12th March 2026
BILSBY & FARLESTHORPE PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD on 12 March 2026 at 7pm in Holy Trinity Church, Bilsby
Present: Cllrs A. Carolan (Chair), N. Gaston, D. Coppack, E. Cooper, D. Morley and N Simmonds.
Also present: Mr M Rudd (Parish Clerk), Cllrs G Marsh & S Devereux (ELDC), Cllr M Beecham (LCC) and Mrs S Mew (prospective new co-opted member).
No members of the public in attendance.
179. WELCOME:
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting at 19:00 hours.
180. APOLOGIES:
None.
181. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
Following previous concerns raised regarding ‘Bilsby and District Group Effort’ (known as BADGE), a copy of the constitution was presented to the Parish Council which outlined the process should the organisation become inactive. Parish Councillors agreed to review the document and discuss next steps.
182. TO APPROVE THE CO-OPTION OF MRS SHARON MEW AS A PARISH COUNCILLORS AND TO SIGN THE DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCEOF OFFICE:
Cllr Carolan introduced Mrs Mew to Parish Councillors. Following a discussion, Cllr Carolan formally nominated Mrs Mew to be co-opted onto the Parish Council.
Proposed, Seconded and RESOLVED to Co-opt Mrs Mew onto Parish Council.
Mrs Mew signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office which was countersigned by the Parish Clerk (as Proper Officer).
183. TO RECEIVE DECLARATION OF INTEREST UNDER THE LOCALISM ACT 2011:
None.
184. TO APPROVE AS CORRECT THE MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 8 JANUARY 2026:
Proposed, Seconded and RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting, having been circulated and read, were approved and signed by the Chair.
185. TO RECEIVE ANY UPDATES AND CIRRESPONDENCE NOT ITEMISED ON THE AGENDA:
The Clerk noted that LCC Highways were removing the brown “PO & Store” sign on Alford Road as it no longer meets LCC requirements.
186. FINANCIAL MATTERS:
a. Payments for approval:
M Rudd – Clerks Salary (5 January – 8 March 2026) - £363.69
LALC Annual Subscriptions 2026/27 - £184.84
Bilsby PCC – Church Hire - £150.00
Proposed, Seconded and RESOLVED to approve payments.
b. To note the Financial Monitoring Report & Bank Reconciliation as at 28 February 2026:
Noted by Parish Councillors
187. TO DISCUSS PURCHASE OF A NEW SOLAR-POWERED RADAR SPEED TRAFFIC SIGN:
Cllr Carolan outlined the proposal to purchase a new solar-powered radar speed traffic sign costing around £1450 which was considerably less than previously identified devices.
Following a discussion, Cllr Marsh (ELDC) noted that the latest round of East Lindsey Investment Funding Grants (ELIF) had just been released and suggested the Parish Council consider bidding for funding that covers the speed detector device, parish gates, village sign and other community safety initiatives. The Clerk agreed to look into the grant bid.
Cllr Carolan confirmed that should the grant bid fail, the Parish Council would continue to purchase a new speed detection device through existing Parish Council funds.
188. TO DISCUSS PARTICIPATION IN THE KEEP BRITAIN TIDY ‘GREAT BRITISH SPRING CLEAN 2026’ CAMPAIGN:
The Clerk confirmed that he had registered the Parish Council with the campaign. Following a discussion, it was agreed that the Parish Council would participate in the campaign and invite local residents to volunteer support. A provisional date of Saturday 11 April was agreed. Cllr Marsh (ELDC) would look into getting bin bags from ELDC.
189. TO RECEIVE ANY GENERAL UPDATES FROM REPRESENTATIVES OF OUTSIDE BODIES:
a. East Lindsey District Council: Cllr Marsh updated Parish Councillors on the on-going Local Government Reorganisation Consultation which closes on 26 March. No decision has been made whether District Council Elections would take place in 2027 or postponed to 2028. The Community Ambassadors Awards will take place at the end of March.
Cllrs G Marsh and S Devereux also confirmed they will provide £200 from the Councillors Community Grant towards the Christmas community decorations.
Cllr Morley asked Cllr Marsh for an update on Eversleigh Cottage. Cllr Marsh confirmed the ELDC had a plan in place but had not received an update for a couple of months.
b. Lincolnshire County Council – Cllr Beecham noted LCC were also actively involved in the Local Government Reorganisation Consultation. LCC had set the budget / precept for 2026/27 at 3.9%.
No further updates had been received from National Grid but site surveys were being undertaken in and around the Bilsby area over the next few weeks, and further consultation dates for residents were organised for June 2026.
190. ANY OTHER MATTERS FOR GENERAL DISCUSSION (NOT DECISION) ORITEMS FOR THE NEXT AGENDA:
Cllr Cooper raised concerns about planned roadworks undertaken on Asserby Road. A Temporary Traffic Order (TTO) had been issued by LCC but works were undertaken on a different day and late at night.
191. DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
Thursday 7 May 2026 – Annual Parish & Annual Statutory Meeting.
Cllr Gaston (Bilsby & Farlesthorpe Parish Council) and Cllr Marsh (ELDC) noted their absence.
192. THERE BEEN NO FUTHER BUSINESS, THE MEETING CLOSED AT 19:48.