Ruskington Parish Council

 

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

Please note, these are draft minutes and liable to amendment. 

Present:	Chairman	Cllr O Ditch
Councillors:		P Cunningham, D Conway, B Harrison, S Hislop, L Sheldon, M Trolley, A Jennings
In attendance:		Mrs Kathryn Locke - Clerk to Council
Apologies:		Cllr C Bain

Also present: Seven members of the public, two of whom were observing the meeting as potential candidates for co-option to Council, and County and District Councillor R Wright, and D/Cllr M Waldeck.

 

Public session:

Questions for public session had been received prior to the meeting, and the correspondent had been replied to. Please see the questions and responses in Appendix A.

At 7pm the Chairman welcomed the delegates, councillors and members of the public and invited the members of public to speak.

A member of the public asked about flood investigation updates. A report had been received from the LCC Flood Manager on 4 June 2026. (Please see Appendix B.) A copy of the report including a map to show the works, was presented to the member of the public at the end of the public session and would also be available on the Council’s website.

 

A member of public, representing Ruskington Bowls Club, advised that the Bowls Club had updated their posters and social media posts (these had been shared with Council) and that the club were offering free activity sessions during the summer.

 

Road traffic issues were also raised by two members of the public, including speeding, parking outside the Black Bull and the number of accidents on Rectory Road, the latter of which was reported to have almost struck a gas main. This had been reported to the Police and Cllr Wright was following this up.

 

The Chairman invited questions and comments from the Council and the District and County Councillors. Cllr Wright advised that speeding should be reported to the police and highways matters to LCC Highways. Cllr Wright explained the process for obtaining traffic calming measures. The Road Safety Partnership collated information on accidents, speeding and fatalities before agreeing any actions. Ruskington did not feature on its list due to the lack of accidents. Other comments made included, the parking outside the Black Bull helped to slow down the traffic; the possibility of Council purchasing temporary “passive notice” speed limit signs (which the Council can erect) and speed indicator devices, plus revisiting the Community Speed Watch scheme, if volunteers could be recruited. Council would further consider these measures and any expenditure.

 

Silting of the Beck was also raised. The Clerk advised that the Flood manager at LCC had contacted the Environment Agency (EA) about this but was awaiting a response and that concerns about the Beck should be reported directly to the EA.

 

There were no other comments from the members of public. The Chairman thanked the members of public for their attendance and for raising their concerns.

Five members of public left the meeting.

 

The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.21pm.

 

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

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

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

 

2. To receive declarations of interest and to consider applications for dispensations in relation to DPIs.

Cllr Hislop declared an interest in agenda item 15.1., below, (planning application 24/0912/FUL) due to the nature of her employment.

 

3. To approve the notes of the Annual Meeting of Ruskington Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 12 May 2026 as accurate Minutes. 

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the notes of the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council, as accurate Minutes. Proposed by Cllr Hislop, seconded by Cllr Harrison and approved with seven votes for and one abstention (the councillor not been present at the previous meeting.)

(Please note, the extra-ordinary meeting called for 19 May 2026 was adjourned as it was inquorate. A new meeting date was not arranged.)

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

Cllr Wright gave the following County Council updates:

• He had recently attended a Highways Scrutiny Committee meeting where the planning for winter had commenced. Cllr Wright advised that gritting works were informed by the temperature of the road surface, not by the temperature of the air, and that although failed grit bins were not usually replaced, the one on the junction of Manor Street would be.
• The roundabout on the A46 bypass was to be improved and the agreed plans for this had been sent to the Executive Committee and Planning for their consideration. 

On behalf of the District Council, Cllr Wright reported that:

• The first phase of the Carre Arms refurbishment had been completed. Council was signposted to its social media pages to see the improvements. This refurbishment was keeping the hotel viable.
• The work on 25B Money’s Yard had commenced to install a Changing Places changing room, public toilets and an upstairs office suite.
• The application for a cinema in Sleaford had been validated and would now progress to planning.

The Chairman asked for information on the Changing Places funding as Council had considered applying for this, when next available, to improve the public toilets by adding a changing area for people with disabilities. Cllr Wright advised that a changing places room required a significant amount of space and that NKDC may have self-funded this project, and that he would check the funding source.

Cllr Wright also reported that he had been contacted by a member of the public about the s106 funding and advised that Council may need to advise residents on the process as misinformation was being circulated.

Cllr Waldeck commented on the churchyard and how lovely this looked.

Cllr Wright advised that following the introduction of a new policy, district councils who maintained closed church yards could now increase their precept to pay for the maintenance. 

The Chairman thanked the councillors for their attendance and reports, and they left the meeting at 7.36pm.

 

   4.1. To raise any Highway issues with County Councillor Wright. (Speeding on Springfield Road, road traffic safety issues and the number of accidents on Rectory Road, as reported by residents.)

These had been discussed in the public session above.

 

5. To receive a report from the Flood Team at LCC, if available.

This had been circulated prior to the meeting. No questions had been raised. (Please see Appendix B.)

 

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

The Clerk advised that three co-option packs had been issued to members of the public following expressions of interest.  One application form had been received, and the applicant had met with the Chairman and Clerk prior to this meeting, and two members of the public were observing the meeting as part of the co-option process.

 

7. Financial matters

The RFO had circulated all the information prior to the meeting.

   7.1. To approve the payments made and consider the invoices for payment received since the meeting held on 12 May 2026.

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

   7.2. To receive the end of year internal audit report and consider any recommendations.

This had been circulated prior to the meeting. No recommendations had been made by the auditor.

   7.3. To consider the explanation of variances as accompanies the AGAR submission for 2026.

The RFO explained the variances were due to Council spending less money in FY 2025-2026 than in the previous fiscal year as, in order to increase reserves, no major projects had been undertaken.

   7.4. To complete via vote all statements of the Annual Governance Statement 2025/2026 (Section 1) of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return. (AGAR.)

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

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve all the statements in the Annual Governance Statement 2025/2026 (Section 1) as accurate. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Cunningham and approved unanimously. The Chairman and Clerk signed Section 1 of the AGAR.

   7.5. To approve via vote the Accounting Statements 2025/2026 (Section 2) of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve by vote the accuracy of the Accounting Statements (Section 2) of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return for 2025-2026. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved unanimously.

