Ruskington Parish Council

Minutes of a meeting of Ruskington Parish Council held on Tuesday 14 April 2026 at the Winchelsea Centre, 11 High Street North, Ruskington, NG34 9DY at 7pm.

PLEASE NOTE: These are DRAFT Minutes and subject to amendment. 

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

A member of the public (MOP) introduced himself and advised that he was attending on behalf of Ruskington Bowls Club in relation to agenda item 11, below, concerning projects for the s106 claim. The MOP gave a brief history of the bowls club which had been in existence for almost 100 years, its benefits to the village and its residents, and advised that the club house needed repair and the facility had limited parking. The club had twice tried to relocate to a better location in the past. 72% of the members were aged over 45 years.

During this presentation, Cllr Bain joined the meeting at 7.02pm.

The MOP asked if Council if it would consider the bowls club as a project for the s106 claim. The Chairman invited questions from the Council which included: had the s106 questionnaire been completed, what exactly did the bowls club require and what were the costs, had the club applied for grants to improve the club house, how many members lived in Ruskington (29 out of 30 playing members), and did the club fundraise? The MOP answered the questions.  The Chairman invited the bowls club to submit detailed information on what it required and the costs as soon as it could. The MOP thanked the Council and invited councillors to visit the bowls club. The three MOP left the meeting.

The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.12pm.

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

All Councillors were present.

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 Cox declared an interest in agenda item 5.6., below (grant application for Findley’s Fundraiser as he was related to one of the event organisers.)

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

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

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

County and District Councillor Wright had advised prior to the meeting that he would be unable to attend the meeting until 8pm due to prior commitments. Council unanimously RESOLVED that Cllr Wright could present his reports when he arrived at the meeting.

Councillor Wright arrived at the meeting at 7.53pm and gave the following reports between items 8 and 9 below.   

County Council:

• The Cabinet had agreed that minor roads were not going to be de-metalled (taken back to grit).
• £6 million had been agreed for road treatments, and Ruskington High Street North up to Fen Road was going to be surface sprayed.

District Council:

• The Executive Board had reviewed and updated the NK Plan.
• Finances were in a good place.
• Cllr Wright was working with other district council leaders to discuss the Local Government Review (LGR).
• The government had not approved any of the suggested local government reviews.
• The Secretary of State had approved the Springwell Solar Farm planning application which would cover 7-10 quare miles of land in the district beside the A15.  NKDC would consider the required substation application.
• The new food waste collection was going well and up to 50% of residents now recycled their food waste using the caddies provided.

   4.1. To raise any highways matters with County Councillor Wright. (Speeding and harm to wildlife.)

This was not discussed. The correspondent had been signposted to the relevant agencies who could deal with such matters.

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

5. Financial Matters

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 10 March 2026.

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

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

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the bank reconciliations for April 2026. Approved by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved unanimously.

   5.3. To receive the monthly financial report from the RFO, including an update on reserves, and consider any recommendations. 

The Red, Amber Green (RAG) financial report had been circulated prior to the meeting.

Action: The Finance Committee and RFO to discuss, at its next committee meeting, a way to change the report parameters so that the report only highlighted overspends in red. 

   5.4. To receive the mid-year audit report from the internal auditor.

The audit had been completed on 8 April 2026 but the report from the auditor was awaited.

   5.5. To consider the quote from SCIS Ltd (Council’s IT provider) to upgrade to Business Basic licences for Councillors, to enable use of MS Office 365 Teams linked to Council’s shared folders.

Action: Council RESOLVED to purchase licences for 11 councillors to trial MS Teams to improve information sharing and collaborative working. To be reviewed in December 2026. Cllr Bain and Cllr Trolley were appointed as Teams Champions, plus the Admin Assistant who had previously offered to be a Champion.  Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.

   5.6. To consider awarding a grant of £250.00 to Finley’s Legacy Community Project to support delivery of a family funday following receipt of an application form and accompanying documentation.

