Ruskington Parish Council

 

Minutes of a meeting of Ruskington Parish Council held on Tuesday 8 September 2026 at the Winchelsea Centre, 11 High Street North, Ruskington, NG34 9DY at 7pm.

Please note: These are draft minutes and liable for amendment at the next Council meeting. 

 

Present:	Chairman	Cllr O Ditch
Councillors:		C Bain, P Cunningham, D Conway, S Follows, S Hislop (until 8.31pm),  L Sheldon (from 8.03pm).
In attendance:		Mrs Kathryn Locke - Clerk to Council, Miss Kirsty Sinclair - Deputy Clerk & RFO)
Apologies:		Cllr M Trolley, Cllr B Harrison, Cllr A Jennings

Also present: District and County Councillor R Wright, D/Cllr M Waldeck, and ten members of the public, including three co-option candidates.

Cllr Sheldon had advised prior to the meeting, that they would be approximately one hour late joining the meeting.

 Public session: At 7pm, the Chairman welcomed the delegates and members of the public to the meeting and invited members of the public to speak. Representatives from Finley’s Fundraiser introduced themselves and advised that they were at the meeting in relation to agenda item 11.4, below. The Chairman explained that if Council agreed, the agenda item could be moved up the agenda and considered between items 4 and 5 to prevent the organisers having sit through the meeting until the item was discussed. There being no further comments or questions raised, the Chairman thanked the public for their attendance. Some members of public left the meeting at this time.

The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.03pm.

 

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

Cllr Trolley, Cllr Harrison, and Cllr Jennings had been unable to attend the meeting and had sent apologies.

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

 

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

None were declared at this time.

 

3. To approve the notes of the extra -ordinary meeting of Ruskington Parish Council meeting held on Thursday 6 August 2026 as accurate Minutes. 

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the notes as accurate Minutes. Proposed by Cllr Hislop seconded by Cllr Cunningham and approved with five votes for and one abstention. (The Councillor had not been present at the extraordinary meeting.)

 

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

D/Cllr Waldeck reported that it had been a fairly quiet month at NKDC and that D/Cllr Wright would be best placed to update Council on NKDC and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) matters.  

Cllr Wright gave the following County Council update:

• LCC would be installing street lights on Lincoln Road commencing in October 2026.

On behalf of the District Council, Cllr Wright reported that

• The LGR had been halted by the government for review.
• Elections would still take place in May 2027.
• Devolution would continue with accelerated powers given to mayors, including on planning matters.
• Government was removing some planning powers from district councils with a nominated officer reviewing applications and agreeing if an application needed to go to planning committee or not.
• NKDC’s business plan for the LGR remained intact and covered more than one year.
• The cinema for Sleaford was due to go to planning committee and if approved the cinema would be built in 2027.

Cllr Wright answered questions. The Chaiman thanked the Councillors for their attendance.

Cllr Wright and Cllr Waldeck left the meeting at 7.41pm.

 

The Chairman asked Council if it would consider moving agenda item 11.4. (The date for Finley’s Fundraiser) to this point in the meeting. This was proposed by Cllr Cunningham, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved unanimously.

 

To consider the proposed date of Saturday 10 July 2027 for Finley’s Fundraiser annual event to be held at Parkfield playing fields and consider the fee of £50.00 and the Terms & Conditions. 

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the date of Saturday 10 July 2027 for the event and a fee of £50.00. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved unanimously.

 

5. To receive an update on co-option to Council. (There were three vacancies.)

Information had been circulated prior to the meeting. Three candidates had submitted application forms for co-option, had met with a councillor and the clerk and had observed a Council meeting. Prior to each co-option being considered, the Chairman invited each candidate to introduce themselves and to explain why they wished to join the Council.

   5.1. To consider the co-option to Council of a member of public to fill vacancy one, following completion of the approved co-option process.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to co-opt Mr Steven O’Hara to Ruskington Parish Council. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved unanimously.

   5.2. To consider the co-option to Council of a member of public for vacancy two, following completion of the approved co-option process.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to co-opt Mrs Susan Holbrook to Ruskington Parish Council. Proposed by Cllr Hislop, seconded by Cllr Conway and approved unanimously.

   5.3. To consider the co-option to Council of a member of public for vacancy three, following completion of the approved co-option process.

The Council RESOLVED to co-opt Mr Russell Hopkin to Ruskington Parish Council. Proposed by Cllr Bain, seconded by Cllr Cunningham and approved unanimously.

Each candidate signed a Declaration of Acceptance of the Office and the Clerk counter-signed each copy. The new councillors were welcomed to Council by the Chairman and took their place in the meeting. As they had not received all the information for the meeting, they were invited to take part in the agenda discussions but could not vote at this meeting.

 

6. Financial matters

Information had previously been circulated.

   6.1. To approve the payments made and consider the invoices for payment received since the meeting held on 14 July 2026.

The RFO gave an overview. The water bill for the allotments was larger than expected, possibly due to higher water use during hot summer and drought.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the payments made and payments for the invoices received since the meeting on 14 July 2026. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved unanimously.

   6.2. To consider /approve the bank reconciliation for July and August 2026.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the bank reconciliations for July and August 2026.  Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Ditch and approved unanimously.

   6.3. To receive a financial report for July and August 2026 from the RFO.

This had been circulated prior to the meeting and the RFO gave an overview of any overspends, such as the water bill, and underspends.  Council was working within its budgets and there were no financial concerns. The RFO answered questions.

   6.4. To consider the recommendation of the RFO to transfer money out of the current account to maximise interest earned and to prevent a large amount of money in a single account and, if approved, to consider/agree the actions to achieve this.

