Full Council Minutes - 1 April 2025 - 31 March 2026

Ruskington Parish Council

Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Ruskington Parish Council held on Tuesday 13 May 2025 at the Winchelsea Centre, 11 High Street North, Ruskington, NG34 9DY at 7pm.

Also present: County & District Councillor R Wright, a candidate for co-option to council, the Environment Caretaker, and four residents (members of staff from Little Steps Nursery, in relation to agenda item 14.1.).

Public session: This was held immediately after the Chairman was elected (agenda item 1 below).  Four colleagues from Little Steps Nursery spoke about their plans to organise a fundraising event in aid of Lincolnshire Air Ambulance at Parkfield playing field and pavilion on Saturday 19 July 2025. The event was not being hosted by the nursery and the residents hoped that Council would co-host the event by allowing use of its public liability insurance for the event. They explained the reason for wanting to hold the event and advised that the event would be open to the public. The organisers hoped to have stalls and vendors, activities, local dance groups and a DJ. They answered questions from Council. Council advised not to underestimate the time and effort it took to organise an event like this, but councillors may be able to help. Terms and Conditions would need to be agreed and a risk assessment, including reference to Martyn’s Law, supplied; businesses would need to provide evidence of their own insurances, and must remove their own waste as neither the parish nor district council could undertake this. Car parking and marshals, health and safety and first aid provision would also need to be organised. Suggestions for people who had experience in arranging events such as this were made. The Chairman thanked the organisers for their attendance, advised that Council would consider their request later in the meeting and advised that they were welcome to stay for the rest of the meeting, or they could leave. The residents thanked Council for its time and consideration of the matter and left the meeting.

1. To elect a Chairman for the civic year.

No nominations had been received prior to the meeting.

Action: Cllr Ditch was elected as the Chairman of Council for the ensuing civic year. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.

2.  To receive a Declaration of Acceptance of Office of Chairman for Ruskington Parish Council.

Cllr Ditch signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office of Chairman.

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

Cllr Cox and Cllr Tomlinson were unable to attend the meeting and had sent their apologies.

Action: Council RESOLVED to accept the apologies of Cllr Cox and Cllr Tomlinson. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Bain, and approved unanimously.

4. 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.

None were declared at this time.

5. To approve as a correct record the notes of the meeting held on Tuesday 1 April 2025.

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

6.   To elect a Vice- Chairman for the civic year.

Cllr Cox had nominated himself for the position of Vice-chairman prior to the meeting. No other nominations had been received.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to elect Cllr Cox as the Vice-chairman of Council for the ensuing civic year. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.

7.  To consider the co-option of Mr Bernard Harrison to Ruskington Parish Council.

Mr Harrison met the eligibility criteria and had fulfilled the requirements of the co-option policy.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to co-opt Mr Harrison to Council. Proposed by Cllr Cotter, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved unanimously.

Cllr Harrison signed his Acceptance of Office as a member of Ruskington Parish Council and joined the meeting. The Clerk advised that although Cllr Harrison could take part in the discussions of agenda items he would be unable to vote at this meeting as he had not received the papers prior to the meeting.

At this point in the meeting, the Chairman asked Council if agenda item 12 (To receive the District and County Councillors Reports) could be considered next, to enable Cllr Wright to leave the meeting.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to move agenda item 12 to agenda item 8. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

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

Cllr Wright reported the following:

County Council:

• He had been re-elected as the County Councillor for Ruskington in the council elections on 1 May 2025.
• The new county council would hold its first meeting next week.
• Councillors would be appointed to committees at this meeting.
• LCC Highways were to investigate and clear the drains in Ruskington, monitoring any defects or pinch points.
• Stantec, whom LCC had contracted to undertake the monitoring and modelling for flood prevention measures, were a respected firm.

District Council:

• A letter expected from Central Government in response to a proposal for required local government restructuring was overdue.
• NKDC was on track with its business.
• Cllr Wright was making a video in response to comments made about NKDC’s plans for the Carre Arms.

Cllr Wright answered questions about the proposed move to a unitary authority. This was expected to take 2-3 years. He was also asked about parking issues on Parkfield Road following the opening of a new hair salon on High Street North. Cllr Wright advised that this was a matter for the police.

Cllr Wright was asked for clarity about the criteria for the S106 claim, as suggestions put forward were being declined by NKDC. Cllr Wright agreed to investigate why the criteria stipulated a playing field in an adjacent field to the development.

