2026-27 Minutes

Open Forum

Mr & Mrs Tamburrini were present and wanted to address the council regarding the communal green space and overgrown maple trees in Swift Way. They had sent the Clerk a detailed email with attachments which had been circulated in advance. As a result, they did not say much and were happy to take questions. They confirmed that none of the residents in Swift Way have to pay a service charge but at first Twigden Homes always cut the grass and shrubs. Twigden Homes was sold to Kier Homes, and they carried on with the maintenance. Kier Homes then sold to Tilia Homes, and the maintenance has stopped and no work has been done for about 9 months. They had approached SKDC who confirmed that they adopted the street but not the communal green space. A tree surgeon was asked by SKDC to see if a maple tree should be cut down but the Tree Surgeon declined as it was thought the tree was healthy and did not need cutting down. They had been in touch with Tilia Homes, but nothing has been resolved. Cllr Redfern said that he had similar problems with properties in Elsea Park, Bourne and the residents were getting nowhere. It was suggested that a Land Registry Search be made to see whose name the land is in so that we could write to the appropriate owner to get the maintenance work done.

S Holland asked if anyone had been in touch with the Applicant for the Youth Hostel to be turned into a hotel. He was advised that no one had. He said he sent him an email but had no response to date. There was a discussion about why he might have withdrawn the application as it was a shame that the matter was not proceeding. The Clerk was to contact the Applicant to see if he was prepared to divulge why he withdrew the application.

The meeting was formally opened at 19.48

45.

Apologies for absence, acceptance of Apologies & noting of resignations received

45.1

Apologies were received from, L Lowe (personal) and S Broadbent, (personal)  Resolved that the apologies be accepted.  

45.2

It was noted that Martin Keene had resigned from the Council for personal reasons. The Clerk had notified SKDC and had advertised the vacancy to see if 10 or more residents had requested an election.  The lady at SKDC was away until 2 July and as a result has not been able to find out if an election has been requested. If no one had the Clerk would then advertise that fact and that we would co-opt a Councillor at the September meeting

46.

Declaration of Interest – To receive Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary and Other Interests, as set out in Chapter 7 of the Localism Act 2011 and the nature of those interests relating to any Agenda item

46.1

Cllr Gunner declared a Disclosable Pecuniary and Other Interests in relation to the item being discussed under Item 50.1  

47.

Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on the 3 June 2026 (Min26-03)

47.1

Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting held on the 3 June 2026 be signed by the Chair as a correct record.

48.

To receive a report from the County and District Councillors on matters relating to Thurlby

48.1

County Councillor Redfern gave a short report as follows:

• He had arranged for 2 Officers from LCC to come to Thurlby on 4 August so that all the problems we had would be shown to them and discussed.
• There were ongoing matters that had still not been resolved but he was still hoping to get a resolution to them.
• He was advised that the Housing Association had not replied about the barriers at the Beck Way end of the footpath from Northorpe. It was agreed the next stage was to write to them saying we were going to remove the barrier on a specific date and if they were not in agreement, they should let us know before the work date.
• He was read the email from Tiny Steps Petting Farm ( see Item 49.1) There was a discussion and thought that it was unlikely LCC would fund the cost of such a footpath.

48.2

District Councillor Dobson had sent a report as follows:

1. Remarkably very little fly tipping around this month. Maybe it was too hot!!

2. Councillors have been in training most of the week which has left us with a number of committees to meet, but this will be revived in this coming month.

3. Waste collection has been busy with the new orange bins now being collected. There have been some missed orange bins, and this has caused some concern:

There have been some complaints as to why SKDC has introduced this service. It is because we have been told to provide the service by DEFRA. It has shown that SKDC has collected some 150tonnes of waste food. This is non-compostable food which can, if preferred, placed in the compost bin if you have one or placed in the orange bin.

    The disposable bags are a one off so, once you have used them, you’ll need to    purchase biodegradable bags from a retail store.

