2026 Minutes

Minutes of the meeting of Old Leake Parish Council held on Wednesday 6th May 2026 at 7:00pm in The Community Centre.

Present: Cllrs David Dickason (Chair), Neil Booley, Guy Bull, Stephen Seymour, Paul Skinner and Sam Wild.
Also Present: Community member Walter Seekamp and Parish Clerk Rebecca Herberts. 

7:02pm - The Annual Parish Council Meeting commenced.

1/5/26 Election of the Chair – Receive signed declaration of acceptance of office 
It was proposed by Cllr Skinner and seconded by Cllr Seymour that Cllr Dickason be elected Chair of Old Leake Parish Council for the ensuing year. Following a show of hands vote, it was:
Resolved: That Cllr Dickason be elected Chair of Old Leake Parish Council.
Cllr Dickason signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

2/5/26 To hand over the sealed envelope containing passwords relating to the operation of the administration of the Parish Council. 
The Clerk handed a sealed envelope containing passwords and access information relating to the administration of the Parish Council to the Chair, Cllr Dickason.
Cllr Dickason signed to acknowledge receipt of the sealed envelope.
The Clerk advised on the importance of secure storage and handling of the contents.

3/5/26 Election of Vice-Chair – Receive signed declaration of acceptance of office 
It was proposed by Cllr Skinner and seconded by Cllr Bull that Cllr Ashton be elected Vice-Chair of Old Leake Parish Council for the ensuing year. Following a show of hands vote, it was:
Resolved: That Cllr Ashton be elected Vice-Chair of Old Leake Parish Council.
Resolved: With Cllr Ashton not present at the meeting, the acceptance of office would be completed at the next Parish Council meeting. 

4/5/26 Public Forum
To resolve to suspend the meeting for a maximum of 15 minutes, unless directed by the Chair. To allow members of the public to ask questions or make short statements to the Council. 
Resolved: That the meeting move into the Public Forum session.

7:04pm – The Public Forum commenced. 

A member of the public raised concerns regarding vandalism to the Witches Hat in the play area at Furlongs Lane.

7:14pm – The Public Forum closed and the Parish Council meeting resumed.

5/5/26 To receive and accept apologies and approve reasons for absence 
Apologies and reason for absence were received from Cllr Ashton. 
Apologies were also received from Borough Cllrs J Baxter and C Butler. 
No apologies were received from Cllr Harrison. 
Resolved: To accept the reasons for absence from Cllr Ashton and Borough Councillors J Baxter and C Butler. 

6/5/26 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 - No report received.

7/5/26 To receive declarations of interest under the Localism Act 2011 and consider any requests for dispensations 
No declarations of interest were received.

8/5/26 Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 08 April 2026 to be approved and signed as the minutes 
Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting held on 08 April 2026 be approved and signed as a true and accurate record.

9/5/26 To review and adopt the Council’s Standing Orders
Resolved: To adopt the Standing Orders. 

10/5/26 To review and adopt the Council’s Financial Regulations 
Resolved: To adopt the Financial Regulations.

11/5/26 To review the renewal of the Insurance Policy
The renewal quotation from Hiscox for the period 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2027 was considered at a cost of £2,497.10.
Resolved: To renew the Council’s insurance policy with Hiscox for the period 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2027 at a cost of £2,497.10.

12/5/26 To appoint members to represent the Council on outside organisations/community groups for 2026/27 
a.    Community Centre Representative: Cllr Booley
b.    Alenson & Erskine Foundation: Cllr Booley
c.    CCTV: Cllrs Booley, Bull, Dickason and Skinner.
d.    Youth Club: Cllr Booley
e.    Playgrounds: Cllrs Dickason and Skinner. 
f.    Enos Wood & Washdyke Lane: Cllrs Dickason and Skinner.
g.    Alms Houses: Cllr Booley

13/5/26 To resolve setting up the following committees:
a.    HR/Staffing Committee
i.    Review and adopt terms of reference, including frequency of meetings
Resolved: To adopt the terms of reference. A minimum of two meetings would be held per year.
ii.    Appoint members to the committee and appoint a Chair for 2026/27 
It was proposed and seconded that Cllrs Skinner and Wild and Community member Walter Seekamp be appointed as the members of the HR/Staffing Committee. Following a show of hands vote, it was:
Resolved: That Cllrs Skinner and Wild and Community member Walter Seekamp be appointed as the members of the HR/Staffing Committee.
Resolved: That Cllr Skinner be appointed as the Chair of the HR/Staffing Committee for 2026/27. 

14/5/26 Clerk’s Report
a.    Additional grass cutting requested from Blackamore’s for specified areas including Meadow Way, Church Road and Vicarage Gardens. 
b.    Grant request received from the PCC for Churchyard maintenance.
Resolved: To award a grant of £1,300 (same as previous year).

15/5/26 Chair’s announcements and any relevant updates 
The Chair had nothing to report. 

