Ruskington Parish Council

DRAFT Minutes of a meeting of Ruskington Parish Council held on Tuesday 10 March 2026 at the Winchelsea Centre, 11 High Street North, Ruskington, NG34 9DY at 7pm.

Please note, these are draft  minutes and may be amended. 

Also present: County and District Councillor Wright and two members of public (both of whom had been invited to attend the meeting following prior correspondence)

Public session: At 7pm the Chairman welcomed the delegates and members of the public and invited the members of public to speak.

The Head Teacher of Chestnut Street school spoke about the need for two road signs to increase visibility of the school and to direct prospective parents and pupils to the school. One sign was to be located near the library, and the other on Station Road opposite the junction with Chestnut Street. The school had falling attendance levels and members of staff had been made redundant and it was thought that increasing the visibility of the school may help increase the number of pupils on roll.  The school had already approached LCC Highways who had requested that the Parish Council be approached for its comments. The school had submitted a map prior to the meeting to show the proposed location of the signs, and this was displayed at the meeting. The Head Teacher answered questions from Council. After discussion on the suitability of the locations, Council suggested that the sign on Station Road, numbered 2RS on the map, would be better located at the opposite (High Street) end of Chestnut Street where there was more space. The Head Teacher was advised that consent for the signs would be required from LCC. The Chairman thanked the Head Teacher for their time, and the Head Teacher, after thanking Council, left the meeting.

The second member of public handed out copies of a detailed proposal for an outdoor basketball court in the village in response to the public consultation for projects for the s106 claim. They gave the background to their proposal, shared research findings, reported on the lack of availability of suitable courts in the area, and advised that basketball was a growing sport in the UK that could be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, including those with disabilities, without any need for adapting the court. The requirements for the court were mentioned, and it was proposed that a half court (15m by 15m) would be adequate, with or without a perimeter fence.  Hillside was considered as a good location as an area of unused tarmacked ground could be resurfaced with Macadam without the need for the bio-diversity net gain process. A similar court was being considered by a local parish council and had been costed at approx. £69, 500 which included planning permission, line painting and fencing. The member of public advised that they were employed by NKDC and had spoken to the officer who dealt with s106 claims.  s106 money could be used for a basketball court although NKDC would have to approve the project. In addition, NKDC Planning would be likely to approve such an application. (The area of land was owned by NKDC). The member of public answered questions from the Council. The Chairman thanked the member of public for their time and detailed presentation, and the member of public, after thanking Council, left the meeting.

The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.34pm.

1. To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Parish Clerk prior to the meeting.

Cllr Cunningham, Cllr Jennings, and Cllr Tomlinson had been unable to attend the meeting and had sent valid apologies.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to accept Cllr Cunningham, Cllr Jennings and Cllr Tomlinson’s apologies. Proposed by Cllr Bain, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved unanimously.

2. To receive declarations of interest and to consider applications for dispensations in relation to DPIs. Disclosure of Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Interests is to be in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 and to consider any applications for dispensations in relation to DPIs.

Cllr Hislop declared an interest in agenda item 16.d (planning application 25/0529/FUL) due to their employment.

3. To approve as a correct record the notes of the meeting held on Tuesday 10 February 2026.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the notes of the meeting as accurate Minutes. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved unanimously.  

4. To receive the District and County Councillors’ reports – for information only.

County and District Councillor Wright presented his report.

County Council:

A budget meeting had been held and a rise in Council Tax of £2.99% had been approved. There would be a focus on paying down debt and savings would be made. Some services were to be reviewed by their committees but there would be a loss of some services including some children’s services.

• Cllr Wright had proposed that £10m of reserves be spent on road repairs but this had been declined.

District Council:

• A budget meeting had been held and a rise in the council tax of £2.93% had been approved.
• NKDC would receive a reduction of £1.3m in funding from government due to it being an economically sound council.
• Although there would be no cuts or savings, NKDC did have savings and investments plans.

