Minutes for the PC meeting 12th January 2026 DRAFT
Minutes of the Barrowby Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 12th January 2026 at the Reading Room, Church Street, Barrowby at 6:45pm
PUBLIC FORUM (6.45pm): There were 8 members of the public in attendance. The following points were made:
i. The Barrowby Action Group (BAG) are ordering banners to be put up around the village to inform residents that the planning application for 195 houses on the land West of Grange Paddock is live on SKDC’s planning portal (S25/2471). A leaflet / poster drop is also planned summarising acceptable reasons to object to this development. It is not simply a matter of the volume of objections, the content of these objections must be within the accepted criteria for them to carry weight.
ii. Residents can support BAG via their Facebook page or emailing: barrowbyactiongroup@gmail.com. Banners can be purchased for a donation.
iii. BAG request that Barrowby Parish Council support them with this through publicity on their Facebook page, PC website, Barrowby News article
Public forum closed at 7.01pm. Meeting started 7.02pm
Councillors in attendance:
Pam Bosworth, Michael Brown, Paul Brown, JP Durand, Nigel Eaton (Chair), Jo Footitt, Tim Lees, Anna McConnell-Good, Hugh Staunton.
Officers in attendance:
Claire Vink (Parish Clerk)
District and County Councillors:
District Cllr Robert Leadenham.
Apologies received from County Cllr Richard Litchfield and County Cllr Paul Wimhurst
1. WELCOME (25/127)
Cllr Eaton welcomed members and members of the public to the meeting. He thanked the BAGs and Cllr Leadenham for attending a pre meeting regarding planning in the parish
2. APOLOGIES (25/128)
It was RESOLVED to approve Cllr Whittington’s apologies for the reasons given.
3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (25/129)
a) Cllr Footitt declared that she was related to one of the applicants for Co-Option and would need to be excused from agenda item 5.
b) No dispensations were made.
4. MINUTES (25/130)
It was RESOLVED to approve and sign the minutes from the Parish Council meeting on 8th December 2025. There were 3 abstentions
5. CO-OPTION OF COUNCILLOR (25/131)
a) 2 applications were received for the vacant position on the Council. Both parties were thanked for their time and showing an interest. It was recognised that both were very strong applications.
b) Opportunity was given for the applicants to make representation to the Council to support their application.
c) A blind ballet was conducted. Phil Culpit was Co-Opted onto the council with immediate effect.
6. HIGHWAYS (25/132)
Cllr Wimhurst was unable to attend the meeting to provide a verbal update regarding ongoing issues with Highways and traffic in Barrowby. These issues include but are not exclusively:
i. Planning Application S25/2471
ii. Traffic/Highways Situation around School – Statement from Mr Batey, School Head, was received voicing support for a safe crossing into Church Street and designating Church Street a school street. The School Street initiative and employment of a school crossing guard was supported by all. Action: Clerk to contact LCC Councillors and Highways to progress these proposals.
iii. Pedestrian Crossing - Current LCC Contact : Jeanne Gibson, Maintenance Design Engineer - Traffic. Survey to be carried out in the New Year. Now the old Butchers will be a Therapy room there is no longer a need for a safe crossing in this area. Focus should be on creating a safer road crossing into and away from Church Street for the school children.
iv. Drop Kerb (Near Co-Op) – Requested by disabled resident. Clerk has engaged with the resident. An alternative solution would be to increase the footpath provision along Low Road on the far side to the Co-Op. It was agreed that this would be of greater benefit to the community as a whole. This would also negate the current uncertainty around responsibility for Morris Road. Action: Clerk to contact LCC Councillors and Highways to progress this proposal.
v. Pedestrian Cycle Route - Low Road – The completion of a cycle route between Barrowby and Grantham along Low Road is dependant on S106 monies and conditions therein, namely occupation of the 1st house on the Taylor Wimpey development and the 34th house on the Persimmons development. LCC Highways then have 10 years to complete the project. Cllr Litchfield to investigate any opportunity to challenge this and accelerate the process. Action: Clerk to contact LCC regarding speed limit on Low Road
vi. Grit Bin Request – Hedgefield Road – Request submitted to Clerk by residents, which has been submitted to LCC. Ongoing.
