February 2025 Minutes
Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 6th February 2025 at The Ruby Hunt Centre.
Present Cllrs Rollinson, N. Campbell, S. Harris, D. Hawkins, K. Geaney, J. King, P. Lovell,
G. Lunn, J. Stanley, S. Walsh and C. Wray. District Cllr Geaney, Clerk Diane Fairweather
and nine members of the public.
PUBLIC FORUM
Business owners attended to advise they had started an individual group with Chairman,
Secretary and Treasurer that are going to take over Christmas in Donington. Obtaining grants
for lights etc. Chairman thanked the group and confirmed Parish Council would support them
wherever they could.
Mr Fleming stating the shrubbery in Hunters Way had been partially cut back, not to a very
good standard but still overhangs the footpath. Also requesting if any update for removing a
bollard at the end of footpath into Towndam Lane to ease access for mobility scooters. Will
investigate remove one of the posts.
Mr Clarkson requesting updates on matters previously mentioned at parish meetings. Pelican
crossing light at school missing, bollard in Market Place which had been hit many years ago,
is it to be replaced. CSW, are they to start monitoring? Can we purchase reactive speed signs
as most other villages do. Cost £2700 but will investigate CSW group obtaining a grant from
Bicker Wind Farm. Bollard in Market Place. Is it to be repaired? Cllr King to ask Highways
would they do work if PC purchase bollard.
TO RECEIVE UPDATES FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR – distributed results of ward
walk.
Cllr Lovell wanting to know why Weight restriction sign in for Towndam Lane has not yet
been done as was reported last October.
Cllr King advised Highways have said, more complicated than a normal sign.
TO RECEIVE UPDATES FROM DISTRICT COUNCILLOR
Advising that County elections will take place as normal.
8/25 TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES none.
9/25 TO RECEIVE DECLARATION OF INTEREST IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
LOCALISM ACT 2011
None
10/25 TO RECEIVE DRAFT NOTES OF MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY 2025– Were
signed as a true copy, to become minutes. Proposed Cllr Lovell seconded Cllr Wray.
11/25 TO RECEIVE CLERK’S REPORT ON MATTERS ARISING AND UPDATES FROM
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Cemetery fence. Had not been fixed to existing fence but as independent. Therefore, reported
to planning.
Clearly using road daily and have scraped away the surface and replace with hard core. Left
roadway untidy and they have no legal right of way. Lock must be changed.
12/25 TO RECEIVE UPDATES ON TWINNING
Chair had been in contact with Mr Purcell from Mauritius Twinning. Advised the PC are
supportive of the idea of Twinning but not being part of Europe and travelling would therefore
be a financial commitment the PC would not have any funding for. Mr Purcell advised this
was not a concern as the MAURITIOUS Tourist Board will fund any travel. Chairman
advised the PC will be pleased to take this forward. PC agreed the Chairman will reply to this
effect.
13/25 TO RECEIVE UPDATES OF COMMITTEES
a) Allotments - frosty
b) Cemetery – all in very good condition. Moles are running riot and contractor will start
trapping. Snowdrops are looking nice. Contractor has worked well to bring the
standard back to where we would want it. Tree work has been done, ivy cut away and
hedge cut. Cllr Wray advised the trees are very high and overgrown and will require
attention. KM Tree Care will do survey of all PC trees for 375. Proposed Cllr Lovell
seconded Cllr Wray to have survey carried out. Ivy to be cut back over the coming
months. Proposed Cllr Lovell seconded Cllr Geaney to continue with this work. Hunter
Way still requires attention. Shrubs at edge of hedge to be cut back to edge of pathway.
Large buddleia at the rear of the area also to be cut back.
Chairman wondered if a robotic mower would work. PC sceptical due to uneven
surfaces. Chairman suggested perhaps a demonstration for a robotic mower, and he
would investigate.
c) Finance – Authorise payments proposed Cllr King seconded Cllr Harris.
d) Human Resources. ntr
e) IDEA – unfortunately had to send over 1000 back as an underspend. Lotto not taken up
as well as normal. Tesco now finished, awaiting results of how much will receive.
Advised ADSA do a grant scheme, but you must keep checking website as it is not
advertised.
Summer Fair coming up so hopefully raise money there.
Committee members still required.
f) Library – remedial works to heating system carried out. Acquisition, LCC at last
communicating so once works are completed in library we will commence talks again.
Grant funding was for 4 years in 2016. Actually, was for 10 years and they are now in
negotiations with GLL for future funding. Government legislation
g) Planning -
h) Red Cow Paddock - ntr
14/25 TO RECEIVE MEMBERS REPORTS
MR – Problem again with rats at Mill Lane Pond. Residents are still feeding ducks, but signs
put up are being removed. Contractor trapping but it is difficult when they keep being fed.
Agreed to purchase permanent sign to fix to fence. Proposed Cllr King seconded Stanley.
DH – Voluntary Car Scheme – new scheme being introduced - Lincolnshire Community
Transport Group. Will be an umbrella for all local Voluntary Car Schemes. Representative at
South Holland asked if Donington could be included. Only just received so will check further
details and bring to next meeting.
JK – Environmental officer has attended Donington to discuss the condition of The Peacock,
with a view of taking further action.
PL - Crossgate and Wash dyke signs still down. Two potholes in Wash dyke and Towndam
Lane. Could houses in lay-by near cemetery gates could have parking spaces marked in
tarmac. Would be Highways to decide but this has been mentioned in the past and would not
be financially viable. Community Speed Watch – the lady original lady that was keen to start
everything is unfortunately ill and not now able. Details of trained people not forwarded on.
Ask on Facebook for original members. Needs pursuing as we have spent money on the
project.
Accident on Church Street/A52 again, could the approach be taken to ask for 30 m.p.h. be
reinstated to its original point i.e. at the top of Northorpe, which it was before the bypass?
Unfortunately, Police made the final decision of 40 m.p.h.
GL – PCC discussed service for Matthew Flinders on 13th July and refreshments afterwards.
Also discussed VE day, Thursday 8th May
JS – why has so much money been spent on the lay-by at Bicker Bar when A52 still is full of
potholes. Highways advised there is a budget for laybys to keep a certain standard.
SH – Visited SAM, water tanks are full and filter and ready for the coming year. Tap in park
requires testing.
15/25 TO RECEIVE CORRESPONDENCE
Complaint from a resident, via John Hayes MP, regarding the lack of bus stops in the village.
Correspondence of a resident wanting to join Parish Council.
Although we do not receive updates from Police, Clerk to ask Inspector Cotton if he could
attend.
Project suggested by Paul Slater for a park, fishing facility, walking area. Land suggested was
not available.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING – Thursday 6th March 2025