2026 Minutes

Minutes of the meeting of Old Leake Parish Council held on Wednesday 11th March 2026 at 7:00pm in The Community Centre.

Present: Cllrs David Dickason, Tom Ashton, Neil Booley, Guy Bull and Paul Skinner.
Also Present: County Cllr A Arundell, Community member Walter Seekamp and Parish Clerk Rebecca Herberts.

Public Forum
There was one member of the public present. 
Statements or questions raised were: 
a.    Concern around drugs - small bags had been found near The Giles Academy. It was reiterated that such concerns should be reported to the Police.

07:08pm - The Public Forum was closed and the Parish Council meeting commenced.

1/3/26 To receive and accept apologies and approve reasons for absence. 
Apologies and reason for absence were received and accepted from Cllrs Matt Harrison and Sam Wild.
Apologies were also received from Borough Cllrs J Baxter and C Butler.

2/3/26 To receive reports from representatives on outside bodies:
a.    Borough Councillors - A written report was received and is appended to the minutes.
b.    County Councillor – There was nothing to report.  

3/3/26 To receive declarations of interest under the Localism Act 2011 and consider any requests for dispensations. 
No declarations of interest were made, and no requests for dispensations were received.

4/3/26 Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 11 February 2026 to be approved and signed as the minutes.
It was resolved that the previously circulated minutes be signed as the official minutes.

5/3/26 Clerk’s Report
The Clerk had nothing to report. 

6/3/26 Chair’s announcements and any relevant updates 
It was resolved to arrange for the purchase of framed certificates of appreciation in recognition of contributions to the community, with presentation to take place at a future meeting.

7/3/26 To consider applicants for co-option onto the Parish Council 
One application had been received prior to the meeting. It was resolved to co-opt Stephen Seymour onto the Parish Council. The Chair welcomed Stephen to the Council.

8/3/26 Financial matters:
a.    To authorise payments:
The accounts for payment for March were checked against the invoices to the list, confirmed as correct and signed by Cllrs David Dickason and Guy Bull. It was resolved to authorise the payments. 
Date    Payee/ Creditor     Income Received     Amount ex VAT     VAT      Total Expenditure 
                 Reclaimable      Non reclaimable     
11/03/2026    ARK ICT         £8.60    £1.72    £0.00    £10.32
11/03/2026    Borough Cllr Butler Donations    £2,500.00    £0.00    £0.00    £0.00    £0.00
11/03/2026    Staffing Costs (Salary, HMRC, NI)         £1,277.81    £0.00    £0.00    £1,277.81
11/03/2026    Clerks Expenses (Broadband & Printer Ink)         £32.93    £0.00    £0.00    £32.93
11/03/2026    Litter Picker         £150.00    £0.00    £0.00    £150.00
11/03/2026    Haines Watts - Payroll         £23.00    £4.60    £0.00    £27.60
11/03/2026    LALC Annual Subscription         £510.16    £0.00    £0.00    £510.16
11/03/2026    LALC Annual Training Scheme         £170.00    £34.00    £0.00    £204.00
11/03/2026    Greenbarnes Ltd         £526.50    £105.30    £0.00    £631.80
11/03/2026    Boston Borough Council - Street Lights         £350.00    £70.00    £0.00    £420.00
11/03/2026    OLCC - Youth Club Hire         £233.12    £0.00    £0.00    £233.12
11/03/2026    OLCC - Meeting Hire         £21.00    £0.00    £0.00    £21.00
11/03/2026    BT Group         £68.10    £13.62    £0.00    £81.72
11/03/2026    Wrangle Parish Council - Speed Sign Cable         £123.00    £0.00    £0.00    £123.00
11/03/2026    Table Tennis Table         £529.98    £0.00    £0.00    £529.98
     Totals     £2,500.00    £4,024.20    £229.24    £0.00    £4,253.44

b.    To report bank balances
The Clerk had circulated the up-to-date budget figures for the current financial year along with the bank reconciliation to the Councillors prior to the meeting. It was resolved to accept the budget figures and bank reconciliation figures. 
Balances of the bank accounts as of 28/02/26 were: 
Bank Account    Balance
Business Current    £49,369.14
Business Reserve 1    £1305.15
Business Reserve 2    £630.56
c.    To receive an update on the bank mandate and online banking
i.    NatWest cannot activate dual authorisation without an additional £10/month service.
ii.    It was resolved that the Clerk investigate alternative banks.
iii.    The Council resolved that the Clerk may process payments by online bank transfer. The Council noted that this arrangement deviates from the current Financial Regulations regarding the authorisation of payments. This is a temporary measure whilst banking arrangements are confirmed. A schedule of payments will be prepared by the Clerk and presented to the Council.

