May 2026 Minutes (AMPC)
STICKFORD PARISH COUNCIL
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
at STICKFORD Community Centre, Tuesday 19th May 2026 @ 7.30pm
THE MINUTES
No. of Residents present : 14 Official attendees read Y for attending N for non-attendance
Chairman Councillor Mrs Lesley Reeson Y Councillor Mr Tony French Y
Vice Chairman Councillor Mr John Howlett Y Councillor vacancy
Councillor Mrs Pam Bryant Y Councillor vacancy
Councillor Mr Clive Kingswood N Parish Clerk Nicki George Y
Lincs C Councillor Mrs M Hume N ELDC Councillor Mr Terry Taylor N
1. Election of Officers: The Chairman called out on behalf of the clerk each position and requested and received a proposer and a seconder for each position. The list of positions is Appendix 1 to these minutes. Each councillor were given a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest form to complete and update, to be returned to the clerk.
2. The Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed all present.
3. Apologies for absence and reasons accepted: Cllr Kingswood and ELDC Cllr Taylor
4. Public Forum:
a) A resident reported that the signpost by the salt bins at the end of Church Road is broken. Clerk to report on Fix My Street.
b) A resident reported that the potholes are bad along Fen Road between the bridge and the junction to the Cul De Sac. Clerk to report on Fix My Street.
c) A resident reported that a tree is overgrown on the water side of Catchwater Bank by the road bridge. Clerk to report on Fix My Street.
d) A resident reported that the hedges along Catchwater Bank need cutting back. Clerk to report on Fix My Street.
e) A resident reported that there is a fallen tree in the water by the foot bridge at the end of the Cul de Sac. Clerk to report on Fix My Street.
f) A resident commented on the bad driving by lorries coming through the village. Clerk to send a letter to both of the local companies that may have lorries that come through the village, asking them politely to adhere to the highway code and be mindful of residents whilst driving through the village.
g) A resident requested that the right of way for vehicles on the junction of Fen Road and the Cul de Sac be reversed (put back to how it used to be). i.e. Fen Road be a continuous road and the vehicles coming out of the Cul de Sac have to give way. Or can a Stop sign be placed at the junction for vehicles coming into the village along Fen Road rather than just a Give Way to make the junction safer. Clerk to contact LCC Highways.
5. There were no declaration of interest.
6. Report from Lincolnshire County Councillor: No Report available.
Residents expressed their concern at the lack of support that our parish is receiving from our LCC councillor and the chairman has asked the clerk to write to the Reform candidate for Boston & Skegness to express our concerns.
7. Report from Mr Terry Taylor, ELDC Councillor: Please see Appendix 2
8. Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on 10th March 2026 were read and approved.
Proposed by Cllr Howlett and seconded by Cllr Bryant and all in agreement that these are a true record and the Chairman signed a paper copy for the Minute Folder.
9. Matters Arising from the minutes of 10th March 2026.
a) A resident reported that dogs have been seen loose around the new caravan on the airfield. Concern was expressed for the safety of cyclists and walkers. The clerk has contacted the dog warden to report this issue. The DW confirms that she is aware of the situation and will drive by regularly to keep a check on it. She recommended if there is any issue re the welfare of the dogs to please contact the RSPCA to make a report. The Parish Council advises anyone that has an incident re the dogs to please contact the Police and make a report.
b) A resident requested a new dog bin somewhere along Church Road, between the 2 existing bins, one being at the dead end of Church Road and the other one along Back Lane. Dog owners are not clearing up in that area. The clerk has contacted ELDC. An application needs to be made online which includes a risk assessment being completed for the proposed site for a new dog bin. A copy of the Dog Litter Bin policy will be emailed to all councillors for them to read through ahead of the next meeting. To be discussed further at that meeting in July.
c) A resident reported that a white van has been spotted several times along the Cul de Sac driving slowly after 8.30pm. It is sign written as Anglian Water. The resident has contacted Anglian Water and they have said that it is not being used for business purposes at that time of night. A second resident reported that the van has been seen in Hagnaby Road too. Vans are still being spotted around the village. Advice to all residents to report anything that they feel is suspicious.
d) A resident reported the bad state of the road along Keal Bank. It is very uneven. It has been reported on Fix My Street. Clerk has reported this on Fix My Street and response is : We’re sending you this message to let you know that we’ve assessed the road condition and – whilst it has deteriorated it does not yet require further action. If the fault deteriorates significantly then please report this again to us and we will investigate further. Thank you for reporting this matter.