The RFO had provided three options for Council to consider and made a recommendation.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to transfer £45,000 into the Dudley savings account, taking this account to £116,465, to open a Unity Trust 32 Day notice account at 2.7% and deposit £120,000, and to pay £130,000 into a Unity Trust instant access saver at 1.95% with easy withdrawals for routine expenditure.  The current bank signatories would be the signatories for the new Unity Trust account.  Proposed by Cllr Ditch, seconded by Cllr Cunningham and approved unanimously.

   6.5. To receive / consider the external auditor’s report for the fiscal year end 2025-2026, and to note the dates when the conclusion of audit will be published. (14 days commencing on 9 September 2026.)

The report had been circulated prior to the meeting. No concerns had been raised, and all relevant legislation and regulatory requirements had been met.  The external auditor (PKF Littlejohn) had noted that the exercise of public rights, showed the former address for the auditing firm which meant that in 2026-2027 Council would have to answer “no” to assertion 4 of the AGAR Statement for 2026-2027.   

The date for the conclusion of audit to be published was noted as being from 9 September 2026 for fourteen days.

   6.6. To consider the recommendation that Council moves to the Aubergine website provider from April 2027.

This had been deferred from the meeting on 14 July 2026 to enable updated costs to be obtained. A quote had been circulated prior to the meeting.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to move to the Aubergine website provider from 1 April 2027 at a cost of £899+VAT. The expenditure for any additional modules, such as online payments and ticket sales, to be considered by the Finance Committee when setting the budget for 2027-2028.   Proposed by Cllr Cunningham, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved unanimously.

   6.7. To ratify the expenditure of £4450.00 excluding VAT for the urgent works to make safe identified headstones in Sleaford Road cemetery.

The quote had been circulated to Council by email on 7 August 2026 for an urgent decision. The five councillors who voted, voted in favour of the emergency expenditure. William Kent Memorials had commenced the work on Monday 7 September 2026. The Clerk advised that additional headstones requiring urgent work to make them safe had been identified.  

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve /ratify the expenditure of £4450.00 excluding VAT for the emergency works. Proposed by Cllr Hislop, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved unanimously.  

   6.8. To consider the expenditure of £680.00 + VAT for the external maintenance (deep cleaning and moss treating) of the 4G pitch as recommended by the Recreation Committee. (Council Caretakers to undertake the weekly sweeping to remove debris.

The Clerk advised that the cost of £680.00 +VAT was for one deep clean and that three deep cleans per year were recommended. The RFO advised that the cost should be covered by the fees received from hiring the pitch.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the expenditure of £2,700 +VAT for the external maintenance for one year. Proposed by Cunningham, seconded by Cllr Conway and approved unanimously.

   6.8.1. To consider the requirement and expenditure for a Stihl (or equivalent) machine to aid the sweeping and maintenance of the 4G by the Caretakers. – Cllr Cunningham.

Cllr Cunningham gave an update on the maintenance of the 4G surface and the equipment recommended by the contractor for the Caretakers to use.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to purchase the required equipment at a cost of up to £300.00 and for the Clerk to ask the contactor to provide the make and model for their recommended item of equipment. Proposed by Cllr Cunningham, seconded by Cllr Conway and approved unanimously.

   6.9. To consider the expenditure of £175.80 (excl VAT) to purchase 12 road lamps with batteries for the road closure barriers for the Christmas Market, as most of this event will take place during the hours of darkness.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the expenditure of up to £175.80 + VAT to purchase twelve road lamps for the barriers. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Follows and approved unanimously.

 

  7. To consider the appointment of Councillors to Council’s committees.

   7.1. To consider a requirement for a councillor to have knowledge or experience of the committee they wish to join, to enable the committee to carry out its functions effectively.

Council agreed to consider this further, along with agreeing a minimum and maximum numbers of councillor members for each committee.

   7.2. Cllr Follows to the Events Committee.

This item had been withdrawn from the agenda prior to the meeting.  

   7.3. Cllr Sheldon to the Environment & Estate Committee.

As Councillor Sheldon was not yet present at the meeting, this item was deferred until she arrived. The item was later considered after agenda item 8.3, below.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to appoint Cllr Sheldon to the Environment and Estate Committee. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Cunningham and approved with six votes for and one abstention.

   7.4. To consider any other changes to committee membership.

No other changes were made at this time. The newly co-opted councillors were invited to observe committee meetings before they considered which committee/they would like to be appointed to.

 

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

   8.1. Revised Terms of Reference for the Events Committee.

These were reviewed and amendments were agreed.

Cllr Sheldon joined the meeting during this item at 8.03pm.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve and adopt the Terms of Reference for the Events Committee following the agreed amendments being made. Proposed by Cllr Bain, seconded by Cllr Conway and approved unanimously.

   8.2. Additional wording for the Communication policy as recommended by the Events Committee, following the installation of a noticeboard at Elmtree play area to advertise Council and Ruskington community events.

This was discussed and an amendment was agreed.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the additional wording to add to the Communication Policy following an amendment.  Proposed by Cllr Sheldon, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved unanimously.

   8.3. Draft Flag flying policy as recommended by the Events Committee.

This policy had been based on the one adopted by NKDC. The policy was reviewed and an amendment was agreed.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the Flag Flying Policy following the agreed amendment being made. The policy to be reviewed in two years (2028). Proposed by Cllr Cunningham, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved unanimously.

 

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

This had been circulated prior to the meeting. The Chairman recommended that all Councillors read the report for all the information and updates it contained.

 

10. Correspondence:

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

   10.1. To consider the correspondence and notice from the Ruskington Lions JFC that they will be applying to NKDC for planning permission to locate a storage container at Parkfield playing fields.