9/3/26 To note CCTV updates and image requests 
Two requests for CCTV images had been received.

10/3/26 To receive a report from the Recreational Area Working Group, resolve actions and expenditure for issues raised:
a.    Washdyke
i.    Following discussion the electricity connection would remain. 
ii.    It was resolved that quotes would be sought for the upgrade of the no longer functioning CCTV system.
iii.    It was reported that the gate closures are broken. It was resolved to purchase two new closures. 
b.    Furlongs 
There was nothing to report. 
c.    Enos Wood 
There was nothing to report. 

11/3/26 Highways Matters: 
a.    Receive issues requiring maintenance/repair 
i.    LCC Highways confirmed that the Lade Bank defects are to be filled in June as part of their drought damage works. 
ii.    Lade Bank has a proposed resurfacing scheme due to subsidence and drought damage. This proposal has not yet been accepted or scheduled and will be assessed alongside other roads in the County, with priority given to those posing greater risk. The area will continue to be monitored through FixMyStreet reports and routine inspections, so residents are encouraged to report any concerns.
iii.    The Gride and Hobhole were also raised as concerns. 
b.    To receive reactive speed sign data 
Cable ordered; signs will be charged and repositioned, with testing to follow.
c.    To discuss setting up a Community Speed Watch scheme 
An advert will be placed in the local magazines. The Clerk will investigate this further. 
d.    Cowbroads Lane 
No further updates. 

12/3/26 To note an update regarding the young people’s service provided by OLPC
Table tennis table to be ordered; price increased by £20. Resolved to proceed with the order.

13/3/26 To note an update regarding Old Main Road MUGA
It was resolved to revisit this project in preparation for April and the new financial year.

14/3/26 To note the advertisement for the General Maintenance Contractor and agree next steps
The contract has been prepared and issued. The contractor has confirmed that he is content with the terms but was unable to attend the meeting.
The Clerk is completing the site induction and familiarisation documentation.
It was resolved this item will become a standing agenda item for monthly reporting.

15/3/26 To discuss a proposed Skateboard Park 
Cllr Neil Booley is awaiting a finalised quote - Through help of the Borough Councillors Active Links Projects may be able to help. They would like to meet with the council. Meeting options to be considered.  

07:48pm County Cllr Alistair Arundell left the meeting. 

16/3/26 To consider installing a shelter at the play area on Furlongs Lane 
Cllr Neil Booley is awaiting a finalised quote. 

17/3/26 To discuss the mosaic in the bus shelter on Church Road 
Boston School of Mosaic have been contacted; project discussion is ongoing. 
Option for a smaller mosaic has been considered. The funding of this project would be determined after a quote was received. 

18/3/26 To discuss storage options for Council records and paperwork 
This continues to be an ongoing project. 

19/3/26 To discuss setting up gov.uk email addresses 
As part of the AGAR for this year Assertion 10 is new and it says all council business should be done using official council email accounts, not personal emails. 
Instructions circulated. Councillors not yet using the email are to implement before the next meeting.  

20/3/26 To receive an update regarding the noticeboard at The Butchers Arms
The new noticeboard just requires installation this would be arranged. 

21/3/26 To discuss the Parish Council’s involvement in the Community Centre’s proposed Youth Disco and Engagement Event
It was resolved that due to the recent anti-social behaviour and drug concerns, the proposed youth disco would be deferred. 

22/3/26 Purchase of lamp post poppies and consideration of sponsored cards.
Lamp post poppies cost £5 each, or £95 for a pack of 20.
Resolved:
a.    To purchase 30 lamp post poppies initially.
b.    To advertise in the local magazines inviting residents to sponsor a poppy with a minimum donation of £5.
c.    Sponsored poppies will be displayed along the A52 (subject to LCC permission), along Church Road and the Church and areas of Station Road and Chapel Road in Old Leake Commonside. 
d.    Sponsors may submit a message of remembrance, to be displayed in a waterproof pouch attached to the poppy.
e.    All proceeds will be donated to the Royal British Legion.
A closing date will be included in the advertisement to review the level of interest.

07:53 pm One member of the public left the meeting. 

