington in bygone times. His expenses for printing the images would be reimbursed on presentation of receipts. 
   8.1. To receive articles from the Chairmen of Committees for inclusion in the Annual Report. 
Reports had been received from Cllr Bain (HR Committee) and the Clerk (litter picking grant).
Action: Committee chairmen to submit articles to Cllr Ditch and the Clerk by Tuesday 15 April 2025. 
   
9. To receive an update on the planning application for Parkfield pavilion and the proposed overflow car parking, including the biodiversity net gain information requested from the ecologist at NKDC Planning – Cllr Trolley and Cllr Cotter. 
Cllr Trolley advised that the outcome of the planning application was not yet known. Cllr Cotter advised that all the information requested by the ecologist had been sent. However, following receipt of an email forwarded by the Clerk from the architect, a conversation with the ecologist was required concerning the small sites assessment. Cllr Conway updated Council on the pavilion refurbishments and circulated information regarding a funding bid and public consultation. This included obtaining a quote to provide a ball-park figure for the works required. Cllr Tomlinson had drafted a letter for sending to potential donors. 
During this discussion at 9.40pm, Cllr Wright arrived at the meeting. 
Action: Drafted letters to potential donors to be sent to the Clerk for distribution from Council. The Council RESOLVED that Cllr Cotter speak directly to the ecologist at NKDC regarding the BNG / small sites assessment. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously. 

10. To receive reports from the District and County Councillors.
Cllr Wright reported the following:
County Council
•    Questions on County Council finances were being answered following comments about debt being made by a political party.
•    The new budget had been agreed.
•    A decision on the creation of the next stretch of Lincoln bypass was awaited from the Secretary of State.
District Council
•    An impact report on the proposed Springwell solar farm had been considered by the planning committee. NKDC had raised questions concerning the materials used in the batteries and the solar array connection as there was no electricity substation in the vicinity of the proposed solar farm. The outcome of the application would be made by the Secretary of State.
•    The Executive Committee had voted to approve the Active Travel Strategy for North Kesteven, but this would require investment. Cllr Wright thanked the Parish Council for its comments on the Active Travel Strategy consultation. 
•    A new car park was to be created in Sleaford behind the NKDC offices. 
•    Two new murals in Sleaford had received positive feedback.
•    Events were being planned for Sleaford, including an Easter egg hunt. 
•    The proposed renewable biogas plant in Anwick had reduced its application. The chimney had been increased in size to the same height as the Moy Park chimney, because although the height of planned chimney did meet odour expulsion specifications, they’d increased it in response to a local complaint that the point of exit was too close to domestic ground level; traffic to the site would be approaching from the south of the county via the A17 and A153 and vehicles would not travel through Ruskington. Wet waste would be piped from the site, reducing the number of vehicles required.  Although the site would be in operation 24 hours a day, the travel plan specified that vehicles would only be traveling to and from the site for 12 hours per day. LCC would be making the decision on this planning application and Cllr Wright was not involved in the decision making.  
During the above report at 7.54pm Cllr Tomlinson left the meeting. The meeting remained quorate. 
Councillor Wright answered questions from Council. 
The Chairman thanked Cllr Wright. Cllr Wright left the meeting at 8.07pm. 

11. To consider a request from a resident to pre-purchase a plot for the interment of cremated remains in Sleaford Road cemetery. 
Correspondence had previously been circulated.
At 8.11pm Cllr Tomlinson re-joined the meeting. 
The pre-purchasing of plots in the cemetery was no longer permitted but requests were being considered on a case-by-case basis.
Action: The Council RESOLVED to permit the resident to purchase an ashes plot in Sleaford Road cemetery. Following a review of the possible cremation plots available, permission for pre-purchased plots, even for considering on case-by-case basis, might have to end. Proposed by Cllr Jennings, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved unanimously.

12. To consider an application from the Lions JFC to use Parkfield playing facilities on 28 & 29 June 2025 for a football tournament.
Cllr Tomlinson declared an interest in this agenda item but was asked to stay in the meeting to answer Council’s questions on the proposed event. The application form had been circulated prior to the meeting and the Clerk and Cllr Tomlinson provided information. 
Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the application for the use of the north and south playing fields and the pavilion on 28/29 June 2025 for the football tournament. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved unanimously.
   12.1. To agree the fees and conditions for the use of the playing fields for the football tournament.
Action: The Lions JFC would be required to check their public liability insurance and to take measures required to ensure health and safety, food safety, and first aid provision. All businesses attending to provide their own insurance and to remove their own waste. The Lions would hire waste management skips for the event. The Lions to be invited to donate to Council to cover any costs associated with the event. The Clerk would inform the Council’s insurance company of the event. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved unanimously. 