This was to enable the Lions football equipment to be stored in the new container and their ground maintenance equipment to be stored in the current external storeroom of the Pavilion.  (Please see item 11.5. below for the proposed temporary storage solution.)

The Clerk displayed a map of possible locations at Parkfield playing fields. These had been discussed with members of the Lions JFC at a site visit on 2 September 2026.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve a location north of the changing room building for the new storage container, with space beside this for Council to erect its own storage unit in the future once the requirement and costs had been considered. The new storage unit and its base would need to comply with the conditions in the Lions ten-year lease agreement. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved unanimously.

 

Cllr Hislop left the meeting at 8.31pm. Members of public left the meeting.  

 

11. To receive an update and consider recommendations from the Recreation Committee following its meeting on 28 July 2026.

The notes of the meeting had been circulated prior to the meeting.

   11.1. To receive an update on the 4G pitch at Parkfield following the remedial measures (installation of kick boards by the contractor) to prevent the edges of the carpet turning up, and agree any actions and expenditure.

Cllr Cunningham reported that kick boards, made of treated timber, had been secured around the perimeter of the MUGA by the contractor at no cost to Council.

Action: The Council RESOLVED that it would not accept the kickboards as a solution unless they resolved the issue with the carpet lifting. The group who had made the first booking to hire the 4G to be invited by the Clerk to trial the facility for one hour at no cost. Proposed by Cllr Cunningham, seconded by Cllr Conway and agreed unanimously.

  11.2 To consider the following fees for the use of Parkfield facilities:

   a) Pavilion and playing field for day events for the remainder of 2026-2027:  £250 for a business, £150.00 for a national charity, £50.00 for a local charity.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the recommended fees: £250.00 for a business, £150.00 for a national charity and £50.00 for a local charity. Proposed by Cllr Cunningham, seconded by Cllr Sheldon and approved unanimously.

   b) Pavilion only (after renovation) – to match the Village Hall hourly rates.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to match the Pavilion fees (after renovation) with the hourly fees for hiring the village hall and other village venues.  Proposed by Sheldon, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved unanimously.

   11.2.2. To consider a 10% reduction in fees for block bookings of the 4G pitch. (Council has previously approved a fee of £25.00 per hour), and to confirm how many sessions constitute a” block booking.”

Action: The Council RESOLVED a 10% reduction in fees (£22.50) for block bookings of the 4G pitch and that a “block booking” consisted of 10 hours (10 x I hour sessions). Proposed by Cllr Bain, seconded by Cllr Sheldon and approved unanimously.

   11.3. To consider the date of 18th June 2027 for a charity event (Taxi Charity for Military Veterans) to be held at Parkfield playing fields, as recommended by the Recreation Committee, with a fee of £150.00, and to agree the Terms and Conditions for the event. https://www.taxicharity.org/

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the date of 18 June 2027 for the event and a fee of £150.00. Proposed by Cllr Sheldon, seconded by Cllr Follows and approved unanimously.

   11.4. To consider the proposed date of Saturday 10 July 2027 for Finley’s Fundraiser annual event to be held at Parkfield playing fields and consider the fee of £50.00 and the Terms & Conditions. 

The Council had considered and RESOLVED this between agenda items 4 and 5 above:

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve the date of Saturday 10 July 2027 for the event and a fee of £50.00. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Hislop and approved unanimously.

   11.5.  To consider the Ruskington Lions JFC using the changing room block for additional storage and the toilets, at no cost, during the renovation of the pavilion and until their storage unit and the external pavilion toilets are available for use.  

Action: The Council RESOLVED to allow the Ruskington Lions JFC to use the left side of the changing room building, for additional storage and the use of the toilets, at no cost, whilst the pavilion was under renovation, and their own new storage container was available. They would still have access to the external Pavilion storeroom. Proposed by Cllr Cunningham, seconded by Cllr Conway and approved unanimously.  

 

12. To receive an update and consider any recommendations from the Environment and Estate Management Committee and agree any actions and expenditure.

   12.1. To receive an update on the pavilion renovation.

Cllr Conway gave an update. A meeting with the renovation contractor had been made for 11am on Thursday 10 September 2026 at 11am. Prior to this, at 10.30am, the CCTV contractor was making a site visit regarding the upgrade to the CCTV system. Cllrs Ditch, Cunningham and Conway and the Clerk would be in attendance for both these meetings. The renovation was planned to start on 12 October 2026, weather permitting.

   12.2. To receive an overview of planning matters and consider any planning applications received since the agenda was published.

Information had been circulated prior to the meeting. Please see attached.

Planning Application Reference: 26/1012/HOUS had been received after the agenda was published.

Proposal: Demolition of existing garage and erection of side extension to include an

enlarged link block, new garage and annex

Location: 1 Priory Close Ruskington Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 9ED

Action: The Council had no objections to this application.

 

13. To receive an update and consider recommendations from the Events Committee following its meeting on 10 August 2026 – Cllr Harrison.

Cllr Harrison was not present at the meeting but had given a report to Cllr Sheldon reading out to Council. This included a thank you to named staff and councillors for their help with the Youth Day, an update on the preparation for the Christmas Market, and ideas for future events that had yet to be considered by the Committee and Council.

   13.1. To recievfe and update on the Christmas Market on Saturday 5 December 2026 and agree any actions and expenditure.

 The RFO advised that stall holders were paying for their stalls. There were no actions or expenditure for the Council to consider at this time.

   13.2. To consider the arrangements for Remembrance Sunday on 8 November 2026 and agree any actions and expenditure.

Members of the Events Cttee had met with representatives of All Saints Church on 2 September 2026 at the Parish Office to consider the arrangements for Remembrance Sunday. Please see the report from the meeting, attached.

