July 2026 Draft Minutes
ALLINGTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting held at Allington Village Hall
Wednesday 08th July 2026
Present: Councillor Marvin (Chair)
Councillor Plummer (Vice Chair)
Councillor Reynolds
Councillor Carlyle
Councillor Baron
Councillor Scott
Councillor Storer
Kate Griffin (Clerk/RFO)
District Councillor Robert Leadenham
Residents. No Residents
PUBLIC FORUM: The Public Forum does not form part of the meeting of the Parish Council
As no residents were present and no other items were raised for discussion Cllr Marvin announced the Parish Council meeting could start at 7.25pm
71/26 WELCOME BY THE CHAIR
Cllr Marvin welcomed everyone and thanked everyone for attending on such a hot evening. Cllr Marvin mentioned not a lot had been happening with the Parish Council recently. Cllr Marvin advised the flowers in the planters appear to have died in the heat.
72/26 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
No apologies were received. All Councillors present with the District Councillor. No apology received from the County Councillor.
73/26 DECLARATIONS OF PECUNIARY INTEREST IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOCALISM ACT 2011
No declarations of Members interest in relation to agenda items
74/26 APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was resolved to approve the notes of the Annual Parish Council Meeting of May 13th 2026 and Extraordinary meeting of June 08th 2026, signed as minutes by the Chair as a true record of the meetings. Previously circulated to all members of the council. It was resolved to accept the notes as minutes.
75/26 CLERKS CORRESPONDENCE REPORT SINCE THE LAST MEETING
It was noticed that this item was on the agenda twice, therefore it was resolved to ignore agenda item 5 and receive this as agenda item 8.
76/26 DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT
County Councillor Litchfield did not attend the meeting.
District Councillor Leadenham reported there had been a briefing meeting and Grantham MP Gareth Davies and the Shadow Minister for Housing and Planning Gareth Bacon, requesting a review of rural planning policies. Both MP’s have requested more information. Cllr Leadenham discussed the impacts rural development has on small villages and that there was a case study to be sent to the MPs on proposed development at Barrowby. Cllr Leadenham asked for support from Allington PC in the form of feedback about the case study on behalf of Barrowby Parish Council and the Barrowby Action Group.
Cllr Leadenham also reported he had met with Lincs Mayor, Dame Andrea Jenkyns at a recent meeting of the Grantham Canal Society where he also discussed the rural planning, which she agreed there is not the infrastructure to support such development.
Other planning issues he is currently reviewing include the old caravan storage site on the A52 at Sedgebrook. A Councillor Surgery is being planned at Allington Gardens in the near future.
Cllr Leadenham thanked the Allington Parish Councillors who attended the recent Belvoir Ward of Parishes meeting on July 6th.
ACTIONS: Clerk to send any Councillor comments regarding the Case Study to Cllr Leadenham.
77/26 CLERKS FINANCE REPORT
(a)The accounts for payment were checked against the invoices and lists, and signed by Cllrs Marvin and Plummer. It was resolved to approve the receipts and payments for July as per Financial Regulations 6.10 as follows:
Invoices/expenses to approve for payment for 2 x signatures:
Hempsteads grass cutting 3 of 8 £393.12+£78.62 VAT = £471.74
EDF Energy for June 2026 £3.49 + £1.17 VAT = £24.66
Village Hall hire for PC meeting 13/5/26 £36.00
LALC Webmaster – 10 hours added for 2026/27 £200.00+£40.00VAT = £240.00
PF Caretaker - reimburse expenses for toilet roll & wipes for PF toilets £7.50
Payments received since 13/5/26 to 30/6/26 (end Q1)
Allington Manor Car Parking (4/6,6/6,20/6,27/6) 4 x £30.00 = £120.00
Easy Fundraising £15.38
Bank Interest received savings A/C 5/6/26 £42.91
(b) Bank statement checking and balance check was undertaken and statements signed by Cllr Carlyle as per Financial Regulations 2.6
It was resolved to accept the bank balances and bank reconciliation to the end of Q1 as follows:
Bank balance as of 30th June 2026:
HSBC Current A/c balance = £409.85
HSBC Savings A/c balance - £37242.61
HSBC Ring-fenced fund-raising account - £1142.93
The bank reconciliation to the end of Q1, Apr-June 2026, was signed and verified by Cllr Carlyle:
