Ruskington Parish Council

Minutes of a meeting of Ruskington Parish Council held on Tuesday 13 January 2026 at the Winchelsea Centre, 11 High Street North, Ruskington, NG34 9DY at 7pm.

Also present: One member of the public.

Public session: At 7pm the Chairman welcomed the delegates, and member of the public. The member of public advised when invited, that they have no comments or question to raise.   

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

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

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

The Chairman advised that County & District Councillor Wright had sent apologies as he was unable to attend the meeting.

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 Tomlinson declared an interest in agenda item 10.2. (Proposed lease agreement for the Lions JFC) as he was the Chairman of the Lions JFC.

3. To approve as a correct record the notes of the meeting held on Tuesday 9 December 2025.

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.  

The Chairman signed the Minutes.

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

The District Councillors and County Councillor were not present at the meeting, and no reports had been received.

5. Financial Matters

The information had been circulated prior to the meeting.

    5.1. To approve the payments made and consider the invoices for payment received since the meeting held on 9 December 2025.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve all the payments made and invoices received since the last meeting. Proposed by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved unanimously.

   5.2. To consider /approve the bank reconciliations for December 2025.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the bank reconciliations since the last meeting. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Harrison and approved unanimously.

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

The report had been circulated prior to the meeting and the RFO gave an overview, explaining that there had been an overspend but unexpected income had offset this, and Council was working within its budget. £25,000 had been transferred from the Dudley Building Society account into the Lloyds Bank account, and the Chairman had signed a letter to request a second transfer of funds into the Lloyds Bank account. The RFO answered questions.

   5.4. To receive a report from the auditor following the mid-year internal audit, if available.

The mid-year audit was awaited.

   5.5. To consider renewing membership to the Local Association of Local Councils (LALC) for FY 2026-2027 at a cost of £1,065.68.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to renew its membership to LALC for FY 2026-2027. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved unanimously.

   5.6. To consider joining the LALC Annual Training Scheme for FY 2026-2027 at a cost of £222.00 (incl VAT).

Action: The Council RESOLVED to join the LALC Annual Training Scheme FY 2026-2027. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Harrison and approved unanimously.

  5.7. To receive an update on the final grant awarded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the lychgate renovation.

The Clerk advised that The National Lottery Heritage Fund had agreed to increase the funding by an additional £3,580.00. The total amount to be awarded was £16,116.00. The Clerk had submitted the final project report and evaluation for the Investment Manager to approve. Once the final paperwork had been approved, the funds would be released within 2-4 weeks. The final publicity had been approved by the Investment Manager and shared on Council’s communication channels.

   5.8. To receive/consider the draft budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 as recommended by the Finance Committee following its meeting on 6 January 2026.

The Finance Committee had met twice to consider the budget for FY 2026-2027. At its meeting on 6 January the Committee had agreed a draft budget for recommending to Council and this had been circulated prior to the meeting. The budget was discussed and the Chairman, RFO and Clerk answered questions.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the budget for FY 2026-2027 as recommended by the Finance Committee if no amendments were required following the decision on staff pensions (agenda item 18, below). Proposed by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved with nine votes for and one vote against.

   5.9. To receive/ consider the precept request for fiscal year 2026-2027 as recommended by the Finance Committee following its meeting on 6 January 2025. (Precept request to be submitted to NKDC by 23 January 2026).

The precept request to NKDC for FY 2026-2027 would be £337,737. This was an increase of 3.46 % from the current fiscal year which equated to an increase of £5.62 per annum for Band D and equivalent properties.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the precept request for £337,737 for FY 2026-2027 as recommended by the Finance Committee, if no amendments were required following the decision on staff pensions (agenda item 18, below). Proposed by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved with nine votes for and one vote against.

The member of public left the building.

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

No expressions of interest or applications for co-option had been received.

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

The report had been circulated prior to the meeting and the Clerk answered questions. Cllr Tomlinson raised the issue of moles and mole runs at Parkfield playing fields and asked that the Environment Caretaker undertake the appropriate actions. Council considered the use of vibration devices to deter the moles.