Some orange bins have been missed. Try to put them out so that they are conspicuous as they could and have been missed. Due to the hot weather, the teams have not been allowed to return due to possible health issues. If we miss your bin, please let us know, but if we can’t get back to you and you wish to discard the bags, it is possible to put food waste in a black bag with your general waste. You will not be penalised for doing this.

4. Whilst on rubbish/waste, our collections effectively deal with 4 types of waste per week: General waste (black bin) Dry waste (silver bin) Paper waste (purple lid)

and Food waste (orange bin)  He advised that in South Kesteven 157,000 bins were emptied a week which totalled for the year 8,000,000,000bins being emptied.

5. If anyone had a problem with a green bin in that it was damaged, they should let him know and he would help in getting it replaced.

49. 

Clerk’s Report and correspondence received

49.1

The Clerks Report had been circulated and explained that he had received various emails from NALC, ICCM and various playground equipment providers but if anyone wished to see copies, they can be forwarded on. The Clerk said that he wanted to mention 2 emails received which are:

1. An email from Tiny Steps asking is the Parish Council could if a public foot path from the pedestrian crossing to Parkwood Road along the west verge'. People  with mobility issues and safety concerns for pedestrians wishing to access the Dog Park or wish to come to Tiny Steps Petting Farm via the bus route are having to walk over the grass or mud and it is difficult for parents with push chairs or toddlers.

2. An email from a Nigel Street advising that he has submitted a planning application for a development off Station Road. The Clerk said that he expected the planning application soon and asked Councillors to keep an eye out for any emails from him about this matter as a special meeting would have to be called.

3. There was a discussion about usage of the noticeboard by the Post Office. Once a year from June to August the Parish Council needed more than the middle pane to advertise the Audit. This year with the help of Yvonne Scott the Clerk was able to use one of the side panels to show all the papers that were required to be advertised. It was agreed that any paperwork put in the noticeboard by the Clerk was either to be removed by him or after seeking agreement that anything could be removed.

50. 

Planning applications: 

50.1

To consider any Planning Applications received – S26/0801 -  Erection of single storey warehouse in connection with the existing business on the site. The Barn, 59 Northorpe. Response  by 8 July 2026. Resolved: No objection. Before that decision was made the meeting was closed at 20.14 to allow the council to discuss the planning application with the resident and was re-opened at 20.17. Cllr Gunner took no further part in the discussion and left the room whilst the vote was taken.

50.2

To note Planning Applications approved: S26/0764 - Proposal: Extension to provide lounge/family room at 63 Northorpe Lane Thurlby

50.3

To note any Planning Applications refused or withdrawn: S26/0441 - Proposal: Change of Use from Sui Generis (Youth Hostel) to C1 (Hotel) with the erection of 4 new lodges and 1 associated function room at: Youth Hostel 16 High Street Thurlby. Withdrawn by the Applicant

50.4

To note any Application appealed or any decision made regarding an appeal:  Appeal Ref: 6005222 22 The Green, Thurlby. Appeal dismissed.  

51. 

To confirm Expenditure

£40.00 – B M Champness (use of home as office June)
£574.26– B M Champness (salary June)

£43.80 – Elaine Reynolds (salary June)

£40.00 – B M Champness (use of home as office July)
£574.26– B M Champness (salary July)

£43.80 – Elaine Reynolds (salary July)

£491.00 – HMRC (PAYE April, May, June)

£52.74 – BT (broadband charges) (DD) (June)

£52.74 – BT (broadband charges) (DD) (July)
£39.09 – Bluecom Services (monthly charges June)

£39.09 – Bluecom Services (monthly charges July)

£306.00 – Bourne Skip Hire (weekly bin collection charges x 5 June)

£244.80 – Bourne Skip Hire (weekly bin collection charges x 4 July)

£114.50 – Thurlby PCC (insert in Village Link)
[ ] denotes those payments paid between meetings, which have been approved by the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Parish Council or at a previous meeting but not listed

51.1

Resolved: that the payments be approved.

51.2

Two invoices had been received  since the agenda was posted and were for

£110.00 – ICCM (annual fees)

£65.00 – C S Harris (cemetery maintenance)
Resolved: that these payments be paid as well

52. 

