July 2025 Minutes
STICKFORD PARISH COUNCIL
PARISH COUNCIL STATUTORY MEETING
at STICKFORD Community Centre
Tuesday 8th July 2025 @ 7.30pm
DRAFT MINUTES
No. of Residents present : 8 Official attendees read Y for attending, N for non-attendance
Chairman Councillor Mrs Lesley Reeson Y ELDC Councillor Mr Terry Taylor Y
Vice Chairman Councillor Mr John Howlett Y Lincs C C Councillor Mrs Maria Hume Y
Councillor Mr Clive Kingswood Y Parish Clerk Mrs Nicki George Y
Councillor Mrs Pam Bryant Y Councillor vacancy x 2
Councillor Mr Tony French Y
1. Residents Public Forum :
a) A resident asked for an update as to what is happening with Evergreens Railway. ELDC Cllr Terry Taylor confirmed that the details had been passed to Planners and Enforcement with no further update as yet.
b) A resident asked for an update re the caravan in a field off the Cul De Sac. Drainage has been installed to join to main pipes. Cllr Howlett and ELDC Cllr Taylor will monitor if a planning application is submitted.
c) Badger activity is the same. Undergrowth has increased so not so easy to see what activity is happening.
d) A resident asked for an update in the bank collapse along Keal Bank. The clerk will chase for an up to date response from the Environment Agency.
2. ELDC Report
Terry joined the meeting at 7.50am having come from attending a local government reform meeting update. No official information as this time but changes are coming. He will keep us updated as new information is released.
The chairman congratulated Councillor Taylor on becoming the Chairman of ELDC.
Page 1 of 5 Signature of Chairman ………………………………………. Dated ……………………..
3. LCC Report
Maria Hume, the new LCC councillor for the Reform party attended the meeting and read out highlights from her report. Please see Appendix 1 at the end of these Minutes for full information. This is the introduction letter :
Hello everyone, I am so very honoured and privileged to have been voted for by so many of you, and have committed myself to the next few years of 100% focus - serving the needs of our communities. We have all been on a very long training and induction process, but are now coming to the end of that, and can commit far more time towards tending to our local communities.
I would love for as many residents as possible, to become more involved in local politics — I think so many people lost faith in government (and who can blame us!), and I think it is clear that many feel ignored, perspectives deliberately disregarded and ultimately believe, even if they did speak up, nothing would change anyway. I want that to change. We have already made changes in the short time that we've been operating,
l am working on a few ideas to consider what the most effective ways would be, but I would be happy to hear from you, if you have any thoughts as well.
Please do feel free to email me at CllrM.Hume@lincolnshire.gov.uk at any time, if you have concerns or complaints, or just want to draw attention to any local issues that you see. I do try to respond quickly, but there are times when that is not possible — however, I have always, and will always respond as soon as I possibly can.
With best wishes, CllrM.Hume@lincolnshire.gov.uk, County Councillor, Wainfleet Division
Executive Support Councillor for Adult Care & Health
Address: County Offices, Newland, Lincoln, LNI 1 YL Web site: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk
4. Lincolnshire Police Report
No report – next Zoom meeting is due on 23rd September 2025. The clerk will attend.
Meeting started at 8.10pm
5. The Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed all present.
6. Apologies for absence – none , all in attendance
7. There were no declaration of interest
8. Approval of Minutes of the Annual Parish Council Meeting held on 20/05/2025
Proposed: Cllr John Howlett Seconded: Cllr Pam Bryant
Page 2 of 5 Signature of Chairman ………………………………………. Dated ……………………..
