Full Council Minutes - 1st September 2025
Monday 1 September 2025 at 7pm in Crowland Community Hub, Hall Street, Crowland
Present: Cllrs. Bryan Allcock, Annette Williams, Graham Searle, David Kempton, Cathi Elphee, Katie Pepper, Peter Stowe, Jon Boor, Jack Turner, Reg Boot, Peter Davis, Darren Warner
In attendance: Former Cllr Nigel Pepper, Vanessa Hymas - Clerk & RFO
77. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE WITH REASONS
Apologies for absence were received from County Councillor Raymond Condell, and Cllr Levesley; reasons given for non-attendance were accepted. No other apologies were received.
78. PRESENTATION TO FORMER COUNCILLOR NIGEL PEPPER
The Chair gave an earnest presentation thanking former Councillor Nigel Pepper for his sterling service to the Parish between the years 2013 to 2025. Mr Pepper had been both a District and Parish Councillor, as well as Watchman of the local Fire Service. A small token of the Council’s appreciation was presented to Mr Pepper. Mr Pepper commented that he had always been community spirited and that he hoped he had contributed to making Crowland a better place; he certainly believed the Parish Council had developed over the years to become very forward thinking.
79. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
There were no declarations of interest.
80. TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 11 AUGUST 2025
The Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 11 August 2025 were proposed as a true record of the meeting and the Chair was authorised to sign the official minutes by Cllr Boot, seconded by Cllr Davis, carried nem con.
81. TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON PROGRESS AND RESOLUTIONS FOR THE MEETING HELD ON 11 AUGUST 2025
Thanks were extended to Cllrs Davis, Boot, Elphee, and Williams for their sterling efforts on putting together the VJ Day celebrations.
82. CLERKS REPORT AND UPDATE
Having only just started in office, the new clerk had nothing to report.
83. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
The Chairman’s Report had been distributed prior to the meeting and was taken as read.
The former Clerk, Granville Hawkes’ contract had now concluded and although he didn’t achieve all he set out to do, a vote of thanks was proposed by Cllr Searle, seconded by Cllr Boor; carried nem con.
A welcome was extended to the new Clerk, Vanessa Hymas, and it was hoped that the Parish Council would move forward
A letter of thanks had been received from a parishioner complimenting the Parish Council on the general condition of the town and how it had improved over the 16 to 18 years that she had lived here in the parish.
Cllr Boor thanked the Cllrs Alcock and Stowe for attending the VJ Day celebrations in Spalding on behalf of the parish.
84. AMENITIES REPORT
The Amenities Report had been distributed prior to the meeting and was taken as read.
The Pavillion cladding had now been completed, and the Amenities Committee were pleased with the result; the remaining items for completion include lights and new signage.
The fire risk assessment had now been completed and sent in, and doors in the Parish Council offices are due completed on Friday of this week, with painting of the replacement door to be undertaken by a member of staff.
Further expense is likely for the skate park as surface patching is not likely to be cost effective.
Zipwire issues concluded, with tightening of the climbing net still to complete.
Overnight campers on the Snowden Field were asked to leave; they were respectful and left without causing any difficulties.
Tennis court refurbishment still outstanding, with further consideration to be given to a number of issues. The Clerk was tasked with contacting the NHS to determine whether their contribution to the budget still remains available for the car park between the tennis court and their building. ACTION CLERK
Quotations had been sought; clerk to chase responses. ACTION CLERK
Cllr Warner offered to arrange for a temporary repair of the potholes in the car park and would advise costs which are likely to be minimal. ACTION CLLR WARNER
85. FINANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE
The brief report, as there had only been three weeks between meetings, circulated prior to the meeting, was taken as read. Cllr Alcock reminded all those present that budget preparation would soon require attention.
86. ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
Clerk to investigate a number of minor issues arising with payments to suppliers. Subject to corrections it was proposed by Cllr Williams, seconded by Cllr Davis; carried nem con that accounts for payment be actioned. ACTION CLERK
TO NOTE: Bank balances and investments at 28.08.25
Account ending 338 £549,800.01
Account ending 461 £ 29,518.76
Petty Cash £ 32.96
- Orders for payment to be made: £16,972.04
- Income receipts amount to: £ 6,382.50
It was noted that there did not appear to be any receipts from the Bowls Group for use of electricity; Clerk to investigate invoicing procedures. ACTION CLERK
87. FARMS AND GARDENS COMMITTEE
Minutes of the Farms and Gardens Committee had been circulated prior to the meeting and were taken as read. The Millennium Wood signs have now been ordered. Roses at the entrance of James Road have now been pruned to increase visibility. Allotment electricity supply still outstanding – Clerk to follow-up with National Grid. ACTION CLERK
Biodiversity report now received and to be considered by the committee chair. A costed business plan will need to include evidence of three quotes being sought.
An equipment upgrade was now becoming necessary and there would be a demonstration of a potential replacement mower either on Wednesday or Thursday evening at a suitable location. In addition, consideration would be given to purchasing a trailer to increase productivity.
88. PLANNING COMMITTEE
Urgent action required to register Crowland Parish Council’s objections to Planning Application H02-0696-25 on the South Holland website. ACTION DEPUTY CLERK
Members of the Planning Committee to meet with Steve Strickland to discuss way forward re Abbey Clerk. ACTION CLERK
Consideration to be given to discussing with the District Council Tree Officer an appropriate replacement tree for the Field Maple that was removed. ACTION DEPUTY CLERK
89. SAFETY AND SECURITY COMMITTEE
The Safety and Security Committee report had been circulated prior to the meeting and was taken as read. Crime figures up to June 2025 were verbally reported. The PCSO (Police Community Support Officer) will shortly meet with the County Councillor so any questions should be directed to the Councillor.
90. ASSET WORKING PARTY REPORT
The Asset Working Party report had been circulated prior to the meeting and was taken as read. Clerk to check if £2,500 due to Crowland Parish Council as compensation for land maintenance has been received. ACTION CLERK
It was proposed that replacement tiles may only be available in boxes of 20 or 30 which would result in keeping some in stock, but this is likely to be more economic. Proposed by Cllr Turner, seconded by Cllr Warren; carried nem con.
Clerk to notify ARK Estate Agents that tenants should be directed to the owner’s manual for use of the new hobs. ACTION CLERK
91. RECONSIDERATION OF THE SUBJECT OF A SPEED WATCH
To be considered as a joint activity between the Safety and Security Committee and the Planning Committee. Proposed by Cllr Boor, seconded by Cllr Williams. Carried nem con.
92. MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED FOR INCLUSION ON A FUTURE COUNCIL AGENDA
(a) Remembrance Day.
(b) Moratorium on future projects until existing projects finalised.
The meeting closed at 20:10 hours.
ACTION LIST:
CLERK:
- Contact NHS re budget availability re car park.
- Chase outstanding quotations re car park.
- Minor corrections to accounts for payment.
- Receipts invoicing for electricity use.
- Contact National Grid about Allotment electricity supply.
- Arrange meeting for Planning Committee to meet with Steve Strickland.
- Check receipt of £2,500 re Thorney Road Site.
- Advise Ark EA re new hob owner’s manual.
DEPUTY CLERK:
- Register planning objection for application H02-0696-25 with SHDC.
- replacement tree
CLLR WARNER
- Temporary repair of car park potholes.