March 2026 Minutes
Waddingham Parish Council
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
Held on Wednesday 4th March 2026, 7pm at Jubilee Hall
Present: Cllrs L. Williams (Chair), P. Williams, E. Law, G. Thacker, J. Thacker, B. Tiley, C. Jones, S. Kirman
The Clerk (attended online)
County Cllr Bunney
1 member of the public
Public Participation: The Clerk reported that a member of the public had contacted her regarding a bad smell on Church Road. Cllr Bunney confirmed that Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) were not undertaking any works in the area. Cllr C. Jones volunteered to visit the resident to establish the source of the problem.
24/26 Apologies for Absence
Apologies were accepted from Cllr Holmes.
25/26 Declaration of Interest
To record declarations of interest by any member of the council in respect of the agenda items listed below. Members declaring interests should identify the agenda item and the type of interest being declared.To note dispensations given to any member of the council in respect of the agenda items listed – None.
26/26 Minutes of Previous Meeting
The minutes from Wednesday 7th January 2026 were approved and signed as a true and accurate record.
27/26 Matters Arising
None.
28/26 County and District Councillors Report
An email has been circulated regarding Local Government reorganisation, requesting responses. There is considerable uncertainty about the future of West Lindsey District Council (WLDC), which may cease to operate as an authority.
Cllr Bunney advised that WLDC has a number of reserves which should ideally be spent in local areas rather than redistributed elsewhere. Parish councils are encouraged to prepare ideas for local spending and to look out for grant opportunities.
An email has also been circulated regarding a Highways Officer undertaking projects. Cllr L. Williams suggested providing a passing place on Redbourne Road where the carriageway is narrow for two vehicles. Some areas of the Village Green may also benefit from kerbstone refurbishment.
It was noted that a number of recent pothole repairs have failed within two weeks. Cllr L. Williams will report this again.
Cllr Duguid was not in attendance.
29/26 Police Report
A police report has been circulated. No further information has been received regarding the previous incident.
30/26 Clerk’s Report
Nothing to report that is not already on the agenda.
31/26 Finance
(a) Schedule of Payments and Receipts:
(i) C. Wright – February salary £357
(ii) C. Wright – March salary £357
(iii) C. Wright – February & March expenses £33.50
(iv) Triangle Grant – £450
(v) Waddingham PCC Grant – £450
(vi) LCC – 30mph signs £80
(vii) Wayleave – £16.50
(viii) Roadside herbage – £25
Current Account Balance: £2,522
Reserve Account Balance: £5,929
32/26 Correspondence for Discussion or Information
All correspondence has been circulated. None required further discussion.
33/26 Emergency Plan Update
Cllr Tiley reported that a revised template will be sent in April. No changes will be made until the new format is received.
34/26 Flood Relief Scheme and Beck Cleaning
A landowner had contacted Cllr L. Williams for clarification regarding their riparian responsibilities for the beck. Information is available on the government website: Owning a watercourse – GOV.UK.
It was confirmed that it is not the responsibility of the Parish Council to maintain the beck. Historically, the Council has undertaken some work to help prevent flooding, but the cost is significant and would increase the precept for all households. The areas surrounding the flood relief scheme remain the responsibility of the respective landowners.
35/26 Play Area Review and Update (Including Accessible Equipment)
Cllr P. Williams reported that bolts on the play equipment, identified by ROSPA as too long, are to be ground down. Plastic caps have also been ordered.
There are currently no grants available for the purchase of accessible play equipment. Cllr Bunney advised that some grants will be available soon, and the Council will apply when eligible.
36/26 Constable Ings Trust
Balance: £9,289.
The fund is available for residents wishing to make environmental improvements within the parish. No applications have been received.
Applications should be made in writing to the Parish Council, outlining the proposed project and requested funding.
37/26 North Ramper Update
Cllr G. Thacker reported that the track is in poor condition due to heavy tractor use. He asked if the Parish Council could purchase gravel to improve it.
Following discussion, it was agreed that a grant application should be made through the Constable Ings Trust, to be considered at a future Parish Council meeting.
38/26 Highways Matters
(i) Redbourne Road – Graeme Butler from the Road Safety Partnership attended a village meeting to discuss speeding concerns. He advised that the white “village gates” are not effective in slowing traffic; flashing Speed Indication Devices (SIDs) are the most effective deterrent.
A resident continues to move the existing SID to different locations. Four additional 30mph signs have been purchased.
Following the meeting and at the request of Cllr Bunney, LCC have agreed to paint “30mph” markings on the road surface to improve visibility. The Parish Council thanked Cllr Bunney for his assistance.
39/26 Planning Matters
• WL/2026/00073 – Application to erect 7 cottages, Rosemount Lane. The Parish Council submitted comments regarding highway safety, flood risk, sewerage capacity, and the impact on the local primary school.
• WL/2026/00108 – Planning application for a rear extension. No comments to make.
40/26 Streetlighting Update
Nothing further to report.
Action: Cllr Bunney to contact Grant White.
41/26 Requirements for Assertion 10
Following the addition of Assertion 10 to the end-of-year audit, the Clerk has circulated information to councillors regarding compliance. The main change will be the introduction of gov.uk email addresses.
Action: Clerk to investigate costs.
42/26 Land for Allotments
No further progress has been made in the ongoing search for allotment land.
Cllr Jones thanked the Council and the Village Hall Committee for considering his proposal to use land at the village hall. He expressed disappointment that the proposal was rejected and that he was not invited to the meeting where it was discussed, which would have allowed him to respond to objections. Cllr Jones asked that it be noted that he disagreed with some of the objections raised.
43/26 Date and Time of Next Meeting
Wednesday 6th May 2026 at 7pm, Jubilee Hall.
44/26 Additional Items for the Next Agenda
EV chargers at the village hall.
45/26 Closed Session Resolution
It was resolved to move into closed session.
46/26 Tree Work – Contractor Selection
Two quotes were received for tree work. It was resolved to award the contract to Lincolnshire Tree Services.
Action: Clerk to contact both contractors.
Meeting closed at 8.20pm.