Cllr Cox remained in the meeting whilst this was discussed but did not take part in the vote.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to award a grant of £250.00 to Finley’s Community Project as a one- off grant payment as community grants were usually considered annually in October. Proposed by Cllr Ditch, seconded by Cllr Cunningham and approved with nine votes for, one against, and one abstention.  

   5.7. To consider purchasing dog waste dispensers and dog poo bags for areas known to have high incidences of dog fouling – Cllr Hislop.

Information previously circulated. It was hoped that this would encourage more dog owners to bag and bin their dog’s waste.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to purchase 2 dog waste dispensers from Amazon at a cost of £23.50 each (incl VAT) plus biodegradable dog poo bags for locating at the playing fields near the waste/dog poo bins, for a trial basis. Proposed by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Sheldon and approved unanimously.

   5.8. To consider the purchasing of new or second-hand garden furniture (picnic tables and benches) and agree the expenditure.

Action: The Council RESOLVED not to purchase second hand items.  The Finance Committee to consider the requirement and costs of garden furniture at its next meeting on 28 April 2026.

During this discussion Cllr Wright arrived at the meeting. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved unanimously.

   5.9.  To consider a charity for donating £50.00 to from Ruskington Village Hall Bingo organisers following Cllr Ditch’s judging of an Easter Book cover competition at the bingo organiser’s invitation.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to donate the £50.00 donation to the Lincolnshire Air Ambulance. Proposed by Cllr Cunningham, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved unanimously.

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

No applications for co-option 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. To consider the following policies/documents following review by the relevant committee.

   8.1. Dignity at Work/ Sexual harassment Policy as recommended by the HR Committee.

   8.2. Sickness and Absence policy and flow chart as recommended by the HR Committee.

   8.3. Staff handbook as recommended by the HR Committee.

   8.4. The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the HR Committee as recommended by the HR Committee

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve/adopt the policies and TOR numbered 8.1 to 8.4, above.  Proposed by Cllr Bain, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved unanimously.

   8.5. The Terms of Reference for the Estate Management & Planning (EMP) Committee as recommended by the EMP Committee.

This had been revised to include environment responsibilities and reviewing requests from the public to donate benches and other memorial items.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve/adopt the revised TOR for the EMP Committee. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved unanimously.

   8.6. To ensure that Council meets its statutory duties under the Environment Act 2021 and The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (NERC) 2006 by including the environment in its Terms of Reference for Council, committee, sub-committee, working parties, and on all agendas.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/complying-with-the-biodiversity-duty

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/16/contents

Cllr Ditch advised of the Council’s statutory biodiversity duty and explained the requirement to embed biodiversity and the environment into all committee agendas and projects.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to embed the environment and biodiversity into all its committee agenda and environment impact statements into all its projects. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved with ten votes for and one abstention.

Cllr Wright, at this point in the meeting, presented the County and District Council reports as invited by the Chairman. Please see Item 4, above.

9. To consider the appointment of councillors to the following committees following expressions of interest made to the Clerk.

   9.1. Recreation & Environment Committee

Action: The Council RESOLVED to appoint Cllr Sheldon to the Recreation & Environment Committee. Proposed by Cllr Ditch, seconded by Cllr Cox and approved unanimously.

   9.2. Events Committee

Action: The Council RESOLVED to appoint Cllr Jennings to the Events Committee. Proposed by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved unanimously.

10. To receive an update on the Annual Report for fiscal year 2025 – 2026 and receive articles from the Chairs of each standing committee for inclusion in the Annual Report – Cllr Ditch.

Cllr Ditch advised that he had sent information to all the committee chairmen asking for articles for the Annual Report 2025-2026 to be submitted to him by 24 April 2026. The articles from the Events Committee had been received already. All Councillors were welcome to contribute information and photographs. Cllr Conway asked for the information sent by Cllr Ditch.

11. To receive the results of the s106 survey and consider a cross-committee working party of interested members to analyse the results as soon as possible and make recommendations for eligible projects that benefit the majority of residents, for Council to consider.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-jZmpbNEUtUSbeH0uxWPo_2FQ_3D_3D/

The Public Open Space Contribution (Deed of Variation) for the development of Flaxwell Fields states that the s106 claim “can be used towards the provision enhancement and/or maintenance of facilities within the Parish of Ruskington or alternatively the Public Open Space Contribution be used outside of the Site where appropriate."