e) A resident has reported that bonfires are being lit with strong smoke and explosions after 10pmin the area where old chicken sheds are been taken down along Fen Road. They were under the impression that this land should be put back to arable when the sheds were removed. The clerk contacted Environmental Health and was advised that this type of issue is better reported by the resident that it effects so that personal statements can be taken and used if the issue is taken further. The clerk contacted the resident that made this report to the parish council to make them aware of this advice along with the contact details of ELDC Environmental Health.
f) A resident reported their concern that the old coal yard is being used to store waste from other venues and asked for advice on what permissions would be required to comply with regulations. ELDC replied: as they are conducting this on their own private land there is nothing the council can do to get involved. If they are causing any nuisance due to odour, light or noise this can be reported to our Environment Protection Team. The clerk contacted Cllr Taylor for advice, and he responded: The response is technically correct. If the waste on the site is causing a public nuisance ie smells etc, environmental health would likely get involved. If they are using the site for waste transfer of certain materials, county council would get involved, as it would be a licensing matter. Clerk has been asked to contact LCC re licensing.
10. Matters Arising from 12th May 2026 minutes: Annual Meeting of the Parish
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 is to contact Historic England and request that this land, along with the chapel and pub be protected. This land is a ‘ridge and furrow’ field and should be protected. A ‘Neighbourhood Plan’ with ELDC is also to be investigated by Cllr Howlett.
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. No update as yet.
11. Insurance – Annual renewal
Annual renewal of existing policy is due on 1.6.26 at the same price as last year: £277.00
This is an online policy for Parish Councils, covering £15,000 contents (subject to single article limit) owned by the council, excluding any other items specified on the schedule. Excess £100.
£24,000 cover for monuments, memorials and statues. Excess £250.
Single article limits applicable: £2000 computer equipment, £2500 fine art & jewellery, £2500 civic regalia.
All councillors are in agreement that the online cover is sufficient for the Councils current needs and to continue with Zurich for another year.
12. Finance : Payments due to be paid :
a) £ 81.53 Admin costs, toners x 4 – paid by clerk
b) £ 50.00 Community Centre Hire 12.5.26 & 19.5.26
c) £ 42.00 Abbey Payroll Services – 2 x quarterly periods
d) £ 53.50 Victoria Clark – Annual Audit Report
e) £ 277.00 Zurich Insurance
f) £ 120.00 Shaun Turner Bespoke Joinery
g) £ 50.00 Stickford Ladies Social Circle – Grant for running costs
h) £ 50.00 Keals Club – Grant for running costs
i) £ 300.00 Stickford Community Centre – Grant for Newsletter
j) £2000.00 Community Centre – Grant for repairs (re-pointing)
k) £ 50.00 Stickford Local History Group – Grant for running costs
l) £ 180.00 Friendly Faces – Feel Good Fridays – Grant for running costs
m) £372.28 HMRC Employers National Insurance 2025-2026
All agreed to pay all of the above. Cheques issued and signed.
Update on income received since last meeting and current bank balances:
• Precept has been received correctly £4662.00
• Allotments April 2026 – all rents received
• Annual Standing Order of £250 received. This is a private donation towards the annual maintenance and flowers for the Clock War Memorial, in memory of a family member.
Current account balance as at 30/4/26 = £ 15,578.46
Deposit account balance as at 30/4/26 = £8,433.26
Ring fenced items are :
£3500 Election costs, £300 (+£250 new donation) clock annual maintenance & flowers, £125 training, £3250 Asset maintenance.
13. Internal Audit Report
All completed in April by Victoria Clark, Clark’s Clerical Services. A copy has been distributed to all councillors ahead of the meeting and comments have been read and understood. All the necessary AGAR paperwork has been checked and completed and signed off on 26.04.26. The Auditor has brought to the parish councils’ attention that parish councils are not eligible for the Employers National Insurance allowance and that the payroll company need to be paying Employers National Insurance on behalf of the PC. The clerk has made the payroll company aware of this, hence the payment of £372.28 for 2025/26.
14. AGAR to be approved and signed ready for submission to External Auditors.
Figures have been prepared and form completed by Clerk. Internal Auditor has agreed the figures and signed the AGAR paperwork. Form 2 has been completed and a Certificate of Exemption – AGAR 2025/26 Form 2 is ready to be sent to PKF Littlejohn, External Auditor.
All councillors agreed for the AGAR forms to be signed by the Chairman and the Clerk and for the Certificate of Exemption be sent to External Auditor.
15. Dates of the period for the exercise of Public Rights :
Clerk has completed paperwork for the External Auditor and dates are : 3rd June to 14th July 2026.