13. To consider a request from the Lions JFC for the Club to install a boot cleaner on the grass area outside the pavilion to prevent mud entering the pavilion.
Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the Lions JFC request to install a boot cleaner on the grass area beside the blue pavilion doors. This was to be cemented into place. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.
 
14. To consider the quotes for the new water tank in the changing rooms (current tank not compliant with regulations.) 
Five contractors had been approached to submit quotes for a replacement water tank. Three quotes had been received from 2 contractors. Council questioned whether just replacing the water tanks would solve the issues with the supply of hot water. 
Action: The Council RESOLVED that Cllr Tomlinson could meet with a contractor and a Council caretaker at the changing rooms to investigate the issues with the hot water supply to the showers and sinks. This would then inform requests for quotes for all the work required. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Conway and approved unanimously.

15. To consider the proposed size and any other regulations for business signage for the office units. The signs will be located on the exterior wall of the council property overlooking the drive and will be organised and purchased by the office tenants.  
The Building’s Caretaker had taken measurements and suggested that there was space available for four signs measuring no more than 140cm high and 250cm wide. 
Action: The Council RESOLVED that an A3 sign be sourced that enabled individual business signs to be slotted in an out to allow for changes to tenancies. The sign to display “Ruskington Parish Council”. The businesses would purchase their own signs. Proposed by Cllr Jennings, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved with seven votes for and one abstention. 

16. To consider a request from a resident to install (at their own expense and with consent from LCC Highways) hedgehog crossing signs on Elmtree Road. 
The resident has spoken to LCC Highways and required Parish Council support. The Clerk had obtained and circulated details for the proposed sign which was to be erected on a lamp post outside the resident’s property.  
Action: Council noted that the resident was actively encouraging the hedgehogs to cross the road but supported the resident’s request for a sign. The resident would need to obtain consent from LCC Highways before purchasing and erecting the sign.

17. To receive new planning applications, or to ratify the comments of the Estate Management and Planning Committee, regarding planning applications, received from NKDC since the last meeting.
Cllr Trolley provided an overview of planning matters.
   a. Notification of Receipt of Consultation of public payphone removal scheme
Application Reference: 25/0267/PNTEL
Proposal: Removal of public payphone.
Location: PC01 Lincoln Road Ruskington Sleaford Lincolnshire
Action: The Council had no objections to the payphone being removed. 
   17.1. Notice of planning applications approved by NKDC since the last meeting.
   a. Application Reference: 24/1493/HOUS
Proposal: Erection of single storey rear extension 
Location: 38 Station Road Ruskington Sleaford (Notice of Approval decision received on 10/3/2025)
   b. Application Reference: 24/1467/FUL
Proposal: Installation of a 277 cubic metre storage tank, oil skimmer, matching replacement 
of the current storage tank, alterations and upgrades to the existing waste water treatment 
plant and any associated pipework.
Location: Pilgrim's UK Ltd Sleaford Road Ruskington