Action: The Council RESOLVED a to set up a working party to review the s106 responses and make a recommendation to Council. Cllrs Ditch, Cox, Sheldon, Tomlinson, Bain, Cunningham, Harrison, Conway, and Trolley were appointed to the Working Party. The meeting was to take place as soon as possible with the Admin Assistant providing the support and link to the survey results. Proposed by Cllr Ditch, second by Cllr Conway and approved unanimously.

12. To receive updates on and consider Councillor attendance and roles at the following community events: -

Information had been circulated prior to the meeting.

   12.1. The Co-op tidy-up of the Community Garden on Wednesday 29 April 2026 from 10am to 2pm.

Cllr Conway agreed to assist with the Co-op tidy up of the community garden.

   12.2. The Annual Parish Meeting on Tuesday 26 May 2026.   (A meeting of the electorate hosted by the Chairman of Council.)

Cllrs Hislop and Harrison would be attending to help with the event.

   12.3. To consider having an information stand at Findley’s Fundraiser on 11 July 2026 at Parkfield playing fields and agree the councillors to attend and the information to display.

Action: The Council would have an information stand at the event, but Councillor availability was not known at this time.

Although not an agenda item, Cllr Harrison asked who was available to help at the event on 4 May 2026 from 9am. Cllrs Ditch, Cunningham, Conway and Hislop said they were available.

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

Cllr Cox gave a verbal update.

   13.1. To receive an update on the application to the Football Foundation for a 4G pitch for the MUGA.

The Football Foundation were still requesting information which was being submitted. It was hoped that the outcome of the application would be known in the next two weeks. Approximately £16,000 from the s106 claim would be required in addition to the grant from the Football Foundation. 

   13.1.2. To receive an update on the requirement for a sports pitch consultant, as requested by the Football Foundation, and consider any expenditure and the next steps required.

Cllr Cox had arranged with Fosse [Contracts Ltd] that they undertake the required pitch surface report. The cost of this was not known. Cllr Cox had sent photos of the MUGA surface to Fosse.  

   13.2. To consider correspondence from a member of public regarding a community fitness initiative for Parkfield playing fields and agree any terms and conditions, if required. (Information previously circulated.)

Action: The Council RESOLVED that the informal group could use the playing fields on Monday evenings. Council would litter pick and remove any dog waste every Monday, but the organisers would need to check their route and undertake their own risk assessments.

14. To receive a report from the Events Committee following its meeting on 7 April - Cllr Harrison.

Cllr Harrison gave a brief overview of the planned events.

    14.1. To consider amount, types and sizes for marquees/gazebos for using at Council events at a cost of up to £1,000. (Expenditure for a marquee agreed in the budget for FY 2026-2027.)

Action: The Council RESOLVED to purchase a 6m x 3m gazebo and a 3m x 3m gazebo at a combined cost of no more than £1,000. Proposed by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Sheldon and approved unanimously.

15. To receive a report and recommendations from the Estate Management and Planning Committee following its meeting 8 April 2026.

The notes of the Estate Management and Planning Committee had been circulated prior to the meeting and Cllr Trolley gave an overview.

   15.1. To consider the recommendation of the Committee regarding the location of a bench being donated by a resident. (Action for the Committee from the Council meeting on 10 March 2026 – agenda Item 11.)

Action: The Committee RESOLVED to approve the Committee’s recommendation to locate the donated bench on the High Street opposite the junction with Chestnut Street, as requested by the donor, if consent was provided by LCC Highways. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved with ten votes for and one abstention.

   15.2. To consider the recommendation from the Committee regarding a resident’s request to purchase a commemorative bench for the late Queen Elizabeth II for the Garden of Remembrance and for Council to contribute 50% of the costs.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the committee’s recommendation to contribute up to £500 for a black metal commemorative bench for locating in the Garden of Remembrance. The donor to provide the details and the cost of the bench. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved unanimously.