The Chairman thanked Cllr Wright and Cllr Wright left the meeting.

9. To agree the Committees and Working Groups of Council

Action: The Council RESOLVED to keep the committees as they were (Finance, Estate Management and Planning, HR, and Recreation and Environment). The Recreation and Environment Committee would undertake event planning as required. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

   9.1. Appointment of members to serve on Committees and Working Groups of Council, as required.

Members were keen to stay on the committees they already served on. Cllr Harrison and Cllr Conway expressed interest in joining the Finance Committee. It was noted that the Terms of Reference for the Finance Committee would require amendment to enable this. Currently membership was limited to the chairman and vice- chairman of council and the chairman or a representative from each standing committee. As Cllr Cox and Cllr Tomlinson were not present at the meeting and were unable to advise which committees they would like to join, Council would consider their appointments at another meeting.

Action: The Council RESOLVED the following appointments to its committees:

Finance Cttee - Cllr Ditch (as Chairman of Council), Cllr Cox (as Vice-chairman of Council), the Chairman of each standing committee (once elected), or a representative from each committee, Cllr Conway and Cllr Harrison.

HR Committee - Cllr Bain, Cllr Jennings, Cllr Conway

Estate Management & Planning - Cllr Trolley, Cllr Ditch, Cllr Hislop, Cllr Trolley, Cllr Tomlinson

Recreation & Environment Committee – Cllr Trolley, Cllr Cotter

Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

10. Appointment of representatives to outside bodies: -

   10.1. Ruskington Emergency Plan Committee

Action: The Council RESOLVED to appoint Cllr Ditch to the Emergency Planning Committee, with other councillors supporting in emergency situations as they could. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved unanimously.

   10.2. Ruskington Village Hall Management Committee

Action: The Council RESOLVED to appoint Cllr Conway as the representative to the Village Hall Management Committee. Proposed by Cllr Hislop, seconded by Cotter and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

11. Financial Matters.

All information had been circulated prior to the meeting.

   11.1. To nominate and approve the bank signatories.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to continue with the current Members as bank signatories: Cllr Ditch, Cllr Bain, and Cllr Trolley. Proposed by Cllr Cotter, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

   11.2. To approve the payments made and consider the invoices for payment received since the meeting held on 1 April 2025.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve all the payments. Proposed by Cllr Bain, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

   11.3. To consider /approve the bank reconciliations for March and April 2025.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the bank reconciliations for March and April 2025. Proposed by Cllr Jennings, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

   11.4. To receive an end of year financial report for 2024-2025 and consider recommendations made by the RFO and Finance Committee regarding budget monitoring.

The RFO presented an overview of the end of year finances. These had previously been scrutinised by the Finance Committee. At the end of the 2024-2025 financial year expenditure was within the agreed budget but reserves were extremely low due to unexpected expenditure for the solar panels at the changing rooms and the replacing the bridge in Horseshoe Hollow. Out of the £11,422 in reserves, £9,148 was CIL money to be used for eligible community projects. Extra, unforeseen income of £6,200 had been received throughout the year. The RFO recommended that finances be moved between allocated budgets (virement) as required to avoid overspend, and quarterly Finance Committee meetings be held to review the budget and reserves.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve these recommendations. Proposed by Cllr Jennings, seconded by Cllr Cotter and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

    11.5. To review reserves and consider transferring £10,000 from the current account to the building society count with immediate effect and a further £10,000 on receipt of the second instalment of the precept in October 2025.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to transfer £10,000 from the current account to the building society account with immediate effect and to transfer a further £10,000 on receipt of the second instalment of the precept in October 2025. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

   11.6. To complete via vote all statements of the Annual Governance Statement 2023/2024 (Section 1) of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return.

Each statement in Section 1 was read out individually for Council to consider and vote on.

Action: The Council RESOLVED by vote to approve all statements on of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (Section 1) for 2023-2024. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Conway and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

   11.7. To approve via vote the Accounting Statements 2023/2024 (Section 2) of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return.

Each statement in Section 2 was read out individually for Council to consider its accuracy.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve by vote the accuracy of the Accounting Statements (Section 2) of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return for 2023-2024. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Cotter and approved unanimously.

   11.8. To consider the recommendation of the Finance Committee for the valuation of the parish owned properties for insurance purposes.

