2026 Minutes

DONINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 4th June 2026 at The Ruby Hunt Centre

Present:  Cllrs Stuart Harris (Vice Chair), Phil Lovell, Jane Stanley, Chris Wray, Kevin Geaney, David Hawkins, Anna Hodgson, Gill Lunn, Jane King and Eleanor Stevenson.

Also Present: Cllr Margaret Geaney (South Holland District Council), Sarah Phillips (Parish Clerk) and 3 members of the public.

Public Forum

Representatives from Donington Angling Club attended the meeting to discuss opportunities to support a national charity initiative using fly fishing to assist people recovering from breast cancer. The scheme has been recognised nationally and operates from several locations across the country.

Members were supportive of the proposal and agreed it would be of benefit to the local community. It was noted that suitable venues and contacts would need to be identified and promoted. Consideration would also need to be given to insurance arrangements and risk assessments, although it was understood that support would be available through the Angling Trust.

The Angling Club also reported:

• Interest in promoting the club through a display stand in the Market Place to encourage membership.
• Receipt of funding through Lincolnshire Community Foundation for marketing materials.
• Plans to promote the club at the Summer Fayre and other local events.
• Entry into the Angling Trust competition and the development of a junior team.
• Participation in Matthew Flinders events in July, including a fishing competition at the Brick Pit.
• Development of a website to showcase activities and projects.
• Work with the Fishing Association to encourage junior participation through local schools.

County and District Councillors' Reports

County Council Report

Cllr King reported that a ward walk had recently taken place.

• Potholes on Wykes Lane and other locations had been identified for repair.
• Signage relating to HGV traffic on Church Street is to be reviewed and made more visible where possible.
• A request for double yellow lines at Church Lane had been considered but would not be progressed.
• Concerns regarding blocked access near the bungalows off Church Lane had been noted.
• Trees along the footpath to the churchyard had been cut back following liaison with National Grid Electricity Distribution.
• Highway weed spraying is scheduled to take place.
• Vegetation along the footpath between Church Street and the school is due to be cut back.
• Bicker Road issues will be investigated further.
• The condition of the road between Bicker Bar and Donington will be reviewed.

District Council Report

Cllr Geaney reported:

• Donington had not been significantly affected by recent missed refuse collections. South Holland District Council has arranged additional vehicle support and agency staff to improve collections.
• Planning application at 100 Station Street for conversion of a dwelling to offices, extension of an outbuilding and a new access was noted.
• Armed Forces Day will take place in Spalding on 27 June 2026, commencing at 10.30am with a parade followed by a service and refreshments.
• Discussions regarding future wheelie bin provision remain ongoing, with implementation expected before the end of the current financial year.

69/26 To Receive Apologies for Absence and Acceptance of Any Reason Given

Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr Mark Rollinson.

70/26 To Receive Any Declarations of Interest in Accordance with the Localism Act 2011

None received.

71/26 To Receive Notes of the Meeting Held on Thursday 7 May 2026 and Approve as Minutes

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 7 May 2026 be approved as a true and accurate record.

Proposed by Cllr Jane Stanley and seconded by Cllr Jane King.

72/26 To Receive Clerk's Report on Matters Outstanding and Updates from Previous Meetings

No updates were reported.

73/26 To Receive Chair's Updates

The Vice Chair reported that funding from the Bicker Wind Farm Community Fund had been awarded to IDEA and several other local organisations.

74/26 Finance

Members received the account summary and schedule of payments for approval.

RESOLVED: That the payments presented be approved.

Approved by Cllrs Jane King and Kevin Geaney.

75/26 Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR)

Members considered the Annual Governance and Accountability Return for the year ended 31 March 2026.

• To approve the Annual Governance Statement for the year ended 31 March 2026.
• To approve the Accounting Statements for the year ended 31 March 2026.
• To approve the period for the exercise of public rights in accordance with statutory requirements.

RESOLVED: Defer and request an extension from the external auditor.

76/26 Planning

Decisions Received

Applications for Comment

100 Station Street – Conversion of residential dwelling to offices, extension to outbuilding and creation of new access.

No comments.

77/26 To Receive an Update on the Public Toilet Block

A contractor has attended site and is preparing quotations for replacement taps, lighting, internal and external decoration and associated works.

Members noted that:

• The building had recently been pressure washed.
• A lawnmower had been found stored in the ladies' toilets.
• A toilet roll holder had been removed and stolen.

78/26 To Receive Updates from Committees

Cemetery and Allotments

• Work had been undertaken to locate a burial plot.
• Members agreed that a comprehensive cemetery plan should be prepared using burial records.
• The cemetery required cutting.
• Modifications to the gate had improved accessibility, including wheelchair access.
• Members supported flailing of the old churchyard.
• Permission was granted for controlled weed treatment around graves within the old churchyard where appropriate.
• The plastic sign displaying outdated contact information is to be removed.

Finance Committee

No update.

Human Resources Committee

No update.

IDEA

Members recorded thanks to the Bicker Wind Farm Community Fund for funding:

• A mulcher.
• A shredder.
• A small mower.
• An additional park bench.

An advert for volunteers had generated interest.

The Summer Fayre arrangements are progressing, including stall allocations, inflatables and catering. Members noted that the ride operator had withdrawn.

The recent car boot sale was successful and generated a £50 donation to IDEA.

Discussions are ongoing with a pyrotechnics provider.

Library

The Library continues to be well supported.

Recent and forthcoming craft events have been well attended and further activities are planned.

Red Cow Paddock

No report.

79/26 To Receive Members' Reports

Cllr Lovell

• Update requested regarding the 7.5 tonne weight restriction. Cllr King continues to pursue the matter.
• Concerns remain regarding HGVs using Church Street. Additional signage is being investigated.
• Members discussed reduced attendance at the Sunday Market following a fee increase.

RESOLVED: To trial a reduced pitch fee of £5, payable in advance, to encourage attendance.

Cllr Lunn

• Vegetation on Hunters Way requires attention.  Cllr Lovell agreed to inspect.

Cllr Wray

• The condition of the A52 between Donington and Bicker Bar remains poor and requires further attention.

Cllr Geaney

• A Dutch educational delegation will visit Donington on 19 June 2026 to undertake interviews and research relating to wartime links between Donington and the Netherlands.
• Councillors are invited to attend an open interview session between 3.30pm and 5.30pm.
• A memorial event is planned for 22 September 2026.

Cllr Hodgson

• Concerns were raised regarding fencing being erected close to highway junctions, restricting visibility for motorists.  Cllr King agreed to investigate the matter.

80/26 To Receive Correspondence

The following correspondence was noted:

• Donington Angling Club.
• Road condition and safety concerns on Washdyke Lane.
• Large Goods Vehicle concerns.

Closed Session

Red Cow Paddock

Further financial information has been received and will be reviewed in detail at the next meeting.

Flinders Founders Skate Park

Additional quotations have been received for repair works.

A detailed inspection has identified further deterioration since the previous ROSPA inspection.

A quotation of £8,600 plus VAT has been received for identified repairs.

Hanging Baskets

Members discussed recent concerns following the failure of a hanging basket bracket. Fortunately, no injuries occurred.  A risk assessment will be conducted on remaining fixtures.

Date of Next Meeting

Thursday 2 July 2026.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.20pm.

Signed: ............................................................
Chair

Date: ...............................................................