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Allington Parish Council 30/06/26 |
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BANK RECONCILIATION AS AT 30/6/26 |
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£ |
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A |
Balance - HSBC bank stmt at 01.04.2026 |
6871.48 |
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Balance Savings Acct - as at 01.04.2026 |
41022.77 |
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Total |
47894.25 |
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B |
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Plus - income up to 30.06.2025 |
18912.75 |
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C |
Minus - spending up to 30.06.2023 |
28011.61 |
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D |
TOTAL |
38795.39 |
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E |
Balance - balance as at 30.06.2025 |
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Current Acct |
409.85 |
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Savings Acct |
37242.61 |
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PFFR Account (opened |
1142.93 |
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Minus unpresented items |
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TOTAL |
38795.39 |
(c ) It was resolved to approve invoices/expenses already paid due to time constraints for 2 x signatures:
Playing Fields caretaker 4.5hours overtime for work on PF posts – approved
PF Caretaker reimburse expenses for post Crete for PF posts £7.50
Hempsteads grass cutting 2 of 8 £393.12=£78.62 VAT = £471.74
EDF Energy for May 2026 £ 17.58 + £0.88 VAT = £18.46
ABACUS PLAYGROUNDS – approved at EOM 25/2/26 – invoice never signed for 2 x signatories invoice dates 31/3/26 £12028.00 + £2405.60 VAT = £14433.60
Zurich insurance invoice approved at EOM 08/06/26, not signed.
It was resolved to approve Big Weekend invoices paid prior to event from ringfenced- to be reimbursed by PFFR:
Fran Freeman (vocalist) £150.00
Motown Revival (band) £900.00
C Bosworth (face painting) £140.00
P Schmassmann (PA system) £1200.00
E Bishop (Double treble vocalists) £100.00
Small Beer Ltd (Bar stock) £1464.82
The Beer Clear (Beer chiller pump) £1271.76
(d) HMRC VAT reclaim has been made for Q1 Apr 26-June 26 for 3175.73
(e ) It was resolved to approve the purchase of a beer chiller pump for use at ABW and all future village events as required. This had previously been discussed and agreed by all Councillors by email and the purchase made in advance due to time constraints.
CLERK TO ACTION: Clerk to make relevant payments of outstanding invoices.
Clerk to upload Bank reconciliation Q1 to website.
78/26 CLERKS CORRESPONDENCE SINCE THE LAST MEETING
The clerk distributed a list of emails which had previously been circulated the to all Councillors:
Email from Cllr Litchfield regarding suggested supplier for Speed Indicator devices.
Email from Cllr Davey at Great Gonerby containing update for Parish Alliance Group.
Email from Ryan Davies, Senior flood risk officer LCC advising works to culvert took place.
Email from LALC advising of the AGM 09/07/26.
Email from Ryan Davies, LCC flood risk team, updating on further plans for Peach Lane.
Email from PFFR requesting placing advertising banner on village green railings.
Letter from previous Chair of PFFR regarding decision to step down and to advise his previous H&S documents can no longer be used.
Email from Lincs road safety team advising Community Speedwatch 30MPH signs are not permitted on regulatory speed signs.
Email from resident concerning trees and hedges overgrowing the village sign.
Email from SKDC requesting new DPI forms for all Councillors.
Email from Cllr Litchfield advising the kerbing will take place W/C 13/7/26.
Email from LALC containing annual report for 2025/26.
Email from the PFFR requesting approval for the purchase of a beer chiller pump for the ABW and future village events.
Email from Cllr Leadenham inviting Councillors to the Belvoir Ward of Parishes meeting 06/7/26
Email from Allington Manor containing a list of requested car parking dates.
Email from Cllr Carlyle regarding reports of children on the roof of the Village Hall annexe.
Email response from V Hall advising this was reported to the school.
Email from resident offering help with the village planters.
Email from Cllr Leadenham containing a case study relating to the future planning policy in rural communities.