18. Correspondence - for information only. (Circulated to Councillors prior to the meeting).
   a. LALC (via email) - Fortnightly e-newsletter
   b. NKDC (via email on 14/3/2025) - Notice of Election for the Greater Lincolnshire Mayoral Election and the Lincolnshire County Council Elections, both on 1 May. (Shared on Council’s communications channels, website and noticeboard as requested.)
   c. Chairman of Anwick Parish Council (copied into email to the Chairman of Ruskington PC email on 19/3/2025) – Meeting to discuss the proposed renewable bigas plant for Anwick. (Cllr Ditch responded to say that any meeting must be formally convened via the Anwick and Ruskington Parish Clerks.)
   d. NKDC (via email on 19/3/2025) - Local Government Reorganisation and reminder of the Town and Parish Council Forum taking place at the NKDC offices in Sleaford on 10th April 2025. (The Chairman and Clerk are attending this.)
   e. Resident (via email on 20/3/2025) – Suggestion for Council to hold a firework display on bonfire night. (Clerk responded to say that Council may consider this following research into costs, regulations and environmental impact, but no budget allocated for this in FY 2025-2026.)
   f. Resident (via email on 24/3/2025) – Dates for D o E volunteering. (Date for volunteering (continuation of tree planting in Horseshoe Hollow) agreed with the Environment Caretaker.)
   g. NKDC Building Control officer (via email on 24/3/2025) – Date to inspect the newly installed fire door on the rear office landing (28/3/2025 at 10.30am).
   h. LCC Highways (via email on 24/3/2025) – Notice of temporary traffic restriction (road closure) for Silver Street (between High Street & a point 40 m South) for Anglian water to repair a water leak. 
   i. PKF Littlejohn (via email on 25/4/2025) – Information regarding the external audit 2024-2025. (Deadline for return of AGAR is 31 July 2025).
   j. Resident (via email on 25/3/2025) – Application for co-option to Ruskington Parish Council. 
   k. NKDC (Via email on 26/3/2025) – Grants available for up to £500.00 for community and voluntary groups, charities and social enterprises with financial resources of less than £10,000 to deliver events that benefit communities to celebrate (VE Day on 8 May 1945 and VJ Day on 15 August 1945. (Information shared on Council’s communication channels).
   l. LCC legal Services (via email on 26/3/2025) – Confirmation of receipt of the signed extension for the public toilet lease agreement. 
   m. Chairman of Anwick Parish Council (by email on 26/3/2025). Clerk copied into an email to the Chairman of Ruskington PC regarding an invitation to attend a public meeting to discuss the proposed renewable biogas plant in Anwick. 

19. To receive Members’ Reports – for information only. (Any items raised for decision will appear on the agenda for the next meeting.)
•    Cllr Bain advised that a date for an HR Committee meeting needed to be confirmed.
•    Cllr Tomlinson reported that his daughter would like to arrange a fund-raising Park Run at the playing fields.
•    Cllr Cotter advised that they were no longer able to lead the community litter pick on 12 April but might be able to lead the one planned for June 2025. 
•    Cllr Tomlinson offered to lead the litter pick on 12 April 2025. A suggested location for the litter pick was the hedge alongside Moy Park. Consent to take photos would be required before any photographs were taken. (The Clerk to supply the consent forms.)

20. To resolve whether to exclude the public and press, in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960, to discuss the staffing and confidential matters below.  
Action: The Committee RESOLVED to exclude the public and press to discuss the staffing and contractual matters below. Proposed by Cllr Cotter, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 8.50pm. The member of public left the meeting. The meeting re-convened at 8.50pm.

21. To consider the continuation of the contract cleaning for the Church Street public toilets at a cost of £22.50 per hour (4 hours cleaning per week). The current contract ends on 4 May 2025.
Action: The Council RESOLVED to continue with the contract cleaning of the public toilets on Church Street. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved unanimously.

22. Role of a Parish Councillor - Cllr Ditch
Information on the role had previously been circulated. 
Cllr Ditch presented an overview of the role of a parish councillor and spoke about the Nolan Principles and the requirement for the rules and regulations that councils and councillors must adhere to, and how these kept a council and councillors safe. A cautionary tale from an unnamed Pariah Council was shared, using information available in the public domain. 

The Chairman closed the meeting at 8.59pm. 

Meeting date: 1 April 2025

Author: Kathryn Locke – Clerk to Council

Purpose of report: To provide an update report from the Clerk on business conducted since the meeting held on 11 March 2025.

Min ref 4.1: The RFO has made all the approved payments.

Min ref 4.3: The RFO is contacting the current and future electricity suppliers with a view to change the provider. This should be finalised in May 2025.

Min ref 4.4. The RFO arranged membership of the National Allotment Society on 12/3/2025 at a cost of £70.00.

Min ref 10: Cllr Cotter and the Environment Caretaker have completed the report for the BNG/ Small Sites Assessment report, and this was emailed to the architect on 25/3/2025.

Min ref 10.2: A Pavilion Working Party met on 18 March to consider the questions for the pavilion public consultation was held on 18/3/2025. (Agenda item)

Min ref 11: Arrangements are being made for the Annual Parish meeting on Tuesday 20 May 2025 at the Methodist Church at 6.30pm. (Please see further details in other Council Business, below.)

Min ref 11.1: Only one article for the Annual Report has been received as requested (from the Chairman of the HR Committee.

Min ref 12: The Commemorative tree (oak tree) awarded by NKDC was collected from NKDC on 27/3/2025 and will be planted in Horseshoe Hollow on 31//33/2025 by the Environment Caretaker.

