February 2026 Minutes
Minutes of the meeting of Wrangle Parish Council held on Tuesday 3rd February 2026 at 7:00pm in The Parish Hall.
Present: Cllrs T Ashton, D Dickason, B Bowles, R Edwards, C Law, S Seymour, P Wrisdale and P Ashton
Also Present: Borough Cllr C Butler, County Cllr A Arundell and Parish Clerk R Herberts.
Public Forum
There were five members of the public present.
Statements or questions raised were:
a. Questions were raised regarding the Anglian Water petition. County Cllr A Arundell confirmed he had received four emails and therefore did not progress the matter. Borough Cllr C Butler confirmed he had sent all copies of the petition to County Cllr A Arundell in the previous year.
b. Mud on pavements along the A52, specifically between Church Lane and Brick Lane, was raised as a concern. Borough Cllr C Butler confirmed he would raise this at a forthcoming meeting and establish whether this falls under BBC or LCC responsibility.
c. Concerns were raised regarding the dismissal of some reports submitted via Fix My Street.
d. Mobile phone signal was raised as a concern, with residents reporting difficulties in using their mobile phones.
e. A report was received from a resident who continues to litter pick within the village:
i. Since the last meeting, 27 bags of litter have been collected.
ii. Fly-tipping remains an ongoing issue, with five incidents reported, including at the lay-by.
iii. Multiple infrastructure issues have been reported to the relevant authorities, including damaged road signs, a lamp post, a broken electric box on the playfield, potholes on the main road footpath and in the park, and problems following road traffic accidents where debris was not cleared.
iv. The need for additional litter bins in the park and at Tooley Lane/bus stop, and untidy or hazardous areas including broken glass, dumped materials, and neglected properties.
v. Vegetation clearance has been undertaken around lamp posts and signs where grass cutting was incomplete. Issues have also been reported to LCC, LHP, utility providers, and the Environment Agency where appropriate.
vi. Problem areas for litter and fly-tipping were highlighted in several locations across the village, particularly on the Main Road, the lay-by and the recreation field.
7:25pm - The Public Forum was closed and the Parish Council meeting commenced.
1/2/26 To receive and accept apologies and approve reasons for absence.
Apologies and reason for absence were received from Cllr R Hill after the meeting.
Borough Cllr J Baxter sent apologies.
2/2/26 To receive reports from representatives on outside bodies:
a. Borough Councillors - A written report was received and is appended to the minutes.
b. County Councillor – An update was provided on Leverton Fire Station.
3/2/26 To receive declarations of interest under the Localism Act 2011 and consider any requests for dispensations.
Declarations of interest were received from Cllr T Ashton in relation to Agenda Item 17.
4/2/26 Notes of the Parish Council meeting held on 02 December 2025 to be approved and signed as the minutes.
It was resolved that the previously circulated notes be signed as the official minutes.
5/2/26 Clerk’s Report
a. A local resident requested permission to cut branches overhanging their property from Tree No.15 and access to the Recreation Field.
It was resolved the resident may cut branches from their side of the boundary. Reasons for access to the Recreation Field would be sought.
b. A52 pedestrian crossing survey - LCC reported that a survey carried out between 14:30 and 15:30 during school leaving time in November, recorded 4 pedestrian crossings and 522 vehicle movements. LCC advised that the criteria for a crossing facility were unlikely to be met and the request would not be progressed at this time.
6/2/26 Chair’s announcements and any relevant updates
The Chair had nothing to report.
7/2/26 Financial matters:
a. To authorise payments:
It was resolved to authorise the following payments for February.
