Minutes taken by the Clerk, Mrs Victoria Clark, at the meeting of Swineshead Parish Council held on Tuesday, 15 April 2025 in the Swineshead Community Hub, 1-2 North End, Swineshead, PE20 3LR
Present: Councillors Carl Gibbard (Chairman), Sean Trafford (Vice Chairman), Roger Welberry, Mike Brookes, Chelcie Trafford, Roy Hilton, David Lemon, Philippa Parnel, Lisa Baldwin, Andy Lawrence, and the Clerk
Also Present: Boston Borough Councillors Suzanne Welberry, Stuart Evans and 5 members of the public
6.45pm Presentation from the Lincolnshire Armed Forces Community Covenant Officer
The presentation explained how local authorities can support the Armed Forces community. Lincolnshire has the highest number of veterans in the country, highlighting the importance of local engagement.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a national promise that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, along with their families, including the bereaved, are treated with fairness and respect within society.
It is founded on two key principles:
1. No member of the Armed Forces community should face disadvantage compared to other citizens in accessing public or commercial services.
2. Special consideration is appropriate in some circumstances, particularly for those who have been injured or bereaved through service.
Local councils can play a vital role in upholding these principles by ensuring fair access to services and recognising the unique contributions and needs of veterans and their families.
Public Forum:
No members of the public wished to speak.
Lincolnshire County Councillor – Mike Brookes
Councillor Mike Brookes has stepped down from his position as County Councillor.
Due to the current purdah period, there are restrictions on what can be communicated publicly.
Regarding High Street, Lincolnshire County Council has been asked to review the newly changed parking restrictions. This matter will be raised with the newly appointed County Councillor once in post and the Parish Council.
Boston Borough Councillors – Suzanne Welberry and Stuart Evans
Councillor Suzanne Welberry did not provide a report due to purdah restrictions.
Councillor Stuart Evans has been actively engaging with residents and will continue to do so in the coming weeks.
The meeting was opened at 19:16.
1. Chairman’s remarks:
Councillor Gibbard warmly thanked Councillor Brookes for the time, support, and commitment he has given to the local community, acknowledging the positive difference he has made over the years.
2. Apologies for absence: To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Clerk or Chairman prior to the meeting
All members of the council were present.
3. To receive declarations of interest under the Localism Act 2011 – being any pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest in agenda items
Councillor Gibbard declared an interest in Gillrange Limited.
4. To approve as a correct record, the notes of the meeting of the Council held on 18 February 2025 and to authorise the Chairman to sign the official minutes
On proposal from Councillor S Trafford, seconded by Councillor R. Welberry and with no objections, all resolved to accept the minutes and gave permission for the Chairman to sign them.
5. Financial matters:
i. Bank Balances as of 31 March 2025
£16,056.11 community account
£71,138.27 to include £54.53 interest - Instant online
Total end of year balance: £87,194.38
ii. Elan City renewal of warranty for 2 units £199 + VAT each. To discuss & resolve
The Clerk to check that an extra 3-year warranty was taken out.
iii. To approve the following accounts:
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PAYEE
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SERVICE
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INVOICE DETAILS
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£
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COMMENTS
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Lloyds Bank
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Service Charges
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Direct Debit
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£4.25
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Paid DD
18/3/25
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EE
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Mobile
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April invoice
V02328986132
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10.36
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Paid DD
26/3/25
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Methodist Church
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Library Rent
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1 April 2025
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£150.00
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Paid DD
1/4/2025
|
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Friends of St. Mary’s
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Archive & Community Hub
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1 April 2025
Inv. 0094
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£200.00
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Paid DD
1/4/2025
|
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Gillrange Limited
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Community Hub & Council Office Rent
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1 April 2025
Inv. 17260
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£350.00
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Paid DD
1/4/2025
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LALC
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Annual Training
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Invoice 15678
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210.00
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Approved
Paid
|
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LALC/NALC
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Subscription
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Invoice 15582
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697.68
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Approved
Paid
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LALC
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Webmaster
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5 Hours
Invoice 15893
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£108.00
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To be Approved
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R Page Consultancy
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Aquatic Dye treatment Mackie’s Pit
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Inv.0262
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£875.00
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To be approved
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BT
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Broadband
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April 2025
Inv. M038 1Z
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£50.28
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Paid DD
15/4/2025
|
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N Bush
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Payroll
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April
Inv. 10720
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£15.00
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To be approved
|
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Staff
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Costs
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April Payroll & Expenses
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£1,544.55
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To be approved
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S Holland
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March Garden maintenance
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Invoice 21
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£507.50
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To be approved
|
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Black Sluice
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Drainage Rates
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Invoice
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£311.29
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To be approved
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Corrected BT amount from £50.28 to £54.42
On proposal from Councillor C. Trafford seconded by Councillor R. Welberry and with no objections, all resolved to approve all payments.