16. Clerks Report
a) The clerk has noticed that some other parish councils update their policies and procedures at the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council. As ours were last updated 5 months ago in December 2025, it was agreed by all councillors to next review them this coming December.
b) The clerk reminded the chairman that Risk Assessments for the village were due – the chairman confirms that they have been done but need to be typed up and sent to the clerk.
c) Gov.uk emails have been created for all councillors and the details will be emailed shortly to each councillor individually with set up passwords.
d) A resident reported that bird scarers behind the Cul de Sac were loud and disturbing them and asked if the Parish Council could contact the land owners to quieten them. Cllr Bryant dealt with the matter and it has been quieter since her intervention.
e) Project Groundwater : this is a LCC project to install water level monitors. 3 have been installed in our area 1) Cul de Sac 2) Back Lane 3) Hagnaby Lock. A drop-in event is being held in the Community Centre hosted by the parish council for any resident to call in to find out more about the project and how to sign up for alerts if the monitors sense the water levels are rising. 2nd June, 6-8pm. This will be advertised on Facebook, Nextdoor, pc website, noticeboard and will go in the newsletter if the next edition is produced ahead of this event.
17. Bus Shelters – update re grant application
Confirmation has been received by email to the clerk that the grant application from LCC has been successful and that £3000 has been awarded for the Perspex to be added to the existing 4 bus shelters. The councillors have considered the 3 previous quotes received and have decided to give the job to Shaun Turner Bespoke Joinery at a cost of £3200.
18. Community Centre - update
Cllr Howlett reported that 13 new trustees were appointed at the AGM held in April. He is confident that with the amount of support shown, all events and the day to day running and upkeep of the Community Centre will continue.
19. Places of historical interest to protect for the future
The Chairman will contact Historic England with a view to protect land and buildings around the village.
Cllr Howlett will monitor planning applications and will look to set up a ‘ELDC Neighbourhood Plan’.
20. Planning
An update on two neighbouring parish consultations both Section 73 variation applications to vary conditions imposed in permissions previously granted. No decision yet on the land adjacent to the Wetland Site, Hagnaby Lock where an enhanced property offering is proposed. Approval has been granted for the Section 73 variation application for the land south of the Wetland Site Hagnaby Lock where planning permission has previously been granted to create a holiday park, 22 holiday lodges, new fishing lake and an extension to an existing fishing lake. Approval has been given to the variation application to reduce the size of the two lakes as built, to substitute 2 one-bedroom lodges with 2 two-bedroom lodges and revised development next to the lakes to reflect their reduced size.
There are not currently any ongoing planning applications in our parish.
A new neighbouring parish consultation has been received for The Paddocks West Fen Lane Stickney, applicant Mr P Chapman on land current use stated as agricultural, an outline planning application to build a single four-bedroom dwelling and a self-build/custom build. Comments have been submitted which can be viewed on the planning portal, neither objecting to or supporting the proposal.
There has been further consultation on the National Grid Eastern Green Link 3 and 4 and Grimsby to Walpole scheme. It is a targeted statutory consultation with an update, further correspondence and new application details from National Grid. Some proposed changes have been made to what was previously proposed from Midville to Frith Bank, further comments have been made by Parish and Town Councils and there are some ecology reports. We have previously submitted detailed comments at earlier stages of the consultation. Detailed proposals to take account of all consultations are expected from National Grid in 2027. As we have said before the final decision will be made by central government.
21. Correspondence – items that are not included on the agenda: None
22. All Councillors to report any other issues not included on the agenda : None
23. Date of next meeting – 14th July 2026, 7.30pm at the Community Centre
Items for Next Agenda :