The Chairman signed Section 2 of the AGAR.

   7.6. To agree the date to display the AGAR from (must include the first fourteen days of July 2026).

Action: The Council RESOLVED to display the AGAR from Wednesday 17 June 2026 to Tuesday 28 July 2026. Proposed by Cllr Sheldon, seconded by Cllr Harrison and approved unanimously.

   7.7. To consider /approve the bank reconciliation for May 2026.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the bank reconciliation for May 2026. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Cunningham and approved unanimously.

   7.8. To receive a financial report for May 2026 from the RFO.

The RFO presented her report and advised that the overspends and possible overspends shown in red were due to a referral to occupational health services, the cost of new Microsoft licences, and uniform and PPE for a new employee. Overall, Council a working within its budget and the RFO had no concerns.

   7.9. To consider ringfencing funds for recreation and play areas – Cllr Cunningham.

The Council recognised the need for the ringfencing.

Action: The Council RESOLVED for the Finance and Strategy Committee to review reserves and the ringfencing for recreation and play areas at its next committee meeting. Proposed by Cllr Cunningham, seconded by Cllr Sheldon and approved unanimously.

 

8. To consider the approval of the notes of former committees of Council as accurate Minutes, by the relevant committee members.

This was required due to the reorganisation of committees. The notes had been circulated prior to the meeting.

   8.1. To approve the notes of the Recreation and Environment Committee meeting held on Tuesday 5 May as accurate Minutes.

Action: The members of the former Recreation and Environment Committee RESOLVED to accept the notes of the committee meeting as accurate Minutes. Proposed by Cllr Ditch, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously by the former committee members.  Cllr Trolley signed the minutes.

   8.2. To approve the notes of the Events Committee meeting held on Thursday 21 May 2026 as accurate Minutes.

Action: The members of the former Events Committee RESOLVED to accept the notes of the committee meeting as accurate Minutes. Proposed by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Sheldon and approved unanimously by the former committee members. Cllr Harrison signed the minutes.

 

9. To consider the structure of the Events and Recreation Committee and agree any actions including new committee or working party formations. 

Following its meeting on 8 June 2026, the Events & Recreation Committee recommended to Council that the committee separate into an Events Committee and a Recreation Committee due to the required frequency of Event Committee meetings. Cllr Conway suggested that the Environment Committee rejoin with the Recreation Committee, but this was not considered practical as the Estate Management and Planning Committee had to consider the environment and biodiversity net gain as part of manging the council’s estate and when considering planning applications.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to restructure the Events & Recreation committees as two separate committee: an Events Committee and a Recreation Committee. Proposed by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.

   9.1. To consider re-naming the Environment, Estate Management & Planning Committee so it was not so “wordy” but still reflected all its roles and responsibilities.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to rename the committee the Environment & Estate Committee. This would still include planning. Proposed by Cllr Cunningham, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.

   9.2. To appoint Members to serve on the standing committees and working groups of Council, as required.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to appoint the following members to the Events Committee: Cllrs Harrison, Bain, Jennings, and Sheldon, and to appoint the following members to the Recreation Committee: Cllrs Trolley, Cunningham, Harrison, Conway and Sheldon. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved unanimously.

   9.3. To consider the co-option of a member of public to the most appropriate committee as a non-councillor member for sharing environmental and biodiversity advice and expertise.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to co-opt Dr Sheena Cotter as a non-councillor member of the Environment & Estate Committee. Proposed by Cllr Hislop, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.

   9.4. To consider the co-option of members of public to the most appropriate committee as non-councillor members to support with the organisation of events. 

Action: The Council RESOLVED to co-opt Maggie Harris as a non-councillor member to the Events Committee.  Proposed by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved unanimously.

 

10. To consider /approve of the following Terms of Reference and policies and consider any amendments recommended: -

   10.1. Terms of Reference for the Recreation and Events Committee.

This was deferred as the committee structure had been changed (please see agenda item 9, above).

   10.2. Draft Biodiversity and Environment Policy as recommended by the Environment, Estate Management & Planning Committee.

Action: The Committee RESOLVED to approve and adopt the policy following an amendment to state that Council would consider the use of alternative weed control measures in exceptional circumstances.  Proposed by Cllr Sheldon, second by Cllr Hislop and approved with eight votes for and one vote against.

   10.3. Safeguarding Policy as recommended by the HR Committee and agree the review date.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve and adopt the Safeguarding Policy as recommended. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved unanimously.

   10.4. Lone working policy as recommended by the HR Committee and agree the review date.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve and adopt the Lone Working Policy as recommended. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved unanimously.

 

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

Please see Appendix D.  No questions were raised.

  

12. To receive any feedback received from the Annual Parish Meeting held on 26 May 2026.

Information had been circulated prior to the meeting. The meeting had been poorly attended by members of the public which may have been due to the extreme heat, a yellow warning for thunder storms and the event being held the day after a bank holiday and during a school holiday. Feedback from the stall holders and the venue was positive and the attendees had enjoyed the opportunity for networking and sharing ideas for projects.

Action: A new format for the Annual Parish Meeting to be considered by the Events Committee. Council had previously agreed to hold the meeting in March 2027.

 

13. To consider re-introducing the councillor surgeries on Friday mornings between 10am and 12 noon and agree any actions and expenditure - Cllr Conway.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to reintroduce weekly councillor surgeries as “Coffee with a Councillor” on Friday mornings from 10am to 12 noon at the Parish Office commencing on Friday 19 June 2026. The Admin Assistant to be asked to summarise items from the monthly newsletter to create a short newsletter that could be printed for the coffee mornings and distributed to local venues, with QR codes linking to the full newsletter/website.  Cllr Conway was to attend the first session. The sessions would be reviewed in three months. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Sheldon and approved unanimously.

 

14. To receive a report and recommendations from the Events & Recreation Committee following its meeting on 8 June 2026.

Cllr Harrison, who had been elected as the chairman of the committee, gave a brief overview of the meeting.

   14.1. To consider the fees for hiring Parkfield facilities following requests from Pilgrim’s Europe to hold their centenary celebrations at Parkfield playing fields on either 21 or 30 August 2026, and a member of the public to hold a charity event on 4 July 2026, as recommended by the committee.