 4.1. To raise any highways matters with County Councillor Wright, including an update on a member of public’s response from LCC regarding a Traffic Regulation Order for Fen Road.

Cllr Wright reported that he had investigated the concerns raised by a non-Ruskington resident such as young people not wearing hi-viz clothing when walking on Fen Road in the dark. He advised that Council was not responsible for the behaviours of others and LCC had no money available, following a reduction of £11m in funding from government for roads, to install street lighting and pavements in rural areas with minimal footfall.

The Chairman thanked Cllr Wright and Cllr Wright left the meeting at 7.45pm.

5. Financial Matters

The RFO had circulated the information prior to the meeting.

    5.1. To approve the payments made and consider the invoices for payment received since the meeting held on 10 February 2026.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the payments made and payments for the invoices received. Approved by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved unanimously.

   5.2. To consider /approve the bank reconciliations for February 2026.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the bank reconciliations for February 2026. Approved by Cllr Bain, seconded by Cllr Harrison and approved unanimously.

   5.3. To receive the monthly financial report from the RFO and consider any recommendations. 

This had been circulated prior to the meeting. The Clerk advised that there had been an overspend of approx. £2,700 but there had been unexpected income of £7,792. It was expected that at the end of the fiscal year, approx. £5,000 could be transferred into reserves.

   5.4. To receive an update on the mid-year internal audit.

80% of the audit had been undertaken but it was yet to be completed.

6. To receive an update on co-option to Council.

The Clerk had issued an application pack, but no application had been received.

7.  To receive the Clerk’s report - for information only.

This had been circulated prior to the meeting. No questions were raised.

8. Special motion – To re-evaluate the resolution to close and remove Hillside play park as requested by two councillors. 

Cllr Ditch provided an overview and advised that he had supported the request for a special motion to review the process by which information was exchanged between the Cttees and Full Council intended to facilitate timely and accurate decision-making. He further advised that his comments were based on procedures and not the outcomes of any subsequent votes or resolutions. Cllr Sheldon read out her reasons for requesting the special motion, which included the minutes of the Recreation and Environment (RE) Committee meeting not being available prior to the full Council meeting resulting in a lack detailed information for making an informed decision; a perceived lack of transparency;  the decision to close the play area appearing to be the opposite of what the survey results showed, Cllr Sheldon questioned if the outcome had been pre-determined, and reported that the repair costs and  caretaker time  had not been considered. Cllr Sheldon argued that the play area was a valuable asset in a growing village, had passed an independent safety inspection by ROSPA, and that if it were to be renovated and promoted it would attract more users and would be ideal for improving mental and physical wellbeing of children and their families.  New projects had been suggested for the area but with no evidence of need.

Cllr Cox, as Chairman of the Recreation and Environment (RE) Committee, responded stating that, the lack of information, which would have allowed a full Council to make an informed decision on the future of the Hillside Playpark, was absent from the RE portfolio of evidence in the meeting folder due an administrative oversight outside the RE Committee’s control. He then gave a breakdown of the responses and explained why the decision had been made, which was due to lack of use as few families lived in the vicinity. There was no pre – determined decision with regards to the closure, nor was it a financial matter, it was not about closing the park down, but to look at possible new ideas/ equipment to suit the demographics of the surrounding area, ideas were spoken about to take forward. The information taken from the survey was that 57% of the replies said they didn’t use the park, when you added other information, such as occasional, summer and 2-3 times per year usage and preferred other facilities, this figure rose to 82%.  8% of respondents said they used the facility but did not state how often and 10% said they used it weekly. There was no lack of transparency. The caretaker charged with looking after the area, had already commented on the park’s appearance and maintenance. Cllr Cox also advised that no adverse comments to the closure of the play area had been received following an article in the latest Council newsletter. The history of the playground was considered. Since the last meeting, new information regarding a 25-year lease for the play area and its equipment had been received from NKDC who owned the land. The lease was not due to end until 2029.  The matter was discussed in detail.