9. Matters Arising from previous meeting
a) Precept is on the website
b) To obtain Speed Road signs around the village and to have Volunteers undertake speed road side checks for letters to be issued to registered keepers, Stickford need to members of the Community Speed Watch (CSW)scheme. Decisions on where the road signs are to be sited need to be made before application can be submitted. All councillors agreed to go ahead with this application, once decisions have been made re signs.
c) Update has been received re Airfield be email from Paul Carville, Caravan Licensing Officer, East Lindsey District Council, and was read out by the clerk.
d) Pride in East Lindsey Supervisor has confirmed that Church Road and paths leading to bus shelters will be cleaned up in due course.
e) Remembrance Service mentioned in the August Newsletter asking for helpers
10. Finance Report
a) Authority for Payment:
1) £1037.50 April to May 2025 salary for Parish Clerk
2) £ 25.00 Community Centre hire 8.7.25
3) £50.00 Community Speed Watch Scheme – payment agreed but yet to be issued. Application needs to be submitted once decisions have been made at to where road signs need to be sited.
All payments approved by all Councillors.
b) Bank Balances to end of June 2025 :
Current account £11,664.71 (1 outstanding cheque to be cashed of £53.50)
Savings account £8,359.74
c) Budget Report – a copy was handed to all councillors for their information. All areas on track at this early stage of the year.
11. Clerks Report
a) LALC AGM – due 3.7.25 – the clerk tried to join the zoom meeting but was unable to log in.
b) Email received from a resident re drainage and past flooding in their property along the Cul De Sac, frustrated with the lack of help and assistance they have received from local level and county level. The clerk will reply pointing out the implementation of sand bins and bags, on the ground assistance that was available on the night of the floods by both parish councillors and Lincs county councillor. Facilities to sign up for flood warnings. Information available about making claims using a Section 19. MAG meetings that now take place. Resilience Plan that is being put together. The clerk will invite the residents to come to the next meeting to discuss this matter further.
Page 3 of 5 Signature of Chairman ………………………………………. Dated ……………………..
c) Email response received from local police re our request to find out what restrictions have been imposed upon a resident recently released from prison. They are unable to disclose any information and suggest that if the Courts have deemed it suitable to release details of any orders, they will be available from court results via a google search of local media. No information can be found.
d) Email received from a resident requesting assistance with getting the hole filled, work completed and barriers removed from the end of Catchwater Bank and Fen Road. Fix My Street have sent an update and confirm that BT Openreach have accepted responsibility for this repair and that FMS will continue to chase.
e) Email received from a resident advising that workmen are digging up the side of Catchwater Bank for fibre cable for OCU broadband. No notice has been received by the Clerk for this work.
12. War Memorial Clock – update
Councillor Howlett reports that after several emails and phone calls with Time Assured over the past couple of months they have confirmed that they will attend the clock on 21st August, if not before, to give it a service/carry out any annual maintenance and check that all is working, before autumn/winter approaches.
13. Remembrance Service Planning
Rev. Judith has confirmed that she is now able to take the service at the War Memorial Clock on Sunday 9th November 2025. An advert is being placed in the August newsletter asking if anyone with a military background would like to take part in any way to make contact with the clerk or Councillor Howlett. Any items eg. Readings or poems or songs will need to be approved by the Church by the end of August, before Rev. Fran goes on sabbatical. The clerk will send an invitation to the bugler asking if she would be willing to come again this year. Councillor Bryant will order the wreath and more new small crosses will be required this year. Exact number to be confirmed.
14. Planning – discuss planning applications.
There are no new planning applications for the village but there are updates on those discussed at the May meeting.
Land on the east side of West Fen Lane, Hagnaby Lock, Stickney erection of a dwelling in place of a farm building, permission has been granted subject to numerous conditions including flooding and wildlife which were our concerns and comments.
Land at Poplar Farm Main Road Keal Cotes, Section 73 application to vary two conditions on planning permission granted in 2024 to David Wright/Wrights Eggs for an egg production unit essentially to change landscaping conditions proposing a substantially reduced offering. Permission has been granted subject to several conditions.
Land opposite the Boathouse Hagnaby Lock Stickney change of use of an existing commercial fishing lake to provide a holiday park including 22 holiday lodges, excavation of land to provide a fishing lake and an extension to an existing lake and erection of a storage building. None support comments have been submitted stating a lack of infrastructure and services. Decision awaited.