The Clerk advised that Parkfield facilities were no longer required for the charity event and that Pilgrim’s Europe were still undecided about the date for their event.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to charge a fee of £250.00 for full day hire of the playing fields and pavilion/changing rooms by businesses and organisations. Fees for full day use by charities would be priced on application but a fee would be required to help offset costs, such as the supply of toilet roll, hand soap and electricity. The fees would be reviewed once the pavilion renovation was complete. Proposed by Cllr Harrison, second by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.

   14.2. To review the Terms & Conditions for the day hire of the playing fields for events.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the Terms and Conditions which included an amendment concerning car parking and the use of parking marshals. Proposed by Cllr Jennings seconded by Cllr Harrison and approved unanimously.

   14.3. To receive an update on the Celebration of Youth Day and consider any actions and expenditure.

Cllr Harrison advised that planning for the event was going well. Ruskington Youth Club, who were involved in the arrangements for the event, had organised a bouncy castle which would be covered by their own risk assessment and insurance. The business owner of the bouncy castle, who would be supervising its use, also held valid insurance.

   14.4. To consider /agree events and their dates for 2027.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the following dates for events in 2027:

Monday 31 May 2027 (Bank Holiday) – Party in the Community Garden.

Saturday 17 July 2027 – Fun Day (Parkfield playing fields)

Saturday 4 December 2027 – Christmas Market (High Street)

Proposed by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Conway and approved unanimously.

 

   14.5. To receive the outcome of the application to the Football Foundation for funding for a 4G surface for the MUGA, consider the Terms and Conditions, and agree the actions and any expenditure.

A grant of £25,000 had been offered by the Football Foundation and the Terms & Conditions had been circulated prior to the meeting.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to accept the offer of £25,000 from the Football Foundation, subject to a claim for the s106 funding for the remainder of the costs being successful, and to approve the Terms and Conditions.  Proposed by Cllr Hislop, seconded by Cllr Harrison and approved with seven votes for and one abstention.

   14.6. To consider making a formal claim to NKDC for s106 funding to cover the costs of the 4G pitch not covered by the Football Foundation, if applicable.

The quote for the 4G surface had increased by £1,120,00 (excl VAT) since the quote dated 1 February 2026 had been approved).  This was due to the increased cost of materials and fuel surcharges. The revised cost of the works was now £42,440.00 (excl VAT).

Action: The Council RESOLVED to submit a formal s106 claim to NKDC for £17,440 for a 4G surface for the MUGA to cover the balance of the works not covered by the award from the Football Foundation.  Proposed by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved with six votes for and two abstentions.

   14.7. To consider the timings for the MUGA to be closed to the public on evenings and weekends to allow the facility to be hired by sports teams, if required.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to close the MUGA for private hire at the following times only:

Weekday evenings 6pm to 9pm and weekends from 10am to 1pm. At all other times, the MUGA would be available for community use at no cost. Proposed by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Jennings and approved unanimously.

   14.8. To consider the recommended fees for the hire of the 4G pitch, if required.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to charge a £25.00 per hour for the hire of the MUGA once the 4G surface was installed, as recommended by the Events & Recreation Committee. The fees were to help recoup the costs of its ongoing maintenance.  Proposed by Cllr Cunningham, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved unanimously.

14.9. To receive and consider the ongoing maintenance costs for the MUGA/4G pitch, and any future cost for informing the budget in FY 2027-2028.

The information and cost of £2,720 for quarterly maintenance visits had only been received on the day of the meeting.

Action: The ongoing maintenance and its costs to be considered.

   14.10. To consider the recommendations of the Committee regarding the possible non-return of a signed lease agreement for the use of Parkfield facilities for a football tournament on 27/28 June 2026 (return required by 17 June 2026), and the non-return of a signed lease agreement for the 10-year non-exclusive lease of the playing fields from 1 April 2027.

Both leases had now been signed and returned. Item closed.

   14.11. To receive /consider an update on Hillside play area and correspondence from NKDC regarding a new lease agreement and consider any terms, actions, and expenditure.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to end the current lease agreement and commence a new lease agreement with NKDC for Hillside play area for 15 years to enable funding to be sought.  The play area to remain in its current location. NKDC to be asked about the possibility of including break clauses in the lease and to ask for them to recoup any costs incurred for the renovation of the play equipment and ground surface, if it decided to build on the play area.  Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Sheldon and approved unanimously.

   14.12 To consider the recommendation from the Committee regarding the Bowls Club business plan and claim for part of the s106 funding.

This had been considered at length, and the Clerk had previously answered questions from the Bowls Club Treasurer.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to decline the Bowls Club request for part of the s106 claim as the club did not meet the eligibility criteria. It was a private club rather than a village asset with a small, paid for, membership.  Only two suggestions for the bowls club as a project had been made during the s106 public consultation. This was the council’s final decision and there was no appeal process. Proposed by Cllr Hislop, seconded by Cllr Harrison and approved unanimously.

A member of the public left the meeting at 9.05pm.

 

15. To receive an update and recommendations from the Environment, Estate Management & Planning Committee - Cllr Trolley

The notes of the meeting held on 2 June 2026 had been circulated prior to the meeting.

   15.1. To receive an overview of planning matters. - Cllr Trolley.

Cllr Trolley gave an overview of planning matters. Please see Appendix D below.

   15.2. To consider the recommendation to submit a Varcon planning application to NKDC to vary condition 4 of the Pavilion planning application (21/1453/FUL) and change the class of the pavilion from Class E (commercial) to Class F2 (community) at a cost of £304.00.

   15.2. To consider the recommendation to submit a Varcon planning application to NKDC to vary condition 4 of the Pavilion planning application (21/1453/FUL) and change the class of the pavilion from Class E (commercial cafe) to Class F2 (community facilities) at a cost of £304.00.

During the tender process, it had become apparent that the class for the pavilion was incorrectly classified as class E (commercial use) rather than F2 (community use.) A meeting with the Assistant Director of Planning and Climate Change was being held at the pavilion at 12 noon on Friday 12 June 2026 to discuss this. Cllrs Conway, Trolley and Ditch would be in attendance along with the Clerk.

Action: The Council RESOLVED in principle to apply for a change of class for the pavilion from Class E to Class F2 at a cost of £304.00 if this was required after the meeting with Assistant Director of Planning and Climate Change. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Harrison and approved unanimously. 