To discuss the accounts for June and for the bank reconciliation to be signed as a correct record

52.1

The Clerk has prepared a bank reconciliation for June 2026 which had been circulated in advance. He also sent reports from Scribe showing what money had been spent or received as well as a budget report. As the reports had not been sent until late morning on the day of the meeting some Councillors had not been able to read them. It was suggested that this item be left until September. In future if the reports could not be circulated at least 5 days before the meeting the matter would be adjourned to the next meeting.

53. 

To discuss a request from the Odd’Uns for financial support.

53.1

The Clerk had responded to the group as required and a response has been received stating that this would be discussed at their committee meeting. As a result, there was nothing to discuss with it being agreed we would discuss at the September meeting.

54.

To receive an update of the problem of speeding and parking within the village.

54.1

An email had been received from Highways regarding the problem of parking in Crown Lane. They will visit the area and once they have reached a decision as to whether restrictions will improve the flow of traffic within the area, they will contact Councillor Redfern to confirm the outcome of their findings. It was thought the visit would be on 4 August as stated by Cllr Redfern. As the school would be closed for the summer holidays Cllr Thomas suggested he contact the man who is taking ariel photos with the use of a drone and wondered if he could get some photographs before the school holidays in the morning and afternoon. It was agreed that this should be done.

54.2

Although emails have been sent regarding the other issues no response has as yet been received. Again, it was hoped these matters could be resolved/discussed at the meeting on 4 August.

55.

To discuss the village being a 'no cold calling' area  and the possibility of an active neighbourhood watch team within the village

55.1

The Clerk had written to the Police for help and guidance to which they replied as follows.

Our advice is:

Do not answer the door unless you are expecting a visitor

Do not purchase from door-to-door sellers and ask them to leave

If they become aggressive or threatening ring 999

A genuine door to door seller will have a Pedlar certificate issued by the police, but these are few and far between so if someone comes to the door, they are unlikely to be genuine.

We do have a small number of no cold caller stickers available should residents want one.

It was thought the response was very poor, but we should publish this in the draft notes for the Village Link so residents will see we are trying to be proactive. The Clerk was to contact Trading Standards at Lincs County Council to see if they were willing to help in this matter.

56.

To consider the way forward regarding the update of the Neighbourhood Plan.

56.1

Stephen Holland was present as he was interested in this matter being Chair of the old Northorpe and Thurlby Neighbourhood Plan group. He was asked for any advice that could be given to help with updating the present Neighbourhood Plan. He confirmed that the Plan did need updating but it had previously been agreed that any amendments would be left until the approval of the South Kesteven Local Plan. He suggested that we should look at what needed to be added, removed or amended and we could then put those suggestions to South Kesteven District Council to see if they agreed to the proposals and if they could be incorporated into the Plan. Mr Holland agreed that he was willing to assist us in that regard for which the Parish Council were extremally grateful, it was therefore resolved that as a Parish Council we would look into updating the Neighbourhood Plan and what needed to be updated, such work to be undertaken by Stephen Holland, and or a planning group. Once completed the proposals to be sent to the Chief Executive for their approval.

57.

To consider the data received from the reactive sign

57.1

Cllr Bill had submitted before the meeting the data he had obtained from the Reactive Sign

During June two units were deployed to record traffic one on the A15 at Northorpe recording traffic in a northbound direction and the second, kindly donated by Baston P. C., in High Street monitoring westbound traffic.

Information from the unit on the A15 at Northorpe, compared to previous, would indicate a 2% reduction in overall traffic down to 8738 & 8185vehicles for the 5 & 7day periods. The 5day Peak AM count has increased 8% to 638 vehicles/hour with the Peak PM reduced by 9% to 779 vehicles/hour. Both peak times 08.00 - 09.00 & 17.00 -18.00 remain as before. The average speed has slightly reduced to 34.00mph with speeds above the limit very similar to last year at 45.96 & 45.98mph however,  those travelling above the speed limit is down by 26% to 7.56 & 8.61% and may be the result of the 40mph reduced speed limit introduced between Thurlby and Northorpe since last year. A maximum speed of 87mph recorded at 22.55 hours is a slight increase 3mph on the previous.