   15.3. To consider a working party of interested councillors to review the bus shelter grant available from LCC and explore options, costs, and locations.  (A public consultation would be required, plus information on the proposed conservation area.)

Action: The Council RESOLVED to set up a Bus Shelter Working Party with Cllr Sheldon as the project lead. The Working Party to research the availability of the grants, the costs, locations, land ownership, planning requirements, public consultations, maintenance and any consents required. Cllrs Sheldon, Ditch, Harrison, Conway were appointed to the Working Party. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Ditch and approved unanimously.

   15.4. To consider the recommendation that the environment is a cross-committee responsibility with specific actions being directed at Council meetings and agree any next steps. (Please also refer to agenda item, 8.6., above.) – Cllr Ditch.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the environment as a cross-committee responsibility with specific action being directed by Council. Proposed by Cllr Ditch, seconded by Cllr Trolley 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.

Information had been circulated prior to the meeting and Cllr Trolley gave an overview.

      a. Planning Application Reference: 26/0153/HOUS

Proposal: Erection of porch

Location: 11 The Paddock Ruskington Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 9GY

The Committee had no objections to this application, and its response has been submitted to NK Planning.

      b. Application Reference: 25/1553/FUL

Notification of Receipt of Amended Plans/ Additional Information

Proposal: Change of use of garden building to dog grooming parlour.

Location:  25 St Clements Road Ruskington Sleaford

Amendments to the scale of the proposed building.

The Committee raised a question about the segregation of the applicant’s own dogs with the dogs attending the grooming parlour. Otherwise no objections were raised.

Action: As the Committee had devolved powers to respond to planning applications, an overview of planning would be presented at Council meetings. Applications thought to be contentious would still be considered by Council as well as Committee. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Ditch and approved unanimously.

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

         a. Planning Application Reference: 26/0021/HOUS

Proposal: Single storey rear extension and conversion of existing garage with wrap

around hipped roof

Location: 28 Cliffe Avenue Ruskington Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 9AU.

Notice of approval received on 30/3/2026.

      b. Application Reference: 26/0119/HOUS

Proposal: Erection of a single storey rear extension

Location: 15 Westbeck Ruskington Sleaford

Notice of approval received on 1/4/2026.

17. Correspondence - for information only. (Please see attached.)  Items requiring Council consideration or financial outlay will be added to the next Council agenda.

Action: Correspondence not requiring a motion or financial decision to be included within the Clerk’s report.

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

• Cllr Tomlinson advised that the Lions JFC had obtained a quote to improve the playing fields as part of the ten-year lease agreement and asked about contractor signage and insurance. (The contractor would be responsible for displaying signage as required and the Lions were responsible for checking the contractor’s risk assessments and insurance documents.)
• Cllr Sheldon asked if it was possible to ring-fence play parks within the budget. (The Finance Committee would consider this.)
• Cllr Cox asked about installing a defib at the pavilion. This would be considered within the pavilion renovation with advice sought from SHOCK Sleaford.
• Cllr Cox asked if the Tommy statue in the Garden of Remembrance could be relocated and lit by a solar light so it could be seen from the road side. (The Environment Caretaker had previously donated a solar light for the statue.)
• Cllr Cox was asked if the entrances to Horseshoe Hollow could be signposted and if it was possible to obtain a grant to achieve this.
• Cllr Harrison asked if a named member of the public could be given a community recognition award. A nomination to the NKDC Community Champions awards was an option.
• Cllr Harrison asked if Council would consider a Youth Council.
• Cllr Jennings gave her apologies for the May meeting (Annual Meeting of the Parish Council) and gave a valid reason for her absence.
• Cllr Hislop asked if a plaque could be located at Water Farm to explain that this had been the site of the work house.
• Cllr Ditch asked if the Annual Parish Meeting could be held in March of each year rather than in May to prevent any newly elected Chairman having to create and present the Annual Report at short notice. This would be considered when the dates for the 2027 were proposed. 