Information had been shared prior to the meeting. Further, redacted, quotes had been obtained, and clarification had been obtained concerning one of the earlier quotes received. The quote for the insurance renewal (from 1 June 2025) had been received on 14 May 2025, after the agenda had been published. As the end of term for the current policy was imminent, Council agreed to consider this although it was not an agenda item.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to accept Quote 1 (Cardinus) at a cost of £450.00 for the valuation of the parish office property, the pavilion, and changing rooms for insurance purposes, to accept the renewal quote at a cost of £4,237.30 for the year, and to agree to a Long Term (three year) Arrangement. Proposed by Cllr Cotter, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

   11.9.  To ratify the costs for new electricity provider.

The RFO gave an update on the agreed change to a new electricity provider. The pavilion had moved over to Corona but issues with ending the contract and changes to the exit fees for the public toilets and parish office continued. Corona’s legal team was investigating these issues directly with Pozitive Energy.  

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the costs for the new electricity provider. The RFO to update the information on the exit fees, to provide recent monthly meter readings and the actual costs for the year. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

   11.10. To consider an eligible community project following receipt of £4262.42 of CIL funding from NKDC following development of land east of Lincoln Road and north of Springfield Road (Flaxwell Fields).

Action: Council to consider projects. One idea put forward was to put the CIL money towards the Hexpave system for the proposed extension to the carparking at Parkfield playing fields.

   11.11. To receive an update on the s106 contribution from the development of land east of Lincoln Road and north of Springfield Road (Flaxwell Fields).

Due to interest being added the contribution at the end of April 2025 was £191,235.46. The Clerk was submitting suggestions to NKDC for their consideration, but these were being rejected.  As mentioned above, Cllr Wright had agreed to investigate the eligibility criteria for the claim.

   11.12. To consider the quotes for the emergency repairs to the exterior wall at the public toilets on Church Street.

Expressions of interest had been shown, and two contractors had made a site visit. One quote had been received, and this had been circulated (redacted) prior to the meeting.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve a quote from A1 Building Contractors at a cost £1,308.84. The wall was to be rebuilt. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

12. Consider /approve of the following documents and consider any amendments recommended: -

The documents had been circulated prior to the meeting.

   12.1.  Standing Orders (Revised in April 2025 to reflect changes to Financial Regulations)

Action: The Council RESOLVED to adopt the revised Standing Orders. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

   12.2.  Financial Regulations (Revised in March 2025 following changes to procurement legislation).

Action: The Council RESOLVED to adopt the revised Financial Regulations. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

   12.3.  Code of Conduct

Action: The Council RESOLVED to adopt the Code of Conduct. Proposed by Cllr Bain, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

   12.4.  Terms of Reference for:

      a. The Chairman

      b. The Vice-Chairman

      c. Finance Committee

      d. HR Committee

      e. Delegates to outside agencies

Action: The Council RESOVLED to approve Terms of Reference 12.4.a, b, d, e above, but not item 12.4.c (Finance Committee) as this required amending to enable all interested Councillors to be appointed. Proposed by Cllr Cotter, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

   12.5. Volunteer policy/ agreement for the Ruskington Area Veteran’s Group to undertake volunteering activities in the Garden of Remembrance as authorised by the Parish Council.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the volunteer policy for the Veterans’ Group. Proposed by Cllr Jennings, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

   12.6. Revised CCTV policy as recommended by the Recreation & Environment Committee.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to adopt the revised CCTV policy. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Conway and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

13. To finalise the arrangements for the Annual Parish Meeting on Tuesday 20 May 2025 at 6.30pm at Ruskington Methodist Church and agree councillor roles for the event.

Information had been circulated prior to the meeting. Eleven groups and venues had agreed to have an information stand. The Co-op had agreed to donate £30.00 worth of refreshments. Cllr Bain advised that he was seeking the required permissions for his Timeline of Ruskington History, but this may take a different format to originally planned.  LCC’s Flood and Water Manager had agreed to give a formal presentation about the Section 19 recommendations following flood events in the village and this would be the second item on the agenda. Cllr Wright had sent apologies as he was out of the county on Council business.

At 8.45pm a comfort break was held, and the chairman closed the meeting. The meeting reconvened at 8.50pm.

14. To consider an application to hold a fund-raising Park Run at Parkfield playing fields, if available, and consider the fees and terms and conditions for hire of the facilities.

No application or information for this event had been received for Council to consider.

   14.1. To consider a request from employees at First Steps Nursery to hold a fundraising day at Parkfield playing fields on Saturday 19 July 2025 in aid of the Lincolnshire Air Ambulance, and for the Parish Council to co-host this event by allowing the organisers to use the Council’s public liability insurance.