The High Street unit indicated a 6% reduction in traffic down to a daily count of 992 for the 7day period. This was reflected in the AM count, with peak time 08.00 -09.00hrs remaining the same however, the PM count remained similar to last year but the time changed to 15.00- 16.00hrs. Average speed was very similar at 26.7mph with a maximum of 55mph down from 81mph. Speeders above the limit was slightly up at 19.03% from 14.58% with their speeds similar to last year at 33.30mph.

Further details can be found on the Parish Council Website

Thanks to be recorded to Cllr Bill for undertaking this task every month.

58.

To discuss what project we can seek funding for from the County Councillor

58.1

At the last meeting Cllr Redfern explained that he was going to be able to give a parish council £3000.00 or for that sum to be shared by parish councils. Since then, he had sent details of the grant and how to apply.  After a discussion it was resolved that the grant would be sought to replace or renovate the bus shelter  by the public house on the A15 at Thurlby. The bus stop at Northorpe on the eastern side was also in need of replacing or renovating. The Clerk would complete the forms and send them to Cllr Redfern.

59.

To consider how we use the working reactive signs and if there are any further places to site them around the village 

59.1

As would have been seen from the report from Cllr Bill that one of the reactive signs donated to us by Baston Parish Council had been working and providing data on High Street. One of the donated signs was still not working although Cllr Bill had attended the Repair Café but could not be fixed by anyone there. It was suggested that he contact someone in the village that should be able to help and hopefully repair the sign. Cllr Bill said that he was happy to leave a sign in one place for 4-6 weeks rather than each one being moved around the village on a monthly rota. It was also suggested that as there is currently no backplate in Chaple Lane, it was agreed one would be fitted, so that a  Reactive Sign could be placed there again.

60.

To receive an update on the Cemetery to include grass cutting, maintenance and burial fees

60.1

Cllr Thomas said that the grass had been cut and the hedge needing trimming but there were difficulties as this could not be done properly until September.

He suggested that rather than wait until the September meeting to visit the cemetery he suggested that Councillors went there on their own and if there were any questions they should ask him  and hopefully any problems could be resolved before the next meeting.

He also explained that someone without seeking consent or letting us know sprayed weed killer around each and every headstone which has left the cemetery looking in a poor state. This should be reported when the notes are prepared for the Village Link.

Cllr Thomas said that he had been approached by a lady who had previously reserved a plot within the cemetery, but she had remarried hence a change in her surname. She wanted something in writing  to show that her name had changed. The Clerk said that he would amend the Exclusive Rights showing her new surname and then send her a copy.

The branches of the trees from the Churchyard were overhanging into the cemetery. Chris Harris had said that he would cut them back and leave what he had removed in the churchyard. This would cost us money. It was agreed the Clerk would write to Mary Trumble asking if the churchyard would get the trees trimmed back and again ask for a copy of any report they had about the safety and condition of the trees along the boundary of the Churchyard and Cemetery.

61.

For any Councillor to produce a written report of any meeting that he/she has attended as a representative of the Parish Council

61.1

Cllr. Pace and Bill with the Thurlby Causeway Charity at the invite of the Lawrance Park Association met on 9th June to review and discuss various projects that the Charity had contributed too. The projects included Children's Play Equipment, Pathway Lighting, Tree Works, Toilet and Shower alterations

61.2

Cllr Thomas explained that the secretary Jane Hayball  for Lawrance Park had now vacated that post and was now Chair of the committee. Emma Gunner was the new secretary. He had also placed a plaque in the entrance to Lawrance Park explaining the donation made by the Causeway Charity.

61.3

Cllr Bill explained that he and Cllr Pace would be attending  a meeting organised by the MP about the safety on the A15 on 30 July 2026

62. 

Members Questions - reminder only questions given to the clerk a week in advance will be answered.

62.1

There being no other business the meeting was duly closed at 21.18

63.

The date of the next meeting – to be held on Wednesday 2 September 2026 at 7.30 p.m. in the Lawrance Park Social Room, Thurlby