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 to discuss the staffing and legal matters below. Proposed by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Trolley approved unanimously.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.55pm. The meeting re-convened at 9.55pm.

20. To receive a report and recommendations on staffing matters, including health and wellbeing, from the HR Committee and agree any next steps – Cllr Bain.  

The notes of the last HR Committee meeting and had been circulated prior to the meeting and Cllr Bain provided an overview.

21. To consider increasing the RFO’s working hours from 30 hours per week to 37 hours per week – Cllr Ditch.

Cllr Ditch provided a rationale for an increase in the RFO’s working hours.

Action: All Officer and Admin staff hours and workloads to considered by the HR Committee at its next meeting on 11 May 2026. 

22. To consider/ review the information for the recruitment of a Parish Caretaker.

   22.1. Job application pack

   22.2. Draft job advertisement

   22.3. Draft contract

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the job application pack, job advertisement and job contract without amendment. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved unanimously.

23.  To receive an update on the lease agreement with NKDC regarding Hillside play area and agree the next steps.

NKDC had advised that that contract ended in March 2029 and there was no break clause in the agreement. Cllr Cox asked the Clerk to arrange a meeting with NKDC to discuss further options.

Action: The Clerk to confirm if the play area could be closed before the end of the lease. The Recreation & Environment Committee would be considering this and the special motion outcome at its next meeting on 5 May 2026.

24. To receive an update on an insurance claim.

The Clerk provided an update.

25.  To receive an update on the tender process for the pavilion and agree the dates for the tender process.  – Cllr Conway.

An outline of a pavilion working party meeting and the notes of the last Estate Management & Planning Committee had been circulated prior to the meeting and Cllr Conway gave an update. The Clerk advised that the recommend dates for the tender process would need to be re-arranged to allow time for the tender to be set up on the Contract Finders website.

Action: The Council RESOLVED that the Clerk and RFO were to agree the new dates for the tender process and for the tender to go live as soon as possible. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Cox and approved unanimously.

   25.2. To undertake a final review of the tender documents prior to issue.

Action: Apart from a change to the dates for the tender process, no revisions were suggested for the tender documents (which had been approved at the meeting held on 10 March 2026.)

The Chairman closed the meeting at 10.29pm.

Correspondence - for information only.

   a. LALC (be email) – E -Newsletters and March training bulletin.

   b. NKDC (by email on 5/3/2026) – Invitation to the Parish and Town Forum on 17/3/20224 from 10am to 12noon.

   c. LCC (by email on 9/3/2026) – Update on the drain work and flood investigations in Ruskington.

   d. Chair of the All-Saints Ladies Club (By email on 9/3/2026) – Thank you for the presentation at the meeting and donation in lieu of a fee to the Hope For Tomorrow Charity (providing mobile cancer care for people in Lincolnshire.)

   e. Member of public (by email on 16/3/2026) – Thank you to Council, and a request for updates on any considerations for a basketball court.

   f. NKDC (by email on 19/3/2026() – Town and Parish newsletter (Circulated and items shared as requested.)

   g. UDLive (by email on 19/3/2026) – Update on the flood monitoring devices.

   h. ICCM (by post on 19/3/2026) – The Journal spring newsletter.

   i. Member of public (by email on 23/3/2026) – Wildlife being killed on the village roads by speeding vehicles. Request for more speed limit signage for the village and suggestion for a wildlife poster campaign (as for littering and dog fouling.)  Agenda item, above.

   j. Member of public (by email on 26/3/2026) – Set up of a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme on Millview Road and request for support with signage. (Signposted to the National Neighbourhood Watch Scheme for advice and signs and to LCC Highways for consent to erect the signs.)

   k. The National Lottery Heritage Fund (by email on 27/3/2026) request to share the Clerk’s evaluation report (anonymised) on the lychgate renovation funding as an example of good practice. (The Clerk approved this.)

   l. Lincolnshire Resilience Forum (By email on 25/3/20260 – Feedback on the Community Emergency Plan. (Reviewed by Cllr Ditch and the Environment Caretaker)

   m. NKDC (by email on 27/3/2026) – Electrical waste week (16-23 May 2026) and requests for locations for members of the public to hand in unwanted electrical items. Agenda item, above.

