Parish Council Meeting 18th November 2025
East Stockwith Parish Council Meeting
18th November 2025, Draft Minutes
Present: Cllr D Forington – Chairman, Cllr W Forington - Vice Chairman, Cllr C Bainborough, Cllr J Barratt, Cllr A Harris, Cllr J Scott. In attendance: Cllr C Reeves, J Barnett Clerk
Apologies: Sheila Bibb, Gainsborough Constituency Conservative Association
1. Draft minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held 15th September 2025
Proposed as a true and accurate record: Cllr W Forington Seconded: Cllr J Barratt
2. Matters arising from the minutes
Helping Hands to carry out the annual grass trimming/hedge cutting in St Peter’s Churchyard at the normal annual cost plus an additional £100 and contingency costs for additional hedge cutting and/or strimming around headstones as required. This to replace the £1,400 quote submitted last meeting. The proposal to place a bench in the Churchyard to be brought back at the appropriate time. The Cllrs discussed the responsibility of St Peter’s Church insurance including public liability. The Clerk will follow up with Lincoln Diocese.
The Parish Council requested there be adequate consultation regarding the annual Gainsborough & Morton 10k Race. The Clerk to follow up.
Cllr Bainsborough presented plans regarding the proposal to erect a flagpole and fly the Union Jack. The plans included five annotated photos, from a site inspection, of an 8m flag pole with a 2 ½ yard Union Jack and the Lincolnshire flag situated on the village memorial site. All Cllrs agreed to the proposal subject to the Clerk following up with WLDC regarding planning permission. The proposed costs which include the pole, flag, ropes, toggles, eyelets, loops, all from Hampshire Flag Company plus installation but not including the cost of planning permission was circa £2,000. Subject to the outcome of planning the Parish Council will request a contribution, to be agreed, from East Stockwith and Walkerith Village Hall Trust.
3. Planning Applications
There were none.
4. Adjournment for public participation
One member of the public was present. Matters raised for follow up by the Clerk: A proposal, supported by the Parish Council, to apply to Lincolnshire County Council Highways to install 20mph road signs in Little Walk, East Stockwith. Other matters raised included; The Archer Survey carried out in Little Walk in August 2025, the results of which together with analysis of collision data showed that the criteria for either fixed or mobile speed camera enforcement was not met. Village wifi connectivity, Quickline and home mobile signals. BT Openreach’s proposal, raised by the Parish Council in July 2023, to install eight 8mtr poles opposite the fishery in East Stockwith which BT has been taken no further. Ownership of trees in Little Walk.
5. Memorial Service reflection
The service was well attended with around 35 attendees.
6. Finance
Precept for 2026/27 was agreed at £5,000. The Estimate Precept form was signed by Cllr D Forington and will be submitted to WLDC by 21.11.2025 along with a copy of the latest annual audit return. The final Precept form to be submitted by 23.01.2026. Parish Council insurance renewal, due on 5.12.2025, is £600.06 ( last year 593.85). The asset register has been updated. The financial position at the bank was presented, current balance to the end of October 2025, £13,302.74. The financial forecast position at year end £10,592. Payments since the last meeting: Helping Hands £550, for Churchyard grasscutting. Payments this meeting, Poppy Wreaths £60 ,Insurance £600.06, Clerks’ salary/ HMRC.
7. Any other business
Cllr Reeves informed the Parish Council regarding Government Reorganisation and LCC’s proposal submitted to the Government to create a single unitary authority for the entire county.
8. The meeting closed at 8.45 pm. Date of next meeting 13th January 2026. Members of the public are welcome.