23/3/26 To review meeting dates for 2026
Meeting dates for 2026 were discussed and reviewed. It was resolved meeting would be moved to the first Wednesday of each month from May 2026. Meeting dates for 2026 were confirmed as: 
08 April 2026
06 May 2026
03 June 2026
01 July 2026
No meeting in August 
02 September 2026
07 October 2026
11 November 2026
02 December 2026

24/3/26 To receive and review the updated Asset Register and to consider its adoption.
Amendments were to be made and circulated for final review and adoption at the next meeting. 

25/3/26 To resolve to adopt the IT Policy
Resolved: To adopt the IT Policy.

26/3/26 To resolve to adopt the Risk Register document
Resolved: To adopt the Risk Register.

27/3/26 To resolve to review and adopt the Privacy Policy
Resolved: To adopt the Privacy Policy.

28/3/26 To resolve to review and adopt the Accessibility Statement
Resolved: To adopt the Accessibility Statement. 

29/3/26 Planning applications received for a decision at this meeting (All plans can be viewed at www.mybostonuk.com)

Application Number    Location    Development Description    Applicant Name    Registered Date    Information
B/26/0073    Gride Farm, Midgate Lane East, Old Leake, Boston PE22 9SB    Application under Schedule 2, Part 6, Class A of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 as amended to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed agricultural building and associated works    Thompson    10/02/2026    Prior notification of agricultural development

30/3/26 Planning Decisions received from Boston Borough Council 

Application Number    Location    Development Description    Applicant Name    Decision    Decision Date
B/25/0490    Unit 3, JEG Farms Limited, Fold Hill, Old Leake, Boston PE22 9PH    Application for a certificate of lawfulness to confirm that the proposed installation of a biomass boiler within the existing building and to utilise the existing chimney is lawful    JEG Farms Limited    Favourable Planning decision    11/02/2026
B/25/0441    Farmhouse, Chapel Road, Old Leake, Boston PE22 9PP    Erection of 1no. Detached bungalow    Smith    Favourable with conditions    26/02/2026

31/3/26 Correspondence received, not covered on the agenda
Following previous correspondence, further emails have been received from one resident concerning footway lighting and the recent precept increase.

32/3/26 Matters for next agenda
No items were raised.

33/3/26 Date of next meeting
The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on 08 April 2026. 

08:16 pm The meeting closed. 

Old Leake Parish Council Update – March 2026

ANGLIAN WATER-Works on Gride gone well and finished. Gride open but Station Road Sibsey works started. Posts put on village Facebook sites.

FOOD WASTE ENGAGEMENT- We have contacted various local groups to arrange presentations about changes to waste disposal. 

LINCS DIGITAL. Well, attended meeting at the Parish Hall Coffee Morning. Wrangle, where residents asked about use of computers etc within NHS System. Hopefully more sessions will follow. Contacted the Hub about a session there.

FULL COUNCIL MEETING.2ND March.

Items on Agenda-Annual Budget Report 2026/2027. Council Tax Setting 2026/2027. Terms and Conditions-Partnership 
Constitution Amendment-Covers number of questions to be allowed at Council.
CONSULTATION -LGR PROPOSALS. Details on BBC site.

COMMUNICATIONS- In between Parish Council Meetings we contact Becca with any issues and also the BBC Facebook site and our Councillor Site give updates etc. We also utilise the Old Leake and Wrangle Facebook sites.

MAYORS CHARITIES. The mayor’s term of office finishes soon, and he is busy, along with a committee, raising funds for local charities. Events are listed on the BBC site. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

LOCAL EVENTS/VOLUNTEERS. A massive thank you to all those involved in organising local events at the Community Centre and Church. It is fantastic to see so many people volunteering.

FELLANDS GATE-CHAPEL ROAD. Callum contacted Highways Manager and issues being addressed.

HOBHOLE SETTLEMENT. The Planning Enforcement Officer is still waiting for contact from the Police about an accompanied visit. We have involved the Leader and Fire Chief in this also.

COTTAGE OPPOSITE GILES-MAIN ROAD. Callum raised issue about caravans on site with Planning Enforcement Officer. 

ANGLIAN WATER LITTER PICK THE GRIDE. Callum contacted the Comms Team at Anglian Water who were brilliant organising a team to litter pick for the day with Callum. Many thanks to them for organising this and to Callum for all his hard work.

STREET LIGHT REPAIRS-Property Services at the Council still chasing up quotes.

Callum and John