8.  To consider/approve the following documents and their review dates.

The documents had been circulated prior to the meeting.

   8.1. Co-option policy and application form (revised to include an eligibility criteria checklist).

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve/adopt the revised co-option policy. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved unanimously.

   8.2. Draft Tree Inspection Policy.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve/adopt the Tree Inspection Policy. Proposed by Cllr Tomlinson, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved unanimously.

   8.3. Draft Terms of Reference (ToR) for Full Council Working Party Meetings.

Councillors voiced differing options about the status of a full council working party meeting and whether this should be formally or informally convened. This was considered with agenda item 9 below.

9. To consider/agree the date for a full council working party meeting to discuss current projects and ideas for future projects. (22 January 2026 at 6.30pm or to wait until the outcome of the s106 public consultation is known after 20 March 2026.)

Action: The Committee RESOLVED to hold a full council working party meeting on Thursday 22 January at 6.30pm to discuss the status of the meetings, current projects, ideas for future projects, and to consider the Terms of Reference for the Full Council Working Party meetings. Proposed by Cllr Hislop, seconded by Cllr Sheldon, and approved unanimously. The venue to be confirmed once attendance numbers were known.

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

Cllr Cox gave an overview of recreation matters, including meetings with contractors and the Football Association (FA) to discuss options for improving the surface of the MUGA, costs, and funding opportunities to achieve this. Cllr Cox mentioned a public survey undertaken by a member of public regarding improving the MUGA surface which showed support for an improved MUGA surface. 

   10.1. To receive /consider a matrix of information from the RE Committee concerning the differing types of surfaces available to upgrade the MUGA, including costs, advantages and disadvantages, if available.

The information had been circulated prior to the meeting. Samples of proposed surfaces were circulated at the meeting for Council’s information.

Cllr Cox presented a report on the requirements for improving the MUGA surface, the options available, costs, provision of an income for Council, and his recommendation for installing a recycled-sand infilled 3G surface for the MUGA. The cost would be approx. £40,000. The FA had advised that they would fund up to 75% of the costs and would help with the application form. Council would be required to pay approx. £10,000 towards the costs. The use of a proportion of the s106 money was discussed. Cllr Cox answered questions from Council. Although new sports could be played, such as lacrosse, tennis would no longer be available. Instead of being a multi-use games area (MUGA), the court would be referred to as a 3G pitch.

Action: The Council RESOLVED in principle to install a 3G sand infilled surface at the MUGA if funding could be secured from the Football Association and the remainder of the costs could be secured by a s106 claim. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Tomlinson and approved with nine votes for and one vote against.

At 8.35pm the Chairman closed the meeting for a comfort break. The meeting re-convened at 8.44pm.

   10.2 To consider leasing the playing fields to the Lions JFC for ten years (non-exclusive use) to enable them to take on the grass cutting and improvement of the playing field grounds.

Cllr Tomlinson updated Council on the latest Pitch Power assessment of the north and south playing fields, undertaken on behalf of the Lions JFC, the current condition of the grass and the soil assessment report recommendations for aeration, overseeding and fertilising.  Grants to improve the soil / grass and ground maintenance machinery were available from the Football Association for the Lions JFC to apply for, if they had a ten-year lease agreement for the use of the playing fields in place.  A lease agreement was discussed in detail. There would be no changes to how the playing fields were hired for events or used by the community or other sports teams.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to hire the north and south playing fields to the Lions JFC, for non-exclusive use for a period of ten years and at no cost, to enable the Lions JFC to apply for grant funding from the FA to improve the pitches. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Conway and approved unanimously.

   10.2.1. To review a draft lease agreement as recommended by the RE Committee for the Lions JFC to lease and conduct the grass cutting of Parkfield playing fields, if Council approves to lease the fields to the Club, if available.