   15.3.  To receive an update on the pavilion tender process – Cllr Conway.

Cllr Conway gave an update on the tender process. Three further contractors had expressed an interested in submitting a tender. A site visit had been arranged for Wednesday 17 June at 10.30am. Cllrs Conway and Ditch to be in attendance along with the Clerk. The responses to any questions raised by the contractors had been sent to all contractors.

15.4. To consider the quotes for an asbestos R&D survey for the renovation of the pavilion.

Three quotes had been received and circulated prior to the meeting.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve Quote 1 from BPS Property Services for £462.00 incl VAT. Proposed by Cllr Trolley, seconded by Cllr Cunningham and approved unanimously.

 

16.  Correspondence.

For correspondence not requiring a motion or financial decision, please see the Clerk’s report.

   16.1. To consider a subject access request for CCTV footage and the advice from the ICO, LALC and Breakthrough Communications and agree any actions. 

Following advice from with the ICO, LALC and Breakthrough Communications, the Clerk had dealt with this subject access request. The Clerk explained the process for any further requests for footage from the CCTV cameras: Individuals can only receive CCTV footage of themselves on request but everyone else sown in the footage must be blurred out. Council, as it has a subscription to MS365 can use its Clip Chimp App to achieve this. The police can view and obtain CCTV footage when investigating a crime.

Action: The CCTV policy to be updated following changes to legislation and the information provided during the process above.

   16.2. To consider creating and locating a Little Free Library for Fen Road beside the letter box (subject to consent from LCC Highways) as suggested by a resident, and considering other possible locations, such as the community garden, and agree any actions and expenditure.

The Buildings Caretaker had advised that he could create a suitable cabinet for £70-£80 depending on whether safety glass or Perspex was used. The correspondent had agreed to look after the cabinet and books.

Action: The Council resolved to create and install a Little Free Library (book swop) beside the letter box on Fen Road, subject to consent from LCC Highways, at a cost of no more than £80.00. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Trolley and approved unanimously.

The remaining member of public left the meeting.

   16.3. To consider correspondence regarding volunteering opportunities within the parish office.

The correspondent was considering co-option to Council. Ideas for volunteering opportunities in the office were discussed.

 

17. To receive Members’ Reports – for information only. (Any items raised requiring a decision will appear on a future agenda for consideration.)

Cllr Cunningham had seen an advertisement for a cake shed at Parkfield. It was thought that this may be located at a private residence rather than on Council property. A cake shed business had previously been approved for occasional use at Parkfield, subject to approval by the Lions JFC.

Cllr Sheldon mentioned the church clock and advised that a different person than usual would now be responsible for its weekly maintenance.

Cllr Harrison spoke of the need for traffic calming measures in the village. This would be considered as an agenda item.

Cllr Trolley mentioned the quality of the contractor’s grass cutting in some areas of the village.

 

18. 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 matters below. 

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

The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.30pm. The meeting re-convened at 9.30pm.

 

19. To receive an update and any recommendations from the HR Committee, staff health and wellbeing and agree any actions and expenditure. – Cllr Hislop.

Cllr Hislop reported that the RFO had commenced working full time. Cllr Hislop and Cllr Bain had conducted the Clerk’s annual appraisal. The safeguarding and lone working policies had been reviewed and recommended to Council (please see above) and the changes to statutory sick pay from 1 April 2026 had been noted.

 

20. To consider the appointment of a Parish Caretaker following interviews held on 3 and 4 June 2026. 

Cllr Conway gave an overview of the recruitment and interview process and shared the interview panel’s recommendation.  

Action: The Council RESOLVED to appoint Mr Geoffrey Sullivan to the position of Parish Caretaker subject to satisfactory references. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved unanimously.

 

The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.40pm.

Appendix A: Member of public questions for the public session on 9 June 2026 and Council’s responses

The responses were emailed to the correspondent on 8 June 2026

 

Questions regarding S106 funding

1. Are we to assume that only the Ruskington Pavilion Project (predominately the Ruskington Lions Football club and associates) and Ruskington Bowls Club requested funding from the current S106 allocation? If not who are the other parties involved?

A: Ruskington Bowls Club and a representative of a basketball club are the only organisations to have made presentations for claims for the s106 funding for Council to consider.

The basketball club representative was asking Ruskington Parish Council (RPC) to consider providing a half basketball court, which would remain owned by RPC and could generate income from being hired to clubs. The Bowls Club representative appeared to be asking for money for their own asset (the Bowls Club) for which RPC would not see a return.

Ruskington Lions JFC has not requested any funding from the s106 claim. Parkfield pavilion is owned and managed by Ruskington Parish Council (RPC). The project to renovate and improve the Pavilion for inclusive and accessible community use has been underway for some years, based on the outcome of public consultations. Once the renovation is complete the Lions JFC will only have access to an external access changing room and one external access storage room.

 

2. Why were information packs/guidance and application packs for S106 funding not made available to interested parties in a timely fashion? This process forms part of the Government guidelines for S106 applicants – where are the packs?

A: RPC is the beneficiary of the s106 funding and has to apply to North Kesteven District Council (NKDC) for the funding. Any claims are considered by a panel against the s106 criteria. RPC received the claim information (planning application number, location of the land, amount available to claim, end date for the claims to be made, and the claim criteria, plus a short request form to complete.

There are no ‘packs’ for applicants. RPC was led to believe that the funding was to be spent enhancing their own facilities for residents – not for external clubs or organisations.

 

3. How come funding from S106 was being “allocated” to projects in January of this year, months before the parish council had even engaged with the village (through SurveyMonkey and written idea forms) and asked what they would like to see the money spent on?

A: RPC can decide what projects it puts forward for claims. There is no requirement to undertake a public consultation for s106 claims. However, as well as considering the improvement of facilities owned and managed by RPC for the claim, it also agreed to conduct a public consultation to gather ideas for projects from the residents. Information on the survey was delivered to every property in Ruskington via the Local Lincs magazine as well as on its website, noticeboard and social media channels.

4. When are Ruskington Bowls Club going to be told that they haven’t met “the criteria” for S106, what is “the criteria” as set down by the parish council? We are a charity, we are not-for-profit, we have an accessible and affordable membership and we are not exclusive! What is the bowls club’s shortfall? Do we need to appeal this decision?