vii. Resurfacing of Cinder path between Mill Row and the Lowfield – Cllr Litchfield to update in February.
viii. Bus Service- Reduction of service from 1st February. The Central Connect bus service (Service 86) will be withdrawn from 1 February 2026 (last day of operation 31 January 2026). This change is due to Central Connect withdrawing completely from the East Midlands following the loss of tendered routes in Nottingham, making continued operation in the region no longer viable and leading to depot closure. Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) has advised it is working with partners to maintain continuity of provision and is currently finalising a six-month bridging plan from 1 February 2026. This interim arrangement may operate at a reduced frequency compared with the current timetable, but LCC’s intention is to provide a regular service between Barrowby and Grantham while longer-term options are progressed. LCC to confirm arrangements.
ix. Blocked drains on Morris Road, and Casthorpe / Low Road junction: Reported to LCC via fixmystreet.lincolnshire.gov.uk Response received for Casthorpe Road: We've inspected and acknowledge that this gully/system is blocked, but because it is not causing a serious highway safety or property flooding issue we will not be ordering work at this time. For Morris Road, there is uncertainty over who is responsible as it is in the process of being adopted by LCC. Cllr Litchfield to follow up both.
x. Kissing Gate - Cllr Litchfield to update in February.
xi. A1/A52 Project – Cllr Litchfield to update in February.
7.30pm 1 Member of Public left the meeting
7. PLANNING (25/133):
S25/2471: Outline application for up to 195 dwellings with open space, landscaping, drainage and other associated works (all matters reserved except for access): Discussion was held regarding the impact of this planning application. An extended discussion took place which identified a number of issues. It was RESOLVED unanimously that Barrowby Parish Council will object to this development. Discussion around next steps was held including the following: promotion of the objection on all platforms including social media, PC website and the Barrowby News, Cllrs to support BAGs at their upcoming surgeries to assist residents in submitting comments (24/01/26 2pm-4pm and 28/01/26 1pm-3pm in the Reading Room), Poll data to be included in PC comment to show strength of feeling in the village, Cllr Leadenham to follow up on bats survey, photos of flooding issues already experienced on Lowfields to be shared with BAG: barrowbyactiongroup@gmail.com, promote different ways to send in planning comments: On the SKDC planning portal: rod.publicaccess.southkesteven.gov.uk/online-applications/ Email your comments to planning@southkesteven.gov.uk and quote planning reference in the subject line and in your message. Write to: Planning (Development Management), South Kesteven District Council, The Picture House, St Catherine’s Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6TT (quoting planning reference)
8. NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN (25/134)
SKDC have received all requested information relating to the Neighbourhood Plan. Public Consultation is scheduled for 29/01/26 to 01/03/2026. Action: Clerk to contact SKDC to determine if this can be brought forward.
9. REPORTS (25/135)
a) Refer to minute point 6 for County Council update.
Cllr Leadenham provided the following update: Greater powers are to be given to councils to tackle parking issues including parking on pavements and zig zag lines. SKDC planning portal keeps crashing. It is important to inform residents that planning comments can also be submitted via email and in writing (See minute point 7) Photos of issues can be emailed to planning. Action: Clerk to liaise with Cllr Leadenham to set up weekly meetings with BAG and PC. Cllr Leadenham thanked for his ongoing support regarding development in the parish. Cllr Eaton made a request for community speedwatch training. Action: Cllr Leadenham to progress.
b) RAGS: The Orchard grant has been successful. RAGs are planning to organise a community planting event. They have also been progressing the street trees. Flower Group: No update at this time. Action: Clerk to set up meeting between RAGS and Flower Group to determine opportunities for joint working in the parish.