The RFO had made amendments to the draft lease agreement following its review by the Lions JFC. There were still a few matters to consider, and the draft agreement required some further amendments. There was to be no letting, sub-letting or monetarising of the playing fields/pitches by the Lions JFC and the agreement was to make clear that all decision making for the playing fields remained with the Council.

Action: The draft lease to be revised further to include the comments made above.

   10.3. To consider /agree the best way to increase the ability to display Remembrance wreaths in the memorial shelter to prevent wreaths being placed on the ground.

Action: The Council RESOLVED expenditure of up to £100.00 for the caretakers to fit wooden battens and hooks on both sides of the interior of the shelter from which wreaths could be hung. A Councillor was to oversee the placement of the wreaths on Remembrance Sunday. Proposed by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Cox and approved unanimously.

11. To receive a report and consider any recommendations from the Events Committee following its meeting held on 8 January 2026.

Information had been shared prior to the event. Cllr Harrison gave an overview of the committee meeting, its resolutions, dates for events and expenditure required for noticeboards for Elmtree play area and Parkfield playing fields, and to purchase a Small Societies’ Lottery Permit, (to enable raffles to take place and cash prizes to be given) for Council to consider. Cllr Tomlinson offered Council the use of the Lions JFC’s noticeboard at Parkfield and this was accepted with thanks. The Events Committee would consider alternative methods of illuminating festive lights and provide costed recommendations and would take responsibility for checking and changing batteries on the free-standing Christmas trees, and churches and venues to be provided with a pack of batteries so they could change these as required. The Events Committee would also liaise with the Church and other interested parties to arrange the Remembrance Sunday services, procession, Union flag flying and Tommy silhouette /poppy lamp post signs.

   11.1. To confirm dates and any arrangements for planned events in 2026 – 2027.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the following dates for events: -

• Monday 4 May 2026 (Bank Holiday) – Duck Hunt and Garden Party at the Winchelsea Centre and Community Garden.
• Saturday 15 August 2026 – Celebration of Youth Day at Parkfield playing fields.
• Saturday 5 December 2026 – Christmas Market on High Street South, and Christmas lights switch on.

Proposed by Cllr Bain, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved unanimously.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the expenditure of £20.00 for Council to purchase a Small Societies’ Lottery Permit. Proposed by Cllr Cox, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.

Action: The Council RESOLVED the expenditure of up to £1,000 for a free-standing noticeboard for Elmtree play area. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Sheldon and approved unanimously.

   11.2. To agree the venue and format for the Annual Parish Meeting (hosted by the Chairman) on Monday 1 June 2026.

Action: The Methodist Church to be booked for the Annual Parish Meeting. The event was to follow a similar format to that held in 2025 but with more time allowed for people to visit the information stands before the meeting commenced.

12. To receive a report from the Estate Management and Planning Committee. - Cllr Trolley

Cllr Trolley gave a brief update.

   12.1. To consider the quote to replace / repair an air conditioning unit in the office (used throughout the year for both heating and cooling), if available.

One quote had been circulated, and another was to be obtained.

Action: The Council RESOLVED expenditure of up to £1,800 for the faulty air conditioning unit to be replaced. Virement of funds could be made to enable the work to be completed as soon as possible. Proposed by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.

13.  To consider the planning applications received from NKDC since the last meeting held on 9 December 2025, and ratify any comments made by the Committee. – Cllr Trolley.

   a.  Planning Application Reference: 25/1534/PNH (Prior Notification Householder Development)

Proposal: Single storey rear extension 3.4m in total length from the original wall, eaves height of 2.1m and maximum height of 3.2m,

Location: 7 Holme Lane Ruskington Sleaford

Action: The Council had no objections to this application.

   b. Planning Application Reference: 25/1561/HOUS

Proposal: Proposed rear extension

Location: 13 Moor Park Ruskington Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 9AJ

Action: The Council had no objections to this application.

   c. Planning 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 Lincolnshire NG34 9AZ

Action: The Council had no objections to this application.