Min ref 15: The Parish Church and Ruskington Veteran’s Group were asked on 13/3/2025 if they had any plans for commemorating VE day 80 on 8 May 2025 and if they would be interested in collaborating to commemorate the day. Details of the bell ringers has also been requested from Rev’d Al. The Veteran’s Group are parading their standard at a VE 80th memorial service at the Methodist Church on 11 May. Update on 27/3/2025 - The Parish Church is holding a VE Day Service of Commemoration on Saturday the 10th May 2025 at 11am at All Saints Church and a

VJ Day Service of Commemoration on Saturday the 16th August 2025 at 11am at All Saints Church

Min ref 18: The Tree Officers have been informed that Council has no objection to the tree work on Grange Close.

Min ref 23.1: The contract cleaners have been informed about commencing cleaning of the occupied offices (as agreed with the tenants) and the communal areas. This will take place on Sundays from 1 April 2025 and a contract has been agreed. There will be no access to the Parish office.

Min ref 23: The former lease holders of allotment plot 9c have were written to on 25/3/2025 in response to their letter dated 5/3/2025.

Min ref 24: The Environment Caretaker has completed the in-house servicing of the machinery.

Other Council Business:

Allotments – The allotment policy and agreement require review and amendments now the Council has joined the National Allotment Society (NAS) to ensure it complies with allotment legislation.

• Due to changes to legislation concerning compost bins and the misuse of the compost bins, these will be removed. Compost bins on invidual plots are allowed. 

Annual Parish Meeting on 20 May 2025 – The Methodist Church (church, kitchen and community room) is booked from 5pm to 10pm. The Clerk signed and returned the hire agreement on 13/3/2025. Council can have access on the morning of 20th May to check out the system and laptop compatibility. There are 8-9 large 6ft tables and 9-10 small 3ft tables for use as coffee tables if required.  The Admin Assistant sent out invitations to participate in the Annual Parish Meeting on 13/3/25 with a closing date of 13 May 2025. To date, Witham Archaeology, the Methodist Church, Parish Church, and Ruskington Veteran’s Group would like tables.

Attendance at events -– Following invitation, the Clerk and Chairman are attending the NKDC Parish and Town Council Forum at the NKDC offices, on 10 April 2024 to meet the new CEO of NKDC and hear the proposal for the devolution of Lincolnshire councils.

Audits –The planned mid-year internal audit arranged for Thursday 13 March 2025 was postponed by the auditor and took place on 27/3/2025.  As well as auditing the finances, the audit included governance, policies, contracts, pay and pensions, the website, agendas and minutes, insurance, councillor and staff training, and cemetery management. The auditor (as allocated by LALC) will also be conducting the end of year audit.

• External audit – all AGAR information to be submitted to the external auditor PKF Littlejohn by Tuesday 1 July 2025.

Cemetery – The Environment Caretaker undertook work to a laurel bush that was growing over a grave on 13/3/2025. The bush is scheduled for removed later in the year.

• A resident has asked to pre-purchase an ashes plot. The Clerk has advised that the pre-purchase of plots had not been permitted since 2019 but invited them to submit a letter to Council for its consideration. Dates for the next two full council meetings were provided.  (Agenda item.)

Co-option – One expression of interest or applications for co-option has been received. The applicant met with the Chairman and Clerk on 26/3/2025 and was invited to observe the meeting on 1/4/2025.

• The “Become a Councillor” campaign continues on Council’s communication channels.

Community litter- pick – Cllr Cotter is leading the 2nd community litter pick on Saturday 12 April 2025.  

Changing rooms – Two quotes have been received for the upgrade of the water tank. These were considered at the Estate Management & Planning Committee on 4 March 2025. Further information and revised quotes are required. Update 11/3/2025 – A third quote has been obtained but from the contractor who has submitted another quote.  (Agenda item for the April meeting.)

• The Buildings Caretaker has reported the kicking of footballs balls onto the solar panels on the changing room roof. The guttering is also being damaged. The Lions have been asked to ensure the goal posts are all secured and a sign to say no balls to be kicked against this wall/ CTV in operation to be purchased and erected. On 25/3/2025. The Caretaker noted that the goal posts being used were broken. Following discussion with the Clerk they were dismantled and stored in the pavilion store room. The Lions JFC was made aware.

Daffodil bulbs – The Environment Caretaker planted the bulbs from w/c 10/3/2025. The resident who donated the bulbs helped with the planting on 20/3/2025. A local care home had been invited to help with planting the bulbs in the community garden but did not respond.

