12 May 2026 - DRAFT Annual Meeting of Ruskington Parish Council
Ruskington Parish Council
DRAFT Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Ruskington Parish Council held on Tuesday 12 May 2026 at the Winchelsea Centre, 11 High Street North, Ruskington, NG34 9DY at 7pm.
Please note, these are draft minutes and liable to amendment.
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Present: |
Chairman |
Cllr O Ditch |
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Councillors: |
P Cunningham, D Conway, B Harrison, S Hislop, L Sheldon, M Trolley, |
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In attendance: |
Mrs Kathryn Locke - Clerk to Council |
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Apologies: |
Cllr C Bain, Cllr A Jennings |
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Also present: Two members of the public, County and District Councillor R Wright, and D/Cllr M Waldeck.
Public session: At 6.59pm the Chairman welcomed the delegates, councillors and members of the public and invited the members of public to speak.
A member of the public spoke about their quest to erect hedgehog crossing signs on two LCC owned lampposts on opposite sides of the road outside their property and the difficulties they were facing trying to obtain the necessary permissions. Cllr Wright advised that the Parish Council could approve the signage for hedgehog crossing signs. Council had previously agreed to the signs being erected, if LCC gave their consent.
There were no other comments from the members of public.
The Chairman reminded the Members of the 7 Nolan Principles for those serving in public office: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty; leadership. The Clerk circulated copies of the Principles, and the Members had time to read these. The Chairman answered questions from a member of the public on the Principles, and Cllr Wright advised that following a new Standards Bill, disciplinary measures may be announced in the King’s Speech for those failing to comply with the Nolan Principles and Code of Conduct.
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.13pm.
1. To elect a Chairman for the civic year.
Action: The Council RESOLVED to elect Cllr Ditch as the Chairman of Council for the 2026-2027 civic year. Proposed by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Hislop 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 for Ruskington Parish Council. This was counter signed signed by the Clerk.
3. To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Parish Clerk prior to the meeting.
Cllr Bain and Cllr Jennings had been unable to attend the meeting and had sent valid apologies.
Action: The Council RESOLVED to accept Cllr Bain and Cllr Jennings’ apologies. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Cunningham and approved unanimously.
4. To receive declarations of interest and to consider 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 14 April 2026.
Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the notes of the meeting held on 14 April 2026 as accurate Minutes. Proposed by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.
6. To elect a Vice- Chairman for the civic year.
Action: The Council RESOLVED to elect Cllr Trolley as the Vice-chairman of Council for the 2026-2027 civic year. Proposed by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Sheldon and approved unanimously.
7. To receive information on resignations from Ruskington Parish Council and an update on co-option to Council.
The Chairman advised that Cllr Cox and Cllr Tomlinson had resigned from Council on 4 May 2026. NKDC had been informed and the Notices of Vacancies were being displayed as required. If by 27 May 2026 no election had been called, Council could co-opt to fill the vacancies. No applications to fill the previous two vacancies had been received.
8. To receive the District and County Councillors’ reports – for information only.
Cllr Wright reported the following:
- Lincolnshire Community Foundation were promoting a heating oil scheme, offering vouchers worth £300.00 to eligible households. Details of this would be forwarded to the Clerk for circulating and publicising.
- The County Council was reviewing the services it was proposing to cut such as the short breaks and respite schemes.
- The A1 at Colsterworth would be closed for a period overnight night from 1 June 2026.
- The applicants of the proposed biogas plant for Anwick had withdrawn the item from the recent LCC Planning Committee meeting agenda.
- The Local Government Review remained on track for an announcement in July. Visits had been made to the proposed new areas.
- Individuals could now apply to LCC for “H” bars on the road outside their property. The individual would pay the costs. “H” bars were not enforceable and would not be reinstated following any road works or resurfacing.
- Cllr Wright was aware that pot holes remained a concern and explained that smaller pot holes were filled in first as part of the existing budget, but larger pot holes were filled in later, as the budget allowed.
- Ruskington High Street North was due to be re-surfaced on 17 May 2026.
Cllr Wright, in response to a query asking why not all the pot holes on High Street South had been repaired, advised that it was important to report the exact location of each pothole to enable enough material to be dispatched for the work required on the day. The poor condition of the pot hole repairs on Wood Lane was raised.
