Farm & Gardens Draft Minutes - 15th June 2026
Crowland Parish Council
Minutes of Farms & Gardens Committee Meeting
Held on Monday 15th June 2026 at 7.00pm
IN THE PARISH ROOMS, HALL STREET, CROWLAND
Attendees :Cllr Jon Boor (Chr) – Cllr Annette Williams, Cllr Peter Stowe, Cllr Cathi Elphee, Cllr Graham Searle, Cllr Darren Warner
Also in attendance : Helen Turpin- Minute Taker
Meeting started at 7.00pm
The meeting was opened by the Chair, Cllr Jon Boor, who noted Cllr Peter Davis had been admitted to hospital and the Committee wished him a speedy recovery.
14. Apologies for absence
Apologies for absence were received and accepted from Cllr Bryan Alcock, Cllr Peter Davis Cllr David Kempton
15. Declarations of Interest
None received
16. Election of the Vice Chair
Offered to take the chair : Cllr Peter Stowe
Proposed : Cllr Jon Boor
Seconded : Cllr Cathi Elphee
Approved : By all
17. To approve the Minutes from the previous meeting and to note any outstanding actions.
The minutes of the Previous meeting were accepted. Proposed by Cllr Darren Warner
Seconded by Cllr Peter Stowe All members were in favour
18. Update to do list
Item 1 Tree survey. Cllr Cathi Elphee felt the situation could not be postponed indefinitely. After some discussion it was agreed that Becky would be approached for the contact so we could progress.
Item 2 Spray weeds beneath Reform Street hedge and clear the ivy. It was reported this action had taken place earlier but needed to be done again. Retain on list
Item 3. Contact the Environment Agency - check with Clerk.
Item 4. Prune roses at the allotments. It was noted that the work had been completed the area to the rear of the allotments, but could be better. It was felt the front aspect was much improved. Action complete.
Item 5. Contact tenants of untidy plots. Return to Item 5
Item 6 . Divide Plot 14 into 4 smaller plots. It was confirmed the alteration had taken place and the Action was complete.
Item 7. Advertise vacant plots online Cllr Darren Warner noted that spare leaflets are still available from the last drive to let the Allotments. It was felt that these could be distributed in local shops and public areas. Following some discussion it was felt that it was too late for this season but to review in August in preparation for the renewals.
Item 8. Rotavate allotments pre letting. It had previously been agreed with full Council to have a closed season.
Plots 32 was discussed due to late payment of rent. It was agreed that it should not be cut with the mower until such time as the tenant confirms they no longer require the plot.
Item 9. Obtain further quotations for the stone for roadway improvements. It was agreed to postpone this task until the autumn. Cllr Jon Boor and Cllr Darren Warner
Item 10. Review Allotment agreements – to be reviewed later in the meeting.
Item 11. Confirm with ROAVR regarding Biodiversity/Landscaping/Tree/hedge plan. - ongoing
Item 12 Purchase new Watering Lance- It was confirmed that the replacement Lance had been purchased and now awaits collection. To be arranged
Item 13 Contact RF Welding for a further visit regarding shed security cage options Complete.
Item 14 Circulate quotes for a Makita pole pruner to Committee Chainsaw training. Following some discussion it was agreed to postpone until Autumn due to the seasonal workload but it was felt should take place
Item 15 Cllr D Warner to inspect drains over the weekend, clean as needed, and record pipe condition using a camera - ongoing
19. To Review the Allotments and Agreement
The general tidiness of the allotments was discussed and the availability of allotments was raised. Cllr Peter Stowe confirmed the allotments status as follows:
41 Allotments had been let
21 Allotments remaining vacant, including the division of Plot 14.
The correct issue of the documents for review, was raised and for the purposes of this review, it was agreed to use the 2018 version. Helen Turpin agreed to make any updates to the document, as agreed at the meeting.
The letting of Allotments was discussed and means of encouraging uptake. Cllr Darren Warner felt the document provided was onerous for the purposes of letting a small plot but agreed a document needs to be in place. The Committee discussed the accessibility of the allotments. it was felt when the Cemetery opened the situation would improve.
Cllr Graham Searle suggested an Appendix to clarify building details. It was agreed this was the way forward and the revised document would be presented to full council in July 2026.
Amendments were agreed to sizes of Hen and Rabbit pens. Following some discussions it was felt that 4 Hens was sufficient to provide eggs for an average household. The issue of vermin control was addressed and updated.
It was agreed cage storage should be included along with an entry confirming the agreements regarding rotavating of plots prior to letting.
The issue of policing the Allotments was raised. Cllr Jon Boor suggested he joins Cllr Cathi Elphee and Cllr Peter Stowe on allotment inspections. A diary system be put in place, and follow up letters to be sent to Tenants not operating within the Terms of the Agreement. All letters used should be a standard template.
20. Church Yard Maintenance It was noted that CPC agreed to assist with the maintenance of the Church yard with the help of two Abbey enlisted volunteers. CPC are committed to cutting the grass and spray around the headstones, which we currently do, however there seems to be a lack of assistance in the form of volunteers. It was noted that some strimming needs take place around the low spotlights as they are in danger of being lost. Following some discussion, it was felt that the agreement was informal, and that CPC maintained the grass for visitor attraction and to keep open the access to the kissing field. Cllr Cathi Elphee felt the agreement was for grass cutting only on the part of CPC.
The need for security cages to store valuable equipment was discussed. It was agreed we should obtain further quotations. One had been received with a value of £6000
Future Agenda items
Roller Shutter/Allotment door to look at a better way to lock the Allotment Building shutter door.
Goal post sleeves in some areas had been removed. If the grass cutter goes over them it will destroy them. The sleeves need to removed and filled with soil. Cllr Darren Warner confirmed a new sponsor had been sought and Dug outs will be on wheels. Goals will use bags going forward, which should improve the situation. Cllr Cathi Elphee to visit with Cllr Darren Warner to assess and learn.
COMMITTEE FOR FARMS & GARDENS ACTIONS – 15TH June 2026
|
Action No. |
Action Description |
Responsible Person(s) |
|
1. |
Obtain quotes for a Tree Surveyor. Contact to be made with Lead Clerk for details of previous supplier |
Clerk |
|
2. |
Spray weds beneath Reform Street hedge and treat Ivy – to remain and done again |
General Workers/ Deputy Clerk |
|
3. |
Contact the Environment Agency regarding the willows on West Bank |
Clerk - ongoing |
|
7. |
Advertise vacant plots online |
Postpone until August |
|
9. |
Obtain further quotes for the stone for the roadway improvements (different materials and load sizes) |
Cllr Jon Boor & Cllr Darren Warner |
|
11. |
Consultant Paul Bywater to confirm with ROAVR whether they can produce the required biodiversity/landscaping/tree/hedge plan |
Paul Bywater/Clerk - ongoing |
|
14. |
Circulate quotes for a Makita pole pruner to Committee
|
Clerk – ongoing |
|
15 |
Cllr D Warner to inspect drains over the weekend, clean as needed, and record pipe condition using a camera |
Cllr Darren Warner |
|
16. |
Roller Shutter/Allotment door to look at a better way to block the Allotment |
? |
|
17 |
Sleeve for old Goal Posts to be removed, filled and made good |
General Workers/Clerk |
Meeting finished at 9.10pm