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

   a. Application Reference: 25/1273/HOUS

Proposal: Erection of a single storey rear extension and alterations.

Location: 21 Parkfield Road Ruskington Sleaford. (Notice received on 9/12/2025)

   b. Application Reference: 25/1396/HOUS

Proposal: Demolition of existing conservatory and detached garage. Erection of new

detached garage, new detached games room, front porch and single storey rear extension

with covered terrace and first floor terrace.

Location: 9 Pinfold Lane Ruskington Sleaford (Notice received on 5/1/2026)

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

   a. LALC (by email) – Fortnightly newsletter.

   b. NKDC Corporate & Civic (by email on 8/12/2025) – Snowdrop Event 2026

   c. Structural Engineer (by email on 8/12/2025) – Report on the load bearing walls inside the Pavilion.

   d. LCC Flood Team (by email on 9/12/2025) – Update on the highway drainage cleansing.

   e. NKDC (by email on 12/12/2025) – Precept calculator and information for FY 2026-2027.

   f. LCC (by email on 16/12/2025) – December e-newsletter.

   g. LCC Flood Risk manager (by email on 18/12/2025) – Update on the flood risk investigations.

   h. Village Hall Chairman (by email on 27/12/2025) – New date for village hall committee meeting 24/1/2026).

   i. LCC (by email on 22/12/2025) – Public consultations regarding Best Start Lincolnshire: Inclusion Service consultation and Lincolnshire Council for Voluntary Youth Services Grant Funding.

  j. Resident (by email on 29/12/2026) – Fly tipping. (Signposted to NKDC via Fix My Street.)

  k. LCC Flood Team Manager (by email on 5/1/2026) – Update on the drain jetting and camera work.

  l. National Lottery Heritage Fund (by email on 5/1/2026) – Outcome of the request for additional funding for the lychgate renovation and formal letter.

 m. LCC (by email on 7/1/2026) – Report and consultation on LCC’s proposed budget for 2026-2027.

 n.  Environment Agency (by email on 8/1/2026) – Information on flood storage reservoirs.

15. To receive Members’ Reports – for information only.

• Cllr Conway asked about a working party for the Estate Management and Planning Committee to move the pavilion renovation project forward and suggested that the draft tender documents be available for the next Council meeting on 10 February 2026.
• Cllr Tomlinson asked the Clerk and RFO if Council had received an email from a resident asking if a sensory area could be created in the pavilion. (No email had been received.)
• Cllr Harrison asked that the pavilion kitchen was not included in the lease agreement for the Lions JFC. (The lease agreement would only be for the playing fields.)

16. 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 and staffing matters below. 

Action: The Council RESOLVED to exclude the public and press to discuss the legal and staffing matters below. Proposed by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved unanimously.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.21pm. The meeting reconvened at 9.38pm.

17. To consider the new lease agreement with Lincolnshire Co-op to lease the garden land at the side of Ruskington Co-op’s carpark as an extension to the Community Garden and agree the next steps.

The agreement had been circulated prior to the meeting.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve and sign the lease agreement and for the Clerk to sign the Statutory Declaration in the presence of an independent solicitor.  Proposed by Cllr Harrison seconded by Cllr Sheldon and approved unanimously.

The Chairman and Vice-chairman signed the lease agreement.

18. To consider the Finance Committee’s recommendation to enrol eligible staff members into the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) from 1 April 2026, following consultations with staff members.

The information had been circulated prior to the meeting.

The Clerk and RFO displayed and circulated the pension information then left the meeting whilst this agenda item was considered.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to enrol the eligible staff members on to the LGPS from 1 April 2026 following consultation with the staff members. Proposed by Cllr Bain, seconded by Cllr Harrison and approved with seven votes for and three votes against.

The Clerk and RFO rejoined the meeting and were give an update on the resolution to agenda item 18 above.

19. To approve the budget for FY 2026-2-27 after making any adjustments required following the resolution on the staff pensions above.