The Chairman asked about the possibility of extending the lease for the land at Hillside play area and any impact that an upcoming unitary council may have on lease agreements, such as compulsory purchase of the land. Cllr Wright advised Council to submit a formal request for an extension of the lease to NKDC as soon as possible.
Cllr Waldeck advised that NKDC was holding its annual council meeting on Thursday 14 May 2026.
The Chairman thanked the Councillors who left the meeting at 7.32pm.
8.1. To raise any Highway issues with County Councillor Wright.
These had been discussed in item 8, above.
9. To agree the Committees and Working Groups of Council
Action: The Council RESOLVED to open the following committees and working parties as listed below. These could be reviewed at any time.
Committees of Council:
- HR Committee (staffing/personnel)
- Finance & Governance Committee (this would include scrutiny and reviewing policies not directly relevant to other committees)
- Environment, Estate Management & Planning Committee (overseeing the improvement of the environment and biodiversity, buildings, amenities, facilities, grounds, and planning applications)
- Events and Recreation Committee (improving and increasing opportunities for sport, leisure, play, sports/play equipment, and planning events including the Annual Parish Meeting).
Working Parties of Council:
- The Pavilion Project
- Hillside play area
- The s106 claim and projects.
Proposed by Cllr Hislop, seconded by Cllr Sheldon and approved with six votes for and one vote against.
9.1. To appoint members to serve on Committees and Working Groups of Council as required.
Action: The Council RESOLVED to appoint the following Members to serve on the committees and working parties as listed below. It was not known at this time which committees Cllr Jennings would be appointed to.
Committees of Council
- HR Committee: Cllr Bain (who had previously expressed an interest) Cllr Hislop, Cllr Conway and Cllr Sheldon.
- Finance & Governance Committee: Cllr Ditch (as Chairman of Council), the chairman of each standing committee, Cllr Conway, Cllr Harrison.
- Environment, Estate Management & Planning Committee: Cllr Ditch, Cllr Hilsop, Cllr Trolley, Cllr Conway, Cllr Cunningham. The Environment Caretaker would advise on the environmental and biodiversity matters as required.
- Events and Recreation Committee: Cllr Harrison, Cllr Cunningham, Cllr Sheldon, Cllr Bain (who had previously expressed an interest).
Proposed by Cllr Cunningham, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved with six votes for and one vote against.
Working Parties of Council
- The Pavilion Project: This was open to all members to join with Cllr Conway appointed as the lead for the project.
- Hillside play area: This was open to all members to join.
- The s106 claim and projects: This was open to all members to join.
Proposed by Cllr Sheldon, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved unanimously.
10. Appointment of representatives to outside bodies.
Action: The Council RESOLVED to appoint representatives to the outside bodies as listed in 10.1. to 10.4., below.
10.1. Ruskington Emergency Plan Committee: Cllr Ditch and Cllr Trolley
10.2. Ruskington Village Hall Management Committee: Cllr Sheldon
10.3. Ruskington Area Veteran’s Group: Cllr Harrison
10.4. Ruskington Medical Centre Patient Participation Group: Cllr Harrison
Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.
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 approve the re-appointment of the current bank signatories: Cllr Ditch, Cllr Trolley, Cllr Bain, and Cllr Harrison. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved unanimously.
11.2. To approve the payments made and consider the invoices for payment received since the meeting held on 14 April 2026.
Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the payments made and to pay the invoices presented since 14 April 2026. Proposed by Cllr Troley, second by Cllr Hislop and approved unanimously.
11.3. To consider /approve the bank reconciliations for April 2026 and the 2025-2026 fiscal year end.
Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the bank reconciliations for April 2026 and the end of year bank reconciliation for FY 2025-2026. Proposed by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously. The Chairman and Vice-chairman signed the end of year bank reconciliation.
11.4. To consider/ approve the asset register as recommended by the Finance Committee.
Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the asset register for the end of FY 2025-2026 as reviewed and recommended by the Finance Committee. Proposed by Cllr Cunningham, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.
11.5. To receive the internal audit report and consider any recommendations.
The internal audit covered both financial matters and the governance of Council. No recommendations had been made. The Chairman thanked the RFO and staff for their diligence and hard work.
11.6. To receive a financial report for April 2026 from the RFO.
This had been circulated prior to the meeting. It was the beginning of the fiscal year, and no budgetary concerns were highlighted. Preparation for the AGAR was underway.