   n. Member of public (by email on 28/3/2026) – Request for the Council to consider a bench to commemorate the late Queen Elizabeth II for the Garden of Remembrance and for Council to contribute half of the costs. Follow up emails with bench designs and costs received on 7/4/2026. (Agenda item above, following consideration by the Estate Management & Planning Committee meeting 8/4/2026.)

   o. Member of public (by email on 28/3/2026) – Condition of the tree planted in memory of the late Queen in Horseshoe Hollow and a suggestion that the s106 money be put towards creating accessible paths in Horseshoe Hollow, suitable for prams and wheelchairs. (Discussed with the Environment Caretaker and a response sent.)

   p. Member of public (by email on 31/3/2026) – Outcome of the s106 survey and request for confirmation of Council’s plans to allocate the monies to relevant sports facilities that benefit the whole community. (Advised that the s106 money is an item on the agenda for the Council meeting on 14 April.)

   q. Findley’s Fundraiser (by hand on 31/3/2026) – Completed Grant and Donation Application Form. (Agenda item, above.)

   r. NKDC (by email on 31/3/2026) – Update from the NKDC legal team regarding the lease for Hillside play area. Agenda item for the next Recreation and Environment Committee meeting.

   s. All Saints Parish Church (by email on 31/3/2026) – Request for information on community grants and donations available from Council. (Information sent.)

   t. Lincolnshire Resilience Forum (LRF) (by email on 7/42026) – Responses to Council questions on the LRF feedback on the community emergency plan. (Circulated to Cllr Ditch and the Environment Caretaker as the authors of the emergency plan.)

   u. Member of public (by email on 7/4/2026) – Metal post sticking out of the ground at Parkfield playing fields. (Post removed by the Environment Caretaker and the hole filled in on 7/4/2026.)

   v. Lions JFC coach (by email on 7/4/2026) – Date for the next grass cut at Parkfield playing fields. (Contractor contacted and the correspondent advised accordingly.)

   w. Environment Agency (by email on 8/4/2026) – Information on the General Drainage Charge, Local Levy, and Internal Drainage Board Precept. (Circulated and shared on Council’s communication channels.)

   v. Member of public (by email on 9/4/2026) - Concern regarding disturbance of wildlife in local fields. Request for Council to raise awareness and prevent disturbances. Circulated to Council and signposted to the relevant agencies for action.

Meeting date: 14 April 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 March 2026.

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

Min ref 5.4: The mid-year internal audit was completed by the auditor allocated by LALC on April2026. (Agenda item)

Min ref On 11/3/2026 NKDC Conservation Officers were advised that council wishes to proceed with a conservation area for Ruskington village centre.

Min ref 8: The Recreation and Environment Committee will be considering the action of the special motion at its next meeting, currently scheduled for 5 May 2026. NKDC has advised that as there is no break clause in the lease for Hillside play area that the lease cannot end before 2029.

Min ref 9: The community emergency plan was submitted to the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum on 18/3/2026 for its review.

Min ref 10: The Environment Caretaker is sourcing a willow tree or willow trees up to a value of £480.00 and has contacted the Environment Agency for any permissions required to plant willow trees beside the Beck.

Min ref 11: The Estate Management and Planning Committee considered the request to donate a bench to the village at its meeting on 8/4/2026. The donor was invited to attend the meeting to discuss its location but was unable to attend. (Agenda item).

Min ref 13.1: The approved Terms and Conditions for Findley’s Fundraiser were emailed to the event organisers on 12 March 2026. Their signed copy has been received, and the Clerk has signed this on behalf of Council and returned a copy (by hand) to an organiser.

Min ref 13:2 The approved ten-year agreement for the Lions JFC to lease the playing fields (non-exclusive use) was emailed to the club secretary and chairman on 12 March 2026. Their signed copy has not yet been received.