Action: The Council RESOLVED that the play area should be returned to the RE Committee for it to provide a detailed explanation of the reasons for closing the play area and for the awaited information from the NK legal team and planning departments on an early ending of the lease to be considered. Proposed by Cllr Ditch, seconded by Cllr Conway and approved with six votes for and two abstentions.

9. To review the Community Emergency Plan prior to submission to the Lincolnshire Resilience Team – Cllr Ditch.

This had been circulated prior to the meeting and was displayed at the meeting. Cllr Ditch gave an overview of the document and the emergency plan process.

Action: Following a couple of minor amendments, the Emergency Plan was approved for submitting to the Lincolnshire Resilience Team.

10. To consider purchasing and planting a willow tree in Horseshoe Hollow with the £480.00 donated by students at St George’s Academy- Ruskington campus in 2025 to help alleviate flooding.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to purchase a willow tree or willow trees at a cost of no more than £480.00 for planting in Horseshoe Hollow. Advice to be sought from the Environment Agency about the best location if it was to be planted beside the Beck. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved with seven votes for and one abstention.

11. To consider a request from a resident to locate a bench on High Street South opposite Chestnut Street. (Information previously circulated.)

This was considered and the proposed location was not considered suitable.

Action: The Estate Management and Planning Committee to review the request at its next meeting. The resident to be invited to the Committee meeting to discuss the bench and its location. The review of requests for donations of benches to be added to the Terms of Reference for the Committee. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Harrison and approved unanimously.

12. To consider a request from the Lincoln Anglican Academy Trust (LAAT) to install two signs in the village to direct to Chestnut Street School. (Information previously circulated.)

This had been discussed with the Head Teacher of Chestnut Street School in the public session above.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to support the school in its request to LCC Highways for the two road signs. The sign numbered 2RS on the map to be located at the opposite (High Street) end of Chestnut Street where there was more space. Proposed by Cllr Hislop, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved unanimously.

13. To receive a report from the Recreation and Environment (RE) Committee. – Cllr Cox.

   13.1 To consider the draft Terms and Conditions for Finley’s Fundraiser on 11 July 2026.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the Terms & Conditions without any further revisions. Proposed by Cllr Cox, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.

   13.2. To consider the draft of the ten-year lease agreement for the Lions JFC to undertake the grass cutting at Parkfield playing fields, following further review and revision.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the ten-year lease agreement for the Lions JFC without any further revisions. Proposed by Cllr Hislop, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.

   13.3. To review the amenity grass cutting maps from LCC Highways and make any recommendations for amendments.

These had been circulated prior to the meeting for review.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the grass verge cutting maps as accurate. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved unanimously.

   13.4. To receive an update on the funding application to the Football Foundation for the 4G surface for the MUGA.

Cllr Cox gave an update on the funding bid. Extra documents had been submitted at the funder’s request. The funder had also requested a (Sports Pitch) Consultant be involved with the application, although the reason was not made clear.  Cllr Cox knew of a consultant who may be able to help.

Action: The RFO to contact the Consultant and obtain any costs.

 13.4.1. To consider the verbal offer made to Cllr Cox from members of the public who are volunteering their time and materials to install a “sterile perimeter “around the outside of the MUGA, in accordance with the suggestion made by Fosse Surfaces, to prevent ingress onto the new surface.

Cllr Cox advised that the 4G pitch would require a 600mm tarmac strip around it to prevent the ingress of weeds onto the pitch. He had been approached by two local businesses who were willing to donate the materials and their time to lay the tarmac strip at no cost to Council.

Action: Cllr Cox to ask the two firms offering their services to contact the Clerk directly.

   13.4.2. If approved, to consider the supervision of the volunteers, the risk assessment, insurance requirements, and the best person to write the risk assessment for the volunteers.