11.7. To consider the Finance Committees recommendation to award grant funding/donations to eligible community groups twice a year (April and November) rather than annually in October.
Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the recommendation to award grant funding/donations to eligible community groups twice a year (in April and November). Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.
11.8. To consider the CIL reporting form as recommended by the Finance Committee prior to submitting to NKDC.
Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the CIL reporting form as recommended. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Cunningham and approved unanimously.
11.9. To consider Council’s insurance requirements following review by the Finance Committee.
The Renewal was due on 1 June 2026.
Information from Gallagher (insurance broker) in response to questions raised by the Finance Committee had been circulated prior to the meeting. Council was entering the second year of a three-year agreement with Hiscox. The quote was for £4,870.06 which was an increase of £182.06 from 2025-2026. Gallagher advised that the increase was due to index linking being applied this year.
Action: The Council RESOLVED to pay £4,870.06 for the insurance renewal for FY 2026-2027. Proposed by Cllr Sheldon, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved unanimously.
11.10. To consider the Finance Committee’s recommendations following its review of the Bowls Club business case for claiming part of the s106 fund.
The Finance Committee had agreed to seek advice from NKDC on the eligibility of the Bowls Club and to support the Bowls Club in finding sources of funding.
Action: To await the response from NKDC to confirm if a paid membership club was eligible for a s106 claim.
12. Consider /approve of the following Terms of Reference and policies and consider any amendments recommended: -
12.1. Standing Orders as recommended by the Finance Committee
12.2. Financial Regulations as recommended by the Finance Committee
12.3. Risk management Scheme as recommended by the Finance Committee
12.4. Code of Conduct (This is the NKDC adopted document. No notification of amendment has been received.)
Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve and adopt the Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, Risk Management Scheme and Code of Conduct (agenda items 12.1 to 12.4 above) as reviewed and recommended by the Finance Committee. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Harrison and approved unanimously.
12.5. Terms of Reference for:
a. Finance Committee
b. The Chairman
c. The Vice-Chairman
d. Delegates to outside agencies
Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve and adopt the Terms of Reference for the Finance Committee, The Chairman, The Vice-Chairman and Delegates to Outside Agencies (agenda items 12.5.a to d, above) as reviewed and recommended by the Finance Committee. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Harrison and approved unanimously.
12.6. Grants & Donations Policy as recommended by the Finance Committee.
Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve and adopt the Grants & Donations Policy as reviewed, revised to include a description of “operational costs” and recommended by the Finance Committee and following the approval to award grants twice in each fiscal year. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Harrison and approved unanimously.
12.7. Data Processing Road Map (Assertion 10 requirement for audits) as recommended by the Finance Committee.
Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the Data Processing Road Map as recommended by the Finance Committee. This could be updated at any time. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Harrison and approved unanimously.
12.8. Horseshoe Hollow Management Plan following revision and recommendation by the Recreation and Environment Committee.
Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the Horseshoe Hollow Management Plan as revised and recommended by the Recreation and Environment Committee. The Plan would be subject to ongoing revision by the Environment Caretaker to reflect the development of Horseshoe Hollow as a nature reserve. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved unanimously.
12.9. DRAFT - Procurement Act 2023 Conflicts Assessment.
Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the Procurement Act 2023 Conflicts Assessment for use when conducting any procurements. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Conway and approved unanimously.
13. To receive the Clerk’s report (for information only)
This had been circulated prior to the meeting. The Clerk answered questions.
14. To consider the requirement to focus on completing current projects before commencing any new projects. (Current projects include: the 4G surface for the MUGA, the conservation area, Hillside play area, the pavilion refurbishment including the overflow carpark, and the s106 claim.)
Action: The Council RESOLVED to focus on the projects listed above – the 4G surface for the MUGA, Hillside play area, the conservation area, the pavilion and overflow carpark, and the projects for the s106 claim before commencing any new projects. It was agreed to halt the bus shelter project for the time being. Proposed by Cllr Sheldon, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved unanimously.
15. To finalise the arrangements for the Annual Parish Meeting (meeting of the electorate hosted by the Chairman) on Tuesday 26 May 2025 commencing at 4pm at Ruskington Methodist Church, including the information to be displayed and councillor roles for the event. The meeting proper starts at 6.30pm.