Min ref 13.3:  On 11/3/2026 the approved LCC maps for the amenity grass cutting were accepted and submitted to LCC (submission reference no: 2767632) and the signed agreement was returned to LCC on11/3/2026 (submission reference 2767808).  

Min ref 13.4: The Football Foundation (FF) has raised questions about the funding application for the 4G pitch and additional information has been supplied. The FF are requesting a report from a sports pitch consultant. The RFO is arranging quotes for this. (Agenda item)

Min ref 13.4.1. No individuals or businesses have approached council offering to donate time or goods to lay a tarmac strip around the perimeter of the MUGA.

Min ref 14.1: Cllr Jennings has expressed an interest in co-option to the Events Committee. (Agenda item)

Min ref 15.1: The Conservation Officers at NKDC has been advised that Council is keen to proceed with the conservation area. They met with Cllr Ditch and Cllr Sheldon and the Clerk on 30/3/2026 to provide an update and have agreed to give a presentation and have an information stand at the APM on 26/5/2026. (Agenda item.)

Min ref 15.3: The Pavilion Project Working party members met at the pavilion on 16/3/2026 to discuss the dates for the tender process and consider practical matters such as the lay out of the kitchen, security for the kitchen when not in use, and toilets. Recommendations were considered by the Estate Management & Planning Committee at its meeting on 8 April 2026.  (Agenda item.) The architect has updated the plans for building control regarding a hatch for the kitchen rather than removal of the entire wall and will liaise with the structural engineer to find out if this has any implications.

Min ref 15.5: The Caretakers are reviewing options for the platform tower, so it best suits their needs, is portable, storable, and fits on the pavement when in use.

Min ref: 16: Council’s comments to planning applications have been submitted to NKDC within the required timeframes.

Min ref 18:  Quotes for MS Office 365 Business Basic licenses for councillors were obtained on 11/3/20226 to enable Councillors to use MS Teams with Council’s shared folders.  (Agenda item).

• The Officers and Admin Assistant met on 2/4/2024 regarding the possible transition to Teams and a review of the current licences for staff and councillors was conducted by the Admin Assistant.

Other Council Business:

Council Business

Audit - Instructions on the Annual Governance and Accountability Returns (AGAR) for FY 2025-2026 was received from PKF Littlejohn on 30 March 2026 and circulated to the Finance Committee. The AGAR will be a consideration on the June 2026 agenda.

Annual Parish Meeting (Meeting of the electorate hosted by the Chairman of Council). The Chairman and Clerk met on 18/3/2026 to discuss the arrangements for the APM, and ideas for the Annual Report for FY 2025-2026. The Admin Assistant is supporting the planning for the event and inviting community groups to have an information stand at the meeting. (Agenda item.)

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

Donation to Council – The Horse Chestnut Tree donated by a member of public in memory of their great x 2 grandfather (who helped plant the former horse chestnut trees beside the Beck) arrived on 18/3/2026. This was planted in Horseshoe Hollow on 20/3/2026 by the Environment Caretaker. The donor and her family will erect a plague beside the tree later in the year.

Precept – The first half of the requested precept for FY 2026-2027 has been received from NKDC.

Estate Management and Planning

Cemetery – On 18/3/2026 there were two spaces available for ashes plots available in Sleaford Road cemetery. The Environment Caretaker has commenced the creation of the new ashes interment area on the south border of the cemetery, as previously approved by Council, at a cost of £238.33 for the materials.

• The unused cemetery shed may be relocated to the yard to increase easily accessible but secure storage.

Office Units – All office units are let.

Parish Office – During the high winds on 12/3/2026, the covering over the pipes on the exterior office wall were displaced and cracked. The Buildings’ Caretaker is replacing these.  

• Quotes are being obtained to install an electric hand dryer in the office toilet due to the vast amounts of hand towels being used and wasted.

Pavilion renovation – The architect has submitted updated plans to NKDC Building Control.

• The 30-year environment management plan has yet to be received.

Pavilion hot water for handwashing – The Clerk and RFO are still trying to obtain quotes for an electrician to connect the water heaters to the electrical supply.