c) CPP and Belvoir Ward group meetings: No meetings held
20.20 4 x members of the public left the meeting . Cllrs Leadenham and Bosworth left the meeting
10. COMMITTEE MINUTES (25/136)
a. The minutes from the Staffing Committee meeting 15th December 2025 were NOTED
i. It was RESOLVED to approve the recruitment of a Casual Handyperson (as-and-when), paid at National Living Wage, to undertake minor repairs, maintenance and ad hoc tasks across Parish Council assets as required. 1 abstention
ii. It was RESOLVED to approve the recruitment of an Assistant Caretaker, paid at National Living Wage, with 2 guaranteed hours per week for Pavilion cleaning, plus additional hours offered as required for cover and other agreed duties (e.g., holiday/sickness cover, checks, opening/closing and related tasks). 1 abstention
iii. It was RESOLVED to approve to delegate authority to the Staffing Committee to progress this recruitment, including finalising the job description and advert, determining the recruitment timetable, shortlisting and interviewing, and to bring a recommendation to Full Council regarding appointment and commencement. 1 abstention
b. The minutes from the Burial Ground Committee meeting 15th December 2025 were NOTED
c. The minutes from the Allotment Committee 15th December 2025 were NOTED
d. The minutes from the Finance Committee 7th January 2026 were NOTED
11. FINANCE (25/137)
a) The December 2025 bank reconciliations were RESOLVED to approve. 1 abstention
b) The summary of receipts, precept, expenditure and surplus/deficit figure was NOTED
c) The income for December 2025 was NOTED.
d) The expenditure for December 2025 / January 2026 was RESOLVED to approve as outlined in the payments list. 1 abstention
e) It was RESOLVED to approve payment for the LALC training scheme. 1 abstention
f) It was RESOLVED to approve payment for the SLCC membership for the clerk. 1 abstention
g) It was RESOLVED to approve the budget for the financial year 2026/27 with 1 abstention
i. Income £46,505
ii. Expenditure £127,684
h) It was RESOLVED to approve the Council’s Earmarked Reserves for 2026/27 with 1 abstention:
a. £25,000 community site developments.
b. £10.000 major development projects.
c. £2,000 allotment projects
i) It was RESOLVED to approve the Precept of £81,000 (£8.52 increase per band D property equating to 11.1%) and to authorise the RFO to submit the Precept request to the billing authority by the required deadline. Action: RFO to submit precept request. 1 abstention
12. CLERKS REPORT (25/138)
A verbal update was received from the Clerk in respect of the Clerk’s Report, and the outstanding actions listed therein were NOTED.
13. POLICIES (25/139)
It was NOTED that a review of policies will be carried out to ensure compliance with most up to date legislation.
14. CAPTURE OF FUTURE ISSUES FOR DISCUSSION / AGENDA ITEMS (25/140)
20 is plenty speed limit
Reports of problem parking made to Police 101 help build an evidence base. An increased number of reports may add weight to any request for further action/targeted intervention. Residents may also report nuisance parking to Lincolnshire County Council via the online form: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/xfp/form/351.
15. DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING (25/140)
Monday 9th February 2026 at 6.45pm in the Reading Room for the Parish Council Meeting
The meeting closed at 9.16pm
BARROWBY PARISH COUNCIL FINANCE REPORT DECEMBER 2025
Members noted the following income in December:
| Customer | Description | Total |
| All Saints Church | Hire of Reading Room | £24.00 |
| Barrowby Pre School | Pre-School hire | £1,380.00 |
| Private Hire | Hire of Reading Room | -£50.00 |