Information and a draft agenda had been circulated prior to the meeting. The NKDC Conservation Officers had confirmed their attendance to make a presentation, and the representatives of the Flood Forum and Lincolnshire Resilience Forum would make a presentation on community emergency planning. Cllrs Ditch, Cunningham, Sheldon and Hislop would be available to help at the event. Volunteers form the Methodist Church had agreed to serve refreshments (as purchased by Council). The Council to display information to showcase what Council had achieved over the last fiscal year and upcoming projects. Information to include: the Annual Report, pavilion plans, photos from events and publicity for upcoming events, if available, the lychgate renovation, the proposed conservation area, and the management plan for Horseshoe Hollow.
16. To receive / consider the recommendations of the s106 Evaluation Working Party and Finance Committee regarding eligible projects for the s106 claim that benefit the majority of the residents.
Cllr Trolley gave an overview of the recommendations of the working party which had been considered by the Finance Committee at its meeting on 28 April 2026. Projects had been selected by the Working Party by using a matrix of questions. The Clerk had sought advice from NKDC regarding eligibility criteria for some of the projects suggested to Council, and had submitted the following “wish list” of projects to NKDC for initial feedback before they were considered any further:
- The development of the Parkfield Sports Pavillion (incorporating a Community Cafe with both indoor and outdoor seating areas) as a multi-activity hub encompassing clubs, societies, indoor sports, a youth centre etc.,
- The development of an outdoor 'Trim-Trail' starting and finishing at the front of the pavilion, suitable for a variety of users including 'wheeled' modes of conveyance (cycles, mobility transport, pushchairs etc), possibly incorporating fitness apparatus, solar lighting, information boards, and children's nature-trail 'spotting' activities,
- The development of a small skate/cycle park adjacent to the Pavilion,
- The development of a 'half-court' basketball facility adjacent to the Parkfield play area facility.
The 4G surface for the MUGA was also put forward to NKDC for a potential claim.
16.1. To agree the most beneficial projects and agree any next steps.
Action: The Council RESOLVED that the development of Parkfield Pavilion and overflow car park was the most beneficial and essential project as this would be become an inclusive and accessible facility for people all of ages to use and enjoy and would be the hub for further improvements at Parkfield.
The other projects, as listed above, would be considered further for the s106 claim or other funding opportunities. Proposed by Cllr Cunningham, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.
17. To receive a report and recommendations from the Recreation & Environment Committee following its meeting on 5 May 2026.
The notes of the committee meeting had been circulated prior to the meeting and Cllr Trolley gave an overview.
17.1. To consider the Committee’s response to the special motion concerning Hillside play area, and any recommendations made.
Cllr Trolley gave an overview and advised that Councillors and staff had met at the play area on Friday 8 May 2026. The play area was in a worse condition than thought, mainly due to the vegetation growth through the play bark. Options had been discussed and NKDC had been asked if the play area could be closed prior to the lease ending in March 2029, or if the lease could be extended for 10 years beyond 2029, to allow funding to be sought to replace the play equipment and surface. Relocating the play area further back into the field was considered again to protect it from any future housing development along Fen Road.
Action: The Council RESOLVED to formally approach NKDC regarding an extension of the lease for ten plus years for the land, to enable the play area to be relocated and funding for a new play park sought. In the meantime the play area was to be kept maintained and safe. A bench made of recyclable materials to be purchased and installed at a cost of no more than £300.00. The bench could be relocated, as required, at a later date. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Cunningham and approved unanimously.
18. Events and to receive a report and recommendations from the Events Committee – Cllr Harrison.
Cllr Harrison gave a report and update on the events being planned – the Celebration Of Youth Day on 15 August and the Christmas Market on 5 December 2026. The Committee would be meeting again on 21 May 2026. Two members of public had expressed an interest in co-option to the Committee and planned to observe the committee meeting before deciding.
18.1. To agree a date for the next community litter pick and confirm the councillor to lead the event.
This was deferred until a Councillor was available to lead a litter pick.
18.2. To receive feedback from the Events Committee following the Duck Hunt and Party in the Garden on 4 May 2026 – Cllr Harrison
Cllr Harrison reported that the event had been a success and feedback had been positive. A “wash up” meeting had been held and the notes form this would be circulated as soon as possible after the meeting.
19. Estate Management & Planning Committee
Cllr Trolley gave an overview.
19.1. To receive an update on the pavilion project and tender process.
Cllr Conway advised that the tender was now live on the Find a Tender website. The Clerk reported that the link had been shared on Council’s communication channels, noticeboards, and at the entrances to the pavilion.