Trees - The Council contacted the NKDC tree officers on 6/3/2025 to request TPOs for the trees in the grounds of Westgate Lodge, Manor Street, Ruskington. A Tree Officer responded to say this had been investigated but unfortunately due to the limited public visual amenity contribution being restricted mainly to the site and a few adjacent properties it is unlikely that any assessment would score high enough to justify imposition of an order. The officer did advise that any development proposals would be required to comply with requirements for tree protection and potential mitigation of an loss under NPPF, BNG and local planning policy S66; prior tree removal would be a consideration requiring replacement, and any proposal would likely be required to submit a full tree survey/constraints plan and associated arboricultural impact assessment that considers potential constraints of trees ( rooting area, canopy, shading) and further requirements for tree protection measures and mitigation.

• The Environment Caretaker and D of E Volunteer have continued to plant further (free) trees in Horseshoe Hollow.

Horseshoe Hollow – Simpsons will be carrying out work to a tree on the path between Lincoln Road and Horseshoe Hollow on 22/5/2025.  The property owner is aware.

• The Environment Caretaker had planned to coppice two hawthorn trees on the footpath between Lincoln Road and Horseshoe Hollow. However, due to bird activity, this has been re-scheduled for the next season (Oct 2025 – Feb 2026). The Clerk emailed the property owner to advise accordingly.
• A request to remove a bush and ivy that is damaging the fence at a property backing onto the footpath between Lincolns Road and Horseshoe Hollow has been forwarded to the Environment Caretaker for actioning as soon as possible.

Insurance:

Lychgate: The National Lottery Heritage Fund has not yet advised of a start date for the lychgate renovation. All actions have been completed by the Parish Council. The Funder has been emailed to ask if there is anything further Council has to do at this stage.

Parkfield playing fields – Cllr Cotter and the Environment Caretaker have untaken an assessment of the sites of plants growing in the areas proposed for overflow carparking.  This will be sent to the architect for submission to NK planning regarding the change of use planning permission for the pavilion.

• The Pitch Power assessment of the playing fields has expired. No complaints about the condition of the ground or grass cutting of the playing fields have been received this football season.
• The Buildings’ and Play Equipment Caretaker are removing mole hills from the playing fields.

Parish Office -Office Spaces – The first tenant moved in on Thursday 13/3/2025 (Office 1. A second business is renting Office 4 from 24/3/2025. The lease agreements are signed, and the deposits have been paid.

• Admin staff have shown two other potential tenants around the two remaining offices and communal spaces.

• The Fire Door was painted and installed on the rear landing cupboard by the Buildings’ Caretaker on 13/3/2025. A NKDC Building Control Officer inspected the fire door on 28/3/2025.
• Office drive - The Buildings and Environment Caretaker will repair the drive when the weather is warm enough for the cement to set.  
• The locks on the rear patio doors were replaced at a cost of £30.00
• A tenant is researching broadband options.
• The Caretakers are removing the redundant wiring and pipework from the exterior of the office. The decayed wood covering the air conditioning conducting will be replaced with plastic fascia boarding.
• The Clerk is arranging an electrician to check the wiring to two exterior lights (one on the drive and the strip light on the front of the building). Both these lights will be removed once safe to do so.
• The Environment Caretaker has been asked to create and costs a project to install a gate between the Winchelsea Centre and the community garden to provide alternative access that does not require access via the yard when it is in use. The PCC has agreed to this.

Pavilion planning application: This is awaited. The architect has received the small sites report following assessments by Cllr Cotter and the Environment Caretaker.

Public Toilets – NKDC has asked for an extension of the S25 notice until 30 April to enable changes to the lease to be agreed (Inclusion of the disabled toilets).

• The Clerk and Buildings’ Caretaker met with NKDC at the toilets on 24/3/2025 to conduct a condition report. The report is awaited.
• On 24/3/2024 the Clerk signed and returned an agreement to extend the Section 25 notice to allow the lease to be agreed once the disabled facilities were included. (Future agenda item.)

• Graffiti on the men’s cubicle door has been painted over by the Buildings’ Caretaker.

Staff Matters –

• The RFO attended allotment training on 13/3/2025 (via Zoom).
• A staff member is on light duties following an injury obtained outside of work. A referral to occupational health has been offered and declined at this time.

Dates for upcoming meetings –

• Tuesday 13 2025 – Annual Meeting of the Parish Council and May meeting.
• Tuesday 20 May 2025 – Annual Parish Meeting (at 6.30pm at the Methodist Church).