The businesses to provide their own risk assessments and public liability insurance for Council to consider.

   13.4.3. If approved, to review the volunteer policy and consider if any amendments are required for volunteers to install a sterile perimeter around the MUGA.

This was not required.

14. To receive a report and recommendations from the Events Committee following a Committee meeting held on 24 February 2026. - Cllr Harrison.

Cllr Harrison gave an update on the events being planned, asked for additional support on the day of the Duck Hunt and Garden Party and answered Council’s questions. The last Committee meeting had not been quorate so had been held as working party meeting. A member of the public had attended as a representative of the Village Hall Committee but although keen to attend the meetings to represent the Village Hall, they did not wish to join the Committee.

   14.1. To consider co-opting additional members to the Events Committee to ensure its meetings are quorate.

Cllr Hislop and Cllr Conway expressed an interest in joining the Committee, but neither were able to do so at this time due to their other Council, or personal, commitments.

15. To receive a report and recommendations from the Estate Management and Planning Committee following its meeting on 3 March 2026.- Cllr Trolley

The notes of a Pavilion Project Working Party meeting and Estate Management and Planning (EMP) Committee had been circulated prior to the meeting. Notes, a map, and information from a meeting with the NKDC Conservation Officers had also been circulated.

   15.1. To consider a conservation area to preserve and enhance the historic features of the village centre as recommended in principle by the Committee.

Cllr Hislop gave a brief overview of a meeting with Councillors and two Conservation Officers from NKDC on 16 February 2026. They had remarked on the excellent examples of Victorian architecture on Chestnut Street and had created a draft map of a proposed conservation area. NKDC would undertake the conservation process, pay for all costs, and conduct the public consultation. Council would support by sharing information. Cllr Hislop answered questions.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to continue the process of creating a conservation area for the village centre in consultation with NKDC. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Conway and approved unanimously.

   15.2. To consider the specification for the Pavilion renovation as recommended by the Committee.

   15.3. To consider the draft tender documents as recommended by the Committee.

Agenda items 15.2. and 15.3., above were discussed together. Cllr Conway gave an overview.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the specification and tender documents without any further revision. Proposed by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.

   15.4. To consider the recommended next steps and dates for the tender process.

Action: The Committee had arranged a Pavilion Project Working Party meeting for 16 March to meet at the Pavilion to consider the practical aspects of the renovation, such as the location of electrical sockets. Cllr Trolley invited all interested Councillors to attend. The Working Party members to also consider the dates for the tender process. An EMP Cttee meeting had been called for 8 April 2026 to finalise all the details and the tender timings. 

   15.5. To consider the purchase of a ladder with platform (work tower) at a cost of approx. £1,000 to ensure the health and safety of the caretakers when erecting and removing Christmas trees from wall hung brackets and conducting higher-level maintenance tasks.

Cllr Ditch explained the need for the work tower for the health and safety of the caretakers, and the maintenance and projects it would be used for.  He answered questions from Council.

Action: The Council RESOLVED the expenditure of up to £1,000 to purchase a work tower. The Caretakers to be involved in deciding the best work towers for their needs that could easily be stored and transported. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Harrison and approved unanimously.

16.  To consider the planning applications received from NKDC since the last meeting held on 10 February 2025, and ratify any comments made by the Committee. – Cllr Trolley.

These had been considered by the EMP Cttee at its meeting on 3 March 2026.

      a. Application Reference: 25/1557/HOUS

Proposal: Conversion and extension of existing detached garage to form annexe ancillary to the existing dwelling

Location: 136 Westcliffe Road Ruskington Sleaford

Action: Council had no objections to the planning application.

      b. Planning Application Reference: 26/0119/HOUS

Proposal: Erection of a single storey rear extension

Location: 15 Westbeck Ruskington Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 9GU

    c. Planning Application Reference: 26/0226/HOUS

Action: Council had no objections to the planning application.