|
Date |
Payee/ Creditor |
Amount ex VAT |
VAT |
Total Expenditure |
|
|
Reclaimable |
Non reclaimable |
||||
|
03/02/2026 |
Staffing Costs (Salary, HMRC, NI) |
£1,134.63 |
£0.00 |
£0.00 |
£1,134.63 |
|
03/02/2026 |
Clerks Expenses (Postage & Mileage) |
£26.50 |
£0.00 |
£0.00 |
£26.50 |
|
03/02/2026 |
Payroll Services |
£23.00 |
£4.60 |
£0.00 |
£27.60 |
|
03/02/2026 |
Play Equipment Inspection |
£399.00 |
£79.80 |
£0.00 |
£478.80 |
|
03/02/2026 |
Advertising Costs |
£120.00 |
£0.00 |
£0.00 |
£120.00 |
|
03/02/2026 |
Meeting Room Hire |
£156.00 |
£0.00 |
£0.00 |
£156.00 |
|
03/02/2026 |
Chapel Lane, Street Light |
£800.00 |
£160.00 |
£0.00 |
£960.00 |
|
03/02/2026 |
Lockhamgate & Tooley Lane Street Light |
£700.00 |
£140.00 |
£0.00 |
£840.00 |
|
03/02/2026 |
LALC Training Event 09/09/25 |
£70.00 |
£14.00 |
£0.00 |
£84.00 |
|
03/02/2026 |
LALC Annual Subscription |
£412.64 |
£0.00 |
£0.00 |
£412.64 |
|
03/02/2026 |
LALC Annual Training Scheme |
£170.00 |
£34.00 |
£0.00 |
£204.00 |
|
03/02/2026 |
Scribe Account Software |
£299.00 |
£0.00 |
£0.00 |
£299.00 |
|
03/02/2026 |
Recreation Field Electricity |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC |
TBC |
|
|
Totals |
£4,310.77 |
£432.40 |
£0.00 |
£4,743.17 |
b. To report bank balances
Balances in the bank were reported as of 31/01/26. Bank reconciliation and budget review were circulated prior to the meeting.
|
Bank Account |
Balance |
|
Current Account |
£20,870.96 |
|
Jubilee Account |
£688.21 |
|
Deposit Account |
£24,046.68 |
c. To receive an update on setting up online banking
The Clerk reported that she had spoken with Barclays. Cllr C Law had previously advised that she was awaiting a PIN sentry device. Barclays advised that if contacted, a replacement device could be ordered and posted out, and that a mobile PIN sentry option was also available via the app.
It was confirmed that more than one authorised user would need to be registered to enable dual online authorisation in accordance with the Financial Regulations.
8/2/26 Recreation Field:
a. To review the Football Club Agreement
The Clerk reported that the BBC was unable to assist. LALC had obtained legal advice from Wilkins Chapman LLP, which recommended minor amendments to the agreement, which the Clerk had implemented.
It was further advised that if the intention is to grant a longer licence with a licence fee payable in the future, a more detailed licence agreement would be required.
It was resolved to proceed with the Agreement and extend the free period to June.
The Clerk would arrange for the Agreement to be signed.
The legal advice costings were noted and would be considered.
b. To discuss cleaning the dykes and the culvert pipe
The Clerk met with a potential contractor. Uncertainty remains regarding the direction of water flow and possible underground blockages.
It was resolved to arrange for the dyke to be cleaned as far as practicable at this time.
c. To discuss the Litter Bin request sent to Boston Borough Council
Borough Cllr C Butler is investigating the request.
The Clerk submitted a location change request for the bin at the entrance to the recreation field to be moved near the toilet block. Discussions had taken place with BBC regarding the surplus bin next to the pavilion.
d. Any other matters
i. The car park was reported to have a large hole and to be waterlogged.
ii. The Salvation Army textile bank had been removed in December due to depressed sales and rising operational costs.
iii. Molehills were reported in the play area and around the village sign.
iv. An incident involving a child’s hair becoming caught in a roundabout had been reported to the BBC and the Parish Council. The person reporting had advised they could provide photographs of the specific equipment. These had been requested, along with further information, but no response had been received.
v. ROSPA had carried out a full inspection, with no items identified as high risk. The Clerk would circulate the inspection report to Councillors.
vi. Cllr D Dickason reported that Paul Skinner was able to replace the D-rings on the swings, having carried out similar work elsewhere and having the parts in stock. It was resolved to reimburse Paul Skinner for any expenses incurred, together with a cost per hour for the time taken to complete the work.
9/2/26 To receive an update on the siting of two bus shelters on the A52 in the area of Sea Lane junction.
Plans had been sent to the local business providing the concrete for the bases and the Parish Council was awaiting confirmation of a date for the bases to be laid. All arrangements with Ace Shelters were confirmed as in order.
Ace Shelters had asked whether any additional extras were required, such as seating within the shelters, and also requested confirmation of the preferred colour for the shelters.