A: The Clerk raised questions about potential projects with NKDC:

Q: Please can you advise if RPC can award any of the s106 claim to village groups, venues, or sports clubs who have paid membership.

Response from NKDC: As a general rule of thumb, any scheme which would involve a paid membership or commercial aspect would be refused. Buildings in private ownership, (such as churches / nurseries etc), would also be refused.

A member of the Bowls Club was advised of this by email on 22 May 2026. In addition, after research by Cllr Trolley and the Clerk, a list of relevant and specific funding for bowls clubs’ opportunities were sent at the same time. A copy of which was emailed to you as the treasurer of the Bowls Club on 2 June 2026.

The Events and Recreation Committee will be making a recommendation to Council on 9 June 2026. Any claims put forward to NKDC need to meet the criteria stipulated in the s106 agreement. RPC, when considering the projects raised in the public consultation and at meetings, considers the following criteria:

Criteria for consideration stipulated that projects should:

• Be mainly for the benefit Ruskington Residents
• Where possible, promote health and lifestyle improvements
• Be of benefit/ interest to a wide variety of age groups
• Be accessible for all abilities including differently abled
• Consider environmental impacts

 

Ruskington traffic issues

Constant issues on Rectory Road outside the Bull Public House – cars parked right outside (often 4+ cars at once), also a bus stop, a busy garage forecourt and a mini roundabout all within 100meters of each other.

Constant speeding along Rectory Road in the direction of Lincoln Road – increase in accidents already – speed limit is consistently abused.

Manor Street – street sign still filthy despite being reported to Fix my street (31 May 2024 apparently it is NKDC responsibility)

SLOW sign on Manor Close junction still not repainted after road resurfacing work years ago.

A: Thank you for raising these issues with RPC. Although RPC has no powers over highways or motorists’ behaviours, it is always keen to support its residents and ensure the village is safe for everyone. Highway issues are now a feature on Council meeting agendas for the attention of County Council Wright who attends the meetings as often as he can. Moving forward, ways to combat the traffic issues will be considered by RPC in liaison with Lincolnshire County Council Highways and the Road Safety Partnership. Revising the Ruskington Speed Watch Scheme, and purchasing a speed indictor device, “passive notice” speed limit signs, which are supplementary to the permanent speed limits signs, and speed limit stickers for waste bins will be considered by Council.

 

Flood Survey Update

What is the latest on the month long survey? We were informed that door-to-door visits from Ryan Davis (Chief flood Officer from Lincoln county Council) would be carried out between 4th-14th May – very disappointed that yet again we have been sidelined despite being proactive with agencies after being flooded during Babet and Henk AND never had the opportunity to be heard.

The flood survey and investigations are being undertaken by LCC and its chosen contractors. The Flood Team Manager at LCC sent a report to the Clerk on 4 June 2026, and this will be available as an attachment to the minutes of meeting on 9 June 2026. Your questions have been raised with the Flood Team Manager (no personal details shared.)

Build up in the beck up of silt, vegetation and foliage outside numbers 31 and 33 Manor Street – this is now a solid mass and needs removing – it’s like a dried up riverbed! The Environment Agency visited the area and stated that it would be cleared, but to date nothing has happened. Why?

A: RPC cannot comment on the actions or the Environment Agency (EA).  However, your questions have been sent to the Flood Team Manager at LCC who has contacted the EA and is awaiting a response. Any questions for the EA should be directed to the EA.

Appendix B: Report from LCC's Flood Team Manager on 4/6/2026

Correct as of Thursday the 04th of June 2026 at 10:48

 

The following report provides a summary update regarding the below on-going investigations by Lincolnshire County Council as Lead Local Flood Authority:

 

1. Hydraulic modelling and optioneering investigations through Stantec UK Ltd
2. Village wide cleansing and CCTV inspection of highway drainage assets.

 

Hydaulic modelling and optioneering

 

Surveying of property thresholds and watercourses (including associated structures – minus culverts under the railway track) have now concluded and the results of which are currently being prepared by Maltby Land Surveys Ltd. I would like to offer my sincerest thanks to all those who provided their support and consent for the surveying works to take place and offer my apologies for any issues experienced in terms of receiving letters.

 

With respect to the culverts under the railway track, I advise that engagement with Network Rail is on-going and that it remains our intention to survey these structures as part of the above on-going investigation.

 

Before discussing next steps, concerns have been brought to my attention regarding identified properties potentially not having threshold surveys conducted. As far as I understand all threshold surveys (whereby permission was granted or could be confirmed on-site) have been conducted although changes in timescale and miscommunications between the different surveying teams may have occurred. Should anyone have concerns that their property was missed then I would advise that you get in contact with myself, following which I will engage with Maltby Land Surveys Ltd to confirm the position at the respective property. Whilst I understand that, due to changes in timescales, opportunities to speak with Maltby Land Surveys Ltd regarding previous flooding events may have been missed I must note that any such conversations would be best placed with either myself or colleagues within the Floods and Water team. The reason for this is that, upon conclusion of the surveying works, Maltby Land Surveys Ltd, will not be playing an active role in future stages of the project (as they were brought in to provide a specific service), that is of course unless further surveying works required. I apologise for any frustrations caused by the above but given the nature of the works timescales were always subject to change as previously advised.

 

Upon receipt and reviewing of this survey data, the next phase of these investigations will see the production of the hydraulic model for the study area which will enable the identification and high-level testing of options to explore their efficacy. All things being equal, and subject to resource availability and no major issues being experienced during the production or validation of the hydraulic model then it is currently anticipated that this phase of the investigation shall be concluded by end of this calendar year.

Further updates regarding timescales and progress will be provided through Ruskington Parish Council as it becomes pertinent to do so.

 

Village wide cleansing and CCTV

 

With respect to the village wide cleansing and CCTV inspection of highway drainage assets throughout Ruskington, works continue to progress in a positive manner. At the time of writing, we are in the process of co-ordinating arrangements for the cleansing and inspection of assets within the ‘High Street’ area including any estates and roads not encapsulated as part of works previously undertaken. A high level extent of the works area for this phase is as per the attached, however, please note that this is subject to change.