No adjustments to the budget were required.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the budget for FY 2026-2027. Proposed by Cllr Jennings, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.

20. To approve the precept request for FY 2026-2027 after making any adjustments required following the resolution on staff pensions above.

No adjustments to the precept for FY 20276-2027 were required.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the precept request for £337,737 for FY 2026-2027.  Approved by Cllr Jennings, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved with nine votes for and one vote against.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.57pm.

Meeting date: 13 January 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 9 December 2025.

Min ref 3: The advisability of issuing a retrospective apology for the condition of the Garden of Remembrance (leaves, weeds in the grass and a temporary fence in situ) on Remembrance Sunday has been under discussion since the December meeting. An apology has been included in the notes of the last meeting which is a public document. (The resident/s who complained on the day were apologised to in person at the event, and no complaints have been received by the Council.)

Min ref 5: Council’s response to the Anwick biogas application have been submitted to LCC Planning.

Min ref 6: The RFO has made all the approved payments.

Min ref 8: The T&Cs for the Lions JFC to use the Parkfield facilities was revised by the Clerk to allow parking on the grass area behind the changing rooms if the ground was dry. This and a map to show the area, emergency access, public right of way and the drains/services was emailed to the club secretary on 16/12/2025.

Min ref 8.2. The T&Cs for the Lions to use Parkfield facilities for a football tournament in June 2026 has been amended as agreed and was issued to the Club secretary on 16/12/2025.

Min ref 8.3. The Hillside survey was hand delivered to properties in the Hillside area on 17/12/2025 by Cllrs Sheldon and Conway. The survey and a QR code were shared on council’s communication channels from 17/12/2025.  The closing date for responses is 23 January 2026.

Min ref 8.4. The approved s106 publicity flyer has been received from the printers. This will be distributed to all properties in Ruskington within the Local Lincs magazine in February 2026. The closing date is 20 March 2026.

Min ref 10. All policies have been amended as approved and are published on Council’s website.

Min ref 10.2.1. The RFO has revised the draft lease agreement for the Lions to have non-exclusive use of the playing fields for ten years, (if Council resolves to lease the fields to the Club) following review by the Lions JFC. (Agenda item.)

Min ref 11. Dates for a working party meeting of council were circulated on 18/12/2025. The most favourable date from the five responses received is Thursday 22 January 2026 at 6.30pm.

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

Min ref 17. The moles on the south playing field have been dealt with by the Environment Caretaker.

Min ref 19.1. The fees for contract cleaning the public toilets will be available in January 2026.

Min ref 19.2. The Clerk has obtained the fees for reduced hours of weekly cleaning for the rear of the Parish Office from 1 April 2026 rather than two weekly cleaning, for hygiene and health and safety reasons. The Chairman of Council and the Chairman of the Estate Management and Planning committee are aware of this, have suggested that this be reviewed after a period of time and consider that this cleaning could be done by the third caretaker as part of their duties following appointment.

Min ref 20.2. Council’s contributions to staff pensions and pension provider were considered by the Finance Committee on 6 January 2026. (Agenda item.)

Min ref 20 – 20.6. The relevant staff members are aware of Council’s HR decisions. Dates for job description consultations to be arranged in January 2026 with Cllr Bain, the Clerk, and the staff members. The letter to staff has yet to be finalised.

Min ref 21: On 5/1/2026 The National Lottery Heritage Fund approved the request for an additional £3,580.00 of funding. The total funding awarded is £16,116.00. The final project update, evaluation, and the Certificate of Completion from the contractor were sent to the Investment Manager on 8/1/2026,  and the end of project publicity was approved by the Investment Manager on 7/6/2026.

Other Council Business:

Council Business

Audit – The mid-year audit is due to be undertaken by an auditor allocated by LALC. This covers finance and governance.

Precept - The precept calculator for FY 2026-2027 has been received from NKDC. The precept request for FY 2026-2027 has to be returned to NKDC by Friday 23 January 2026. (Agenda item.)