Proposal: Erection of a two-storey side extension

Location: 36 Hurn Close Ruskington Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 9FE

   d. Application Reference: 25/0529/FUL (Amended plans/ new information)

Proposal: Change of use to dog exercise paddock, siting of a storage container for

use as a welfare and storage facility and creation of parking area and upgraded

access

Location: Land Off Sleaford Road Ruskington Sleaford

Action: Council had no further comments on this application.

   16.1. To receive notification of planning applications approved by NKDC.

   a. Application Reference: 25/1557/HOUS

Proposal: Conversion and extension of existing detached garage to form annexe ancillary to the existing dwelling

Location: 136 Westcliffe Road Ruskington Sleaford

(Notification of approval received on 13/2/2026)

   b. Application Reference: 25/1561/HOUS

Proposal: Proposed rear extension

Location: 13 Moor Park Ruskington Sleaford

(Notification of approval received on 17/2/2025)

17. Correspondence - for information only. (Please see attached.)

No comments or questioned were raised. The clerk advised that any correspondence requiring a motion or financial decision would be added to the agenda for the next meeting. 

18. To receive Members’ Reports – for information only. (Any items raised for decision will appear on the agenda for the next meeting.)

• Cllr Bain noted that Council cannot consider the review of the Hillside play area at the next meeting as the RE Committee did not meet until 5 May. He also asked about the possibility of supporting Chestnut Street School.
• Cllr Hislop asked if the provision of dog poo bag dispensers could be added to the next agenda to help tackle dog fouling.
• Cllr Sheldon mentioned memorial benches.
• Cllr Trolley advised that for councillors to be able to use MS Teams with access to Council folders, Business Basic licences would be needed, and asked if a quote could be obtained for considering at the next meeting.   

19. 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 legal matters below. 

Action: The Council RESOLVED to exclude the public and press from the meeting to discuss the confidential matters below.  Proposed by Cllr Cox, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved unanimously.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 10.03pm. The meeting re-convened at 10.03pm.

20. To receive a report and recommendations on staffing matters from the HR Committee and agree any next steps. 

Cllr Bain gave an update on HR matters and answered questions.

21. To receive an update on an insurance matter.

The Clerk gave an update on an open insurance claim.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 10.24pm.

Correspondence - for information only

a. LCC (By email on 5/2/2026) - Consultation on the four proposals for the Local Government Reorganization for Greater Lincolnshire.

b. LALC (by email on 9/2/2026) – Newsletter and February training bulletin.

c. NKDC (by email on 6/2/2026) - Local Government Re-organisation in Greater Lincolnshire

d. Member of public (by email on 9/2/2026) – Objection to the Council spending money on the MUGA and the loss of multi-use facility.

e. Village hall management Committee member (via email on 9/2/2026) – Offer of village hall help with events. (The correspondent will be attending the Events e. Committee meeting on 24/2/2026)

f. Member of public (via email on 10/2/2026) – Administrative/allotment job vacancies.

g. Flood Forum (via email on 13/2/2026) - Attendance at the APM on the 26 May 2026.

h. Resident (by email on 18/1/2026) – Reservation of an ashes plot in Sleaford Road cemetery (Agenda item, above.)

i. Resident (via email on 20/2/2026 – Damage to guttering.

j. NKDC (via email on 20/2/2026) – February newsletter.

k. LCC (via email on 24/2/2026) – Flood Sensor drop-in sessions. Request for meeting/venues to share information.

l. Six Shires Rail (by post on 26/2/2026) – February 2026 newsletter

m. Lincs Health watch (by email on 2/3/2026) – Newsletter

n. Member of public (by email on 2/3/2026) - Donation of a horse chestnut tree for Horseshoe Hollow.

n. LCC Highways (by email on 2/3/2026) - Emergency road closure on Priory Road.