16/5/26 To consider applicants for co-option onto the Parish Council 
One application had been circulated prior to the meeting.
Resolved: To co-opt Lisa Kay to the Parish Council. Acceptance of Office was signed.

17/5/26 Reports/Updates
a.    General Maintenance Contractor 
The General Maintenance Contractor reported that the parish noticeboard at the Co-op had been cleaned and inspected. Cleaning and inspections of the play area benches are ongoing, with checks also being carried out for damage, graffiti and any maintenance issues requiring attention.
Inspections had also been undertaken at Enos Wood and Washdyke Park, where no significant issues were identified and routine maintenance had been completed.
At the play area, an increase in graffiti and minor vandalism was noted following the Easter holiday period, including burn damage and scratches to the picnic table and climber rota web. Graffiti removal work has commenced, and the damage to the rota web has been reported to the Clerk for further attention.

18/5/26 Financial Matters:
a.    To authorise payments and note any income received since the last meeting
The accounts for payment for May were checked against the invoices to the list, confirmed as correct and signed by Cllrs Bull and Dickason. It was resolved to authorise the payments. 
Details of Payment    Amount ex VAT    Vat Reclaimable    VAT not reclaimable    Total Expenditure
Microsoft 365     £8.60    £1.72    £0.00    £10.32
Salaries/HMRC Tax & NI    £1377.01    £0.00    £0.00    £1377.01
Broadband Allowance    £22.00    £0.00    £0.00    £22.00
Payroll Services    £23.75    £4.75    £0.00    £28.50
Youth Club Hall Hire    £55.13    £0.00    £0.00    £55.13
Meeting Room Hire    £21.00    £0.00    £0.00    £21.00
General Maintenance Contractor    £208.00    £0.00    £0.00    £208.00
Litter Picker    £150.00    £0.00    £0.00    £150.00
Scribe Accounts Subscription    £37.00    £7.40    £0.00    £44.40
Scribe Accounts Set Up Fee    £299.00    £59.80    £0.00    £358.80
ICO Data Protection Fee    £52.00    £0.00    £0.00    £52.00
TBBT Hire    £945.00    £0.00    £0.00    £945.00
Community Centre Broadband    £73.08    £14.62    £0.00    £87.70
Streetlight Electricity    5173.06    £0.00    £0.00    £5173.06
Totals    £8444.63    £88.29    £0.00    £8532.92

The following income received since the previous meeting was noted:
£29,826.94 – First Precept Instalment

b.    To receive and approve bank reconciliation and up to date budget figures to the end of April 2026
Due to ongoing technical issues with the Scribe accounting system, the bank reconciliation and updated budget figures were not available for approval at the meeting. The Clerk confirmed that the issues had been reported to Scribe support and the documents would be circulated once resolved.
Resolved: That approval of the bank reconciliation and updated budget figures be deferred until the next meeting.

c.    To discuss moving from NatWest to Lloyds and reviewing the bank mandate
Resolved: To transfer accounts to Lloyds Bank.
Resolved: Mandate to include Cllrs Ashton, Booley, Bull, Dickason, Kay, Skinner and Wild.
Cllr Seymour didn’t wish to be included on the mandate. Cllr Harrison to be asked at next meeting.

d.    To confirm regular payments from the Council’s bank account 
Resolved: To approve the continuation of regular direct debit payments including Scribe, EON, BT, Ark for 365 and ICO.

19/5/26 To note CCTV updates and image requests 
No new requests received.

20/5/26 To receive a report from the Recreational Area Working Group, resolve actions and expenditure for issues raised:
a.    Washdyke: No issues were reported. 
i.    To discuss updating the CCTV system
It was reported that the system had been reviewed and was in good condition, the SIM card installed would be reviewed. The system could then be reviewed further. 
b.    Furlongs: Damaged reported to the Witches Hat and picnic tables. 
Resolved: Cllr Skinner granted a budget of £250.00 for repairs.  
c.    Enos Wood: No issues were reported. 

21/5/26 Highways Matters: 
a.    Receive issues requiring maintenance/repair 
The condition of the junction with A52/Church Road were raised as a concern. 

b.    To receive reactive speed sign data 
Supplier provided the incorrect address. The previous cheque has had to be cancelled and a new cheque issued. 

c.    To discuss setting up a Community Speed Watch scheme 
Ongoing; volunteers to be recruited. 

d.    Cowbroads Lane 
A detailed complaint was received regarding ongoing safety concerns on Cowbroads Lane, particularly at the junction with Buttercake Lane.
The resident reported that HGVs regularly use Cowbroads Lane at inappropriate speeds and do not give way, resulting in vehicles being forced to reverse along the lane. Concerns were also raised about deterioration of the road surface due to heavy vehicle use, with associated vibration affecting nearby properties.
It was further reported that the junction with Buttercake Lane lacks adequate signage, road markings, and traffic calming measures, and that vehicles emerging from Buttercake Lane are often travelling at speed, creating a safety risk due to limited visibility and poor sightlines.
The resident requested that the Parish Council support escalation to Lincolnshire County Council Highways for consideration of a safety assessment, review of HGV usage, speed and traffic monitoring, and potential traffic management measures.
It was noted that the matter had already been forwarded to both Cllr Arundell and LCC Highways by the resident. The Parish Council would support the concerns raised. 