19.1.2. To appoint impartial Members to the tender assessment panel (assessment w/c 29 June 2026).
Action: The Council RESOLVED to appoint Cllr Ditch, Cllr Conway and Cllr Cunningham to the tender assessment panel. The RFO and/or Clerk would also be in attendance. A matrix of tender assessment questions to be agreed.
19.2. To receive an overview of planning applications. - Cllr Trolley.
The information had previously been circulated. (Please see attached, below.) Cllr Trolley gave an overview.
20. Correspondence.
For correspondence not requiring a motion or financial decision, please see the Clerk’s report, attached below.
20.1. To consider hosting an Evri locker near the pavilion or village hall following the loss of the locker at One Stop.
Information had been circulated prior to the meeting. No site owned by Council was suitable for 24-hour access.
Action: The Council RESOLVED not to host an Evri locker at Parkfield as the car park was locked overnight for security, and to prevent disturbances to the residents who lived nearby. Proposed by Cllr Cunningham, seconded by Cllr Sheldon and approved unanimously.
21. To receive Members’ Reports – for information only. (Any items raised for decision will appear on a future agenda for decision.)
- Cllr Conway asked if the councillor surgeries could be reinstated.
- Cllr Sheldon asked if the tennis nets at the MUGA could be erected and stay in place throughout June.
- Cllr Cunningham asked if money could be ringfenced for the maintenance of the play areas and play equipment. (Item for the June agenda).
- Cllr Harrison also asked if the tennis nets could be set up and left in situ.
A remaining member of public left the meeting.
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 staffing, insurance matters below.
Action: The Council RESOLVED to exclude the public and press to discuss the matters below. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved unanimously.
The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.15pm. The meeting re-convened at 9.15pm.
23. To receive an update and any recommendations from the HR Committee, including enrolment into the LGPS for eligible staff members, staff health and wellbeing, and the parish caretaker vacancy. Cllr Hislop and the Clerk gave updates.
- Four of the five eligible employees had been enrolled into the LGPS from 1 April 2026 following consultation and consent. One employee had opted to remain with the previous pension provider.
- The Parish Caretaker vacancy was being advertised on Council’s communications channels, website, noticeboard, and on the Job Finder UK website. The closing dates for applications was Sunday 24 May 2026.
24. To consider the staff hours and the recommendation of the Finance Committee– Cllr Harrison
Action: The Council RESOLVED to increase the RFO’s hours from 30 hours per week to 37 hours per week. Proposed by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Cunningham and approved with six votes for and one against.
25. To receive an update on the insurance claim.
The Clerk provided an update. Item closed.
26. To receive information and an update on the bid to the Football Foundation for funding for a 4G pitch for the Parkfield MUGA, including the quotes for a maintenance programme if available, and agree the next steps.
Cllr Ditch provided an overview, and the Clerk provided an update.
Action: The Council RESOLVED to continue with the 4G surface and funding bid and for the Clerk to submit the pitch surface report to the Football Foundation. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Conway and approved unanimously.
The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.42pm.
The Members present signed and returned to the Clerk, a Declaration of Acceptance of the Code of Conduct, for the civic year 2026-2027.
Clerk’s Report for the AMPC /May 2026 meeting. |
Meeting date: 12 May 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 14 April 2026.
Min ref 5.1. The RFO has made all the approved payments.
Min ref 5.3. The format for the RAG financial report form was considered at the Finance Committee meeting on 28/4/2026.
Min ref 5.4. Internal auditor report
Min ref 5.5. On 22/4/2026 SCIS Ltd transferred all Councillors’ MSO 365 licences to Business Basic licences with the fee to be paid annually as this was cost-efficient. Research suggests that other local councils used One Drive with shared access by the Clerk as required.
Min ref 5.6. The RFO has paid the £250.00 grant awarded to Findley’s Legacy Community Project.
Min ref 5.7. The RFO has two dog poo bag dispensers and bags. The Caretaker is erecting these at Parkfield on posts beside the waste bins.
Min ref 5.8. At its meeting on 28/4/2026, the Finance Committee deferred the requirement and costs for outdoor /garden furniture to the relevant committees (Recreation & Environment and Estate Management & Planning).
Min ref 5.9. The RFO has paid £50.00 to the Lincolnshire Air Ambulance via BACS.