Email from AG advising the battery pack and pads are due to expire.
Comments – Cllr Baron raised the issue of the village planters in dire need of watering. Hosepipes were discussed as required for watering. Would need 2 x 50m hosepipes and connectors on a cart or trolley, preferably on a retractable wheel. These could be stored in the shed at the playing field. Cllr Marvin added that new plants would be needed and would need budgeting for.
Cllr Baron also commented that the insurance company should be informed of the purchase of beer chiller pump in case this needs insuring separately due to value and adding to the asset register.
ACTIONS: Cllr Baron to investigate hosepipe costs and suppliers and email to Clerk.
Clerk to contact insurance company re beer chiller and it was also resolved to add this to the asset register for 2026/27 as a new purchase.
79/26 TO RECEIVE CLERKS REPORT
Since the May 13th meeting the following actions have taken place:
The Village caretaker has made some minor repairs at the playing field including a sign that was hanging off a playing field post which has been redrilled and bolted back on and a minor repair to bolts holding up the security bar at the shed.
Email was sent to Ryan Davies, Senior Flood Officer LCC, requesting an update on further planned works on Peach Lane.
The new defibrillator pads and battery were fitted to the V Hall Defib, kindly by Julian Withington.
The email from Lincs road safety team regarding the CSW 30mph signs was actioned, the community speedwatch team were informed and these have now all been moved to lamp posts.
The request earlier in the year for a grant from Moor Bio Energy at Gonerby Moor was successful in securing £2500 towards bus shelter restoration and playground improvements.
A request for funding towards the bus shelter restoration was accepted by Lincs County Council and we have been awarded £2820.85
An invite was received from Cllr Leadenham to the Belvoir Ward of Parishes meeting on 6/7/26 – this was attended by Cllr Plummer, Cllr Storer and Cllr Scott. Cllr Scott emailed me feedback to advise that it was informative and engaging.
The AGAR forms approved at the EOM in June were submitted to the external auditor for 2025/26. The relevant documents were uploaded to the website. PKF have acknowledged receipt.
A discussion was held regarding the 2 successful funding applications and that this needed to be added as an agenda item at the next meeting to agree and approve contractors. It was also discussed that the defibrillator at Allington Gardens requires new pads and battery pack which has previously been agreed the Parish Council funds these items and that the defib at the playing field now has missing parts since last checking.
ACTIONS: Clerk to return forms claiming the funding offers to Moor BioEnergy and LCC. Clerk to order replacement parts for AG defibrillator. Pads and leads missing from the defib at the playing field and Clerk needs to order replacements and check all other Defibs again for expiry dates.
80/26 FOR ALL COUNCILLORS TO SIGN AND COMPLETE DPI FORM, UPDATED BY SKDC FOR 2026
As per the email request from SKDC advising all Councillors require a signed and updated DPI form, all councillors were given a new form.
ACTIONS: For all Councillors to complete and return to Clerk and for Clerk to forward to SKDC.
81/26 FOR CHAIR TO RECEIVE SEALED ENVELOPE CONTAINING UPDATED PASSWORDS FOR 2026/27
The Clerk handed a signed and sealed envelope to the Chair containing current passwords for 2026/27
82/26 TO DISCUSS AND APPROVE NEW JOINT COMMITTEE WITH PFFR
Cllr Carlyle reported there was very little to update the Council with as there was still a meeting for further discussions due to take place. This was planned as an informal meeting to share information regarding ABW rather than formally commencing.
There were comments regarding the ABW spending process which Cllr Carlyle confirmed could be tackled once the new events committee and TOR were in place.
Feedback following the ABW was that next time a formal budget needs to be shared with the Council and more planning was needed, which Cllr Carlyle again reiterated would be covered by the new TOR and future joint committee meetings.
83/26 EMERGENCY PLAN UPDATE
Cllr Storer advised she had not had sufficient free time to prepare the plan to date but moving forward she can now devote more time to this and should have something ready for the next meeting. Cllr Leadenham offered help with this plan if needed. Deferred to the next meeting.