22/5/26 To note an update regarding the young people’s service provided by OLPC
Table tennis table delivered and to be installed. 
Engagement with Wrangle Youth Club and YMCA ongoing to increase participation and outreach.

23/5/26 To note an update regarding Old Main Road MUGA
LCC proposal received for transfer of MUGA, subject to legal costs being covered.
Resolved: To accept transfer of the MUGA provided no legal or additional costs are incurred by the Parish Council.

24/5/26 To discuss a proposed Skateboard Park and Shelter at Furlongs Lane
The Community Centre and grounds need to be registered on land registry, once resolved this will help with completing applications for grant funding. 
Public consultation proposed at the Summer Fete.

25/5/26 To receive an update on the mosaic in the bus shelter on Church Road 
Quotes to be obtained from The Painting Lady.

26/5/26 To discuss storage options for Council records and paperwork 
Ongoing – quotes being obtained for storage solutions.

8:13pm – One member of the public left the meeting. 

27/5/26 To discuss the Parish Council’s involvement in the Community Centre’s proposed Youth Disco and Engagement Event
Event scheduled for 18 December. YMCA to be involved. Wrangle Youth Club to be invited to attend. DBS checks for Councillors to be explored.

28/5/26 To discuss lamp post poppies and sponsored cards.
Remains ongoing. 

29/5/26 To discuss the Annual Parish Meeting
Due to be held on Monday 11th May at Old Leake Community Centre. 
Additional engagement to be considered for the Summer Fete. 

30/5/26 Planning applications received for a decision at this meeting (All plans can be viewed at https://www.boston.gov.uk/planning)
Application Number    Location    Development Description    Information
B/26/0183    29, Church Road, Old Leake, Boston, PE22 9NS    Application under s73 for the variation of Condition C2 (Plans) of permission B/23/0186    S73-non-Major

31/5/26 Planning Decisions received from Boston Borough Council 
None were received for this meeting. 

32/5/26 Correspondence received, not covered on the agenda
No correspondence was received that was not already covered elsewhere on the agenda. 

33/5/26 Matters for next agenda
There were no additional matter for the next agenda. 

34/5/26 Date of next meeting
The next meeting of Old Leake Parish Council will be held on Wednesday 3rd June 2026 at 7:00pm.

8:38pm - The meeting closed. 

Old Leake Parish update May 2026

At a recent Hub meeting we have arranged that the Community Security Officer attended

Callum contacted our County Councillor following many comments on social media and contacts about speed limits and safety of roads in a neighbouring Village following the fatal crash on main road.

We have nominated Trevor Wilkinson and Jacqui McGlen for Boston Volunteer Recognition Awards.

New waste arrangements-Council officers will be attending local events-The Hub and Old Leake Summer fete

Renters Rights Act starts 1st May.

Pride of Place Impact Fund-To be discussed at Cabinet and may be funding available to Parish Council.

Rosegarth works going well and old five lamps to be moved there soon after renovation.

May 2nd to 9th is May Fair.

Street Lighting map and works-Officers continue to work on this.

Environmental Crime Team Hotspot and consultation taking place on protection order for Dog Owners in Public Places

Heating Oil Support is available through the Crisis and Resilience Fund

Boston has entered the Town of Culture competition

Funding-we keep sending Becca funding opportunities and recently information on how to nominate residents for a Royal Garden Party.

Callum has given updates on Bins for Dog Poo collection

We have recently attended local events.

John is now a member of Old Leake Medical Centre PPG

We have arranged walk rounds of our ward with the PSPO, CSO and Parish Clerk attending as well as Security specialist

We use our Social Media sites to advertise the AGM, Poppies and appeal for loan of a noticeboard. Delighted this resulted in a £100 donation for the poppies from the White Hart charities

Updates recently sent on the Hobhole issues and Main Road Cottage Caravans and alleged dog breeding

We are soon meeting the Chief Inspector and the leader to discuss Hobhole issues. Our planning enforcement Officer continues to progress action

LHP-We have recently chased them up about the boiler breakdown and long period of it not working. We constantly liaise with their neighbourhoods Officer about ASB and tenancy issues/properties

We continue to be copied into correspondence dealing with Cowbroads Lane and Commonside school bus stops.

We have shared info on Gride Road closures etc. on our social media sites and village sites.

ADDITION-

Many residents have contacted us and used social media to comment on the state of the England Flags in the village.

This is quite a sensitive subject. The flags are looking quite tatty though. No one really knows who put them up so cannot ask them to take them down. The issue is that some of the lamp posts belong to LCC so they should be contacted?

Initially then Callum is talking to people on Church Road to canvass opinion. Some residents have volunteered to take them down.

Open then to Parish Councillors suggestions please.