It was resolved that no additional extras were required and that the shelters should be green in colour.
10/2/26 To receive an update regarding the Community Speed Sign
Progress remained ongoing and the Parish Council was still awaiting installation of the pole.
The Clerk reported that she had spoken with Unipart regarding a replacement cable to enable data to be downloaded from the sign, with a quoted cost of £216.00.
It was resolved to contact Old Leake Parish Council to explore the possibility of placing a joint order, with a view to both councils using the same type of cable.
The Clerk also reported that a quote of £252.00 had been received for a replacement battery.
It was resolved to not order a replacement battery at this time and to review the position once the new sign installation was completed.
11/2/26 Streetlights – Updates and approval of works
a. To receive an update on Lockhamgate streetlight upgrade
No update had been received from BBC. The Clerk would make further enquiries to confirm whether the work had been completed.
b. To receive an update on Tooley Lane streetlight upgrade
No update had been received from BBC. Borough Cllr C Butler confirmed that the work to this streetlight had been carried out.
c. To consider approval of the Washdyke Lane streetlight upgrade
A resident had reported an issue with the Washdyke Lane streetlight. BBC had provided a quotation for the repair works in the sum of £350.00 plus VAT.
It was resolved to approve the works and proceed with the repair.
8:04pm - Three members of the public left the meeting.
12/2/26 To note the advertisement for the General Maintenance Contractor and agree next steps.
It was proposed that this item would be moved to the final agenda item and considered within a confidential session due to its contractual nature.
It was resolved to move this item to the last item on the agenda and to enter confidential session when it is considered.
13/2/26 To discuss grass and hedge cutting contracts/tenders.
The Clerk advised that dates would be circulated to Councillors to enable the Parish Paths to be assessed, to inform future contract and tender arrangements.
14/2/26 To discuss maintaining the Parish Website
The Clerk reported that this remained an ongoing project and that a number of changes had already been implemented, including updates to content and structure. Meeting dates were to be added, and a link to the parish magazine was being developed.
It was agreed that future updates could be reported under the Clerk’s Report and that this item would no longer be required as a standing agenda item.
15/2/26 To discuss Anglian Water issues.
It was noted that these matters had been discussed in detail during the Public Forum, and no further discussion was required at this time.
16/2/26 To discuss storage options for Council records and paperwork.
The Clerk reported that previously circulated dates had been unsuccessful. New dates would be circulated to enable further consideration of suitable storage options.
8:10pm - Cllr T Ashton left the room.
17/2/26 To review the allotments and associated paperwork.
Savills had been contacted to clarify the Council’s legal authority, permitted uses of the land, and whether any change of use would be allowed. No decisions would be made until formal clarification had been received.
SLCC were offering allotment training on Monday 9 February at a cost of £77.00 for members, covering tenancy agreements, legislation, and allotment management.
It was resolved the Clerk should attend the allotment training.
Further investigation work was required, and the Clerk would contact other Parish Councils with allotments to gather best practice information.
8:26pm - County Cllr A Arundell left the meeting. Cllr T Ashton returned to the room.
18/2/26 To discuss Local Government Association Coastal Group associate membership.
Information had been circulated regarding associate membership and the process for joining.
It was resolved Cllr B Bowles would act as the Parish Council’s representative.
19/2/26 Internal Audit:
a. To consider and resolve the appointment of LALC as Internal Auditor
Resolved to appoint LALC as the Council’s Internal Auditor.
b. To agree the term of appointment, including whether to enter into a two-year agreement to secure pricing
£280.00 per year if we sign up for 2 years they will keep the price the same for next year.
It was resolved to enter into the two-year agreement.
20/2/26 To consider the LALC annual subscription and the LALC annual training scheme
The annual subscription and training scheme were considered.
It was resolved to approve payment of the LALC annual subscription and to participate in the annual training scheme.
21/2/26 To consider and resolve the adoption and use of Scribe accounting software for the Council’s financial management from 1 April 2026
Members considered adopting Scribe accounting software for the Council’s financial management from 1 April 2026, at a cost of £299 initial payment and £37 per month thereafter.
It was resolved to adopt Scribe accounting software from 1 April 2026.
22/2/26 To resolve to adopt the website Accessibility Statement
It was resolved to adopt the Website Accessibility Statement.