   13.2.1. To appoint a councillor to give a reading during the Church service.

Rev’d Jenkins had invited a member of the Council to say a reading during the Remembrance Day church service.

Action: The Council agreed that Cllr Ditch would make the reading during the church service with Cllr Bain as a stand-in.

   13.2.2. To consider paying overtime to the Environment Caretaker for his time delivering and collecting in the road closure barriers and advising the road closure volunteers on the day.

Approx four hours of overtime would be required.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to pay overtime to the Environment Caretaker on Remembrance Sunday for delivering and collecting in the road closure barriers and advising the road closure volunteers on the day. Proposed by Cllr Bain, seconded by Cllr Cunningham and approved unanimously.  

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

• Cllr Bain asked if a bore hole/ well could be considered for the allotments in view of the recent water bill. (Future Environment & Estate Committee agenda item).
• Cllr Bain asked if, in consideration of a events taking place in close proximity during the summer of 2027, and in recognition of it not being Council’s position to decline request for external events, a series of recurring summer events could be planned with other agencies, such as fun days, Council events, and football tournaments.
• Cllr Conway asked when the 30mph speed limits signs were being erected. (This would be as soon as two caretakers were available due to the working at heigh requirements.)
• Cllr Conway asked if funding new plot of land for a cemetery could be considered by Council at least twice a year. (Cllr Cunningham gave an overview of the issues with the high water table in the area, and advised that one area of land on Fen Road, outside of the village, had previously been identified. The Clerk reported that she had contacted a local landowner, but a response had not been received.
• Cllr Cunningham asked about the expenditure for the church clock which had been installed at the church in 1931. (Once a report from the PCC and horologist was received then any expenditure would be considered as an agenda item by the Environment & Estate Committee.)
• Cllr Cunningham also asked if the PCC would provide the Wi-Fi for Council meetings in the Winchelsea Centre, gave an update on the new planning document, and reported vegetation growth and a bag of rubbish that had been left at Parkfield.
• Cllr Sheldon had reported items to LCC via Fix my Street, such as trees growing out of the walls of the Beck and reported that the church clock had been serviced on 3 September 2026.

 

The remaining members of public left the meeting.

 

15. 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 and legal matters below. 

Action: The Council RESOLVED to exclude the public and press to consider the staffing and legal matters below. Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Sheldon and approved unanimously.

 

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

 

16. To consider the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Discretion Policy as recommended by the HR Committee. (This was a mandatory document.)

Cllr Bain explained the requirement for the document.

Action: The Council RESOLVED to approve and adopt the LGPS Discretion Policy as recommended by the HR Committee. Proposed by Cllr Sheldon, seconded by Cllr Follows and approved unanimously.

 

17. To receive an update and recommendations from the HR Committee on staff health and wellbeing matters, comments from annual appraisals that require actions, consider ways to protect staff from harassment and intimation by members of the public, and agree any actions and expenditure required.

Cllr Bain gave an overview of HR matters.  All annual appraisals had been completed. Staff comments had been noted.

 

18.  To consider the Heads of Terms for a new 15 year lease with NKDC for Hillside play area and agree any actions and expenditure – Cllr Trolley.  

Action: The Council RESOLVED to accept the Heads of terms for a new 15 year lease with NKDC play area.  Proposed by Cllr Conway, seconded by Cllr Bain and approved unanimously.

 

19. To consider the future of the Village Hall and agree any actions and expenditure – Cllr Ditch.

Cllr Ditch gave an overview of a meeting held with the Village Hall and advised of the issues the committee may face if the Village Hall Chairman and Vice-chairman stepped down in May 2027.  Council was sharing the Village Hall publicity and had invited the committee to submit an article for the Council’s newsletter.

 

20. Code of Conduct, and liaison with external groups and members of the public– Cllr Ditch.

This was deferred until the next Council meeting.

 

The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.38pm.

Clerk’s Report for the July 2026 meeting.

Meeting date: 8 September 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 July 2026

Min ref 5.1. Cllr Follows has submitted his ROIs to NKDC and the Clerk and has his Council email.

Min ref 6.5. Two 3m x 3m gazebos have been purchased by the RFO for community events.

Min ref 6.6. The RFO has purchased a visual communication system and a wall hanging bracket.

Min ref 6.8. Updated costs for the Aubergine website provision have been obtained, and a quote has been requested. (Agenda item)

Min ref 8 - 8.2. Approved policies have been displayed on the website.

Min ref 10.4. An objection to all the telecommunications posts being erected in Ruskington has been submitted to Openreach (by post) with the details of the proposed posts brought to the attention of the Clerk by Councillors. Reference No: C126954436. Openreach advises that they have met their legal requirements, but poles can be relocated at the requester’s cost.  NKDC and LCC advise that the poles are within permitted development and do not require permission.

Min ref 18: The approved contractor for the pavilion renovation has agreed to undertake the work.  At an extra-ordinary Council meeting on 6 August 2026, the contract for the works was approved and this was issued to the contractor on 7 August 2026 with a request to review the contract and if acceptable, to sign and return a copy by Friday 14 August 2026. This and a date for a pre-works meetings are awaited. UPDATE on 4/9/2026: A pre-works meeting was being arranged for 10 September 2026 and the proposed start date for the works was 12 October 2026 (weather permitting.) The CCTV firm were also making a site visit on 10/9/2026 to discuss the upgrade to the CCTV.

Min Ref 19: The Clerk submitted a formal claim for the s106 fund to NKDC on 30/7/2026 for the renovation of Parkfield pavilion. The claim was successful and Council has received the fund into its bank account.