0. LCC (By email on 4/3/2026) Bus shelter grant scheme and application form.

Meeting date: 10 March 2026

Author: Kathryn Locke – Clerk to Council

Purpose of report: To provide an update report from the Clerk on business conducted since the last meeting of the Parish Council held on 10 February 2026.

Min ref 5.1: All approved payments and invoices have been paid by the RFO.

Min ref 8: The defibs owned and maintained by Council at the outside the Winchelsea Centre and outside Ruskington Medical Centre were adopted by SHOCK Sleaford on 13/2/2026. The venues, supplier of the defibs and replacement parts were made aware of the adoption on 13/2/2026. A spare cabinet has been donated to the Shock Sleaford charity. Shock Sleaford informed The Circuit on 16/2/2026 of the change of guardianship.

Min ref 10: The Ruskington Area Veteran’s Group have been informed that they can sleep out as part of the Tommy Sleep Out overnight on 28 March 2026. They have agreed to the conditions and Aurora were advised on 12/2/2026 the keep the toilets open on that night.

Min ref 11.1.  The RFO submitted the funding bid to the Football Foundation on 11/2/2026 for the 4G surface for the MUGA.

Min ref 11.2. Cllr Ditch revised the draft lease agreement for the Lions JFC, and this was circulated on 12/2/2026 for Council’s consideration.

Min ref 11.4. The RFO advised NKDC on 11/2/2026 that Hillside play area will be closed and decommissioned. They have shared the information with their Asset Management team for review any legal implications and take the proposal to the Asset Management Board for confirmation and recording.  They may also need to be check with NK Planning. NKDC would be interested in collaborating on future projects for the site.

Min ref 13.1. Warm Space attendance

Min ref 13.2. The Admin Assistant has promoted the next community litter pick on 25 April 2026 being led by Cllr Harrison.

Min ref 14.1. A Pavilion Working Party meeting was held on 24 February 2026 at the Parish office to consider the specification and tender documents for the renovation work. (Agenda item.)

Min ref 15: Council’s comments to planning applications have been submitted to NKDC.

Min ref 17: The Admin Assistant is researching the ownership of the land beside Fen Road railway bridge, the wooden fencing on the bridge and the plastic barriers on the bridge. 

• The Environment Caretaker has recommended that the most suitable location for planting a willow tree is Horseshoe Hollow.

Min ref 19: Cllr Bain and the Clerk consulted with relevant staff members on 12/2/2026 regarding changes to their job descriptions and Council’s change in pension provider. Staff members can remain with their current pension provider is they wish and have been advised to seek independent financial advice.  

• All staff members have received letters about the proposed changes to the Council pension provider, with their options.

Min ref 20: The contractor chosen for the 4G surface for the MUGA will be informed once the outcome of the funding bid to the Football Foundation is known.  A claim for £16,400 of s106 money is yet to be made, depending on the outcome me of the funding bid from the FA.

Other Council Business:

Council Business

Audit – The mid-year internal audit should have taken place on 26 February 2026 by the auditor allocated by LALC. However, the auditor had to cancel due to ill health. The audit covers both finance and governance.

Co-option – An application pack and form has been issued following an expression of interest in co-option to Council.  The two vacancies continue to be advertised on social media, the website, and in the monthly newsletter.

Council’s Microsoft Office 365 package and the use of Teams and Project Management Tools. On investigation, Councillors do not have Teams as part of their MSO365 package, and due to internet issues and other work priorities (end of year and internal audit etc) this has yet to be achieved.

Donation to the Council:  A member of public (MOP) has donated a horse chestnut tree to Council for planting in Horseshoe Hollow. The MOP’s great x 2 grandfather was connected to Ruskington Council and helped plant the former horse chestnut trees that grew beside the Beck on the High Street. A letter of thanks has been sent.

Parish Van - This passed its service on 10 February 2026 at Intercounty Truck and Vans, Boston. There is a recall on the van, but Council is awaiting the information.

Small Societies Lottery (SSL) Registration – Council has registered with NKDC for a SSL. This commenced on 11/2/2026 and lasts indefinitely.