84/26 HARWORTHS UPDATE
Cllr Baron reported that he had contacted Kevin Cartwright the planning officer for the Harworth Development who had emailed to advise that there were ongoing discussions between the Highways Agency and the applicant. This mainly related to the Northbound slip road from the A1 being too tight for HGV’s which was likely to result in a new consultation. Currently Mr Cartwright is unable to give any timeframe for the determination and advised the Parish Council will be kept informed where relevant.
85/26 MUGA UPDATE WITH ROSPA DISCUSSION
Cllr Plummer reported that the recent ROSPA inspection following the playpark refurbishment was very thorough and that some easy issues have already been sorted. The main concern relates to the length of swing chains and some split wooden posts on the adventure trail. Plummer has been trying to contact Simon Bingham of Bingham Ground Services and sent him a copy of his report but unable to reach so far.
Tennis nets were discussed with Cllr Plummer expressing concerns when these are moved around and cause damage to the MUGA surface. A discussion took place about applying for funding for new upgraded nets which may be more portable. It was resolved not to put the nets up for the time being due to possible damage to MUGA floor.
ACTIONS: Clerk to investigate funding opportunities via Lawn Tennis Association/Lottery/ SKDC grants.
Clerk to contact Simon Bingham regarding the playpark adjustments required following ROSPA report.
86/26 COMMUNITY WOODS
Cllr Marvin reported she had been approached by a resident who advised the community woods were in a state and very overgrown. The original plan was for the grass cutters to cut footpaths and trails but then some residents complained it looked more like a park than a wild area. The grass cutters decided they did not want to continue with this work. Now very overgrown and wild and full of brambles. Cllr Leadenham suggested making this an environmental feature and re-instating the footpaths to turn it in to a nature trail. He advised that there were plenty of grants available for environment projects such as funding for bug hotels, bat and owl boxes and making it more of a feature. The Parish Council agreed this was a good idea but that the area would need clearing initially which would require 3 quotes for the work. Cllr Leadenham suggested trying the Grantham Canal Society as they had suitable equipment to do that kind of work. Cllr Reynolds suggested this could be a future project for the fund raisers to consider.
ACTIONS: For Clerk to investigate funding from UKSPF via SKDC/Wildlife Trust /National Lottery Fund.
87/26 PLAYING FIELD STORAGE UNIT
Cllr Marvin reported that the old storage unit at the bottom of the playing field needed looking at and something needed doing with it. No idea what is in it. It was considered whether it could be sold and removed as no longer used or needed since the building of the shed. Was previously used for football teams’ storage. The doors have been locked and forced open.
ACTION: Cllr Plummer has access to a key, to go and look inside to see what’s in it.
88/26 VILLAGE BUS SERVICE
Cllr Baron commented that people are leaving the village because of the lack of bus links. For those without a driving licence it is very isolating. With no Dr, shop, bank or local facilities totally cut off with no bus routes available. Cllr Baron suggested writing to the surrounding villages to get support as they are also in the same situation. Then approach LCC to request a circular service to include these villages. Cllr Baron commented that it isn’t fair when other villages close by have regular buses such as Bottesford (Leics County Council) and Bingham (Notts County Council). X93 no longer stops in Sedgebrook. Cllr Leadenham advised would need to have a village petition to see how many people actually want this as without evidence the Council would not consider a new service. He also suggested a survey. It was agreed that a survey would be a good idea as could be circulated round the village via the Allington News with multiple options to respond either by post or email to the clerk. Cllr Leadenham offered to print these in order to be circulated with the AN. Would need to prove it will be used.
ACTION: Cllr Scott to liaise with Cllr Leadenham for survey content and for printing.
89/26 AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING
Emergency Plan update - CS
Provision of bench for A Black
Harworths update - CB
Bus Shelter update
MUGA update - JP
PF Storage unit update
Traffic Speed cameras
42/26 DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
Continue with planned date of 9th Sept. Cllr Marvin advised both she (Chair) and Cllr Plummer (Vice) would be unavailable for this date but Cllr Carlyle would Chair the meeting provided the meeting is quorate.
CLLR MARVIN CLOSED THE MEETING AT 9:04PM