 

Other Council Business:

 

Council Business

AGAR:  PKF Littlejohn has acknowledged receipt of – AGAR Form 3, 2026The AGAR was displayed on the noticeboard from Wednesday 17 June 2026 to Tuesday 28 July 2026. In 2027 the AGAR process goes digital. The RFO has answered questions from the auditor.

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.

Coffee with a Councillor – Sessions have now been held every Friday mornings between 10am and 12noon.  Only three attendees made it clear they were attending the Coffee with a Councillor, the others were reporting and raising issues to the Council in general.

Issues raised and comments made:

• Condition of the carpark at the village hall (The Village Hall management Committee are aware, and the caretakers will be exploring options to improve Parkfield carpark.)
• Speeding and traffic issues in Ruskington
• Lack of street lighting on Lincoln Road beside the Flaxwell Fields development

Co-option – There are three vacancies. Three members of public will be considered for co-option at the meeting on 8 September 2026. They have all completed the co-option process. A further expression of interest has been received and an information pack provided.

Correspondence (for information only).

1. LALC (by email) fortnightly e-news.
2. LCC Highways (by email on 16/7/2026) – Advised that under permitted development planning laws, Openreach do not need planning permission to install poles up to 15m in height. Because of this there is no legal requirement for a consultation period with residents, businesses or Parish Councils.
3. Member of public (by email on 16/7/2026) – Suggestion for a laundrette for Ruskington. The Admin Assistant responded and provided details of the proposed launderette for Ruskington Co-op.
4. Fosse (4G contractor) by email (on 17/7/2026) – Arrangements for the preliminary, on -site, meeting with the Clerk (22/7/2026 at 2pm).
5. Sleaford Netball Team (by email on 17/7/2026) – Request to use the MUGA one evening per week for one month commencing on 23/7/2026. Advised that a 4G surface was being installed from 27/7/2026 and it was not known how long the work would take.
6. NKDC (by email on 17/7/2026) – Newsletter for July and August 2026. (Items with an * shared by the Admin Assistant on Council’s communication channels as requested.)
7. All Saints Ladies Club (by hand on 20/7/2026) – Thank you to the Clerk and Env Caretaker for help with its access to the community garden for the club’s summer evening event.
8. Church Warden (by email on 21/7/2026) – Church clock and all other requests for work to go via a church warden/ member of the PCC.
9. Lincolnshire Pension Fund (by email on 21/7/2026) – Consultation on the draft pension investment strategy which closes on 20 August 2026 (Circulated to Council).
10. NKDC (bye email on 2/7/2026) – s106 claim amount available from the Flaxwell fields development £177,312.87) and a blank claim form. (Claw back date 11/12/2034.)
11. Pilgrim’s Europe (by email on 22/7/2026) – Hiring of Parkfield playing fields on 30 August 2026 for an event no longer required.
12. PCC (by email on 23/7/2026) – Request to use Council’s outdoor games and barriers for their fun day on 28/7/2026) with an invitation to attend the event. (Barriers and games owned by Council offered for the event.)
13. Secretary of the Lions JFC (by email on 23/7/2027) – Draft document for the use of Parkfield playing fields and opening of the 4G pitch and fees for the 4G pitch. (Items for the Recreation Cttee meeting on 28/7/2026). Invited to submit a draft document and to make representation at the meeting.
14. Active Travel officer at LCC (by email on 23/7/2026) – Park and Stride project for the Ruskington Schools. (This follows a conversation at the LALC conference regarding solutions for parking issues in Ruskington.)
15. Member of public (by email on 27/7/2026) – Confirmation that cremated remains have been scattered on a grave in Sleaford Road cemetery.
16. Member of public (by email on 27/7/2026) – Incorrect spelling of a name on the war memorial and plaque in the memorial shelter and a request for these to be corrected if possible.  
17. Members of public (in separate emails on 27/7/2026) – Confirmation of their co-option intentions. (Agenda item.)
18. Smaller Authorities' Audit Appointments Ltd (SAAA) (by email on 27/7/2026) – AGAR Digital Portal.
19. Openreach (by email on 27/7/2026) – Confirmation of receipt of letter objecting to the proposed telegraph poles for Ruskington. Reference No: C126954436.
20. Facilities manager Lions JFC (by email on 28/7/2026) – Draft policy for Parkfield playing fields for Council to review. (Sent to the Recreation Committee for initial review.)
21. Finley’s Fundraiser (by email on 28/7/2026) – Information and proposed dates for 2027 event. (Circulated to the Recreation Committee and Council.)
22. LCC (by email on 28/7/2026) – Town and Parish Newsletter for July 2026. (Circulated to Council.)
23. Senior Flood Risk Officer (by email on 28/7/2026) – Update on the drain cleansing. Delivery of Phase 6 commenced on 27/7/2026. Ajet to be on-site: Monday 27th to Monday 30th of July 2026 and Tuesday 04th to Friday 07th of August 2026. (Circulated to Council.)
24. Lincolnshire Police (by email on 1/8/2026) – Request to view Parkfield CCTV following an incident on the carpark on 18/7/2026.
25. Openreach Pole Objections Team (by email on 3/8/2026) – A member of the Objections Team will contact the Parish Office on 14/8/2028. (9nvited to an in-person meeting.)
26. Senior Flood Risk Manager (by email on 3/8/2026) – Update that a utility cover on Moor Park will be reinstated by LCC. (Matter raised by Cllr Wright.)
1. Ruskington Village Hall Chairman (by email on 3/8/2026) – Request to meet with members of the Council to consider the future of the village hall. (Meeting arranged for 19/8/2026 at 10am.)
2. NKDC (by email on 3/8/2026) – Invitation for the Clerk and two councillors to attend a LGR Special Briefing on 8/9/2026 at 10.30am at the Council Chambers in Sleaford. (The Clerk and Cllr Ditch are attending.)
55. Rev’d Jenkins (by email on 4/8/2026) – Social media post regarding the naturalisation of the closed churchyard.
82. Lincolnshire Emergency Planning and Business Continuity Service (by email on 4/8/2026 – Link to the fire and rescue response review engagement.
109. NKDC (by email on 4/8/2026) – Community Champions Award for 2026 (circulated to Council).
136. Member of public (by email on 12/8/2026. Possibility of the Ruskington Walking Football Group hiring the 4G pitch whilst their usual pitch is being refurbished. (Fees, hire times and application form sent.)
163. Member of public (by email on 13/8/2026) - Possibility of hiring the 4G pitch for private and small group football coaching sessions. (Fees, hire times, and application form sent.)
190. Member of public (by email on 14/8/2026) Possibility of naturalisation of the grass area beside Beck Close play area.) Signposted to NKDC who own and manage this area of land.
217. Pilgrim’s Europe (by email on 18/8/2026) – Build-up of debris in the cemetery alongside the boundary fence with the factory. (Removed by the Env Caretaker).
244. Openreach (by email on 18/8/2026) – Response to proposed objections.  (Circulated.)
271. Lions JFC (by email to the RFO on 19/8/2026) – Pavilion renovation.
298. LCC (by email on 19/8/2026) – Winter salt bag.  (The Clerk has requested one 1.2m x 1m x 1.2m bag.)
325. Village Hall (by email on 20/8/2026) Follow up email following an informal meeting between representatives of the Village Hall Management Committee and Ruskington Parish Council.
352. Toucann Ltd (by email on 24/8/2026) – Possible new community magazine for Ruskington area.
379. National Grid (by email on 26/8/2026) – Severe Weather Contingency Planning (circulated to the Emergency Planning Leads and comments returned.)
406. NKDC (by post) on 26/8/2026 – Annual canvas Form for 9 High Street North. (Completed by the Clerk to state that this is a parish council / business premise.)
433. Finley’s Fundraiser (by email on 28/8/2026) – Agenda query and date for next years’ event for Council to consider.
460. Member of Public (by hand on 28/2/29026) – The Water Crises. (Scanned and circulated to all Councillors.)
487. LCC Highways (by hand) – Road closures for Manor Street and Church Street.
514. NKDC (by email on 1/9/2026) – NKDC consultation on the application of special expenses in relation to the maintenance of closed churchyards. The consultation runs from 1 September 2026 to 19 October 2026. (Ruskington’s closed church yard not maintained by the Parish Council.)
541. Finley’s Fundraiser (by email on 1/9/2026). Confirmation of the proposed date for Finley’s Fundraiser as Saturday 10 July 2026.