6. Town and Country Planning Act 1990. To consider and make observations on all planning applications received and to note planning approvals, refusals, enforcement complaints and appeal decisions advised by the district council.
i. B/25/0146: (1/5) Removal of existing single storey rear extension & garage & erection
of new 2 storey rear extension & attached garage Roseleigh, 45, Abbey Rd, PE20 3EN
The Council had no comments or objections to this application.
7. Clerks outstanding matters and correspondence:
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SUBJECT
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ACTION
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Proposed “No Stopping” restrictions on Abbey Road, in the vicinity of the school.
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To receive any updates
The new county councillor would be made aware of the situation.
As there had been two objections, Councillor Brookes offered to attend the planning and regulation meeting and all were in favour
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LCC draft rights of way improvement plan – Closing date 9 June 2025
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To discuss and appoint a member to conduct the survey for Swineshead
Councillors R Welberry and Lawrence will conduct the survey
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8. Councillor’s and village reports, actions & updates:
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SUBJECT
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ACTION
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Swineshead Community Emergency Plan and Local villages Resilience & Emergency Group
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Date of presentation will be Tuesday, 20 May 6.45 pm
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Play area RoSPA action
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To receive updates & discuss actions
To decide when to invite RoSPA to inspect the play area
All agreed that the stones should be removed
Quotes would be gained and discussed the May meeting
The Clerk will be informed which company to book for the annual inspection
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Swineshead Benevolent Fund:
Swineshead Village Hall, Lease renewal, carpark maintenance, recycling, insurance & ground rent
Play area ground rent
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To receive reports and any updates from the Working group
SBF to renew the lease
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Community Hub, Library and Village Archive
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To receive any updates
Library:
The accounts for the library along with £64.00 had been received.
It was noted that none approved purchases had been made from the cash transactions.
The Clerk was instructed to inform the person that this was bad practice and that all council purchases must be agreed at full council. Copier paper for the library copier is an exception as it is a necessity.
Archive:
The next open day would be in the church with talks and information on the Roman Settlement in Swineshead.
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Boston Road Planter
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To discuss ideas of repositing
It was agreed that the top of Abbey Road would be the ideal location.
A photo of the location would be sent to the Clerk who will seek permission for Highways.
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9. Dates for the next meeting/s:
20 May Annual meeting of the Parish Council
Annual Parish Meeting (Residents meeting)
Wednesday 21 May, Church Hall, Market Place
The Clerk to send details of what is needed in the hall to Suzanne Welberry
10. To resolve to go into closed session
On proposal from Councillor Lemon seconded by Councillor Brookes and with no objections, all resolved to go into closed session.
11. To discuss applications for the vacancy of Proper Officer, Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer
Following full discussion and with the agreement of all members present with no objections, it was resolved to offer the position to the selected candidate.
The Clerk was granted delegated authority to finalise the terms of employment, including working hours and rate of pay, and to prepare the contract of employment accordingly.
The completed contract will be circulated to all councillors for formal approval at a future council meeting.
In addition, the Clerk will write to all applicants to thank them for their interest in the position and for taking the time to apply.
The Meeting was closed at 20:10