Co-option - No expressions of interest or applications have been received. The two vacancies continue to be advertised on social media, the website, and in the monthly newsletter.

Data Protection Registration with the ICO -The mandatory registration with the Information Commissioner’s office (ICO) has been renewed and a certificate received. The (annual) registration expires on 7 December 2026.

Teams – Due to illness, annual leave, and IT issues, the set-up of MS Teams and tutorials has been delayed.

Venue for Council meetings - The Winchelsea Centre has been booked for all the 2026 meeting dates. A venue and format for the APM on Monday 1 June has yet to be agreed.

Estate Management and Planning

Office Units - One unit (Office 2) remains vacant.

Broadband for the office units - On 18/12/2025 the RFO informed Royal Mail of the four separate business units at the rear of the office. Prior to this they were all registered as 7-9 High Street North. This meant that the existing broadband was being disconnected to enable another unit to have broadband installed.  

Parish Office - The two air-conditioning units in the Parish Office underwent their annual inspection by Spalding Air Conditioning Ltd on Tuesday 16 December 2025. One has a fault with its outdoor compressor thermistor. The units are old and the required parts are obsolete and cannot be replaced. Spalding Air Conditioning after a site visit on 7/1/2026 are going to submit quotes for a new unit.

• Due to the cold weather, the air con unit not working, drafts from doorways, and overheat heating panels not being located above desks, the office is too cold to be comfortable or to meet HSE requirements. A portable heater has been purchased by the RFO.
• The Clerk has used her delegates powers of expenditure for health and safety and security matters to instruct Imp Electrical to install PIR lights on the exterior of the parish office building to light the drive and access to the rear of the property at a cost of £543.50 excluding VAT.  This followed obtaining quotes for the work, liaising with the RFO, and gaining the approval of the Chairman of Council. The business owners have 24/7 access to their offices, and the current solar powered lights do not work.

Pavilion planning application – The report from the structural engineer was received and circulated to Council and the architect on 8/12/2025.

• The architect is liaising with the structural engineer regarding the possibility of removing of interior pillars.
• The Committee is reviewing the building regulation plans and making suggestions for amendments where required.
• Pavilion hot water for handwashing - Quotes to install three electric boilers in the ladies’ and gents’ toilets and the kitchen in the pavilion to heat the water for handwashing are being obtained.

Pavilion gas supply - A gas engineer disconnected the gas supply to the gas meter and purged the gas pipe to the pavilion on Monday 15/12/2025 at a cost of £300.00. This was prior to the gas supply to the pavilion being disconnected by Cadent.

Public toilets – The lights in the ladies’ and gents’ toilets are staying on permanently. An electrician is checking the sensors.

Shelter in the Garden of Remembrance – The Admin Assistant created a social media post regarding cracks in the rear corners of the shelter in the Garden of Remembrance and asking for their advice. The Clerk and Buildings’ Caretaker met with a builder on Friday 12/12/2025 who advised that the cracks were not structural. One quote for £800.00 has been received. The Building’s Caretaker has removed the ivy that is growing over and into the shelter and is going to install two right-handled braces on each rear corner and repoint the walls, as agreed by the Estate Management and Planning Committee and Finance Committee.

War Memorial in the cemetery – The Buildings Caretaker has started to clean the memorial and remove the lichen. He is unable to re-do the lettering.

Recreation & Environment

Beck – Water flowing from a pipe into the Beck as it flows through the High Street has been reported to Anglian Water, LCC, and Cllr Wright by the RFO. The source of the water is not known but it is now seeping through the pavement. As a result Anglian Water are going to expedite their investigation.

Cemetery – A tree growing out of a grave along the East Border was cut down by the Environment Caretaker on 17/12/2025.

Changing rooms - The hot water boiler in the changing rooms was replaced on 9/10 December 2025 by JD Plumbing & Heating Services. (Action from the ordinary meeting on 11/11/2025) and will be connected to the solar panels by Imp Electrical on 16 January 2026. Two old water tanks were left in the roof space after being emptied as advised by a Councillor.

