2025 Minutes – Crowland Parish Council

Full Council Minutes - 1st December 2025

Crowland Parish Council

Minutes of Full Parish Council Meeting

Full Council - Monday 1st December 2025 at 7pm in Crowland Community Hub, Hall Street, Crowland

Present: Cllrs. Bryan Alcock, Jon Boor, Graham Searle, Peter Davis, Katie Pepper, Peter Stowe, David Kempton, Cathie Elphee, Annette Williams, Darren Warner, Jordon Bloom and County Cllr Condell.

Also in attendance: G Hawkes Clerk (minute taker), B Brothwell New Clerk and a member of the public.

In the Chair: Cllr. Bryan Alcock thanked everyone for attending. The new Clerk Becky Brothwell was introduced to Councillors and welcomed to the meeting.

140) Apologies for Absence of the meeting were advised and apologies with valid reasons for absence had been received from Cllr Turner. It was proposed, seconded and Resolved: those apologies be noted with valid reasons for absence accepted from Cllrs.

141) Declaration of Interests – Cllr Elphee re Royal British Legion poppy appeal payment ref 392

Cllr Boor re First Responders receipt ref 190

Cllr Williams re Abbey lights receipt ref 200.

142) To approve the Minutes of the Previous Meeting – 3 November 2025

Note resolution minute ref 132 should be Cllrs Stowe and Elphee.

Proposed by Cllr Boor, seconded by Cllr Williams - all present agreed.

		Action
143) To receive an update on progress & resolutions for the meeting held on 3 November 2025
	The office continues to chase Calthrops Solicitors for progress on the registration of our land.
144) Clerks report/update
West Street bus stop – the bus company had been contacted. Ambury Gardens – has been chased but no reply from BP Gov email address – liaising with Ark to progress The Clerk is organising a site meeting regarding the Snowden/surgery car park upgrade.		GJH GJH GJH GJH
145) Chairman’s Report.
	To consider the Chairmans report and any recommendations therein. The Chairman reported that the funeral of Cllr Boot was very well attended and thanked those members who attended. The Chairman reported that the Remembrance service was also well attended and thanked those members who were involved in the arrangements and those that attended. The Xmas lights are in place, and the Chairman thanked all those involved, further noting that Crowland Parish Council will be funding the Christmas Tree ordered from A M Strickland at a cost of £720.00. It was good to note that both the Bowls and gym clubs were successful in obtaining grant funding from the levelling up fund.
146) Amenities Committee.
	To consider the Chairmans report, which has been distributed before the meeting and any recommendations therein. We are still looking for a willing contractor to repair the skatepark concrete. A meeting with Crowland Town F C has established that the club are looking to raise funds from the FA grass roots grant scheme to reimburse the cost of the new compound and improve the playing pitch quality to do this a surety of tenure for the compound is required. A Memorandum of Understanding had been prepared, the wording agreed, and it was confirmed that the document will be signed by Crowland Town Football Club and Crowland Parish Council. Proposed by Cllr. Boor – Seconded by Cllr. Stowe and all agreed. To apply for funding to improve the playing surface a quality of pitch survey will be needed for both adult pitches this may need to be originated by the club or the Council. Once the cost is known it was resolved to progress this matter Proposed by Cllr. Boor – Seconded by Cllr. Davis and all agreed. A meeting had also taken place with the Junior Football Team regarding the two fixed floodlights owned by the Council, which now require replacement. The proposal presented was considered unacceptable, and an alternative recommendation is being sought. The Juniors have additionally been asked to clear the old compound. The Chairman reported that he had a meeting with the Youth Voice group who would like an extended basketball playing area and installation of a second basket and this is being costed. Cllr Kempton had prepared a report on the new community building project and estimated costs continue to escalate. Two projects to refurbish the existing pavilion and look at a standalone community building was the preferred route. Proposed by Cllr. Elphee – Seconded by Cllr. Davis and all agreed.
147) Finance and Admin Committee
	To consider the Chairmans report and any recommendations therein. A report was distributed prior to the meeting. As previously reported the bank mandate is being revised with Cater Allen but this is proving challenging. A finance meeting has been arranged to review the budget for 2026/27 and will be presented to the next full council meeting.
148) Accounts for Payment.
	A report was distributed prior to the meeting. To note bank balances and investments at 26 November 2025, Account ending 338 £ 535,618.37 Account ending 461 £ 18,413.59 Petty cash £ 32.96 To authorise the signing of orders for payment and to note income for November 2025. It was proposed, seconded and resolved, Orders for payment made in the sums of £14,070.78 in November 2025 be authorised. Incomes received in the amounts of £18,413.59 in November 2025 be noted. Proposed by Cllr. Pepper – Seconded by Cllr. Williams and all agreed.
149) Farms & Gardens Committee
	To consider the Chairmans report and any recommendations. The council will follow the SHDC recommendation on the tree species to be planted in South Street, and to grind down the old stump. Quotes were received and it was agreed to go with the lowest quote £100.00 with AJS Landscapes. Proposed by Cllr. Boor – Seconded by Cllr. Stowe and all agreed. The allotment roads have been closed and water supply turned off for winter. The pond maintenance and dyke clearance has been completed by Cllr Boor and he was thanked by members.
Planning Committee
	To consider the minutes of the recent meeting and any recommendations therein. A report was distributed prior to the meeting. The Chairman reported that for 2026 the cost of the hanging baskets were recommended to increase from £35 to £37. Proposed by Cllr. Elphee – Seconded by Cllr. Davis and all agreed.
151) Safety & Security Committee
	To consider the Chairmans report and any recommendations therein. A report was distributed prior to the meeting. The regular police figures were reviewed; public order offences are the major problem. Quotations are being collated for the construction of a secure cage within the implement shed.
152) Asset Working Party.
	To consider the Chairmans report and any recommendations therein. A report was distributed prior to the meeting. Issues at the investment properties relating to the cooker hobs and roof repairs are being progressed. The report to Bosche was misplaced and has been chased for a response regarding the hob problem. Attenuation pond – The Clerk reported that the Council has sent three invoices from the management company covering maintenance of the attenuation pond over the past three years. These invoices have now been forwarded to the developer for their information. It was agreed that a formal letter will be issued to the developer requesting further consultation with the Asset Working Party to clarify ongoing responsibilities and future management arrangements for the attenuation pond.
153) Christmas house judging
	The judging of the houses will take place and as before it is recommended that prizes of £25, £15 and £10 be given out. Business winners receive a certificate. Proposed by Cllr. Williams – Seconded by Cllr. Boor and all agreed.
154) Matters to be considered for inclusion on a future Council Agenda.
	Parking in Thorney Road – planning committee A memorial bench for the late Cllr Boot – planning committee