 

Donations to Council – Cllr Ditch purchased cans of pop costing £32.00  and donated the £150 generated from their sale to the Celebration of Youth Day.

• Ruskington Youth Club kindly paid for the climbing wall and bouncy castle at the Celebration of Youth Day.
• A member of public has donated a PA system use at events. Before this is accepted it will be PAT tested on 7 September 2026 to ensure it is safe to use.

Duties: Councillors have a duty to attend council and committee meetings, to have read all the information available before the meeting and to vote at the meeting. This enables Council to carry out its business efficiently and effectively.

Estate Management

Allotments: The new allotment years commences on 1 October 2026.

Cemetery – The caretakers have conducted a memorial headstone check. Quotes for vital work to ensure the safety of headstones have been obtained and circulated. (Agenda item to ratify the emergency expenditure of £4450.00 excluding VAT) William Kent Memorials will commence the work on Monday 7 September 2026. 

• The cemetery paths need reinstating and possibly re- edging in some places as grass is growing over them.

Public toilets –The annual asbestos survey and annual asbestos managements plan for 2026 have been sent to NKDC and circulated to the Environment and Estate Committee and caretakers. A copy of each document has been left in the toilet storeroom for the attention of any contractors and the cleaner.

• The risk assessment was updated and submitted to NKDC by 20 July 2026.
• Quotes for work identified in the risk assessments are awaited.
• Rusty hand rails in the disabled toilets are being replaced by the Buildings’ Caretaker or repainted.

Church clock – The Clerk has contacted the horologist regarding servicing the clock and requested a quote to replace/ repair the striker mechanism, if this is required and desired.  The horologist will arrange access to the clock directly with a Church Warden.

 

Parish Office

• Office Units – All office units continue to be let.

Parkfield carpark – This requires some attention. The Caretakers will do what they can but improved drainage and a new surface is required.

Pavilion renovation  

• The 30-year environment management plan is awaited. The Environment Caretaker has offered support with the plan, and this has been accepted.
• On 21/8/2026, the Clerk advised Global Vison of the pavilion renovation, and the upgrade to the CCTV. They have offered to make a site visit and advise.

 

Storage – Storage for Council machinery, equipment and event items has become apparent. The caretakers are reviewing items currently in storage in the pavilion. The Environment Caretaker has measured and costed a wooden shed for locating in the yard. Committees have been advised to consider current and future storage requirements. (September agenda item to inform the budget for FY 2026-2027).

 

Environment:

Allotments – The day-to-day admin is now being completed by the Admin Assistance under the supervision of the RFO and has been undertaking routine inspections of the plots.

• On 21/8/2026, following consultation with the Chairman and RFO, and using her delegated powers to ensure the smooth running of Council, the Clerk authorised the expenditure of £100.86 to subscribe to the InspectEDGE - Allotments software to enable allotment inspections to be recorded. The tablet already used for recording playground inspections will be used for this purpose.

