2026 Minutes

BELCHFORD AND FULLETBY PARISH COUNCIL

Notes from Parish Council meeting held on Thursday 17th September 2026 at Belchford Village Hall.

(These notes are a record of the meeting and are not accepted as formal minutes until duly signed on behalf of the Parish Council)

Present in person: Councillors Miranda Brown, Jill Newby, Paul Barnes, John Smith, Jake Fixter, Ian Goodall, Peter Thompson and two members of the public. D Cllr Simpson and admin support Ms Sharon White.

The Public Forum commenced at 7.30 pm

The public forum started with concerns about CCTV, some villagers expressed they were not happy if this was to happen. JN confirmed no plans to go forward at present. Also, villager's concern that nothing has happened about speeding through the villages. JN confirmed speed awareness week showed no one went above 30 mph at the recorded spot, which was by the church.  It was said that bollards or similar of requested are not appropriate for farm vehicles etc. Email to be sent to C Cllr Alex McGonigle asking for suggestions to reduce speeding. His email address to be added to the website so the public to directly contact him, IG confirmed it's on the website already.

Parish Council meeting commenced at 7.50 pm

1. Apologies for absence and reasons given - Paul Morris, Alex McGonigle and Katy Hockham all sent apologies and were all working, which was accepted.

2. Declaration of interests and requests for dispensations - to receive declarations of interest in accordance with the Localism act 2011 and to consider granting dispensation(s), as per written requests received by the proper office, to councillors under Section 22 of the Act. There were no declarations of interest.

3. Chairman’s remarks, JN introduced Sharon White, temp admin. JN asked each councillor to introduce themselves. JN asked that a card be sent to Karen Elliott to thank her for years of service.

4. To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held in July 2026. JF proposed. PB seconded. JN signed. Resolved unanimously that the official minutes of the last meeting having been previously circulated and amended were accepted as a true and accurate record of the minutes. 

5. To receive reports from the Clerk and Councillors on matters outstanding

A. Clerk no report

B. IG inquired when the bike rake installation would be complete at Fulletby bus shelter. It was agreed that JS would follow that up with PM

C. PT reported there had be no progress with Viking Way bench, he will email C Cllr AMcG to find out what is happening.

D. IG reported he has made contact with the Webmaster and he is getting our website up to date.

C. IG has been trying to get hold of Ketsby Wood Mill for Fulletby noticeboard repair with no luck. PB messaged them during the meeting and got a positive reply.

7. To receive an update from the Village Green Committee
James Hallum email read out asking for more volunteers and this will be featured in the next village newsletter. SW to email current grants available to JH. Public forum suggested adult swing on the Village Green would be nice.

8. Highway Matters
JS want repairs to the edge of the roadside; PT recommends passing places. Nothing seems to have happened since Cllr AMcG attended last PC meeting? PT said these 2 options were discussed at the last meeting. JN suggests we make a proposal and email C Cllr AMcG, copy in JS, PT and Highways Office; we want more repairs to existing potholes and possibly install passing places.

9. Planning Matters 
0160/26/FUL The Offing Dams Lane Belchford LN96LH
We object. MB explained that the neighboring property is overshadowed. JN it's on the Viking Way so the open countryside needs to be preserved. PB queried our position as a Natural Landscape and is it a business workshop? PT concerned about over creeping by amendment. D Cllr Simpson massing on raised site?  Observation noted as workshop, with no planning submitted for change of use. 

10. Community Woodland 
JS reported that the extremely dry summer has left the trees struggling. Clay is now lining the pond, no water yet. Discussion unresolved as to should we store or sell excess clay? JS suggested we apply for any free trees and will keep an eye out for such schemes, clerk will contact possible free tree sources. JS will write a piece for newsletter on the Community Woodland. PT will be installing life ring by the water, JS to help with installation.  It is currently not dangerous as there is no water. PT has an idea for a bird hide, position tbc, JS to help and asking Lincs Wildlife Trust for support.

11. Adopted IT policy 
PS proposed. IG seconded. IG to add to website.

12. Future PAYE  Strategy
IG explained that the TPJones payroll is paid quarterly. This can be kept as a dormant arrangement going forward at a cost of £29.00 per year.  The meeting agreed this was the best option.

13. To consider correspondence received since the last council meeting 
Email from the chairman of Piddington Parish Council concerned about housing immigrants in village locations.   It was discussed and suggested that he was invited to our next meeting on November 14th to put his case to the PC and villagers.

14. Financial matters 
The KH will ask the Village Hall to pay half of the GRL invoice £347.71 and Safe Links invoice £571.99 for the installation of the Defibrillator. KH will finalise financial report. Edward Goodall paid for sign maintenance. Final payment to Mrs K Elliott agreed.

15. To agree venue and agenda items for November 2026 meeting plus items for newsletter.
Venue was decided as the Village Hall, possible agenda items highway walk survey, bulbs, bike rack, Viking Way bench, Laptop for PC.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.30 pm.

Parish Admin Sharon White
Email clerk@belchfordandfulletbyparishcouncil.gov.uk
Website: www.parishes.lincolnshire.gov.uk/BelchfordandFulletby