Min ref 10. Committee Chairmen have sent reports to the Chairman of Council to inform the Annual Report for FY 2025-2026.
Min ref 13: Football Foundation - The outcome of the application was halted whilst information was being collated. (Agenda item)
Min ref 13.1.2. Sports Pitch Consultant – The cost for the pitch inspection and report (and maintenance plan) have been requested from the contractor and are awaited. (Agenda item)
Min ref 13.2. The organisers of a fitness activity have been advised that they can use the playing fields but must undertake their own risk assessments and check the route before use. Caretakers will check the playing fields on Monday afternoons. The organisers have thanked Council. The first activity took place on 28/4/2026.
Min ref 14.1. The RFO has purchased the two gazebos for Council events, and these were used at the event on 4 May 2026.
Min ref 15.1. Consent for the bench on the High Street (donated by a resident) is awaited from LCC. (Ref 4214149.) The donor of the bench is delighted that their request has been favourably considered and has thanked the Council. Update on 7/5/2026. LCC has given consent for the bench. The Clerk has signed and retuned the necessary agreements.
Min ref 15.2. Details of a bench to commemorate the late Queen Elizabeth II are awaited from the donor.
Min ref 15.3. The Bus Shelter Working Party has yet to meet.
Min ref 16: Planning comments have been submitted to NKDC.
Min ref 21: The Finance Committee reviewed costs for increasing staff working hours at its meeting on 28 April 2026. (Agenda item). The HR Committee meeting, scheduled for 11 May, was adjourned as it was not quorate.
Min ref 22. The vacancy for a parish caretaker went live on 23/4/2026. It has been promoted on Council’s communication channels, the DWP website, and in LALC newsletter. The closing date is 24/4/2026 with a view to interviewing w/c 1 June 2026.
Min ref 23: NKDC has been asked about the closure of Hillside play area before the lease expires. The response is awaited. Agenda item.
Min ref 24: The insurance matter has been resolved. Formal notification of closure of the case is awaited from the insurer.
Min ref 25: The RFO successfully published the Pavilion renovation tender on the government Find a Tender website on 7/5/2026.
Other Council Business:
Council Business
Audit – The internal auditors report (finance and governance) was received on 27/4/2027, circulated to Council on 28/4/2026 and was reviewed by the Finance Committee at its meeting on 28/4/2026. No recommendations were made. (Agenda item). The AGAR will be a consideration on the June 2026 agenda.
Annual Parish Meeting (Meeting of the electorate hosted by the Chairman of Council). This takes place on Tuesday 26 May 2026 at the Methodist Church from 4pm. The formal meeting commences at 6.30pm. Council has access to the building from 3pm on the day and members of the Methodist Church have kindly volunteered to serve refreshments (purchased by Council).
Code of Conduct – Councillors are reminded of the 7 Nolan principles: Selflessness, Integrity Objectivity Accountability Openness Honesty Leadership. Councillors are also reminded that as the parish council is a corporate body, none of its members can act alone, attend meetings alone, or send correspondence. A council and committee can discharge its functions to a committee or sub-committee or an officer (Clerk / RFO) via the actions/ minutes of a properly convened meeting.
Co-option – No expression of interest or application forms have been received. The two vacancies continue to be advertised on social media, the website, and in the monthly newsletter.
Councillor resignations – Cllrs Cox and Tomlinson resigned from Council on 4 May 2026. The Chairman has responded to the resignations. NKDC has been informed and Notices of Vacancies have been provided and displayed as required. If on 27 May 2026, no election has been called, Council can co-opt to fill the vacancies.
Correspondence (for information only).
a. LALC (by email) fortnightly e-news.
b. LALC (by email on 9/4/2026) – April training bulletin. (Circulated to Council and its staff.)
c. member of public (by email on 13/4/2026) – Link to April agenda. (Agenda emailed.)
d. Lions JFC (by email on 14/4/2026) -Minutes of April 2026 meeting
e. Lincolnshire Community Foundation – (by email on 14/4/2026) - Crisis and Resilience Fund - Oil Support. (Information shared on Council’s communication channels.)
f. Sport England Active Places (by email on 15/4/2026) – Parkfield sports facilities. (Circulated to Council.)
g. Resident (by email on 15 /4/2026) – Grass cutting query. (Resolved - the grass has since been cut.)
h. Health Watch Lincolnshire (by email on 16/4/2024) – April newsletter (Circulated to Council.)
