Draft Minutes 10th November 2025
MINUTES of MEETING for the PARISHES OF BARKSTON AND SYSTON
Held in The Village Hall, Barkston, on Monday 10th November 2025 at 7:45 pm
Present: Councillors M.E. Nussey (Chair), A. Rowell, S Micklewright, P Connor, C Pell, R Park
Also Present: 3 Members of the public
1) Apologies.
A Hine, S Elnor & A Card
2) Approval of the Minutes of the last meeting dated 8th September 2025
Proposed for approval by AR and seconded by SM – Unanimous
3) Members’ Code of Conduct and disclosable pecuniary interests.
No Interests declared
4) Roads and footpaths update on matters previously raised
Overgrown Footpath – The Drift to Bus Shelter
The Clerk reported the issue to the Council. Their initial response confirmed that the footpath had been assessed and was not considered to require urgent repair. However, it has been identified as a candidate for a larger-scale improvement scheme. No specific timescale has been provided. No further update.
Blocked Pipe – West Lodge
The pipe under the highway near West Lodge remains blocked. The Chair advised she had not spoken to residents to ascertain if this has now been resolved.
Dropped Kerb – Near Village Green
Request submitted. Pending investigation.
Flooding Near The Stag
Works are nearly complete, with further ditch clearance scheduled. High-visibility vests distributed by Clerk for Cllrs.
Hough Road – Speed Reduction Request
Email sent to Lincolnshire County Council (LCC). Awaiting Response – clerk to chase
Dog Fouling
Reported to Environmental Services with a request for campaign materials to encourage responsible dog ownership. They have advised they will visit the village to assess the need for additional signage. Clerk to obtain update. The meeting also discussed having larger bins but the concern of having larger bins is the weight of emptying them
Hedge Outside Bungalows – West Street
South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) is now investigating. The original report was passed from LCC to South Holland, and subsequently to SKDC. Still awaiting action
5) Planning Report of Comments and Decisions+
Change of use from domestic garden (C3) to dog sensory experiences area with single storey building (Sui Generis)
The Bungalow Heath Lane Barkston Lincolnshire
Ref. No: S25/1165 | Received: Mon 23 Jun 2025 | Validated: Fri 11 Jul 2025 | Status: Awaiting Decision
Parish Response: No Comment or Objection
6) Burial Ground
No Updates
7) Playing Field
SM Advised the meeting that after the success of this year’s Fete next year’s date has been confirmed as 05/09/2026.
Concerns had been raised over dogs on the playing field with conflicting signs and advice such as dogs being allowed when events are on at the playing field, This would be reviewed and updates published on social media.
8) Picnic Area
It was advised that the picnic area had been used for fireworks, this would be difficult to police.
The clerk advised that from 6 requests for quotes to repair the entrance she only received 1 quote of £2500, to be discussed at next meeting.
.
9) Village Hall.
PC advised the meeting that the concerns over the cleanliness of the village hall had been addressed
No further update at this time on arranging for the Village Hall to be registered with Land registry.
10) Financial Matters:
Accounts paid and for payment since last meeting:
A)Expenditure since last meeting:
BDG Mowing Aug - £712.80
Durrant Cricket - £888.00
Anglian Water - £35.82
Clerks Q2 Salary Costs (inc BP) - £692.73
Fire Safety Check – £61.20
Mower Maint/Repairs - £414.80
BDG Mowing Sept - £712.80
BDG Mowing Oct - £712.80
B) Laptop Replacement
The clerk provided a briefing note outlining the need to replace the PC laptop due to it not supporting Windows 11. The meeting unanimously agreed to the purchase of a Lenovo 14” Laptop with Windows 11 Pro for an estimated cost of £450.00 plus Vat along with office 365 pro @ £190.00PA - Proposed for approval by PC and seconded by SM
C) Requirement of .gov.uk e-mail address
The clerk provided a briefing note advising that the PC needed to move to a .gov e-mail address to offer Trust, Security and compliance. This is best practice and advised by the 2025 practitioners guide.
It was agreed that the clerk should proceed with this and appoint parish on line to administer/register this using the e-mail clerk@barkstonandsyston.gov.uk Proposed for approval by RP and seconded by CP
The Clerk Reminded the meeting that the January meeting would be budget setting so if there was anything that should be included please advise the clerk by Christmas
11) Any other business for discussion not decision
The Local plan was discussed based on e-mail and member of the public attending the meeting in respect of the land at the bottom of Minutes Hill being outlined as a site suitable for development. It was agreed that this would be investigated further because a significant development on that site would have a significant impact on the area. The clerk is to check the correspondence revived in respect of the plan. – note at this point there are no applications submitted for this site – Agenda Item for the next meeting
Next meeting 12th January 2026
Meeting Closed at 20:50