a) Places of historical interest to protect for the future – update
b) Bus Shelters – update
c) Dog bin
The Chairman closed the meeting at 9pm
Appendix 1 STICKFORD PARISH COUNCIL
ELECTION OF OFFICERS for 2026
Annual Parish Council Meeting 19th May 2026
For year 2026 to 2027 up to the next Annual Parish Meeting in MAY 2027
1. Position of CHAIRMAN Elected Name: Lesley Reeson
Proposed by Councillor John Howlett Seconded by Councillor Tony French
2. Position of VICE- CHAIRMAN Elected Name: John Howlett
Proposed by Councillor Lesley Reeson Seconded by Councillor Pam Bryant
3. Position of Environment officer Elected Name: Lesley Reeson
Proposed by Councillor Pam Bryant Seconded by Councillor John Howlett
4. Position of Finance Risk Assessment Officers x 2.
1) Elected Name: Chairman : Lesley Reeson
Proposed by Councillor John Howlett Seconded by Councillor Tony French
2) Elected Name: Vice Chairman : John Howlett
Proposed by Councillor Tony French Seconded by Councillor Pam Bryant
5. Position of Parish Assets officer Elected Name: John Howlett & Tony French
Proposed by Councillor Lesley Reeson Seconded by Councillor Pam Bryant
Position of Internal Auditor Elected Name: Victoria Clark. Clark’s Clerical Services
Proposed by Councillor Lesley Reeson Seconded by Councillor Pam Bryant
Councillors with special responsibilities:
Planning John Howlett Proposer: Councillor Lesley Reeson
Seconder: Councillor Pam Bryant
War Memorial Clock John Howlett Proposer: Councillor Lesley Reeson
Seconder: Councillor Pam Bryant
LALC Lesley Reeson Proposer: Councillor Tony French
Seconder: Councillor Pam Bryant
Community Centre John Howlett Proposer: Councillor Pam Bryant
Seconder: Councillor Lesley Reeson
Village Assets Risk Tony French Proposer: Councillor Lesley Reeson
Assessment officer Seconder: Councillor John Howlett
Appendix 2
Cllr Terry Taylor JP
ELDC Representative for Halton Holegate Ward
REPORT TO PARISHES
East Lindsey District Council supports Dementia Action Week as local events set to take place across the district
East Lindsey District Council is supporting Dementia Action Week, taking place from Monday 18 to Sunday 24 May 2026, by highlighting a series of local events designed to raise awareness, provide information and support people affected by dementia and their carers.
East Lindsey District Council is also a member of the local Dementia Friendly Community, reinforcing its commitment to supporting residents affected by dementia.
Dementia Action Week is a national campaign ran by The Alzheimer’s Societythat brings communities together to take action on dementia. It aims to improve understanding of the condition, reduce stigma and help people living with dementia feel informed, supported and included.
Throughout the week, a number of dementia focused activities will be taking place across East Lindsey, including:
• Rotary of Louth Memory Walk
Sunday 17 May
Registration from 1:30pm, walk starts at 2pm
Meet at St James Church House, Louth
(Fundraising event – £5 adults, £2 children)
• Sport Memories – Ageless & Agile sessions
Monday 18 May, 10am till 12pm at Station Leisure & Learning Centre, Mablethorpe
Tuesday 19 May, 10am till 12pm at Barratt Court, Skegness
Thursday 21 May, 10am till 12pm at Meridian Leisure Centre, Louth
Friday 22 May, 10am till 12pm at Ancaster Court, Horncastle
• Memories Matter Dementia Café events
Wednesday 20 May, 12pm till 2pm at ‘Party in the Park’, Spout Yard, Louth
Thursday 21 May, 11.30am till 1.30pm at ‘Holiday Memories’, Jubilee Park, Woodhall Spa
• Alford Dementia Support Group – Information Session
Wednesday 20 May, 10am till 12pm
Alford Memorial Hall
• Reminiscence Activity – ‘O We Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside’
Friday 22 May, 1pm till 3pm
Wragby Wellbeing Hub
As well as promoting local support, Dementia Action Week also highlights the importance of addressing preventable risk factors for dementia.
Evidence shows that lifestyle choices and health conditions such as physical inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, obesity, social isolation and untreated hearing loss can all increase a person’s risk of developing dementia.
Taking steps to stay active, remain socially connected and look after long term health can help reduce risk and support overall wellbeing. More information is available on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/
Councillor William Gray, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Better Ageing at East Lindsey District Council, said: “Dementia Action Week is an important opportunity for us as a council, and a wider community to raise awareness and ensure people know where they can turn for advice, activities and support.
“By supporting local events and community led sessions across the district, we are helping to make East Lindsey a more dementia friendly place, where people feel included, supported and able to live well.”
If you would like any further information about these events, please contact our Healthy Communities team at healthycommunities@e-lindsey.gov.uk.
Looking for community grant and support opportunities?
The Council supports communities, businesses and skills through grant funding - and has a dedicated Local Growth and Funding Delivery Team.