• On 11 August 2026 a sheet of asbestos roofing, showing signs of cracking, was removed from allotment 12A by BPS Asbestos Services at a cost of £342.00. Samples of an unknown material, found on a nearby plot on previously undisturbed ground, were removed for testing at the same time at a cost of £180.00. (No asbestos was found in the sample.)  The Clerk used her delegated powers of expenditure to authorise the payments for these urgent health and safety matters.

Cemetery – The Parish Caretaker has been asked to remove all the other and other vegetation growing up the lychgate and to keep this clear from vegetation.

• The first interment of cremated remains took place in the new ashes area on 7/9/2026.

Community Garden - The Lincoln Army Cadets volunteered in the Community Garden on Saturday 22 August and did an excellent job of tidying the garden and removing litter. The Environment Caretaker was on site to offer guidance.

• The Ladies Club held their summer party the Community Garden on the evening of 15 July 2026 between 6.30pm to 9.30 pm for their summer party. They have written to thank the Clerk and Environment Caretaker for their help in facilitating this.
• Cllr Harrison (Chairman of the Events Committee) met with the Environment Caretaker to discuss future plans for the community garden and allowing space for events. A report and the plans from this will be reviewed by the Environment and Estate Management Committee at its meeting on 22/9/2026.)

Dog patrols – The Parish Caretaker has been conducting patrols of the playing fields and educating dog owners on the need to keep their dogs on leads at all times and to pick up and dispose of any dog waste.

Flooding /flood investigations and drain cleaning – LCC are continuing jetting and cleansing the drains reports are provided and circulated.

Following rain showers on 20/8/2026, it was noted that the High Street was flooding again outside the café. This is due to the willow tree blocking the drain. A Fix My Street request was made. This should be cleared and remedial work undertaken as part of the draining cleansing of the village.

Free trees: The Woodland Trust – trees have been requested but no update as yet.

Garden of Remembrance - The Parish Caretaker has removed ivy from the wreath shelter and will continue to do so as part of his duties.

Vegetation growing out of the Beck walls along the High Street –The Environment Caretaker has removed the buddleia bushes growing out of the walls of the Beck.

Closed church yard - The Environment Caretaker has updated the management plan for the closed church yard as it enters its fifth year of naturalisation. The plan has been revised following a meeting with the Rector and a church warden on 15 July 2026 at 9.30am. Rector Jenkins has written and published a social media post to update the public on the naturalisation of the closed church yard.

• The grass was cut 10 August 2026.

 

Horseshoe Hollow - RSM conducted the annual cut and collection of the grass at Horseshoe Hollow on Thursday 6/8/2026 (an earlier than usual date for the cutting). The cuttings have been left in two heaps in an out of the way place in the Hollow, as directed by the Environment Caretaker. This was the first time they have cut the Hollow and they completed the work as requested and to a very high standard.

 

Highways and traffic issues: The yellow 30mph speed limit signs were received on 6/8/2026 and will be erected by the caretakers on Lincoln Road, Sleaford, Road, Fen Road and Winchelsea Road.

 

Events and event attendance

• The Clerk and RFO attended the LALC Conference on 14 July 2026 at the EPIC centre in Lincoln.

Celebration of Youth Day

• This successfully took place on Saturday 15 August 2026 at Parkfield playing fields and feedback has been positive.

Remembrance Sunday (8 November 2026). (Agenda item.)

• The Clerk submitted the road closure and maps to LCC on 18/8/2026.
• The Clerk asked Rev’d Jenkins to review the order of events on 18/8/2026.
• A meeting with the PCC and the Events Committee, attended by the RFO and Clerk took place on 2 September 2026.

Recreation

Beck Close play area – The RFO has obtained quotes for a wet pour surface for around the equipment in the play area, the play area, and met with a contractor on 22/7/2026 at 10am.

• Following a report by the RFO, NKDC conducted work to trees that were becoming unsafe in the area of the play area. This included removing a willow that was overhanging the play area and felling a crab apple tree.

Hillside play area – NKDC has approached its legal team regarding a new lease for the play area.

• A new bench was installed on 28/8/2026 by the Caretakers.  This can be relocated at a later date.

Changing rooms – These may be required for temporary (locked) storage and for use by the Lions JFC whilst the Pavilion is being renovated.

MUGA /4G surface for the MUGA.

• The MUGA was hired for use on 18/7/2026 by the Sleaford Storm Netball Team who held an event at the Village Hall. They have expressed interest in using the 4G pitch for netball. The attachments for the netball posts have been kept in place beneath the 4G carpet.
• The Clerk and Buildings Caretaker met with the contractor regarding preliminary works on Wednesday 22/7/2026 at 2pm. A report was circulated to Council on the same day.
• Work to install the 4G surface commenced on 3 August 2026.  A handover took place on Tuesday 26/8/2026 with Cllr Ditch, Cllr Conway, the caretaker for Play Areas, and the Clerk present. Questions were raised about the “carpet” lifting around the edges. Fosse agreed to install kick boards around the perimeter to prevent the carpet lifting (it cannot be fastened down to allow for expansion and contraction.) These are due to be fitted by the contractor on 3/9/2026.
• Four enquiries have been made about using the 4G pitch. Three application forms have been sent out, and one has been returned. One enquirer commented that they hadn’t expected to pay to use the facility and would not be applying to hire the court.

Storage for sports teams - Members of the Recreation Committee met with members of the Lions JFC at the Pavilion on 11/8/2026 to discuss the pavilion renovation and storage for the ground maintenance equipment.  (Report from the meeting circulated to Council). (Agenda item.)

