Minutes 2026

GREAT LIMBER PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 2nd September 2026 at 7.00pm in the Village Hall.

Present: Cllrs S Christmas, S Acomb, S Anderson, S Hudson, S Bedford

In attendance: Cllr O Bierley, Cllr Lawrence, Cllr Bean and the Clerk.

No members of the public were present

1. Co-option of Councillor: There is one vacancy for which there has been no interest

2. Apologies for absence and reasons given: Cllrs B Moor, K Read

3. To receive declarations of interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011: None 

4. To approve the Minutes of the last meeting held on 1st July 2026: The minutes were approved and signed as a true record. 

5. Chairman & Council's comments: The Chair reported that the current shopkeeper would be remaining for a further couple of weeks. It was confirmed that Brocklesby Estate would support the shop to ensure that it remains open, as it is considered to be an important social asset to the village.  Cllr Anderson reported that FixMyStreet had inspected Church Lane and, although they agreed that the vegetation had encroached onto the road, they did not intend to take the matter any further.  It was also reported that the grass-cutting contractor had used a different mower to cut the Village Hall grass, which collected or mulched the cuttings. This has resolved the previous problems caused by cut grass being left on the ground.

Cllr Acomb reported that, in connection with the proposed reduction in the speed limit at the crossroads, a speed survey would be carried out during the first two weeks of September. 

6.  Clerk's Report on matters outstanding: The Clerk reported that she had still been unable to secure the payment from Singleton Birch towards the speed sign. Cllr Bedford agreed to follow this up.

7. LCC Report: Cllr Bean reported that preparations for Local Government Reorganisation were progressing. He explained that, when the reorganisation takes place, he would no longer be able to continue as the village’s County Councillor, although this would not take effect until 2028. He advised that he would be standing for election to the Lincoln City authority.

Cllr Bean also advised that any issues relating to footpaths or drains should be reported via FixMyStreet. If a satisfactory outcome is not received, he would then be able to follow the matter up.Cllr Bean was thanked for the grant towards the purchase of the speed sign.

8. WLDC Report: Cllr Bierley’s report had been received. He also reported that a significant amount of resources were now being diverted to Local Government Reorganisation. West Lindsey District Council has a final round of the Community Grant Scheme, and it was suggested that expressions of interest should be submitted if there are any suitable projects.

Following recent discussions regarding the Great Limber Dog Park, Cllr Bierley reported that West Lindsey District Council’s Planning Department had confirmed that they would write to the registered owners of the Dog Park inviting them to submit a retrospective planning application for the change of use. They advised that, if a planning application was not forthcoming, no enforcement action would be taken as the harm to local amenity was considered to be minimal.

It was noted that the owners of the Dog Park were willing to work with the Parish Council and residents to address any issues and minimise the likelihood of further complaints arising.

26/27-6

9. Finance

• Accounts for payment: AJ Williams July £802.80, Staff Costs June £270.39, Staff Costs July £270.39, AJ Williams August £535.20.

Clerk was asked to query the grass cutting invoices as due to the weather the grass hasn’t been growing so it was thought some savings should have been made. 

• Clerks 26-27 National Salary award – The national salary award has been finalised and should be implemented from April 1st.

10. Planning: to discuss any applications: Application WL/2026/00772 to replace overhead electricity cabling at Limber Hill, Limber - no comments

11. Parish Matters:

• Speed sign – previously discussed
• Pond maintenance – Cllr Hudson had obtained a quotation of £3,670 plus VAT for clearing vegetation from the pond margins. This work was last carried out in 2018, and the volume of vegetation has increased significantly. In some areas, the root mat is approximately 2 metres wide and 6 inches thick. It was noted that undertaking this work now is a good time while water levels are low. This maintenance work would reduce the amount of maintenance work required in the spring. It was agreed that, if possible, an additional quotation would be obtained before proceeding with the work towards the end of September. Cllr Bean agreed to investigate whether any grants were available to help cover the cost of this maintenance work.
• Village maintenance – The Councillors raised concerns regarding the poor condition of some of the hedges in the village. It was acknowledged that hedge cutting is generally discouraged during the bird nesting season. The Clerk was asked to write to the residents of Nos. 3, 15, 17, 31 and 45 High Street requesting that their hedges be cut back.

It was noted that, if the work is not completed, Lincolnshire County Council has the authority to undertake the necessary work and recover the cost from the property owners.  

Cllr Bedford agreed to have a look at the bank on Church Lane.

• Noticeboard – Cllr Christmas reported that the cork in the noticeboard needed replacing. It was agreed that, as the cost would be minimal, the work could be carried out.

The meeting closed at 20:06

Date of next meeting   4th November 2026