At the Meeting of Firsby Group Parish Council held at 7.00 pm on Wednesday 17 September 2025 in Bratoft Church Room.
Present: Mr R. Kidd, who took the Chair;
Mr R. Heane; Mrs S. Wilford; Miss H. Smithson Whitehead; Mr S. Roachford; Mr R. Currie; Mr P. Cavanagh; Mr D. Sargeant; LCC Cllr Mrs M. Hume and 4 members of the public.
Mr Crutchlow, owner of Kelsey Wood Country Park introduced himself to the Council. He is concerned that his site is always getting bad press in the newsletter. He wanted to give the council the opportunity to ask any questions they wanted answers to. Various issues were put to him by the Councillors and a discussion took place regarding these matters.
Mr Rothwell addressed the Council about the drains and blocked dyke outside his bungalow on Pinfold Lane. He explained to the Council that when there is heavy rain his drive gets flooded. The drainage board have jetted and cleared out the drains on the Brambleberyy Lane side of his bungalow but informed him that the dyke opposite his house needs clearing out by the owner. Mr Rothwell has spoken to the owner and the Parish Council have written previously to him, but the work has not been carried out. Cllr Hume said that she would look into the possibility of the drainage board clearing the dyke and billing the owner. It was agreed that a further letter would be sent to Mr Everard requesting that the work be carried out as soon as possible.
1. Minutes of the last Meeting
It was agreed that these be signed as a correct record of the proceedings.
2. Matters arising from the minutes of the last meeting
The Parish Council wanted to thank Mrs Forster for the comprehensive information that was given at the last meeting.
Relevant documents regarding the Village Hall were returned to The Chairman of the Village Hall Management Committee on 26 August.
3. County Councillor's Report
Cllr Hume gave the following report.
A Facebook page is being set up which will cover all areas and will help to communicate better.
There will be a public consultation online on 24 September between 7pm - 8pm to discuss the merging of the Councils. This should simplify and streamline matters. The Parish Council will have more influence. There will also be potential costs savings. Cllr Hume assured the Parish Council that when the groups merge there will still be a local representative.
Cllr Hume stated that she will be attending a Drainage and Flood Committee meeting on Thursday 18 September. Mr Currie asked if the Parish Council could be invited to attend these meetings as they have first hand knowledge of the floods and the issues relating to the Steeping River and Lady Wath Beck. Mr Heane suggested that a meeting be arranged so that Cllr Hume could be shown the areas that are causing the Parish Councillors and residents concern. It was agreed that a meeting should be arranged.
A more detailed report is available if residents require a copy.
Mrs Wilford asked Cllr Hume if the resurfacing of the Thorpe Culvert/Little Steeping Road is going to be carried out. It was due to be done in 2025. Cllr Hume agreed to look into the matter.
4. Correspondence
a) Email received from Paul Morrison of The Planning Inspectorate regarding the appeal decision about Woodlands, Summergates Lane, Bratoft. No further action taken.
b) Email received from Sarah Turner of Planning Appeals at ELDC regarding their notification of the Planning Inspectorate's appeal decision regarding Woodlands, Summergates, Lane, Bratoft. No further action taken.
c) Email received from PKF Littlejohn, external auditors regarding the receipt of the Parish Councils accounts.
d) Email received from Debby Braund regarding volunteers help with a public rights of way asset survey. It was agreed to forward to the Councillors to be dealt with.
e) Email received from Lorna Hughes requesting reduce speed sharp bend signs leading up to the junction of Mill Lane & Gunby Lane. It was agreed to request these signs from Highways.
f) Email received from Ray Harman tendering his resignation from the Parish Council. It was agreed to write and thank Ray for his work on the Council.
g) Email received from Sharon Atkinson of ELDC formally advertising the vacancy for a Parish Councillor to represent Bratoft. Notice to be put on the Bratoft notice board and expressions of interest to be inserted in the newsletter.
h) Email received from Christine Morgan regarding the tree debris that is obstructing the use of the notice board in Great Steeping. Matter reported on fix my street.
i) Email received from Cavan Collins regarding the next round of the GRASSroots Grant Scheme. Applications are to be received by 10 October.
j) Email received from John Hough regarding an alleged incident involving a member of the Parish Council. This matter was discussed in detail and a letter in reply is to be sent.
k) Email received from Sheila Harwood supplying documents and information requested by the Parish Council.
5. Plans
Application No 02776/25/FUL by Mrs K Barnes for Planning Permission - Erection of a detached single garage at Wren Cottage, Pinfold Lane, Irby in the Marsh. It was agreed to support this application.
Amended Application No 00352/25/FUL By Mr P Gilbert for Planning Permission - Erection of 2no. calf sheds at Barn View, Wainfleet Road, Firsby. It was agreed to support this application.
Amended Application No 02010/25/FUL by DC Architecture Services Ltd for Planning Permission - Erection of 3no. calf sheds at the Shambles, Wainfleet Road, Firsby. It was agreed to support this application.
Application No 03011/25/FUL by Mrs S Matthews for Planning Permission - Extension and alterations to existing dwelling to provide additional accommodation at Tramps, School Lane, Great Steeping. It was agreed to support this application.
6. Highways
It was agreed to re-report the following matters to Highways:
Oxlands Lane South, Irby is in a bad state of repair.
The repaired dip in the road and collapsing sides on the B1195 before Brickyard House, Irby.
Ings Lane, Bratoft is in a bad state of repair.
Burgh Lane, Irby is in a bad state of repair.
To enquire when the middle section of Aerodrome Road, Great Steeping is going to be resurfaced.
7. Any Other Business
Mr Sargeant asked for an update on the Little Steeping Telephone box.
The matter of the registration with the Land Registry of the Little Steeping Village Hall and 2 plots of land was again discussed. It was agreed that legal advice would be sought regarding this matter.
8. Accounts
It was agreed to pass the following accounts for payment:
Bratoft PCC for use of room £20
Bolingbroke Deanery for printing of October/November Newsletter £120
Clerk's 3 month honorarium £625.