Other:

Village Hall: On 19/8/2026, Cllr Ditch, Cllr Conway, Cllr Sheldon, the Clerk and the RFO met with the Chair and Vice-chair of Ruskington Village Hall Management Committee on 19/8/2026 at the village hall to hear their concerns about the future of the committee and the building. (Agenda item.)

Staff matters – All annual staff appraisals have been undertaken for 2026.

• The Clerk is out of office on the afternoon on Thursday 10 September, Friday 11 September and on Monday 14 September 2026.

Staff Training – The Environment Caretaker has successfully completed Working at Heights, PUWER, Abrasive Wheels training.

Meetings held since the last ordinary meeting:

 

• Thursday 23 July 2026 – Events Committee meeting
• Tuesday 28 July 2026 – Recreation Committee meeting
• Monday 10 August 2026 - Events Committee
• Monday 7 September 2026 - HR Committee meeting

 

Dates for upcoming meetings:

• Tuesday 22 September 2026 – Environment and Estate Committee at 6.30pm at the Parish Office
• Monday 1 October 2026 – HR Committee at 6.30pm at the Parish Office
• Tuesday 6 October 2026 – Recreation Committee at 6.30pm at the Parish Office
• Tuesday 13 October 2026 – Ordinary meeting at 7pm at the Winchelsea Centre
• Tuesday 3 November 2026 – Finance & Governance Committee at 6.30pm at the Parish Office

 

Council and Committee Meetings for the remainder of 2026

Please note the date changes for some committee meetings. Additional committee meetings may be arranged, as required.

 

Ordinary meetings

•             Tuesday 8 September 2026 at 7pm at the Winchelsea Centre

•             Tuesday 13 October 2026 at 7pm at the Winchelsea Centre

•             Tuesday 10 November 2026 at 7pm at the Winchelsea Centre

•             Tuesday 8 December 2026 at 7pm at the Winchelsea Centre

 

Environment and Estate/ Planning Committee

•             Tuesday 22 September 2026 at 6.30pm at the Parish Office (was scheduled for 15/9/2026 but would be inquorate.)

•             Monday 30 November 2026 at 6.30pm at the Parish Office

 

Events Committee meeting

• Thursday 24 September 2026 at 6.30pm at the Parish office.

 

Finance and Governance Cttee meetings

•             Tuesday 3 November 2026 at 6.30pm at the Parish Office

 

HR Cttee meetings

•             Monday 7 September at 6.30pm at the Parish Office

•             Thursday 1 October 2026 at 6.30pm at the Parish Office.

 

Recreation Committee meetings

•             Tuesday 6 October 2026 at 6.30pm at the Parish Office

•             Tuesday 1 December 2026 at 6.30pm at the Parish Office.

 

Planning applications and notice of approved planning applications for the Environment and Estate Committee to consider

 

New applications received from NKDC.

1. Prior Notification Householder Development

Planning Application Reference: 26/0864/PNH

Received on 16th July 2026

Proposal:  Single storey rear extension 5.6m in total length from the original wall, eaves

height of 2.3m and maximum height of 3.5m

Location:   32 Westcliffe Road Ruskington Sleaford

Applicant: Mr Nicholas Saunby

An application for prior notification has been received for the above mentioned proposal.

The purpose of the Prior Notification procedure is to determine whether or not any

further prior approval is required, therefore, it is not subject to the usual consultation

process as the Council is only provided with 42 days in which to make a decision.

 

   b. Planning Application Reference: 26/0848/FUL

Received on 30 July 2027

Proposal: Conversion of the existing building to form four self-contained residential units (Use Class C3) with associated parking and shared amenity space (part retrospective)

Location: 48 Rectory Road.

The Committee has re-submitted its previous comments for this property and its planning application.

 

   c. Planning Application Reference: 26/0901/HOUS

Proposal: Extension to dormer on front elevation

Location: 78 Sleaford Road Ruskington Sleaford Lincolnshire NG34 9BS

Comments to be returned to NKDC by 30 August 2026. 

No comments were submitted to NKDC.

 

   d. Planning Application Reference: 26/0835/FUL

Proposal: Change of use from agricultural land to secure dog exercise paddock and

creation of parking area

Location: Shire Farm Ruskington Fen Billinghay Lincoln Lincolnshire

Comments to be returned by 3 September 2026.

No comments were submitted to NKDC.

 

   e. Planning Application Reference: 26/0923/VARCON

Proposal: Application to vary condition 2 (approved plans) to reflect updated

drawings/approved house types of planning permission 19/0938/RESM -Erection of 73no.

dwellings with access, appearance, landscaping and scale to be considered following

outline planning permission 17/1840/OUT.

Location: Rushby Meadows Land North Of Whitehouse Road Ruskington Lincolnshire

Comments to be returned to NKDC by 5 September 2026.

No comments were submitted to NKDC.

 

Planning Application information received from LCC

Received on 4 August 2026

   a. Planning reference: PL/0016/25

Development: For proposed erection and operation of biogas plant (biogas generated on site upgraded to biomethane, with a range of by-products for export) including connection to the national gas transmission system, associated highway modifications (including new road link to Moy Park facility from the A153), proposed landscaping and associated development (including pipeline connections)

Location: Land to the west of Moy Park facility and south of the A153, Anwick

Grid reference: 510848 350225.Further information in accordance with Regulation 25 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 has been received relating to the above development:

Regulation 25: Additional information in response to NKDC Conservation Officer 31/07/2026

Response submitted on 7/8/2026:

• Recent studies have concluded that biomethane is not an alternative for household gas so consider it odd that this has been added.

It is concerned that the planned pipeline to transport the biomethane will cross with The Beck.