This had been discussed with the event organisers in the public session above.

Action: The Council agreed in principle to support the fund-raising event but required further information before a final decision could be made. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Cotter and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

   14.2. To consider solutions to reduce inconsiderate and nuisance parking at Parkfield playing fields, the village hall, and neighbouring streets.

Suggestions to improve the parking included: using the CIL money to create the proposed additional car parking at Parkfield; closing the access from Parkfield Road but still allowing access to the village hall car park; for the Village Hall Management Committee, or its users, to liaise with the football teams directly to find solutions, and for Cllr Conway to discuss the parking issues with the Village Hall Management Committee at its meetings.

15. To receive the Clerk’s report (for information only)

This had been circulated prior to the meeting. The Clerk reminded Council of the need for correspondence to be sent out by the Clerk on behalf of the Council and not by individual councillors.

   15.1. To ratify / approve the Clerk’s application to apply for a Little Book Stop for locating in the community garden as part of the 90th anniversary of Penguin books.

If successful, the Book Stop would be supplied and installed by the organiser of the scheme, and books would be donated and borrowed by the community.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the application for a Little Book Stop for the community garden. Proposed by Cllr Bain, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

16. To consider the revised management plan for Horseshoe Hollow as recommended by the Recreation and Environment Committee.

The Environment Caretaker was invited to give an overview of the revised management plan and answered questions.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to adopt the revised management plan for Horseshoe Hollow. Proposed by Cllr Cotter, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

   16.1. To consider the designation of Horseshoe Hollow as a local nature reserve, as recommended by the Recreation and Environment Committee.

The Environment Caretaker was invited to give an overview of the designation process, the benefits of the designation, and answered questions.

Action: The Council RESOLVED that designation as a Local Nature Reserve should be sought for Horseshoe Hollow. Proposed by Cllr Cotter, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

17. To consider an ash dieback action plan for the ash trees owned by Ruskington Parish Council, as recommended by the Recreation and Environment Committee.

The Environment Caretaker was invited to explain the action plan and answered questions from Council. An initial survey of the ash trees would take place between June and September 2025.

Action:  The Council RESOLVED that the Environment Caretaker could create a dieback plan for the ash trees owned by the Council. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

18. To consider ways to commemorate VJ 80 day on Friday 15 August 2025, or the end of the war and agree any expenditure.

Action: To Clerk to find out what the Veteran’s Group was planning to commemorate VJ 80 Day / the end of the war. To consider spending up to £250.00 for a cream tea/ garden party in the community garden at a date to be confirmed and to purchase additional lamp post displays. Proposed by Cllr Cotter, seconded by Cllr Conway and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

At this point, the Environment Caretaker left the meeting.

19. To consider planning applications and amendments to planning applications received since the last meeting:

      a. Planning Application Reference: 25/0300/HOUS

 Proposal:  Erection of porch

 Location:   46 Hillside Estate Ruskington Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 9TJ

Action: The Council had no objections to this application.

      b. Planning Application Reference: 25/0358/FUL

Proposal: Proposed change of use and conversion of existing dwellinghouse (use class

C3) to form extension to existing retirement home (use class C2)

Location:   2 Holme Lane Ruskington Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 9DN

Action: Council required further information on parking provision at the retirement home before it could comment further.

      c. Planning reference PL/0016/25

Development: for proposed erection and operation of biogas plant (biogas generated on site upgraded to biomethane, with a range of by-products for export) including connection to the national gas transmission system, associated highway modifications (including new road link to Moy Park facility from the a153), proposed landscaping and associated development (including pipeline connections)

Location: Land to the west of Moy Park facility and the south of the a153, Anwick

Grid reference: 510848 350225 (Responses to LCC.)

The Environment Committee had scrutinised the application in detail and no concerns had been raised. The biogas plant was not expected to have an impact on Ruskington village.

Action: Comments from the Planning and Recreation and Environment Committees to be sent to LCC (NKDC copied in) and ask if the area for the Biodiversity Net Gain could be increased.

     d. Planning Application Reference: 25/0455/FUL

 Proposal:  Retrospective application for siting an InPost Parcel Locker

 Location:   Ruskington Convenience Store 30 - 32 Millview Road Ruskington Sleaford

Action: The Council had no objections to this retrospective application.

     e. PNTEL PO1

Removal of the phone box on Lincoln Road, Ruskington. Copy of draft approval notice received on 15/4/2025 for Council to comment on by 14/5/2025. (NKDC has sent a copy to the Secretary of State. Use of the phone box has decreased form 12 uses in 12 months to 6 uses in 12 months.)