Christmas trees – Removal of the Christmas trees commenced w/c 5 January 2026.  The trees are chipped and used as mulch on Council’s flower beds. There have been no comments about the lack of a Christmas tree on the grass verge outside the Garden of Remembrance, and positive feedback has been received about the memorial tree inside the Garden. The Events Committee will be considering feedback form the trees and making suggestions for improving the festive lighting of the village, including ways to overcome the short life span of the batteries, at its meeting on 8 January 2026.

Community garden – The Clerk has contacted Property Management at the Co-op as the three-year lease agreement for the grass area beside the Co-op carpark expired on 15 November 2025. Update on 6/1/2026/ the Co-op legal team have sent a new lease agreement and accompanying documentation. (Agenda item.)

Flood investigations – Phase 2 of the highway drainage cleansing by LCC/Stantec should be completed by Friday 16 January 2026. Work had to pause in December whilst Cadent undertook emergency works requiring traffic management at the roundabout on the junction of Rectory Road, Sleaford Road, Station Road and Church Street.

MUGA – Cllrs Cox, Tomlinson and Conway and the RFO met with a contractor on 18/12/2025 to discuss surface options for the MUGA. Cllr Cox will be presenting a matrix of options at the Council meeting on 13 January 2026, if available, for Council to consider.  (Agenda item.)

Parking at Parkfield - Please see Min ref 8.2. above. In addition, it has been noted that residents who live very near to the playing fields are driving to and parking at Parkfield. 

Play areas – The gate between Parkfield playing field and the carpark was replaced by the caretakers on Friday 12 December 2025 as it was not closing properly.

Tree Inspection Policy – The Clerk with the help of the Environment Caretaker has drafted a tree inspection policy as required for H&S and insurance purposes. (Agenda item).

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).

Tree at the junction of Chestnut Street with the High Street – A tree is overgrowing the pavement. Its ownership is not known but anecdotally, LCC have undertaken work to the tree in the past. It has been reported to LCC who are taking no action.

Training and attendance at events - The Clerk and RFO attended the Clerks’ networking day at Bracebridge Heath Community Centre on 20/11/2025, as arranged by LALC.

• The Clerk has received her certificate for successfully completing the IOSHH “Approved Safety for Executives and Directors” following training on 14 October 2025.

Committee meetings held since the last ordinary meeting –

• Tuesday 6 January 2025 – Finance Committee meeting (budget and precept setting for FY 2026-2027).
• Thursday 8 January 2025 – Events Committee meeting.

Dates for upcoming scheduled meetings –

• Tuesday 3 February 2026 – Recreation & Environment Committee meeting at 6.30pm at the Parish Office.
• Tuesday 10 February 2026 – Council meeting at 7pm at the Winchelsea Centre.

PROPOSED CONVERSION OF CURRENT TARMAC SURFACE OF MUGA TO 3G/ 4G

Cllr Graham Cox  - For the Council meeting on 13 January 2026

Advantages of 3G v Grass and Tarmac Surfaces (current MUGA surface )

• The make-up of the surface allows surface water to drain, current surface floods.
• Enhanced player safety, through shock pad installation.
• Developed for intensive use, surface hard wearing and durable.
• Low Maintenance.
• Environmentally friendly, does not need cutting or fertilising.
• All year round availability, so would allow grass/ pitches to be rested from constant use, a problem we currently have.
• Surface mirrors/mimics real grass, but has added advantage of consistent roll and bounce.
• Life Span 10 – 20 years
• FIFA and English FA approved surface

On a recent site visit it was suggested by the contractor to install a “French Drainage” ditch to the eastern end, to help prevent any excess standing water.

This can be done at virtually no cost and by either RPC or volunteers.

It was also pointed out that there we certain areas on the surface that were no longer level, and especially in the goalmouths, the integrity of the surface is  getting close to being compromised.