23/2/26 To resolve to adopt the Health and Safety Policy
It was resolved to adopt the Health and Safety Policy.
24/2/26 To receive reports of any highway’s matters
Concerns were raised regarding the level of reporting of highway issues by residents and the general condition of the roads within the parish, which was considered unacceptable.
25/2/26 Planning applications received for a decision at this meeting (All plans can be viewed at www.mybostonuk.com)
|
Application Number |
Location |
Development Description |
Applicant Name |
Registered Date |
Comment |
|
B/25/0369/CD1 |
Wrangle Methodist Church, Main Road, Wrangle, Boston PE22 9AN |
Application to discharge Condition C3 (Further Details) of planning application B/25/0369 |
Richardson |
22/12/2025 |
Discharge of Condition |
|
B/25/0501 |
Wrangle Methodist Church, Main Road, Wrangle, Boston PE22 9AN |
Application under S19 for the variation of Condition C2 (Approved Plans) of Listed Building Consent B/25/0369 |
Richardson |
22/12/2025 |
Listed Building Consent |
26/2/26 Planning Decisions received from Boston Borough Council
|
Application Number |
Location |
Development Description |
Applicant Name |
Decision |
Decision Date |
|
B/22/0036/CD2 |
The Post Office Store, Church End, Wrangle PE22 9EH |
Application to discharge condition C8 (Biodiversity Enhancement) of planning application B/22/0036 |
Singh |
Condition discharge/details acceptable |
01/12/2025 |
|
B/25/0418 |
Wrangle Mill, Mill Lane, Wrangle, Boston PE22 9HD |
Replacement of glazed observatory with lead roof, replacement windows; reinstatement of windows and new entrance door |
C/O Scorer Hawkins Architects |
Favourable with conditions |
15/12/2025 |
|
B/25/0419 |
Wrangle Mill, Mill Lane, Wrangle, Boston PE22 9HD |
Listed Building Consent for the replacement of glazed observatory with lead roof, replacement windows, reinstatement of windows and new entrance door. |
C/O Scorer Hawkins Architects |
Favourable with conditions |
15/12/2025 |
27/2/26 Correspondence received, not covered on the agenda
No correspondence was received that was not already covered elsewhere on the agenda.
28/2/26 Matters for next agenda
- Poppies
- Councillor Attendance Records
29/2/26 Date of next meeting
The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on 03 March 2026.
8:57pm - The meeting closed.
Wrangle Parish Council update, February 2026
We are continuing to chase the decision made by Boston Borough council regarding the placement of Bins in 4 locations in Wrangle. 2 were approved and 2 were rejected.
The waste site at Lockhamgate that was reported to Boston Borough Council is now in the hands of the Environment Agency.
John and I have both attended events in the village recently, John attended the coffee morning which included an energy advice session which he invited them to attend the next coffee morning and is going to focus on the NHS. We both attended the quiz night last Friday. Our thanks go to all volunteers who contribute to village life.
We are in conversations with LCC through our county councilor Alistair regarding buses coming through the village. Stagecoach have said it is not financially viable and people I the summer don’t want to go through the villages; they want a direct route to Skegness. Stagecoach also hinted at funding being cut by LCC. We will update once we get more details.
We have both allocated the majority of our Councilor grant money for 2026. The money has gone to Wrangle Bowls club, Wrangle Primary Academy and Old Leake Parish Council. We have £120.86 left if there is a project that the Parish council would like funding towards, then please get in touch and complete the application before the end of this month.
At a Borough level,
At full council, it was agreed to reduce the amount people can claim in council tax support from 100% to 90% for lone parents, 80% for couples with children, and 75% for other households.
A new music event in Central Park is due to be held on Sunday August 2nd. B Fest will hopefully be a small first step towards bringing back a larger Party in the park type event. This is something the public have been wanting for several years. The funding for this event was agreed by BTAC.
The Borough Councils Garden waste collection service has been amended to create a 12-month service. The service will run monthly through the winter and fortnightly through the spring/ Summer/ Autumn providing 21 collections a year. The cost of the service is now £55 for the first bin and £40 for any additional bins. This change in collection is off the back of comments from the public.
Budget consultation is now open and runs until the 8th of February please if you can, go online and share your views.
Many thanks
Borough Cllr C Butler.