i. Lincolnshire Army Cadet Force (by email on 22/4/2026) – Volunteering opportunities for 30 cadets. (Clerk has responded with three suggestions after discussion with the Environment Caretaker.)
j. Recruitment agency (via email on 23/4/2026) – Caretaker vacancy. (Responded to by the Clerk).
k. (member of public (by email on 23/7/2025) – land ownership between Pinfold Lane and Pinfold Way. (Signposted to NKDC and the Land Registry.)
l. Member of public on 24/4/2026) – Complaint about parking at, and in the vicinity of, Parkfield playing fields on Saturdays during football matches. (Circulated to Council.)
m. Member of public (by email on 25/4/2026) – Report of young people climbing on the roof of the youth shelter at Elmtree. (Caretaker re-applied anti-climb paint.)
n. Member of public (by email on 28/4/2026) – Possibility of hosting an Evri locker at Parkfield.
o. LCC (by email on 1/5/2026) -LCC planning committee meeting re planning application 25/0431/CCC / LCC reference PL/0016/25 (Circulated to the Planning Committee)
p. Winchelsea Centre (By email on 4/5/2026) – Positive feedback and a thank you for the Council event on 4/5/2026.
q. All Saints Parish Church (by email to Cllr Ditch) – Positive feedback and a thank you for the Council event on 4/5/2026.
r. Member of public (by email on 5/5/2026) – Advised of a broken website link and request for the website link to Councillor’s Registers of Interests. (Link provided).
s. LCC (by email on 6/5/2026) – Fostering Week. (Information shared.)
t. Member of public (by email on 6/5/2026) – Positive feedback and thank you for the May Day event.
u. Clerks & Councils Direct (By post on 7/5/2026) – May newsletter.
Donations to Council: A resident has donated a brown bin full of snowdrop and bluebell bulbs removed from her garden.
- Cllr Harrison donated two £10.00 Amazon vouchers for the Duck Hunt raffle prize, and Cllr Sheldon donated a duck mug & hot drink hamper for the same event on 4 May 2026.
- The two willow trees purchased with money donated by the pupils of St George’s Academy (Ruskington campus) were received on 7/5/2026. The Environment Caretaker will be planting these. It is hoped that these will be planted by the Lincolnshire Army Cadets later this year as part of their community volunteering activities.
Website - The Admin Assistant noted that out of date policy documents and downloads can no longer be removed from the website. LCC has advised that: Following on from some issues LCC have experienced had with some parishes deleting downloads (which is the only thing LCC cannot get back if completed incorrectly) they decided that the delete option would no longer be available…
Downloads should now only be used for year-end documents when they are scans of printouts, everything else added to the site should be in the accessible document page format.
If there are specific downloads you need to be deleted, LCC’s information officer is to be advised so they can delete the required download.
In addition, Parishes are no longer able to create or delete homepages, but LCC can help if a new one is required to be built. These measures are to protect parishes from doing things they shouldn’t, such as deleting their cookies homepage.
This new way of sharing information on the website will take some time to manage and to convert all the policy documents, cemetery information etc., into document pages. Research into new website providers may be required.
Estate Management and Planning
Cemetery - The new interment of ashes area has been created by the caretakers on the south border. This has generated 40 plots for the interment of cremated remains.
- The unused cemetery shed will be relocated to the office yard, to increase easily accessible but secure storage, once its transportation can be arranged.
Community garden – The Co-op volunteers conducted a tidy up of the community garden on Wednesday 29 April 2026 from 10am to 2pm. The Co-op provided the publicity, refreshments, shade/shelter, risk assessments, insurance, photos and photo consent forms, and the Council provided toilet facilities. Cllr Conway volunteered at the tidy up, and the Environment Caretaker provided direction.
Parish Office –
- Office Units – All office units are let.
- The Buildings Caretaker has undertaken taken remedial work to the exterior of the parish office and has repainted painted the black strip just above ground level.
- The Buildings Caretaker will be repairing the blue gates at the office and replacing the broken slats.
Pavilion renovation –.
- The 30-year environment management plan has yet to be received.
- The tender went live on the Find a Tender (government) website on 7 May 2026.
Dates for the tender process are as follows…
- Tenders available from 6 May 2026
- On site meeting with tender applicants – Tuesday 19 May 2026 at 10.30am.
- Tender return – Friday 26 June at 12 noon.