Estate Management and Planning

Proposed Conservation Area for the village centre –Two conservation officers from NKDC met with Cllr Hislop, Cllr Sheldon, Cllr Cunninham and the Clerk on 16 February 2026 at 1.30pm, walked around the proposed area and discussed the proposal. They are also undertaking their own research and have produced a map of a potential conservation area. (Agenda item.)

Office Units – From 2 March 2026, all office units are now let.  

Parish Office – The PIR lights were installed over the drive and rear patio doors by Imp Electrical on 16/17 February 2026. The electrical certificate for minor works has been received.

Pavilion project - Cllr Conway invited and met with Mr Wilcox of Wilcox Homes on 16/2/2026 at the Parish Office to provide general advice on writing a tender document for the pavilion renovation. Mr Wilcox advised that he would not be tendering for the renovation. The Pavilion Working Party met on 24/2/2026. Cllr Conway, Cllr Cunningham and the Clerk met on 26/2/2026 to revise the tender documents following their review by the working party.

Pavilion hot water for handwashing – After receiving quotes, the RFO has instructed JDJ Plumbing & Heating to supply and fit 2 x over sink water heaters for the toilets, 1x under sink water heater for kitchen sink at a cost of £615.00.  These were installed on 2/3/2026. The firm then advised that these needed connecting to the electrical supply.

Cemetery Noticeboard – The Buildings’ Caretaker has renovated and replaced the notice board outside the cemetery.

War Memorial in the Cemetery – The Building’s Caretaker is in the process of cleaning the war memorial and removing the moss and lichen. He is unable to re-do the lettering.

Events:

• The Admin Assistant has published the posters for the Duck Hunt and Garden party on Monday 4 May 2026.
• The new noticeboard was erected by the Caretakers at Elmtree play area on 4/3/2026.

Recreation & Environment

Changing rooms –Imp Electrical completed connecting the immersion heater to the solar panels on 12 February 2026. JDJ Plumbing commissioned the immersion heaters on 2/3/2026 and explained to the Buildings’ Caretaker how the system works.

Community garden – The Co-op volunteers are very keen to help tidy up the garden as a community green space project. This will be opened to members of the public. The Volunteer co-ordinator met with the Clerk and Environment Caretaker in the garden on 4/3/2026 and agreed that weeding, pruning, litter picking, tidying, mulching, and furniture cleaning would take place, hopefully in the last week in April (date to be confirmed.) Any weeds to be placed in the compost bins. The Co-op organises the risk assessment, insurance, shelter/shade and refreshments. Council will allow access to the office toilet and share any publicity for the event.

• The Co-op signed the paper copy of the lease agreement for the Co-op land on 5/3/2026 and this was received on 9/3/2026. The three-year lease commenced on 5/3/20226.

Ditch at Parkfield playing fields – The Clerk is obtaining quotes for the ditch behind Tomlinson Way to be cleared as soon as possible.

Flooding and Flood investigations – LCC continue the drain work in the village.

Hedge at the Village Hall - The Clerk has asked the VH to cut the overgrown hedge following complaints made to the Council. The Village Hall has asked that RPC be responsible for this, especially the side that hangs over the entrance to Parkfield car park. Update on 13/2/2026: The village hall will remove the hedge, which is an overgrown thicket of brambles before 1 March 2026. Update on 2/3/2026 – the hedge and brambles have been removed by the Village Hall.

MUGA - 3G surface: Cllr Cox has received an offer from members of the public to volunteer their time and materials to install a “sterile perimeter” around the MUGA to prevent ingress from the playing fields. (Agenda item.)

Parkfield playing fields – A representative of the Pinfold Way Tenants Association has spoken to LCC Highways about the speed that traffic enters Parkfield carpark. (This was raised by a resident who lives near the car park). LCC has said they would put notices up on the pavement to reduce speed /advise that children are playing and have asked that the hedges be cut at both sides of the entrance to the carpark to facilitate this. No direct communication from Highways has been received.