 

To ensure that the above phase of works can be delivered safely, whilst maintaining traffic movement as far as practicable, traffic restrictions shall be in place during their completion. Where appropriate, works shall be completed in the evening (i.e., 18:30 hours onwards) and full details of any traffic restrictions and timescales will be provided to Ruskington Parish Council as they are finalised, alongside direct communications to those affected as necessary.

 

Following completion of the above works, the remaining four phases of cleansing and CCTV shall be programmed in as roadspace and contractor availability permits.

 

Once all works have concluded the outputs of the investigations shall then be reviewed and considered in accordance with the Council’s Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Plan.

 

In closing, I trust that the above update outlines the current position of these works from a Lincolnshire County Council perspective, but should there be any queries or concerns specifically regarding the above then I would respectfully ask that these be directed to FloodRisk@lincolnshire.gov.uk in the first instance.

 

With respect to enquiries regarding the condition of Ruskington Beck and actions proposed or otherwise by the Environment Agency I would advise concerned residents to direct their enquiries towards the Agency as they are the most appropriate organisation to provide a response.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Ryan Davies BSc, MSc, MCIWEM

Senior Flood Risk Officer

Lincolnshire County Council

County Offices Newland, Lincoln, LN1 1Yl

 

Appendix C: Clerk’s Report for the June 2026 meeting.

Meeting date: 9 June 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 12 May 2026 (Annual Meeting of the Parish Council).

Min ref 7: NKDC has advised that no valid reason for an election has been called and that Council can advertise the vacancies for co-option following the two resignations on 4 May 2026. 

Min ref 11.2. All approved payments and invoices have been made by the RFO.

Min ref 11.7. The community grant and donation policy and application form have been updated and published.

Min ref 11.8. The RFO has submitted the CIL form to NKDC.

Min ref 11.9. The insurance for 2026-2027 has been paid by the RFO.

Min ref 11.10. NKDC has advised that a club with paid membership is unlikely to be eligible for s106 funding. The Bowls Club has been made aware and sent a list of possible and relevant funding opportunities as researched by the Clerk and Cllr Trolley.  The Bowls Club has acknowledged receipt of the information. Update on 2/6/2026: The Bowls Club has sent requests for further information.

Min ref 12- 12.9. All policies and documents have been amended as approved and are in the process of being published on the website. The Environment Caretaker continues to update the Horseshoe Hollow Management Plan with new maps and information.

Min ref 15: The Annual Parish Meeting was held on 26 May 2026 at Ruskington Methodist Church, with ten groups and venues hosting information stalls and guest speakers covering a conservation area for Ruskington, community emergency plans, and support for flood victims. Cllr Ditch presented the Parish Council’s Annual Report and Cllr Wright presented the District & County Council Annual Reports. Feedback from the Methodist Church and village groups has been positive as they found the event useful for networking and sharing ideas.  (Agenda item)

Min ref 17.1: NKDC has responded to the email regarding a possible extension to the lease for Hillside play area. The information has been circulated to Council and will be considered by the Events and Recreation Committee at its meeting on 8 June 2026. (Agenda item.)

Min ref 19.1. The tender process commenced on 6 May 2026. An on-site meeting was held on 19 May 2026. Following other expressions of interest in tendering, a second on-site meeting will be held on 17 June at 10am. The Clerk is obtaining quotes for an asbestos R&D assessment.

Min ref 20.1: The correspondent requesting an Evri locker at Parkfield has been advised that this is not a possibility at Parkfield or at other locations owned by the Parish Council due to the requirement for 24 hours access, plus disturbances to the neighbouring properties.

Min ref 26: The Football Foundation has advised that the bid for funding for the 4G pitch at the MUGA has been awarded. This needs to be accepted. (Agenda item Events & Recreation Committee and Council.)

 

Other Council Business:

 

Council Business

Audit – The internal auditor’s end of year report (finance and governance) was received on 28 May 2026.  The AGAR will be a consideration on the June 2026 agenda. (Agenda item)

Annual Parish Meeting (Meeting of the electorate hosted by the Chairman of Council). This took place on Tuesday 26 May 2026 at the Methodist Church from 4pm.

Benches being donated to the village– LCC has given its consent for the bench for High Street South opposite the junctions with Chestnut Street. LCC and the Clerk have signed the agreement. The donor of the bench is aware but has advised that they are not able to go ahead with the bench at this time.

• There is no update from the donor of the bench for the Garden of Remembrance in memory of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

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 – Three expressions of interest have been received and information has been issued. One application form for co-option has been received.  Two potential applicants plan to observe the ordinary meeting on 9 June 2026. The applicant who has applied, will be meeting with the chairman and Clerk on 9 June 2026 at 6.30pm at the Parish Office prior to this FCM.

• On 27 May 2026, NKDC advised that no valid call for an election had been received following the resignations of former councillors Cox and Tomlinson.  Council can now co-opt to fill the vacancies. The Admin Assistant has been asked to advertise the four vacancies for co-option. Update on 3/6/2026: A campaign for councillors is underway.

Correspondence (for information only).

   a. LALC (by email) fortnightly e-news.

   b. Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner (by email on 7/5/2026) – Independent Custody Visiting. (Circulated and shared as requested.)

   c. LCC Planning (by email on 8/5/2026) – Committee Notification, Planning Application re PL/0016/25 (proposed biogas plant for Anwick).  The applicant has withdrawn the application form the planning committee agenda.

   d. Member of Public (by email on 9/5/2026) –Ongoing vandalism and damage to a wall beside a public right of way. (Signposted to LCC Highways, Lincs Police and the ASBO team at NKDC)

   e. NKDC (By email on). Information on erecting a No Ball Games sign on an area of grass on Parkfield Road and asked if Council erected these.  (Advised that this would be for the landowner to consider and that Ruskington PC did not install these signs on land it does not own.)

   f. Member of Public (by email on 9 May 2026) – Enquiry re a Little Free Library initiative for Fen Road beside the letter box. (Agenda item.)

   g. NKDC (by email on 11/5/2026) - Consultation on Proposed Updates to Local Validation Lists – Central Lincolnshire Local Plan.) Circulated to the Estate Management & Planning Committee.)

   h. Environment Agency (by email on 12/5/2026) – Info and poster on Flood Risk management. (Shared on Council’s communication channels.)

