DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF SCAMPTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON THURSDAY 2 OCTOBER 2025 AT BSA HALL, AISTHORPE
ATTENDANCE: Cllrs. Sneath (In the Chair), Newham, Patterson, Somerville and Thompson together with Brian Elliott (Parish Clerk), County Councillor Wimhurst and one member of the public.
APOLOGIES - Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs. Bulteel, and Quincey.
REGISTER OF MEMBERS’ INTEREST – No declarations were needed.
10.02-01 OPEN SESSION – There were no questions from the public.
10.02-02 MINUTES – Councillors Somerville and Sneath proposed and seconded ratification of the previous meeting's minutes, which were approved for signature.
10.02-03 HIGHWAYS AND SPEED AWARENESS – Results from the Village’s speed recording equipment showed average speeds slightly higher and, consequently, informal local speed checks will be organised.
An update of the recent police engagement meeting for the West Lindsey area Parish Councils was given by Cllr Sneath. Police have a shortfall of 50 officers at present, looking to have 56 new recruits trained by March 2026, a new intake of PCSO,s are planned and will be operational by May 2026. A further intake of police recruits is planned, with their operational date being September 2026, subject to securing additional funding.
Lincolnshire police are replacing Next Door system with Lincs Alert system of communication very soon.
On highway related matters, (a) the road closure for work to help prevent flooding at High Street, Scampton should start next week, (b) the meeting agreed to accept Lincolnshire County Council's (LCC) offer of one tonne of salt to supplement routine gritting operations, and, (c) maintenance work on the bus shelter had now been completed satisfactorily (and Cllr Newham was thanked for her work on this project).
In addition, the County Councillor was asked for help to secure a footpath on the west side on the A15 between Scampton Cliff and the Showground Service area.
10.02-04 LITTER PICKS – Although the 21 September litter pick had a disappointing response, thanks were expressed to the volunteers that helped, especially the resident from Rutland Way. Warm appreciation was also expressed to the Scampton Cliff resident who had, on their own, cleared and tidied up several important roadways on that site.
10.02-05 ENERGY, POLICIES, PLANNING, DEFIBRILLATORS and NOTICE BOARDS: Nothing new to report on any of those items.
10.02-06 WEB PAGE & SOCIAL MEDIA – Communications in general were again discussed and Councillors noted the Information Commissioner's advice against using private email addresses for any Council business. Efforts will now be made to make the current official email system more effective, with appropriate back-up systems introduced where needed.
Meanwhile enquiries would be made to establish whether the Council needs to pay a data protection fee to the Information Commissioner.
10.02-07 FUTURE OF SCAMPTON – The authors of the recently prepared Housing Need Assessment and West Lindsey District Council (WLDC) will be consulted about the steps now needed. Members will monitor progress on a nearby parish's Neighbourhood Plan to learn from their experiences.
A discussion followed on the purchase of two new signs for Scampton Cliff. It was proposed by Cllr Somerville, seconded by Cllr Sneath and agreed unanimously, to purchase 2 new signs for Scampton Cliff. These will be ordered very shortly.
10.02-08 HEALTH & SAFETY- Thanks were expressed to the village resident for the inspection and compiling a report on the state of the concreate lamp posts. Happily, there is no urgent need for action but Cllr Newham will approach a suitable contractor about routine and long-term maintenance for these lamp standards.
10.02-09 IT & AUDIO VISUAL EQUIPMENT – All the new equipment was exhibited and satisfaction expressed about the professionalism it demonstrated. The audio visual part of the agenda item’s name can now be deleted.
10.02-10 COMMUNITY SOCIAL EVENTS – Approval for the Christmas film could cost up to £150 but the event should still go ahead and with a capacity of 50 people. Admission would be free (ticket only) but refreshments and a raffle could raise money for charity. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
It was also agreed to keep the Spring event as a Dambusters one, and hold it on 16 May 2026 even if maintenance work on the Lancaster bomber rules out a fly-past. Meanwhile, the organisation of the Christmas event on Saturday 13th December at Pollyplatt School 2pm to 6pm was progressing well.
10.02-11 QUEEN’S CANOPY – Firm proposals are still awaited from LCC on replacement trees at Scampton Cliff.
10.02-12 “AIR CREW” STATUES & BENCHES– An application has now been submitted to WLDC for a £4000 grant towards the cost of statues and benches.
10.02-13 DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS – Cllr Patterson reported on the changes to the political structure of the District Council and the potential for closer working that he felt it offered..
10.02-14 COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT – Councillor Wimhurst also reported on Local Government changes and the possibility of a unitary authority.
10.02-15 VILLAGE VENTURE – Results were awaited on the survey of demand to assess whether Village Venture should be distributed at Scampton Cliff.
10.02-16 CORRESPONDENCE – Apart from the usual regular newsletters, the main correspondence concerned the Police Report on local traffic offences and opportunities to participate in three current surveys.
The newsletters and police report were noted while Councillors should be invited to respond to surveys on Local Government Reform and sports facilities if they wished.
10.02-17 FINANCE – The external auditor found our Governance and Accountability information to be in accordance with proper practices with no matters giving cause for concern except for separation, in the accounts, of the £100 District Council grant from the precept and payroll costs from other staff costs.
In addition, the auditor reminded the Council that the Fixed Asset register needed to be updated and a revised draft was presented to the meeting for later adoption.
More immediately, on a proposal by Cllr Sneath (seconded by Cllr Somerville), the meeting approved the payments set out in the schedule and accepted in principle the consolidation of payroll and internal audit costs into a single figure, paid monthly.
10.02-18 NEXT MEETING – The next meeting will be on Thursday 6 November 2025 at the usual venue but, at this stage, the agenda need not include anything beyond the standing items summarised below.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.50pm.
SCHEDULE