| Virgin Money | Interest | £139.35 |
| InHale | Hire of Reading Room | £246.00 |
| Diane Williams | Hire of Reading Room | £97.00 |
| Virgin Money | Virgin Money Cashback | £4.24 |
| Mr Bridge Club | Hire of Reading Room | £288.00 |
| Andrew Taylor | Hire of Reading Room | £24.00 |
| Andrew Taylor | Hire of Reading Room | £48.00 |
| Private Hire | Hire of Reading Room | £18.00 |
| Grantham and Kesteven Bridge Club | Hire of Reading Room | £270.00 |
| Snowden | Hire of Reading Room | £36.00 |
| Snowden | Hire of Reading Room | £18.00 |
Members approved the following expenditure in December 2025 / January 2026:
| Supplier | Description | Net | VAT | Total |
| Affiliates Get Seen Here Ltd | Web services | £66.00 | £0.00 | £66.00 |
| Aldi | Refuse sacks | £2.08 | £0.42 | £2.50 |
| Amazon | First Aid Kit | £8.32 | £1.67 | £9.99 |
| Amazon | Distilled Water | £17.49 | £3.50 | £20.99 |
| Amazon | CPR Masks | £25.78 | £5.16 | £30.94 |
| Amazon | Bin bags for Litter picker | £16.62 | £3.32 | £19.94 |
| Amazon | Blue paper rolls | £19.72 | £3.94 | £23.66 |
| AMS Electrical | CCTV | £100.00 | £0.00 | £100.00 |
| Bishop'sa Garden and Machinery Maintenance | Grass cutting | £480.00 | £0.00 | £480.00 |
| British Telecommunications Plc | Broadband | £74.38 | £14.88 | £89.26 |
| Captain Gardener | Hedge cutting | £450.00 | £0.00 | £450.00 |
| Cheap & Chirpy | Cleaning | £200.00 | £0.00 | £200.00 |
| Claire Dring | Printing | £5.10 | £0.00 | £5.10 |
| Clean My Windows | Window cleaning | £17.00 | £0.00 | £17.00 |
| Cloudy Group Ltd | IT Support | £582.40 | £116.48 | £698.88 |
| EDF Energy | Electricity Supply | £130.35 | £6.52 | £136.87 |
| EE Ltd | Broadband | £29.50 | £5.90 | £35.40 |
| Epson Ready Print | Printer ink cartridges | £2.91 | £0.58 | £3.49 |
| Epson Ready Print | Printing | £2.91 | £0.58 | £3.49 |
| Farmfoods | Toilet rolls | £16.67 | £3.33 | £20.00 |
| Greenstripe | Grass cutting specialised | £250.00 | £0.00 | £250.00 |
| Grenke | Lease of ipads | £309.84 | £61.96 | £371.80 |
| Grenke | Ipad equipment protection | £110.00 | £0.00 | £110.00 |
| HMRC | PAYE/NIC | £1,010.93 | £0.00 | £1,010.93 |
| Home Bargains | Dishwasher salt | £7.90 | £1.58 | £9.48 |
| Home Bargains | Floor mops and refills | £12.90 | £2.58 | £15.48 |
| Ian Smith Electrical | Fire Alarm test | £95.00 | £19.00 | £114.00 |
| JRB Enterprises Ltd | Dog poo bags | £60.80 | £12.16 | £72.96 |
| Lebara | Asst Clerk mobile phone | 2.48 | 0.5 | 2.98 |
| Lebara | Clerk mobile phone | £1.24 | £0.25 | £1.49 |
| Lebara | RFO mobile phone | £3.67 | £0.73 | £4.40 |
| Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils | Internal Audit | £310.00 | £62.00 | £372.00 |
| Metro Rod Ltd | Repairs to Manhole Cover | £495.00 | £99.00 | £594.00 |
| Monthly Salaries | December salaries | £3,726.38 | £0.00 | £3,726.38 |
| Monthly Salaries | Mileage | £4.95 | £0.00 | £4.95 |
| Monthly Salaries | WFH Allowance | £156.00 | £0.00 | £156.00 |
| Monthly Salaries | January Salaries | £3,596.28 | £0.00 | £3,596.28 |
| NALC | Training | £35.00 | £7.00 | £42.00 |
| NEST | Pension payment | £208.70 | £0.00 | £208.70 |
| P E Hempstead and Sons | Grass cutting | £484.60 | £96.92 | £581.52 |
| Pittam Property Improvement | General maintenance | £348.00 | £69.60 | £417.60 |
| South Kesteven District Council | Waste collection | £155.38 | £0.00 | £155.38 |
| SSE Business Energy | Gas supply | 1287.6 | 152.93 | 1440.53 |
| Starboard Systems Limited | Scribe Bookings Subscription | £46.00 | £9.20 | £55.20 |
| Stripe | Stripe Transaction Fee | £9.21 | £0.00 | £9.21 |
| Telefonica UK Ltd | Asst Clerk mobile phone | £53.12 | £10.63 | £63.75 |
| Virgin Money | Bank charges | £22.80 | £0.00 | £22.80 |