Grimsby to Walpole pylons scheme. National Grid have sent out an invitation to Parish Council briefings which is a statutory consultation stage 2 for 8 weeks from 11th June to 6th August. After this National Grid will submit a Development Consent Order Application. Two webinars for Parish Councils have been held on 19th June and 7th July also 12 in person consultation events, 4 remain. Also there have been 5 webinars for the general public, 2 remain. National Grid have now split the proposal into seven sections with some revised details including a reduction in the size of the proposed pylons
Page 4 of 5 Signature of Chairman ………………………………………. Dated ……………………..
15. Other Business – matters for next Agenda
a) Resilience/ Emergency Plan – the clerk needs to update the Plan and arrange another meeting - update
b) War Memorial Clock – update
c) Allotment 17
d) Remembrance Service 9th November 2025 - update
Date and time of next meeting: 9th September 2025 starting with the public forum at 7.30pm.
Meeting closed at 20.55pm
Page 5 of 5 Signature of Chairman ………………………………………. Dated ……………………..
Appendix 1
1. Roadworks
As you may have noticed, we've kicked-off a large-scale surface dressing scheme across the county, to improve the condition of many of our roads — making them better to use and more resilient against potholes. There is a map you can view online to show where planned roadworks will be taking place, and you can also read more about it on the website.
https://www.Iincolnshire.gov.uWnews/article/2371/a-summer-of-resurfacing-roads-
Issue Raised: Dissolution of the Flooding Committee
Many people have asked me about this, so I thought it would be helpful to give you an update the rationale behind the Council's decision to dissolve the previous Flooding Committee,
I discussed the issue with both the leader of the council and the Executive Councillor for the Environment, and I have summarised their responses for you. If you would like to see the full response, I have added those at the end of the summary:
SUMMARY
The team perceive Lincolnshire County Council to be the lead local flood authority, and have engaged in this restructuring process, by dissolving the previous flooding committee, and setting up an environment scrutiny committee in its place.
The main point of this change was to 'enhance efficiency and alight water-related issues, including flood risk management, alongside broader environmental and financial concerns.
Key elements of the restructure include:
Consolidation and Strategic Focus: This means that the new committee provides a single point of scrutiny for all environmental matters, including flooding, to develop clear strategies and policies. This addresses the previous committee's split focus, as economic development issues are now handled by a separate Growth Committee.
Increased Scrutiny Frequency: The number of annual meetings has increased from four to eight, allowing more comprehensive and more regular oversight. Strategic development and major infrastructure proposals will be scheduled across these meetings, with district representatives invited for relevant discussions to ensure that local voices are heard.
Continued Partner Engagement: Quarterly written reports from partners such as the Environment Agency and Drainage Boards will be circulated to district authorities. Existing operational partnerships will be maintained, reviewed, and enhanced to ensure effective environmental protection.
Ongoing Work and Flexibility: All previous committee work will continue, with regular updates from the Flood Risk and Water Management team on topics like Section 19 investigations*, property flood resilience, capital programs**, and water resource management.
The committee retains the ability to form 'task and finish groups' to address specific issues, such as flooding events, ensuring flexibility. Recommendations from the Storm Impact Working Group will also continue to be considered.
Efficiency and Leadership: The restructuring aligns with the council's mandate to cut waste, reduce debt, and streamline operations. A "responsive delivery system" with strong council leadership, in partnership with other agencies, will address detailed environmental and flood management matters.
The council emphasises its commitment to serving residents and businesses effectively through collaboration with risk management authorities, maintaining a focus on consistent, efficient, and effective environmental protection.
Strengths:
This is more of a holistic approach: Integrating flood management into a broader environmental framework recognises the interconnectedness of issues like flooding, climate change, and land use, potentially leading to more cohesive strategies, not just in the shortterm, but for longer-term prevention strategies.