Events Committee:

The Events committee met on 17/3/2026 and on 7/4/2026. Plans and posters for upcoming and future events are moving ahead with support from the RFO and Admin Assistant.

Recreation & Environment

Allotments – The Caretakers have removed a large and unwanted shed from an allotment. The allotment holder had given up their allotment and sacrificed their refundable deposit. This required both caretakers to dismantle and a 6-yard skip to remove.

• The Admin Assistant will be taking on the administration of the allotments following changes to their job description, relevant training and a hand over from the RFO.

Changing rooms – Imp Electrical has supplied and fitted a timer for the immersion heater in the changing rooms so there is hot water for the showers.

Community garden – The Co-op volunteers will be undertaking a tidy up of the community garden on Wednesday 29 April 2026 from 10am to 2pm. The Co-op provides the publicity, refreshments, shade/shelter, risk assessments, insurance and the Council will provide toilet facilities.

Ditch at Parkfield playing fields – The Clerk is obtaining quotes for the ditch behind Tomlinson Way to be cleared as soon as possible. To date no responses have been received.

Flooding and Flood investigations – LCC continue the drain inspecting and cleaning work in the village. An update received on 9/3/20226 was circulated to Council.

Parkfield playing fields – The Environment Caretaker excavated two metal posts left in the ground from the former activity court on 8/4/2026 and re-filled the holes. Mole hills have been stamped down.

S106 public consultation – The survey closed on 20 March 2026. The link to the survey has been circulated to all Councillors. Agenda item.

Trees - Following high winds on 12/3/20226 and over the Easter weekend the Environment Caretaker inspected the RPC owned and managed trees on 13/3/2026 and on 7/4/2026.

Tubs beside the beck and planters at the village entrances: These will be filled with spring/summer planting as soon as possible.

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). No work has been completed.

Fen Road railway bridge (SPD2 11)– Collapsed fencing hanging over the road on the south side of the bridge has been repaired by Network Rail.

• Update on 31/3/2026. Network Rail has investigated the length of fencing on the north side of the bridge. A specialist contractor will carry out the work at the end of November 2026. The team will need to be competent at working at heights due to the drop alongside the fencing and the road will need to be closed for safety. Network Rail will advise if the work can be completed earlier than planned.

Other matters:

Findley’s Fundraiser - The approved T&Cs for Findley’s Fundraiser on 11 July 2026 has been signed by the organisers and by the Clerk on behalf of Council. They have received the relevant padlock codes. The organisers of Findley’s Fundraiser are now an established group “Finley’s Legacy Community project”.

Staff matters:

• The Building’s and Play Equipment Caretaker passed their Register of Play Inspectors International (RPII) Exam on 24/3/2026 will be on the RPII register as competent for carrying out play equipment and play area inspections and maintenance to British and European Standards.
• The Clerk is out of office on Thursday and Friday 16/17 April
• The RFO is on annual leave w/c 13/4/2026

Training and attendance at events -

• The Clerk and RFO attended Finance Training (AGAR and end of year finances) at the LALC offices on 17/3/2026.
• Cllr Ditch and Cllr Sheldon attended the NKDC Town and Parish Forum on 17/3/20226 at the NKDC offices in Sleaford.
• The Buildings & Play Equipment Caretaker attended a two-day course at North Hykeham on 23/24/3/2026 regarding the inspection and maintenance of play equipment and play areas.  
• Cllr Ditch, as Chairman of Council, was invited to judge the Ruskington Bingo Easter book cover competition that took place at the Village Hall on 2/4/ 2026. The Bingo organisers would like to donate to a charity of Councill’s choice for Cllr Ditch’s attendance and judging. (Agenda item.)

Committee meetings held since the last ordinary meeting:

• 17 March 2026 – Events Committee
• 7 April 2026 – Events Committee
• 8 April 2026 – Estate Management & Planning Committee

Working party meetings held since the last meeting:

• 16 March 2026 – Pavilion Project Working Party Meeting

Dates for upcoming meetings:

• 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. The event commences at 4pm and the formal meeting commences at 6.30pm. Venues and groups have been invited to have an information stand.