May 2025 DRAFT Minutes
THESE DRAFT NOTES ARE FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO ALTERATION AT THE NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING WHEN THEY WILL BE SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL AS MINUTES.
WALCOTT PARISH COUNCIL
PARISH OFFICE
FEN ROAD
TIMBERLAND
LN4 3SD
PHONE: 07961 892 012
EMAIL walcottpcparishclerk@gmail.com
WEBSITE: www.parishes/lincolnshire.gov.uk/WalcottnrBillinghay
MINUTES OF WALCOTT ANNUAL PARISH MEETING HELD ON 15th MAY 2025 AT 7PM AT WALCOTT VILLAGE HALL.
Present: PC Simon Grantham (Chair), PC Richard Scarborough (Vice Chair), PC Becky Shaw, PC Jonathan Pearson, PC Clement Earle, PC Jackie Morris.
Also present: Rhea Musgrave (PTA Walcott School), Village Hall Committee members, T. Martin (Clerk).
1. Apologies for Absence.
1.1 PC Sarah Lawrence, CC Rob Kendrick, DC Adrian Whittle, Peter Martin (Churchwarden) Community Speed Watch Co-ordinator.
2. Notes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 14th May 2024.
2.1 The notes were agreed and signed off as minutes.
3. Any matters arising from the above.
3.1 There were no matters arising.
4. Chairman’s report
Simon Grantham, the Chair of the Parish Council read a report. The Walcott/Digby Road AD Plant site is still ongoing and in the early stages before planning permission could be applied for. Speeding in the village is still an issue. The new moveable Speed Activated speed sign has been purchased and has been situated in the middle of the village on the High Street. The parking outside the school continues to be a problem. LCC have proposed a no parking zone between school opening and closing times. The bus shelter has been refurbished with the help of a grant. The Village Gates have had a coat of paint. New play equipment is to be purchased for 2025.
THESE DRAFT NOTES ARE FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO ALTERATION AT THE NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING WHEN THEY WILL BE SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL AS MINUTES.
5. Walcott Village Hall report.
A report was read out by a member of the Village Hall Committee. A new PA system has been purchased and installed and is available for all users of the hall and CCTV has been added to ensure all users are covered in the event of accidents or incidents. Coffee mornings are doing well. Bingo once a month and also the odd fair, winter and summer. At the time of the report an Alcohol Licence has just been approved by NKDC to allow for more interesting occurrences, live music to disco’s. Financially the hall is in a good financial position and grants have been applied for to help run more events such as VE day that has just passed.
6. Walcott School report.
Rhea Musgrove from the PTA at Walcott Primary School read a report on behalf of the Headteacher. The school currently has 4 classes and continues to attract mid year admissions who move from nearby schools. Before and after school child care is being offered. Two staff members are about to start a forest school training programme and this will mean the school will be forest school accredited by December 2025. Last years SAT results were very strong with the school exceeding the average in all areas in Lincolnshire. The mobile classroom is on the list to be replaced but with a quote to replace like for like is £1million and a bricks and mortar build cost £1.6million. It will take some time for this to come to fruition if at all. Parking continues to be a problem with more double yellow line zones on the corner and up School Lane to be added and time restrictions for parking to be implemented.
7. County Councillors report.
DC Rob Kendrick sent his apologies. There was no report to read out in his absence.
8. District Councillors report.
A report was read out in the absence of DC Adrian Whittle/Sarah Lawrence. Having secured the Carre Arms to be an asset to the Councils tourist economy the kitchen has had an upgrade and upgrading to the rest of the hotel will take place shortly. It will then be used for weddings and other events. The marketplace in Sleaford was completed in December and is proving to be a popular meeting place. The old east ambulance service site was purchased to supply affordable parking at a competitive rate for the town.
9. Walcott Church report.
Peter Martin the Church Warden supplied a report which was read out on his behalf. Coffee mornings every Wednesday continue to be popular. Services are restricted due to not having any clergy although a service tries to be held once a month. Paul continues to keep the churchyard in good order. The garden rubbish behind the bus shelter needs to be disposed of somehow. Paintwork inside the church needs attention as do the windows. A book club could be started if sufficient interest is shown. I was elected as Churchwarden for another year at a recent APCM.
10. Walcott Community Speed Watch Report.
A report was read out on behalf of the CSW team. Due to illness, weather and availability by the group it has been a quiet so far this year. We have been out on one occasion which was fruitful. Please be assured when we are available we will be out. Data will be forwarded to you between 1/4/24 and 31/3/25 of the speeding activity in the village for your information.