Enhanced Scrutiny: Doubling the number of meetings and involving district representatives should enable deeper, more localised scrutiny, improving accountability and relevance.
Flexibility: The provision for 'task and finish groups' ensure the committee can address urgent or specific flooding issues, mitigating the risk of diluted focus within the broader environmental scope.
Partnership Commitment: The emphasis on maintaining and enhancing partnerships with key agencies like the Environment Agency is promising, as is it clear that effective flood management requires strong collaboration.
Concerns:
Risk of Dilution: The broader environmental scope could divert attention from flooding, a critical issue for our area given its flooding history. The success of the 'task and finish groups' in maintaining focus will be crucial — and I will prompt them on a regular basis, to make sure that we are not forgotten, or deprioritised.
Lack of Clarity: Neither of the explanations provided any clear details on 'how' they plan to demonstrate the efficiency of the project; and precisely 'how' partnerships can be enhanced in order to achieve better outcomes. And again, I have written a report (which includes much of the information I have laid out here), for their consideration, so that they can consider our concerns, as one of the main areas that suffers with flooding, and come back to us with further detail, to clarify the points that are of concern.
GLOSSARY
Capital programs are strategic plans that outline how we can invest in long-term physical assets, such as infrastructure, buildings, or equipment. These programs typically involve significant, one-time expenditures aimed at creating or improving assets that will benefit the community in the longer-term.
Section 19 Investigations: Under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, these are conducted by Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) to investigate flood incidents and determine the responsible Risk Management Authorities (RMAs) and their actions. These investigations are discretionary, meaning the LLFA decides if a formal investigation is necessary based on the severity and impact of the flood. The goal is to understand the causes and responsibilities related to the flood event and to inform future flood risk management. Public record: The results of the investigation are typically published as a Section 19 report, providing a public record of the flood event and the identified responsibilities.
OFFICIAL RESPONSES:
Leader of the Council: "Lincolnshire County Council takes its responsibility as the lead local flood authority extremely seriously. The opportunity to have a single point of scrutiny on all matters of environmental impact provides for the opportunity to develop clear strategies and policies for the benefit of residents and businesses. This change will increase the number of meetings held per year from 4 to 8 and focusses the committee on all environmental matters - including flooding - whereas the previous environment and economy committee had to discuss economic development matters that will now be discussed by a separate Growth committee. And, as previously, committees can still set up task and finish groups to focus on specific incidents or issues - like flooding events - if these are needed.
We were elected to cut waste, reduce the debt and streamline the council. Moving flooding into the environment portfolio does just that. Existing operational partnership arrangements will be maintained, reviewed and enhanced to provide for effective environmental protection. Matters of detail will be addressed through a responsive delivery system with appropriate leadership by LCC in partnership with other agencies."
Executive Councillor for the Environment: "By way of explanation, the work of the former committee was reviewed, and it was felt that it could be better served to be considered within the new Environment Scrutiny Committee. This is not to say that we in any way diminish the importance of the work carried out but rather that we are able to ensure that the appropriate focus on the right issues at the right time is given whilst recognising the many links between water and the rest of the work of the Environment Scrutiny Committee.
We will continue to receive programme update reports from partner organisations such as the Environment Agency, Anglian Water and the Drainage Boards on a quarterly basis as we did before and I have asked that these reports be in writing so as to be able to circulate them to the district authorities. We will also receive specific reports on strategic development work and major infrastructure proposals, and these will now be scheduled across the eight meetings of the new scrutiny committee as opposed to the four meetings of the old system. I have also asked that the district representatives be invited to attend these items where their areas are being considered and I believe that this is a much more efficient use of time for all concerned and will be at a more focussed level allowing for better scrutiny.
None of the work of the previous committee is being discarded and we see this as a continuation albeit within a new format, indeed, there will be an update item from the council's Flood Risk and Water Management team at each of the eight meetings covering a
range of topics such as Section 19 investigations, property flood resilience, the capital programme and water resource management. We will also continue to consider the recommendations posed from the Storm Impact Working Group which had concluded earlier in this year.
