Edenham, Grimsthorpe, Scottlethorpe and Elsthorpe

Draft Minutes Parish Council Meeting 8th September 2026

Present: Parish Councillors: Mrs P Cranfield (Chairman), Mr A Wilson, Mrs A Treacy, Mrs E Unwin and Mr D Hawes.

In Attendance: Mrs Carole Sands (Parish Clerk).

Public Open Forum : As there were no members of the public present at the meeting, the Chairman closed the open forum.

National & District Council Updates:

Councillor Mr M Hill provided information to the parish clerk in advance of this meeting, relating to the ongoing review of the pavement which runs from Grimsthorpe to Edenham. South Kesteven District Council ( SKDC) have been asked to clear the debris along this route to allow highways to look at potential work.

Commencement of the Parish Council Meeting

                           2627/3/1 Apologies for Absence: Not required

2627/3/2   Approval of the Minutes: It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the annual Parish Council meeting 13th July 2026 as a true and accurate record. Proposed by Councillor Mr A Wilson and seconded by Councillor Mrs A Treacy.

Parish Clerk & Councillors Update from Previous meeting:

                          2627/3/3  Request for Dispensation: None requested.

2627/3/4  Declaration of Interest: Councillor Mr A Wilson, agenda item 2627/3/8 and 2627/3/11/3

                           2627/3/5  Parish Clerk & Councillors Update from Previous meeting:

                   3/5/1 Councillor Vacancy: The two councillor vacancies continue to be advertised. If you are interested in joining the parish council and would like more information please contact the parish clerk by email Edenham.pc@gmail.com

                                3/5/2 Parish Council Email addresses: Proposal and costs to be added to the agenda for discussion at the parish council meeting 10th November 2026.

                          2627/3/6  New Parish Council Matters:

     3/6/1 Parish Clerk Position: The Parish Clerk confirmed that she will be resigning at the end of this financial year 2026/27. It was agreed that the parish clerk advertise the position.

     3/6/2 Coal Yard flower trough: The trough is now ready for replanting; the Chair has kindly offered to donate the plants. As part of a general tidy up the area will be cleared of weeds. Safety concerns have again been raised with regards to       cars parking in the old coal yard area especially during school term time drop off and pick up of children and despite current measures that have been introduced this has continued. As a result the parish council members RESOLVED that a       more permanent chain and post system be installed to prevent parking. The parish clerk was asked to contact the headmistress of Edenham school to make her aware of the changes so that it can be communicated to parents.

     3/6/3 Annual Carol singing event: This year’s event will take place on Tuesday 15th December 2026 starting at 6:30pm, in the field near the traffic light bridge. Light refreshments will be served.

    3/6/4 Hedge Cutting: Concerns have been raised by residents regarding the hedge that borders the school boundary adjacent to the A151 and the junction of School  Lane. The Council members asked the Parish Clerk to contact the        headmistress to request that this be cut back. The Council members would also like to remind residents that they have a responsibility to keep hedges trimmed especially where they impact the visibility of road users and pedestrians.

   3/6/5 Internal audit: The council members RESOLVED that VM3 Accounting Services  be used to audit the accounts for the financial year 2026/27.

2627/3/7 Play Area: The annual report from ROSPA Play Safety was circulated to the council members in advance of this meeting. Whilst the report has not raised any red issues there are several amber areas detailed which have increased in risk thereby moving towards red. As previously discussed, and recorded in the parish council meeting on 11th November 2025 the parish council do not have the money available to replace the trim trail or to carry out remedial works to reduce the risks and ensure the safety of users. The parish council members RESOLVED that the previous decision to remove the trim trail stands. The swing sets will remain in place; it was RESOLVED that a new seat be ordered as per the inspection report. The parish council will continue to look for funding which may be available to enable the equipment to be replaced.

2627/3/8  Village Hall: The lease document is expected to be delivered to the village hall committee in the next few days.

2627/3/9  Planning Matters: There was no new applications to discuss.

The council have received a decision notification from South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) that the request for a certificate of lawful development for a property on School Lane, (reported in the minutes of the meeting 13th July 2026), has not been granted.

2627/3/10  Financial Matters: The council members noted that there has been no income.

2627/3/11  Financial Matters: It was RESOLVED by the Parish Council Members to accept the expenditure as detailed below.

                        3/11/1 Parish council admin: Printer Paper and ink cartridge £4.90 + £19.88

                        3/11/2 Village Hall:                                                                 £350.00

                        3/11/3 Salaries and HMRC PAYE : 2nd quarter (Exact amount will be confirmed in Nov)

2627/3/12        Financial Matters: The members noted the bank account balances up to 8th September  2026. The accounts, invoices and bank statements were checked by Councillor Mr A Wilson and signed as an accurate record. 

                        3/12/1 Community Account              £ 5355.73

                        3/12/2 Business Savings Account   £ 502.60

2627/3/13        Review budget against spending costs: The parish clerk gave an overview of the current budget spending and costs expected in the remaining months for the financial year.

                        3/13/1 National Salary Award 2026/27: The parish clerk sent this information to the council members prior to the meeting. It was RESOLVED that the SP15 pay scale award be given to the parish clerk and that this is back dated as detailed in the award document.

2627/3/14        Parish Council Policies & Procedures: The council members confirmed that they have read the documents listed which the parish clerk sent out prior to this meeting. It was RESOLVED that they be updated on the website.

3/14/1 Standing orders

3/14/2 Financial regulations

3/14/3 Asset register

3/14/4 Complaints procedure

2627/3/14 Correspondence: Various have been forwarded to the council members prior to this meeting. Those worthy of note are detailed below:

3/14/1 Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire National Grid – Stage two public consultation, various dates and venues for open drop in events. The local drop in venue is Corby Glen village hall (Ron Dawson Memorial Hall), 17th October between 11am and 4pm.  Posters with full details will be available on parish notice boards.

3/14/2 Reservoirs: proposals for a new reservoir in Lincolnshire, the third phase of an eight week public consultation will launch 21st October. Ahead of this, they will be engaging with affected landowners and stakeholders across the region. 

                           2627/3/15 Next Meeting Date: 10th November 2026

The chair closed the meeting at 8:35pm as there was no other business on the agenda to discuss.