One member of the public had emailed Council to object to the phone box’s removal.

Action: The Council had no objections to the phone box being removed.

     f. Application Reference: 24/1158/HOUS

Proposal: Erection of single and two storey front extension, single storey side extension forming a new porch, conversion and extension of existing stable block to form Annex ancillary to the existing house. (Amended Description)

Location: 1 Manor Street Ruskington Sleaford

This application had been APPROVED by NKDC.

   g. Application Reference: 25/0502/HOUS

 Proposal:  Erection of a 2-storey extension and front porch.

 Location:   49 Westbeck Ruskington Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 9GU

Action: The Council had no objection to this application.

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

      a. Application Reference: 23/1093/FUL

Proposal: Erection of 3no. dwellings and formation of new vehicular access to Rectory Road

Location: Land North Of Rectory Road Ruskington Sleaford (Notice of approved planning permission received on 31/3/2025)

      b. Application Reference: 25/0095/FUL

Proposal: Erection of detached garden building

Location: 77 Westcliffe Road Ruskington Sleaford (Notice of approved planning permission received on 31/3/2025)

Proposal: Erection of single and two storey front extension, single storey side extension

forming a new porch, conversion and extension of existing stable block to form Annex

ancillary to the existing house. (Amended Description)

Location: 1 Manor Street Ruskington Sleaford (Notice of approved planning permission received on 23/4/2025).

20.  Correspondence - for information only. (Circulated to Councillors prior to the meeting).

a. LALC – (via email) - Fortnightly e- news

b. LALC (via email on 31/3/2025 – March Training Bulletin

c. Internal auditor (via email on 31/1/2025) – Internal audit report and completed checklist for 2024-2025. (Reviewed by Council at its meeting on 1/4/2025).

d. LCC (via email on 31/3/2025) – Invitation and date for Ruskington Parish Council to meet with LCC Flood team and Stantec in Ruskington to investigate flood events.

e. Anwick resident (via email on 31/3/2025) – Request to speak at the Council meeting on 1/4/2025 to raise awareness of the proposed biogas plant in Anwick. (The Clerk advised that they would be welcome to attend the public session commencing at 7pm.)

f. Anwick resident (via email on 1/4/2025) – Advised that they were unable to attend the Council meeting on 1/4/2025 to raise awareness of the renewable biogas plant proposed for Ruskington.

g. Gallagher (via email on 1/4/2025) Spring newsletter from Council’s insurance company.

h. LALC (via email on 1/4/2025) – Changes to the model Standing Orders issued by NALC. (Council’s Standing Orders will be updated accordingly and in line with the revised Financial Regulations.)

i. National Lottery Heritage Fund (via email on 1/4/2025) – Update on the funding application and consent to start the lychgate renovation.

j. ICCM (via email on 3/4/2025) - Public consultation regarding EA Standard Rules Permits for cemeteries.

k. NKDC (via email on 3/4/2025) - Statements of Persons Nominated for the County Council and CCA Mayoral elections on 1 May 2025. (Displayed as requested.)

l. NKDC (via email on 5/4/2025) – Draft condition report and list of fixtures and fittings for the public toilets on Church Street undertaken on 24/3/2025.

m. NKDC (via email on 5/4/2025) – ID posters for the elections on 1 May 2025. (Shared as requested).

n. Resident (via email on 5/4/2025) – Littering (especially of cigarette butts outside a barber’s shop on High Street South). The Clerk has spoken to a staff member and issued a letter.

o. Resident (via email on 7/4/2025) – Thank you for the “Important Update for Ruskington” post regarding the ducks on 1 April 2025. (Comments passed on to the Admin Assistant who created the April Fool’s post.)

p. Ruskington Bingo Co-ordinator (by email on 8/4/2025). Complaint about an interaction with a member of the Lions JFC regarding parking at the Village Hall. (Email forwarded to the secretary of the Lions JFC with the consent of the Co-ordinator).

q. Resident (via email on 8/4/2025) – Expression of interest made in sponsoring a flower tub beside the Beck. (The Clerk responded with information).