This Council fully recognises the importance of the work carried out in this sector, across all organisations and within all district authority areas and I can assure you we will continue to work with, and challenge, when necessary, our partner risk management authorities to ensure that the residents and businesses of Lincolnshire are well served by all and in a consistent, efficient and effective way."
ROADWORKS UPDATE - WAINFLEET DIVISION - 08/07/2025
ROADWORKS COMING UP ...
Note: The details below are an indication of the works our highways intend to carry out shortly. Works can be impacted by weather or emergencies on the network
Bratoft - Oxlands Lane; Estimated Start Date: 10/07/2025 Job No: 5826614; Infill only as a temporary measure as a scheme is being undertaken by Assett team (63 | CW Pothole >40mm)
Friskney - Fen Bank; Estimated Start Date: 07/07/2025 Job No
5827199; Return sign to depot (63 | Collect/Place Temp Signs)
Great Steeping - Sandy Lane; Estimated Start Date 11/07/2025
Job No 5826608; Edge damage ramp off to verge level (63 | CW Edge > 40mm No W/L)
Great Steeping - Sandy Lane; Estimated Start Date 11/07/2025
Job No 5826609; Patch plus verge repairs order raised separately (63 | CW Reactive Patch)
Little Steeping - Main Road; Estimated Start Date 07/07/2025
Job No 5816805; MW FLOWLINE Drainage Jetting CCTV CARP EAST
Standard Pressure From St Andrews Church the junction with Ings Lane. Please attend and cleanse 26 gullies and 7 offlets within the areas highlighted on the detailed attached location plan / please jet all pipes and connections through to the main outfall if feasible.
Toynton All Saints — Fen Road; Estimated Start Date 09/07/2025
Job No 5826402; Edge damage (63 | CW Edge > 40mm No W/L)
Toynton All Saints — Hobhole Bank; Estimated Start Date 07/07/2025
Job No 5821171; MINOR WORKS TM MAINTAIN LHE JG. New job raised to maintain the road closure/diversion signs. Please replace old broken barriers and place 6 new barriers around the holes and sandbag. Please place 6 evo water filled rhino barriers either side of the holes. Jetter job will be raised to fill these barriers with water. TTRO and permits can be transferred to this job from old job. TM to be checked and maintained. (MW I TM - Maintain Existing)
Toynton St Peter — Eastville Road; Estimated Start Date 08/07/2025 13:52:00; Job No 5820150; Verge repairs stone to overrun and compact 5m2 (63 | Verge (Collapsed))
Toynton St Peter — Fenside Road; Estimated Start Date 09/07/2025
15:15:00; Job No 5826397; Adverse Site Inspection - Edge damage (Enquiry 4571525) (63 | CW Edge > 40mm No W/L)
Wainfleet All Saints — Magdalen Road; Estimated Start Date 08/07/2025 Job No 5827101;
Pothole repair (63 | CW Pothole >40mm)
ROADWORKS UPDATE - WAINFLEET DIVISION - 08/07/2025
Wainfleet All Saints — Magdalen Road; Estimated Start Date 08/07/2025 Job No 5827102; Pothole repair (63 | CW Pothole >40mm)
Wainfleet All Saints — Magdalen Road; Estimated Start Date 08/07/2025 Job No 5827103; Pothole repair (63 | CW Pothole >40mm)
Wainfleet All Saints — Magdalen Road; Estimated Start Date 08/07/2025 Job No 5827104; Pothole repair (63 | CW Pothole >40mm)
Wainfleet All Saints — Magdalen Road; Estimated Start Date 08/07/2025 Job No 5827106; Pothole repair (63 | CW Pothole >40mm)
Wainfleet All Saints — Magdalen Road; Estimated Start Date 08/07/2025 Job No 5827107; Pothole repair (63 | CW Pothole >40mm)
