May 2026 Draft Minutes (Annual Meeting)
STICKFORD PARISH COUNCIL
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PARISH
Venue : Stickford Community Centre, started at 7.30pm on 12th May 2026
DRAFT MINUTES
No. of Residents present : 9 Official attendees read Y for attending N for non-attendance
Chairman Councillor Mrs Lesley Reeson Y Councillor Tony French Y
Vice Chairman Councillor Mr John Howlett Y Councillor vacancy N
Councillor Mr Clive Kingswood Y Councillor vacancy N
Councillor Mrs Pam Bryant Y Parish Clerk Mrs Nicki George Y
Lincs C C Councillor Mrs M Hume N ELDC Councillor Mr Terry Taylor Y
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1. The Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed all present.
2. Update and Matters Arising from last Annual Meeting of the Parish held 13th May 2025 :
a. Speed control on A16. A resident requested that another request is put forward to LCC Highways for the speed limit to be lowered on the A16 through the village. It is very dangerous for pedestrians, disabled residents and horse riders to cross the main road using the middle island from the speed of the cars. There is not enough time to cross the road before traffic appears from around the bend & foliage travelling south from Keal Cotes in the direction of Boston.
A request has been submitted to LCC Highways but rejected as no change to details since last survey completed in 2022.
b. The badger situation is the same along Catchwater Bank. Resident will continue to monitor it.
No change – continue to monitor
c. The caravan situation on the airfield has not improved. 6 caravans are there now. This is technically not in our parish but effects residents of Stickford that live close by and travel across the airfield.
A report has been completed by ELDC, Planning Enforcement. As the main group of caravans have now been there a considerable time, no action can be taken. Any issues with the new encampment resident, the parish council’s advice is to contact the police and report any incident. The dog warden has been contacted who will monitor the situation with respect to the dogs but the RSPCA need to be contacted if any concerns over the living conditions or health of the dogs.
d. There is a caravan in a field along the Cul De Sac. Request for the Parish Council to query permission and change of use. Does it have right of way?
This is still ongoing – no update available
e. Post deliveries within the village are not happening every day to all residents. i.e post is not being delivered daily, but stored up for a few days. Royal Mail confirm that this is happening.
This is now a nationwide experience.
f. A resident has reported that the pavement along Church Road is in need of clearing and possibly cleaning.
Pride Team from ELDC completed a clean in June/July 2025.
g. A resident has requested that the Parish Council find out the protocol around restrictions on the terms of release from HMP and the impact to public safety.
No information available – Data Protection prevents any updates.
Approval of Minutes from 13 May 2025: Proposed by Cllr Howlett and seconded by Cllr Kingswood, and all agreed to approve the Minutes and the Chairman signed them.
3. Annual Reports :
CHAIRMANS REPORT
Stickford Parish Council - Annual Parish Meeting Report
On behalf of Stickford Parish Council, I would like to welcome residents and councillors to this year’s Annual Parish Meeting and present the Chairman’s Report for the past year.
Firstly, I would like to thank all parish councillors for their continued commitment, hard work, and support throughout the year. Parish councils rely heavily on volunteers giving their time for the benefit of the community, and I am grateful for the dedication shown by every member of the council. I would also like to thank the Clerk for their professionalism, guidance, and administrative support which ensures the council continues to operate effectively.
Over the last year, the council has continued to focus on the needs of residents and the overall wellbeing of the parish. We have worked to respond to residents’ concerns, and represent the interests of Stickford in discussions with district and county authorities.
Among the matters addressed this year were:
Highways and road safety concerns, including speeding traffic, road conditions, and signage.
Maintenance of parish assets.
Reviewing planning applications affecting the parish and ensuring local views were represented.
Supporting community events and encouraging local engagement.
Working alongside local authorities and partner organisations on issues affecting residents.
Like many parish councils, we continue to face challenges including increasing costs, pressures on local services, and limited funding. Despite this, the council has remained committed to careful financial management while continuing to deliver services and support the community where possible.
Community spirit remains one of Stickford’s greatest strengths. It is encouraging to see residents supporting one another, attending events, and taking an interest in local matters. A strong parish depends on people being willing to get involved, share ideas, and help shape the future of the village.
Looking ahead, the council will continue to prioritise:
Listening to residents and responding to local concerns.
Improving communication and community engagement.
Protecting and enhancing the local environment.
Supporting initiatives that benefit the parish and improve quality of life for residents.
Finally, I would like to thank all residents for their continued support and interest in parish matters. The council exists to serve the community, and your feedback and involvement are always welcomed.
Thank you. Chairman - Stickford Parish
STICKFORD COMMUNITY CENTRE (SCC) MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE/TRUSTEES REPORT.
Many changes have taken place since the last Annual General Meeting (AGM) in June last year. Ann resigned as Chair and a Trustee in October for personal reasons and producing the Village Newsletter in February. Ken resigned as Vice Chair in October and continued as a Trustee. Loraine resigned as Events Organiser in September and as a Trustee in November. Hannah joined the Committee in September as Events Organiser and Trustee but had to resign in February for health reasons. Julie resigned as the Treasurer following the last AGM continuing for a short while as Administrator until November when she resigned and following a move to Woodhall Spa. Xenia took over as the Treasurer and a Trustee following the last AGM resigning in November but continuing as the bookkeeper for SCC until the next AGM for which we are very grateful. We thank all of the people mentioned for their valuable contributions and time devoted to SCC.
There are now five remaining trustees who are finding the workload in managing SCC difficult so the decision was taken with the guidance and approval of the Charity Commission to amend the SCC Management Committee constitution to bring forward the date of this year's AGM and to make an appeal to the village and groups who use SCC for help.