Play areas – NKDC are reviewing the legal and planning implications for Council to close and remove the play area at Hillside. Any future new projects would require a new lease agreement with NKDC. Two councillors have requested a special motion for the future of the play area to be considered again. (Agenda item.)

S106 public consultation - The survey was hand delivered to all properties in Ruskington by the Local Lincs team within the February edition of the Local Lincs magazine. The closing date is 20 March 2026. The Admin Assistant has shared a social media post reminding residents of the criteria for the s106 claim (improve, build, or take care of village facilities such as recreational and green spaces.) Approx 60% of the responses received to date, are unconnected to the criteria for the claim.

Tree work – The Environment Caretaker is undertaking tree work in the closed church yard and Horseshoe Hollow. The Church and residents have been very complimentary about the high standard of workmanship and neatness. It is now possible to see the church from Church Street. Grass cutting commenced w/c 9 March 2026.

Tree at the junction of Chestnut Street with the High Street – A large tree is overgrowing the pavement. The ownership of the tree is unknown although anecdotally, LCC has carried out work on the tree in the past. LCC has said it is not their tree and will not be conducting any works. A resident has emailed LCC directly to ask if something can be done.

Vegetation growing out of the Beck walls along the High Street – The RFO reported this to the Environment Agency on 3/12/2026. They have raised this as an incident. (The walls of the Beck are the responsibility of LCC).

Waste bins on Church Street (on the bridge over the Beck.) LCC has been asked if Council can relocate the bin on the church side of the road to beside the bin beside the seating on the bridge. Ref no: 4212419. The bin outside the church is hardly used and is not in the safest place to use or empty (no footpath) and the bin beside the bench is on a pavement and is always full.

Other matters:

Staff matters: Cllr Bain and the Clerk held consultations with relevant staff regarding changs to job descriptions on 12/2/2026. Relevant staff members have approved and signed their new job descriptions.

Training and attendance at events -

• Cllr Harrison attended online Canva training on 3 March 2026.
• Cllr Sheldon attended online new councillor training on 3rd March 2026.
• Cllr Ditch, Cllr Sheldon, and the Clerk attended the All Saints’ Ladies Club meeting on 4/3/2026, following an invitation to talk about the Parish Council and the services it provides. Update on 9/3/2026. A thank you has been received from the ladies Club. They are donating £50 to a cancer charity in lieu of a payment to the Council.

Committee meetings held since the last ordinary meeting –

•          Tuesday 24 February 2026 – Events’ Committee. This was held as a working party meeting as the meeting was quorate. A new meeting date to be arranged.

•          Tuesday 3 March 2026 – Estate Management & Planning Committee

Working party meetings held since the last meeting:

• Tuesday 24 February 2026 – Pavilion project
• Thursday 26/2/2026, Cllr Conway and Cllr Cunnigham met with the Clerk to review/revise the tender documents for the pavilion renovation for recommending to the Estate Management and Planning Committee on 3/2/2026.

Dates for upcoming meetings:

• Monday 16 March 2026 – Pavilion Project Working Party meeting at 2pm at the Pavilion.
• Tuesday 8 April 2026 – Estate Management and Planning Committee meeting at 6.30pm at the Parish Office.

• Tuesday 14 April 2026 – Council meeting at 7pm at the Winchelsea Centre.
• Tuesday 28 April 2026 - Finance Committee meeting 6.30pm at the Parish Office (end of year review and AGAR)
• Tuesday 5 May 2026 – Recreation & Environment Committee meeting at 6.30pm at the Parish Office
• Tuesday 12 May 2026 – Annual Meeting of the Parish Council at 7pm at the Winchelsea Centre
• Tuesday 26 May 2026 – Annual Parish Meeting (hosted by the Chairman of Council) at the Methodist Church.