r. Resident (by email on 8/4/2025) – Copied into email sent to PC Green and the ASBO Team at NKDC with a report of drug taking and drug taking paraphernalia being left in Horseshoe Hollow. (This follows an in-person complaint made to Council on 7/4/20.)

s. National Infrastructure Planning (by email on 9/4/2025) – Invitation to attend a preliminary meeting regarding the proposed Springwell solar farm on 7 May 2025.

t. LCC Flood Team (by email on 14/4/2025) – Revised dates for the flood team to visit Ruskington and meet with members of Council.

u. Resident (by email on 15/4/2025) – Photos to show the crumbling edge of the public footpath alongside the allotments. (Clerk reported this to LCC Highways via Fix My Street on 15/4/2025).

v. NKDC Planning (by email on 15/4/2025) – Copy of draft decision (agreed) for the removal of the phone box (PCO1) on Lincoln Road. NKDC has sent a copy to the Secretary of State. (Agenda item.)

w. Resident (by email on 16/4/2025) – Information for the RFO regarding sponsorship of a tub beside the Beck (please see q above).

x. LCC Flood Team (by email on 16/4/2025) – Date and time for a meeting with representatives of Council regarding flood events in Ruskington. (Tuesday 13 May 2025 at 10am.)

y. RAF Cranwell (by email on 23/4/2025) – Request to use the pavilion for 15 minutes on 24/4/2025 prior to personnel setting off on a heritage trek to support of Royal Air Force and Allied Forces personnel. (Approved by the Clerk.)

z. LALC (by email on 23/4/2025) – Information on, and a link to, a new Lincolnshire Armed Forces Community Directory.

aa. Resident (by email on 23/4/2025) – Complaint regarding grass cuttings covering a headstone and silk flowers in Sleaford Road cemetery. (Responded to by the Clerk on 23/4/2025

bb. Climate Change Team at NKDC (by email on 23/4/2025) – Free signs available for promoting the community orchard created as part of the Coronation Living Heritage Fund. (The Clerk has requested a sign).

cc. Ruskington and Area Veteran’s Group (by email on 23/4/2025) – Proposal for the veterans to volunteer to help maintain the Garden of Remembrance under direction from the Council/ Environment Caretaker. (The Chairman, Cllr Hislop and Clerk met with a representative of the veteran’s group on 24/4/2025 to discuss. Agenda item.)

dd. NKDC (by email on 24/4/2025 and 25/5/2 – Update on the s106 contribution from the development of land east of Lincoln Road and north of Springfield Road (Flaxwell Fields).

ee. M.O.D. (by email on 28/4/2025 and 29/4/2025) – Audit of grave deeds held by the Ministry of Defence for a member of military personnel interred in Sleaford Road cemetery. (Information provided.)

ff. LCC (by email on 29/4/2025) – Town and Parish Newsletter for April 2025.

gg. Resident (by email on 30/4/2025) – Suggestion for Council to erect anti-littering posters in the village to educate the community and reduce littering.

hh. Member of public (by email on 30/4/20245) – Objection to the public payphone on Lincoln Road being removed. (Agenda item.)

ii. Architect (by email on 6/5/2025) – Updated plans for the proposed pavilion and overflow carparking following the small sites assessment.

jj. Employee of First Steps Nursery (by hand on 6/5/2025) – Request to hold a fundraising event at Parkfield playing files on 19/7/2025 and for the Council to co-host this event by allowing the organisers to use the Council’s public liability insurance. (Agenda item.)

kk. Resident (by email on 7/5/2025) – Poor condition of Hillside play area. (Caretaker sent to inspect).

ll. NKDC (by email on 7/5/2025) - Declaration of election results - Lincolnshire County Council division. (Displayed as required on Council’s website and noticeboard).

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

• Cllr Bain suggested that, with prior permission, the car parks at the Pilgrim Factory, St George’s Academy and Winchelsea Primary School might be used for car parking for events in the village.

22. To resolve whether to exclude the public and press, in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admissions to Meetings) Act 1960, to discuss the following legal matter below.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to exclude the public and press to discuss the legal matter below. Proposed by Cllr Bain, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.39pm. The meeting reconvened at 9.39pm.

23. To consider/ approve the amended draft lease for the public toilets following inclusion of the disabled facilities and receipt of a condition report. The lease agreement to be signed and returned by 1 July 2025 (extended deadline).

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the amended draft lease. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (unable to vote at this meeting).

Cllr Ditch and Cllr Trolley signed the lease agreement, and the Clerk signed as the witness.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.45pm.