Wainfleet All Saints — Magdalen Road; Estimated Start Date 08/07/2025 11:34:00; Job No 5827109; Pothole repair (63 | CW Pothole >40mm)
Wainfleet All Saints — Magdalen Road; Estimated Start Date 08/07/2025 Job No 5827109; Pothole repair (63 | CW Pothole >40mm)
Wainfleet All Saints — Magdalen Road; Estimated Start Date 08/07/2025 Job No 5827110; Pothole repair (63 | CW Pothole >40mm)
Wainfleet All Saints — Magdalen Road; Estimated Start Date 08/07/2025
08:14:00; Job No 5827111; Pothole repair (63 | CW Pothole >40mm)
ROADWORKS COMPLETED (at 03/07/2025)
Friskney — Howgarth Lane; Job Number: 5824806 Actual Completed Date: 30/06/2025; Job Notes: Pothole repair (63 | CW Pothole >40mm)
Friskney — Howgarth Lane; Job Number: 5824810 Actual Completed Date: 30/06/2025; Job Notes: Pothole repair (63 | CW Pothole >40mm)
Friskney — Howgarth Lane; Job Number: 5824804 Actual Completed
Date: 30/06/2025; Job Notes: Pothole repair (63 | CW Pothole >40mm)
Halton Holegate — Highfield Lane; Job Number: 5823052 Actual Completed Date: 30/06/2025; Job Notes: please sawcut and fill pothole (63 I CW Pothole >40mm)
Halton Holegate — Highfield Lane; Job Number: 5823053 Actual Completed Date: 30/06/2025; Job Notes: Please sawcut and fill pothole patch (63 | CW Pothole >40mm)
Halton Holegate — Highfield Lane; Job Number: 5823054 Actual Completed Date: 30/06/2025; Job Notes: please sawcut and fill pothole (63 I CW Pothole >40mm)
ROADWORKS UPDATE - WAINFLEET DIVISION - 08/07/2025
Halton Holegate — Highfield Lane; Job Number: 5823055 Actual
Completed Date: 30/06/2025; Job Notes: please sawcut and fill pothole (63 I CW Pothole >40mm)
Keal Cotes — Hagnaby Lane; Job Number: 5812202 Actual Completed Date: 03/07/2025; Job Notes: Job raised for quote only. Please remove the tree which is located in the field at the rear of 'The Bungalow'. Access can be gained via the field access, the branches/remains can be left on site (MW I Arboriculture (M.Works))
Spilsby — Shamfields Road; Job Number: 5826541 Actual Completed Date: 02/07/2025; Job Notes: Please attend and collect / dispose of fallen fence post and saw off the unstable piece of fence wall as marked on the photo (63 | Street Furniture Defect)
Stickney — West Fen Lane; Job Number: 5825387 Actual Completed Date: 01/07/2025; Job Notes: Please sawcut and fill edge damage (63 | CW Edge > 40mm No W/L)
Stickney — Midville Lane; Job Number: 5825448 Actual Completed Date: 01/07/2025; Job Notes: Edge damage verge repairs Order raised separately (63 | CW Edge > 40mm No W/L)
Stickney — Midville Lane; Job Number: 5825449 Actual Completed Date: 01/07/2025; Job Notes: Edge damage verge repairs order raised separately (63 | CW Edge > 40mm No W/L)
Wainfleet All Saints — Wainfleet Bank; Job Number: 4636102 Actual Completed Date: 29/06/2025; Job Notes: Highway Response (Out of Hrs) A hole has opened up next to the manhole on the verge by the bridge (Enquiry 2848143)
Wainfleet All Saints — Old Haven Bank; Job Number: 5826378 Actual Completed Date: 01/07/2025; Job Notes: Remove tree branch and dispose of. (63 | Tree Branch Removal)
Toynton st Peter - Footpath 373/1; Job Number: 44208395 Actual Completed Date: 03/07/2025; Job Notes: Please clear stiles and gap between. Remove stiles and replace with 2 x metal hand gates making sure that fence is made good each side (PW Overgrown path)