   i. NKDC (by email on 12/5/2026) – Public toilets: Asbestos register and management plan. (Copies supplied.)

   j. Pilgrim’s Europe (by email on 12/5/2026) – Use of Parkfield facilities to hold the factory’s centenary event on either 21 or 30 August 2026.  (Information circulated to Council). (Agenda item.)

   k. Local Business (by email on 12.5.2026) – Request to park on Parkfield car park and sell food.

   l. Member of public (by email on 15/5/2026) - Request to use Parkfield playing fields for a charity event on 4 July 2026.  (Agenda item.)

   m. Member of public (by email on 15/5/2026) Speeding on Springfield Road

   n. Lincolnshire Resilience Forum (by email on 15 May 2026) – Newsletter (circulated and shared on Council’s communication channels).

   o. NKDC (By email on 19/5/2026) Lease for Hillside play area (Agenda item).

   p. Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (by email on 20/5/2026) – Thank you for the £50.00 donation.

   r. Member of public (by email on 20/5/2026) – Condition of a grave and general condition of the cemetery. (Response sent to advise that individual graves were the responsibility of the grave “owner” to maintain and tidy, and that an inspection of the cemetery would be made and any work agreed. Work has since been carried out.)

   s. Sleaford Storm Netball Club (by email on 23/5/2026) - Request to hire the MUGA in July. (Information, the hire agreement, and available dates issued.),

   t. NKDC (by email on 26/5/2026) – Confirmation of places for Cllrs Conway and Hislop and the Clerk to attend the Town and parish Forum on 30 June 2026 at the NKDC offices.

   u. Member of public (by email on 30/5/2026) – Condition of Hillside play area. (Response sent with invitations to attend the committee and council meetings where Hillside will be discussed.)

   v. Member of public (by email on 1/6/2026) – Road traffic concerns for Rectory Road. (Agenda item and signposted to Cllr Wright, the police and LCC Highways)

   w. Member of public (By email on 1/6/2026) – Financial information not published on the website.

   x. Member of public (by email on 2/6/2026) – Parking on pavement compliant. (Sign posted to NKDC’s website to report nuisance parking.)

   y. Member of public (by email on 2/6/2026) – Newsletter enquiry. (Responded to by the Admin Assistant.)

   z. Ruskington Bowls Club (by email on 1/6/2026) – s106 queries. (Circulated to Council. Response sent to another bowls club member provided (personal details redacted).

  aa. Member of public (by email on 2/6/2026) – Questions for the public session on 9 June 2026. (Circulated to Council).

   bb. NKDC Emergency Planning Officer (by email on 2/6/2026) – Table top exercise to test the community emergency plan. (Circulated to community the emergency planning leads.)

   cc. Ruskington Merhodist Church (by email on 2/6/2026) – Community emergency plan. (Circulated to the Emergency Planning leads.)

   dd. member of public (by email on 2/6/2026) – Request for information on co-option to Council. (Information pack and application form issued.)

   ee. LCC Flood Team (by email on 3/6/2026) – Offer of a report for the meeting on 9 June 2026. Offer accepted. (Agenda item.)

   ff. Sleaford Storm Netball Club (by email on 3/6/2026) – Request to use the MUGA on 18 July 2026. (Confirmed.)

   gg. Member of the Lions JFC (by email on 4/6/2026) – Request for the grass to be cut in advance of the football tournament on 27/28 June 2026. (Grass cutting contractor contacted by the Clerk.)

  hh. LCC Flood Team (by email on 4/6/2026) – Flood report update and works map (Circulated to Council and on the agenda for information only.)

   ii. Ruskington Short Mat Bowls Club (By hand on 4/6/2026) – Village Hall H&S matter. (Signposted to the Village Hall Committee and its committee meetings.)

 

Donations to Council – A member of public has donated 15 oak tree saplings they had grown from acorns. These are being grown on by the Environment Caretaker as they are too small to plant.

• Ruskington Co-op donated £30.00 of refreshments to the Annual Parish Meeting. A thank you letter was hand delivered to the manager on 2/6/2026.

Extra-ordinary meeting: This was adjourned due to being inquorate. A new meeting date was not agreed due to the number other committee meetings and the upcoming full council meeting.

Estate Management and Planning

• Public toilets – The Clerk obtained three quotes and used her delegated powers to authorise the annual asbestos survey of the public toilets on church street (a requirement of the new lease agreement with NKDC) at a cost of £240.00. Work will be undertaken on Monday 8 June 2026.
• Fire extinguisher inspections. Firestop will be conducting the annual testing of all the fire extinguishers owned by Council on 9 June 2026. (Office and workshops, pavilion and changing rooms.)

Parish Office

• Office Units – All office units continue to be let.
• The Buildings’ Caretaker has started preparatory work prior to painting the exterior of the office and has commenced work to refurbish the blue gates and replace any decayed slats.

Pavilion renovation –.

• The 30-year environment management plan is awaited.
• The tender went live on the Find a Tender (government) website on 7 May 2026.

Dates for the tender process are as follows…

• Tenders were available from 6 May 2026
• On site meeting with tender applicants took place on Tuesday 19 May 2026 at 10.30am. Five potential contracting firms met on site with Cllrs Ditch and Conway and the Clerk.
• Tender return – Friday 26 June at 12 noon.
• Tender assessment – w/c 29 June 2026
• Award of contract w/c/ 14 July 2026.
• Update on 29/5/2026. A second site visit for potential tender applicants takes place on 17 June 17 10.30am. The Clerk and Cllr Conway will be in attendance. 
• The Clerk has contacted NKDC planning regarding reclassification of the pavilion from Class C (commercial) to class F2 (community).
• The Clerk is obtaining quotes for an asbestos D&R survey of the pavilion prior to the renovation work.

 

Environment:

• Allotments –– The RFO has visited the allotments following complaints that some plots are not being maintained. Letters will be issued.
• The Admin Assistant has undertaken training on allotments by the National Allotment Society and will be undertaking the Edges software training for allotment administration, as used by Council. 
• The compost bins await removal by a grab lorry. 