You can learn more about funding opportunities and use our interactive map to explore projects supported in your area. Take a look and see what is happening near you here: Local Growth and Funding Delivery - East Lindsey District Council
If you have any questions, please email the Local Growth and Funding Delivery team at LGGF@sholland.gov.uk
Please find below links to information about the different community support and grants available:
ELDC ‘Community Support and Grants’ webpage
https://www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/article/5128/Community-Support-and-Grants
ELDC Local Growth and Grant Funding webpage
Local Growth and Grant Funding - East Lindsey District Council
• Universal Credit: Universal Credit - East Lindsey District Council
• Connect to Support Lincolnshire: Connect to Support | Connect to Support Lincolnshire
• Free School Meals: Free School Meals - East Lindsey District Council
• Wellbeing Lincs: Wellbeing Lincs
• Discretionary Housing Payments: Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) - East Lindsey District Council
• Support for Carers: Support for Carers - East Lindsey District Council
• Armed Forces Covenant: Armed Forces Covenant - East Lindsey District Council
• Stop Loan Sharks: Home - Stop Loan Sharks
• East Coast Community Fund: East Coast Community Fund - Grantscape Grantscape
• South & East Lincolnshire Community Lottery: South and East Lincolnshire Community Lottery - East Lindsey District Council
• Lincolnshire Community Foundation: Home - Lincolnshire Community Foundation
• Social Isolation Grant: Social Isolation Grant - East Lindsey District Council - East Lindsey District Council
• South and East Lincolnshire Crowd Fund: South and East Lincolnshire Crowd Fund - East Lindsey District Council
• Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise Energy Efficiency Scheme: Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Energy Efficiency Scheme - East Lindsey District Council
• Grants for Older People: Grants for Older People - East Lindsey District Council
• Councillors’ Community Grants Scheme: Councillors' Community Grants Scheme - East Lindsey District Council
Council makes major £1millon investment to deliver upgraded public toilets across East Lindsey
East Lindsey District Council is delivering a significant programme of improvements to public toilet facilities across the district, ensuring residents and visitors can continue to benefit from accessible, high-quality amenities.
Work began in March on a district-wide refurbishment programme, funded through an investment of more than £1million from the council's capital reserve.
The programme commenced with initial works at Anderby Creek and Woodhall Spa, with further sites in Wainfleet, Spilsby, Wragby and Horncastle also set to benefit from full refurbishment in the coming months, while the existing facility at Coningsby will be replaced with a brand-new modular toilet block.
The improvements will see each of the sites upgraded to a modern standard, including new cubicles, vanity units, doors and decoration, while retaining the existing size and provision.
To ensure continuity of service, temporary portable toilets are being installed at each location during the works. These will be serviced daily and monitored regularly, allowing residents and visitors to continue accessing facilities throughout the improvement programme.
The investment forms part of a wider commitment by the council to maintain and enhance key public services across both the coast and inland market towns, and comes at a time when local authorities elsewhere are making the difficult decisions to reduce or remove their management of toilet facilities.
Councillor Martin Foster, portfolio holder for operational services, said: "I'm delighted that we are able to invest such a significant amount into improving public toilet facilities across East Lindsey, at a time when many other councils are reducing their provision.
"This programme of refurbishment sends a clear message that we are committed to supporting our communities, protecting vital services, and enhancing the experience for the many visitors who come to enjoy our district each year.
"Most importantly, we are retaining all of our public convenience sites while delivering modern, refurbished facilities that people can rely on, and the team are working hard to ensure that disruption and availability issues are kept to a minimum throughout the works."
The programme is expected to continue through until October 2026, with works phased across the district to minimise disruption.
East Lindsey District Council’s £20 million investment fund is building ‘strong local communities’
Posted on 15 May 2026
(Image of Cllr Craig Leyland attached if required for publication)
Leaders at East Lindsey District Council say they are ‘delighted’ at the positive impact that their ambitious £20 million scheme is making to people’s lives across the district.
The council launched the ‘East Lindsey Investment Fund’ (ELIF) in September 2024, putting £10m of its own money, into the scheme. In March 2026, the council announced it was allocating a further £10m of its own cash into ELIF.
The fund aims to enhance the lives of people who live, work, visit and invest in East Lindsey. The council is working with a range of organisations to fund projects and is focusing on four key areas:
• Tourism and events
• Supporting businesses
• Community development
• Building pride in local places
Councillor Craig Leyland, leader of East Lindsey District Council, said: "This is probably the greatest opportunity we have had to make a difference to our communities, and I am delighted, as leader, that we can be part of this.
We will make sure this is delivered, so it brings a positive outlook for our communities, and it delivers locally, which is critically important. Money spent locally is money spent wisely.
“We have had great feedback, and the Investment Fund is making a difference across the whole district, building strong communities.
“We have been able to invest in Jubilee Park in Woodhall Spa, in town councils and village halls - all sorts of things that make a difference to people’s everyday lives. We are delighted we have been able to invest in the Sir Joseph Banks Centre in Horncastle, securing their building and the work they do to secure our heritage for perpetuity.
“We have also invested in Harrison Woodlands near Louth. This is an ancient woodland, and we worked with the Woodland Trust to secure it.
“The East Lindsey Investment Fund is about small and large things. It is for the coast and for inland market towns. It is vital that we spend this money at grass roots level because people locally know what they need to do and build our strong communities.”