Grants Available

Providing all criteria is met, Lincs F.A. / Football Foundation can pay up to 75% of the total cost of the project. We have recently had a site visit from Lincs FA and they are happy to help with the filling of application forms etc. Also they are keen to promote the Better Pitch review (to be sorted by Lions ) and support long-term projects for  the improvement of the  Changing Rooms.

Demand for the Facility

The following teams have been contacted along with other non-affiliated teams.

Ruskington Walking Football Club

They have already contacted P.C. as they have heard of possibility of the project and would come back and play at the MUGA. They currently travel to Sleaford to play, they did previously use the MUGA, but after an injury to one of their players, they declared the surface “dangerous “.

They also passed comment that they have never played a competitive match at home.

They have recently sent a letter into the P.C. stating they would support the scheme.

Ruskington Athletic Football Club

This team currently rents a grass pitch from us, and whilst their squad is to large to use the MUGA, players have stated they would use it for additional training.

Ruskington Lions Junior Football Club

Currently have 13 teams, including 2 Girls teams, they currently train on the grass pitches, but when the weather becomes too wet for them to train on grass, they travel to Sleaford to play on 3G. They spent £4,000 last Winter. This facility would allow us to rest the grass even more.

Non Affiliated Teams

There are approximately 20 – 30 people who travel to Sleaford on a weekly basis to play to keep fit, again would save them time and money if there was a local facility.

These are local teams/ residents, who would use this that we know off, that is before we advertise the fact of the facility for hire.

With the interest from various organisations the scope of ages, who would use the MUGA will be from 5 year olds to 70 year olds.

All income received from the renting of the pitch, would then come into the P.C.’s purse and be able to be used on other projects. This fits in line with Cllr Bains recent presentation on how to gain more income.

There could also be opportunities for sponsorship as well.

Cost of Hiring Facilities Locally

I believe we are not tasked as a council to actually make money, but if we hired out the facility for 3 hours a day for 5 days per week, it could bring in an annual income of approx. £20,000 per year ( less maintenance costs ). Which is a lot more money than we currently get. This then can be put to use on other projects.

There is a “waiting list” for Carres Grammar facilities, and the Lions have already applied for pitches for September 2026, where they would expect to spend approx. £12k. This is money that could stay in the village and benefit our local community.

Comments

It is the P.C.’s policy to promote physical, social and mental wellbeing in the community.

The facility would be left open as it is currently, but then can be hired out at night after 6pm. It would be also available during the daytime as well (school hours ), Monday to Friday for hire.

There are a lot of Societies/Clubs we could offer the facility to, such as Parkinsons Society (they have an England Team), Dementia Society (sport is seen as a great way of helping with mental stimulus and fitness), Disabled Groups, Children/ Adults with Learning Difficulties.

The local primary schools would also be able to use at no cost.

With the hopeful re-vamp of the Pavilion, this facility would encourage more people to spend time at the “Café” before or after exercise.

There is constant comment about being a multi-use games facility, but in the real world, the tennis equipment has been used twice in approx. 5 years and the netball not many more times.

Like it or loath it, football and its teams use our facilities the most, it also brings in further economic wealth, as travelling players and supporters use local supermarkets, shops and pubs.

Estimates for the 3G surface for the MUGA as and presented to the Council at its meeting on 13 January 2026.

It has been a long process of education with regards to length and weight of pile, weave density and make up of surface.

Both myself and Luke have taken the advice of a local company (not involved in any quotes), who are involved with Sport England and The  F.A., and advise on multi-million-pound projects for Football clubs, schools and councils, so we now have a good understanding of what we require.

It would be my recommendation, that we went for quote 5, this is a proven surface with history behind it, some of the other quotes are for the latest specs, but there is no history behind them, with regards to wear etc.

All quotes would fit into the P.C Environmental policy and would take very little maintenance (approx. £1000 -£1500 per year, which would be self-funding.)

There are a lot more nuances to certain products, which I am happy to try and explain at the meeting next week.

If you have any questions ahead of the meeting, then please let me know.

Cllr G Cox.