 

• Flooding /flood investigations and drain cleaning –The next phase of the village wide cleansing works to be completed is the High Street area (including surrounding side roads etc.), The work is being planned. LCC were arranging to meet with their contractor and permitting colleagues on site on Tuesday 2 June to walkover the works area and agree traffic management arrangements and timescales. Further details in terms of the works, timescales, and potential disruptions etc. will be provided after this. Stantec completed the threshold testing of the parish office and other areas of the village in May 2026.
• Tubs beside the Beck and village entrances - The plants are on order from Parker’s garden centre. They have taken much longer to arrive than expected.
• 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. Update on 3/6/2026: Either LCC or Network rail has weed killed the vegetation on the approach to the bridge on the south side of the bridge. Update: On 3/6/2026 work to replace the wooden fencing with green metal fencing on the north side of the approach to the bridge commenced.
• Three incidences of fly-tipping of retail waste have been reported to the Environment Team at NKDC for investigation and action. Two bags were dumped in the Beck on separate occasions and approx. five bags had been dumped behind a wall along the Reading Room passage. It appeared to be retail waste (meat products, empty mayonnaise tubs and disposable gloves). Update: On 4/6/2026, NKDC made a site visit and inspected the fly tipped bags of rubbish. Information was retrieved and action to be taken.
• Closed church yard – LCC will be carrying out remedial works to the footpath path through the church yard and on Chapel Street on 26 June 2026 (weather permitting.)
• Road resurfacing – High Street North was resurfaced on 17 May 2026. The parking bay outside the office has yet to be reinstated. The Clerk and RFO have asked Cllr Wright about re-painting the H bar outside the office drive and entrance to the Winchelsea Centre to prevent nuisance and dangerous parking and to allow vehicular access to both properties. On 2/6/2026, LCC reinstated the white lines at the junction. The parking bay lines and H bar have not been reinstated.

 

Events - The Annual Parish Meeting took place on 26 May 2026. Please see above. Min ref 15.

Recreation

Changing rooms – Nothing to report.

Ditch at Parkfield playing fields – The Environment 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 has not made comment or signed and returned the 10-year lease agreement for maintaining the playing fields, despite reminders.

Football Tournament – The Lions JFC has not yet returned the signed Terms & Conditions for the use of the playing fields on 27/28 June 2026. (Due before 17 June 2026.) They had not raised any questions about this.

S106 public consultation – Feeback on initial ideas for projects has been received from NKDC.  (Agenda item.)  An extra-ordinary meeting to discuss the comments was adjourned as the meeting was inquorate. A new date for the meeting was not agreed due to the committee and council meetings being held.

Trees – The Environment Caretaker after approval from the Environment Agency has planted two willow trees in Horseshoe Hollow on using the money donated by pupils of St George’s Academy to help alleviate flooding in the village.  The school are aware.

Staff matters - The vacancy for the Parish Caretaker closed on 24 May 2026. Application sifting took place on 28 May 2026. Interviews took place on 3 and 4 June 2026. (Agenda item.)

• The Deputy Clerk and RFO commenced full time hours on Monday 1/6/2026.

Training and attendance at events:

• Cllr Sheldon attended AI training sessions via Zoom in May 2026
• The Admin Assistant has attended allotment training on 12/5/2026, and AI training (community engagement) in May 2026.
• The Caretakers will be undertaking online “Working at Heights” online training. Update: The Environment Caretaker successfully completed his training on 3/5/2026.

 

Meetings held since the last ordinary meeting:

• 19 May 2026 – Extra-ordinary meeting of Council. This was adjourned as it was inquorate.
• 21 May 2026 – Events Committee meeting
• 16 May 2026 – Annual Parish Meeting (meeting of the electorate hosted by the Chairman)
• Monday 1 June 2026 – HR Committee meeting.
• Tuesday 2 June 2026 – Environment, Estate Management & Planning Committee
• Monday 5 June 2026 – Events & Recreation n Committee Meeting

Dates for upcoming meetings:

• 30 June 2026 – Events & Recreation Committee meeting at 6.30pm at the Parish Office.
• Tuesday 7 July 2026 Finance Cttee meeting at 6.30pm at the Parish Office (quarterly review of finances.)
• Tuesday 14 July – Ordinary meeting at 7pm at the Winchelsea Centre.

Appendix D: Overview of planning for the ordinary meeting on 9 June 2026. (No 15 on the agenda.) 

New applications received from NKDC.

a. Planning Application reference: 26/0513/HOUS

Proposal: Single and second story rear extensions

Location: 10 Chestnut Street Ruskington Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 9DL

Comments to be returned to NKDC by 14 June 2026

Action: The Committee had no objections to this application, if the neighboring properties raised no concerns.

 

b. To receive notice from NKDC regarding amended planning application details for planning application 24/0912/FUL (For information only.)

Town & Country Planning Act 1990

Proposal: Erection of 186 dwellings (to include in outline 9 plots) with associated infrastructure, open space and landscaping.

Location: Land North Of Cornwall Way & Northfield Road Ruskington

Details of the amendments are as follows: Amendments made to address the fact that the scheme includes Custom Self Build

units which are in the outline only for avoidance of doubt.

Action: This was for information only.

 

c. Notice of planned tree work application for a tree with a tree preservation order from NKDC.

Application of Proposed Works to Trees Subject to Tree Preservation Order.

Application reference: 26/0636/TPO

Description of works: T1- Horse chestnut - Crown reduce tree by 2 metres

in height and spread. Crown lift to 5 metres on east side over road and south side over neighbour’s driveway. Sever ivy at base up to 1 metre all way

round base of tree.

Location: 1 Elmtree Road, Ruskington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire,

NG34 9BT

Notice received on 22 May 2026. Comments to be returned within 21 days (12 June).

Action: The Committee had no objections to this tree work and would be advised by the tree officers.

 

Notice of applications approved by NKDC.

 

a. Application Reference: 25/0529/FUL

Proposal: Change of use to dog exercise paddock, creation of parking area and upgraded

access

Location: Land Off Sleaford Road Ruskington Sleaford

Notice received on 18/5/2026.

 

b. Application Reference: 26/0153/HOUS

Proposal: Erection of porch

Location: 11 The Paddock Ruskington Sleaford

Notice received on 27/5/2026

 

c.  Application Reference: 26/0388/FUL

Proposal: Installation of a modular self-service laundrette facility and associated works including relocation of cycle stands.

Location: Co-op 17 High Street North Ruskington

Notice received on 5/6/2026