- Tender assessment – w/c 29 June 2026
- Award of contract w/c/ 14 July 2026.
Environment:
- Allotments – On 20/4/2026 The Caretakers repaired a broken ball cock on a water trough in the allotments.
- 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.
- Tubs beside the Beck and planters at the village entrances: Ruskington Garden Centre has been asked to provide the plants for the tubs beside the Beck and on the village, entry signs up to the budget agreed.
- 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)– 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.
- Fly-tipping of retail waste have been found on the Reading Room passage an in the Beck has been reported to NKDC for investigation. Items include disposable gloves and meat products.
Events: A successful Duck Hunt and Garden Party were held in the community garden and Winchelsea Centre on Bank Holiday Monday 4 May 2026. Feedback from attendees has been very positive.
Recreation
Changing rooms – Nothing to report.
Ditch at Parkfield playing fields – The caretaker is re-costing how much it will be to hire a digger and dig out the ditch behind Tomlinson Way. (There has been no response from contractors about this.)
Parkfield playing fields – The Lions JFC were reminded on 28/4/2026 to review the 10-year lease agreement for maintaining the playing fields and to return a signed copy if they had no questions.
- Football Tournament – The Lions JF were reminded on 28/4/2026 to review the Terms and Conditions for the use of the playing fields on 27/28 June 2026 and to return a signed copy before 17 June if they had no questions about the T&Cs.
S106 public consultation –
Trees –
- The Environment Caretaker contacted the Environment Agency re planting willow trees in Horseshoe Hollow, and an exemption has been granted. The trees have been ordered and are expected for delivery in the next couple of weeks.
Other matters:
Staff matters:
- Three eligible staff members have been enrolled in the LGPS from 1 April 2026 following consultation and consent.
Training and attendance at events:
- The Clerk and RFO attended Procurement training on 23/4/2026
- Cllr Sheldon is attending AI training sessions via Zoom in May 2026
- The Admin Assistant is attending allotment training and AI training (community engagement) in May 2026.
Committee meetings held since the last ordinary meeting:
- 28 April 2026 – Finance Committee (End of year review of finances and reserves)
- 30 April 2026 – Events Committee
- 5 May 2026 – Recreation and Environment Committee
Working party meetings held since the last meeting:
- Tuesday 21 April 2026 – s106 Evaluation Working Party.
- Tuesday 21 April 2026 – Events Committee working party meeting.
Dates for upcoming meetings:
- 21 May 2026 – Events Committee meeting at 6pm at the Parish Office.
- 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.
- Tuesday 2 June 2026 – Estate Management & Planning at 6.30pm at the Parish office.
- Tuesday 9 June 2026 – Council meeting at 7pm at the Winchelsea Centre.
- A new date for the HR Committee meeting is awaited (scheduled for 11 May 2011 but adjourned as wasn’t quorate.)
Planning comments from the EMP Cttee for the AMPC on 12 May 2026
1. New applications received from NKDC.
a. Planning Application Reference: 26/0388/FUL
Proposal: Installation of a modular self-service launderette facility and associated works
including relocation of cycle stands.
Location: Co-op 17 High Street North Ruskington Sleaford Lincolnshire
Comments to be returned to NKDC by 18 May 2026.
Action: The Committee has no objections to this application.
b. Planning Application Reference: 26/0484/HOUS
Proposal: Proposed garage extension
Location: 24 Legion Way Ruskington Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 9XH
Comments must be sent to NKDC by 30 May 2026
Action: The Committee has no objections to this application if the neighbouring properties have no concerns.
2. Notice of applications approved by NKDC.
a. Application Reference: 26/0226/HOUS
Proposal: Erection of a two-storey side extension
Location: 36 Hurn Close Ruskington Sleaford
Notice of approval received on 9/4/2026
b. Application Reference: 25/1553/FUL
Proposal: Change of use of garden building to dog grooming parlour
Location: 25 St Clements Road Ruskington Sleaford
Notice of approval received on 24/4/2026.
3. Notice of an LCC planning application committee meeting from LCC
- PL/0016/25 -Land to the West of Moy Park facility and South of the a153, Anwick. (Proposed biogas plant). Notice of a meeting of the LCC planning committee regarding the below application and link to view this online.
Update: LCC Planning advised by email on 8/5/2026 that the applicant has withdrawn the application from the above planning committee agenda.