Notwithstanding where the Management Committee finds itself SCC continues to thrive and is a meeting place for local groups and organisations, businesses and community activities. SCC is used by two training agencies as commercial hirers all year and is also used by and supports The Keals Club, Stickford Ladies Social Circle, Stickford Local History Group, Friendly Faces, Relax and Craft, Pure Grit PT, St Helen's Church, Stickford Parish Council, Stickford Charities, Spilsby and District Wellbeing Hub and Walking Group, fortnightly bingo nights and quarterly quiz nights. SCC is available for private hire for functions such as birthday parties of which there have been two in the past month.
SCC is in a good place financially. The Management Committee both raises funds and assists in raising funds to maintain and improve the centre for the benefit of all hirers and users. The principal fundraiser is the bingo nights but we would like to organise other events to raise funds to help with running costs, future maintenance and improvement works. We actively look for and apply for grant funding also to cover maintenance repairs and improvements. We have had grants from the Parish Council, Lincolnshire Co Op, East Lindsey District Council and East Lindsey Investment Fund. Monies are also received from the SELC Lottery and the clothing bank. A major maintenance and repair item that is required is the repointing of the building. The Parish Council have provided a grant towards the cost and applications for grant finance for the remainder will be applied for.
SCC produces the village newsletter. The current edition runs out at the end of this month. The Parish Council have also provided a grant for the costs involved but we need some help and expertise to move forward with this and to produce future issues.
The Annual General Meeting of the Community Centre took place on 22nd April. Twenty-four villagers and representatives of the groups who use the centre attended the meeting. In accordance with the constitution all current officers and trustees of the community centre management committee retired from office.
The following were re- elected as trustees, John Howlett, Ken Richard, Graham Pearson, Barbara Johnson and Barbara Pearson.
Elected as new trustees were Kevin Swallow and Ann Luffman.
Officers were nominated and voted in, John Howlett Chair, Ken Richard Vice Chair, Kevin Swallow Treasurer and Ann Luffman Events Organiser.
In addition, elected as new trustees were Dawn Hart, Lorna Jee, Karen Tyson, Alan Tebby, Tim Holway and Shaun Turner.
This means that there are representatives on the management committee of nearly all of the groups who use the community centre. This provides a great opportunity to take it forward for the benefit of the village and all who use it.
STICKFORD CHARITIES REPORT
Stickford Relief in Need Charity
This Charity provides financial help for residents of Stickford. For School Clothing vouchers, Birth Grants, Funeral Grants and grants for various organisations within the village. Christmas donations for retired residents, and single mothers.
It also provides assistance to residents, for example, repair bills, equipment for disabled people etc.
It also provides a free bus service for those residents without transport. And, those residents who can show a genuine need to use the service, even if they have their own transport as well. The bus is only available once a month.
Boston on the second Wednesday of the month and Horncastle on the fourth Thursday of the next month and so on.
Anyone who would like to use the bus service, please contact any of the Trustees mentioned below.
Stickford Education Charity.
The object of the charity is to give support for the following, any educational objectives, equipment, books, courses and experiences, for people of any age and resident in the Parish of Stickford. (including those normally resident but attending university or college elsewhere) and will be means tested if the Trustees in their discretion so require.
All applications for anything other than the School Clothing Vouchers, and using the bus service, should be made in writing to the Clerk of the Trustees,
Mrs Katherine Bunting, at the old Vicarage, Church Road, Stickford, Boston. PE22 8EP, or by e mail to katherine.bunting@chattertons.com
Trustees :
Pam Bryant 01205 480410 Wendy Morley 07507226336 Helen Edwards 07932 717553
John Howlett 01205 481361 Rev Fran Jeffries 01790 752526
4. E.L.D.C. Annual Report
Local Government Reorganisation.
The proposals have been submitted to Government and are currently in consultation with town and parish councils. It is envisaged that they will announce the chosen proposal in late July and it is expected that district elections may now not take place in 2027 and elections for the new organisation will be held in 2028.
Planning and Building Control
New planning and infrastructure laws introduced in December 2025 overhauls the UK planning system to accelerate development and housing delivery. Key changes include mandatory housing targets, delegated decision making for faster approvals and simplified regulations. It simplifies land acquisition for and speeds up renewable energy and major infrastructure projects.
Community Grants
The councillor grants scheme for 2026/27 is now open for revenue or capital costs aimed at smaller deliverable community initiatives. Each councillors fund is open to community groups across the parishes they represent. There are further grant funding schemes available from ELDC for larger capital cost schemes in the community.
New Waste Food Bin Collections
There will be an additional waste food bin introduced this year. It was hoped to introduce it quite soon, but the new fleet of collection vehicles required for this have been delayed so the scheme won’t be introduced until autumn this year.
5. L.C.C. Annual Report – none in the absence of Cllr M. Hume
6. Residents’ Open Forum:
a. A resident reported that the field behind properties along Fen Road & the Cul De Sac (Behind the old methodist chapel) has been sold – possibly to be developed? The Chairman was aware and knows that this land is a ‘ridge and furrow’ field and should be protected. The parish councillors will do some research over the next week and bring their findings to the Parish Council meeting due to be held on 19th May 2026. To be discussed further at that meeting. A ‘Neighbourhood Plan’ will also be investigated and the parish council will look to put a plan in place.
b. A resident reported that Hagnaby Road and Hagnaby Lane are being used as a cut through for lorries and trailers connected with the storage of strawbales on the airfield. Planning for change of use to land was recorded 12/8/25 but unfortunately Stickford Parish Council were not informed, even though we are the neighbouring parish. Cllr Taylor, ELDC to investigate.
The meeting was closed by the Chairman at 21.00pm
Date of the next Annual Meeting of the Parish to be 11 May 2027
7. Date of the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council is 19th May 2026. 7.30pm