2026 Minutes

Minutes of the meeting of Wrangle Parish Council held on Tuesday 7th April 2026 at 7:00pm at Wrangle Youth Club. 

Present: Cllrs T Ashton (Chair), D Dickason, B Bowles, R Edwards, C Law, S Seymour, P Wrisdale and P Ashton. 
Also Present: Parish Clerk - R Herberts. 

Public Forum
There was one member of the public present. 
There were no statements or questions raised. 

7:03pm - The Public Forum was closed and the Parish Council meeting commenced.

1/4/26 To receive and accept apologies and approve reasons for absence 
Apologies and reason for absence were received from Cllr R Hill. 
Apologies were also received from Borough Cllrs J Baxter and C Butler. 
Resolved: To accept the reasons for absence from Borough Councillors J Baxter and C Butler. 

2/4/26 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 – No report received. 
c.    Local Government Association Coastal Group – No updates.   

3/4/26 To receive declarations of interest under the Localism Act 2011 and consider any requests for dispensations 
Declarations of interest were received from 
a.    Cllr T Ashton - Agenda Item 16
b.    Cllr C Law - Agenda Item 17

4/4/26 Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 03 March 2026 to be approved and signed as the minutes
Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting held on 03 March 2026 be approved and signed as a true and accurate record.

5/4/26 Clerk’s Report
a.    Follow-up made with Richard Tice MP’s office regarding mobile phone signal issues. 
b.    Councillor attendance records published on the website. 
c.    AGAR documentation received; internal audit nearing completion.

6/4/26 Chair’s announcements and any relevant updates 
The Chair thanked those Councillors who attended the Recreation Field on 21/03/26. The work carried out was of a high standard and resulted in an estimated saving to the Council of approximately £2,000, compared to engaging a contractor.
Works undertaken included clearance of sections of the dyke, with overgrowth cut back to allow previously backed-up water to flow. The storage container was tidied to enable use by the football club. The car park was levelled and additional stone added to improve drainage and prevent water pooling. The pavilion guttering was also cleaned.
Further areas requiring attention have been identified for future investigation. Councillors advised that a further tidy-up of the dyke running alongside Mel Marshall Way will be undertaken next.

7/4/26 Reports/Updates
a.    General Maintenance Contractor 
Bus shelters on the A52 (Sea Lane and Wrangle) were deep cleaned, including frames, polycarbonate panels, and surrounding areas. It was noted that the Sea Lane shelter requires regular cleaning due to its location.
Village benches (including the centre of the village and Church End) were cleaned and surrounding vegetation cut back. One bench was noted as requiring repainting. Waste bins were also cleaned.
The parish sign and Jubilee seating area on the A52 were cleaned, with minor moss growth removed. No significant graffiti issues were identified across inspected sites.
Further parish assets have been identified for future deep cleaning, with ongoing maintenance and potential painting/varnishing required to maintain standards.
b.    Litter Picker
It was reported that nine bags of litter had been collected during the previous month. It was noted that fly tipping continues to be an issue at the Recreation Field.

8/4/26 Financial matters:
a.    To authorise payments:
The accounts for payment for April were checked against the invoices to the list, confirmed as correct and signed by Cllrs T Ashton and C Law. It was resolved to authorise the payments. 

b.    To report bank balances
The Clerk had circulated the up-to-date budget figures for the current financial year along with the bank reconciliation to the Councillors prior to the meeting. 
Resolved: To accept the budget figures and bank reconciliation figures. 
The balances of the bank accounts as of 31 March 2026 were confirmed as £7,940.52 in the Current Account, £688.21 in the Jubilee Account and £24,107.56 in the Deposit Account.
c.    To receive an update on setting up online banking
An update was provided regarding the progress of setting up online banking. It was noted that the Council is unable to proceed until at least one additional Councillor has been granted access. Councillors agreed to liaise with Barclays to progress this matter.
d.    To review and update the bank mandate
The bank mandate was reviewed. No amendments were required to the existing signatories. It was noted that Cllrs R Hill and P Wrisdale had requested not to be added to the mandate.
Resolved: That Cllr P Ashton be added to the bank mandate, and that the Clerk arrange for the necessary documentation to be completed.

9/4/26 Recreation Field:
a.    To receive an update on the Football Club
It was agreed that additional keys for the toilet block and pavilion should be cut, with sets to be formally signed out to both the football club and the General Maintenance Contractor.
Resolved: That additional keys be cut and issued accordingly, with a record maintained.
b.    To receive an update on cleaning the dykes and the culvert pipe
The Council considered the quotation received for the cleaning of the dykes and culvert pipe, at a total cost of £2,000. It was noted that Councillors had already undertaken some clearance work, which had improved water flow and reduced the extent of work required by a contractor.
Further dyke clearance would be arranged, with a date to be agreed by Councillors.
c.    To discuss the Litter Bin request sent to Boston Borough Council  
The Council considered the request submitted to Boston Borough Council regarding additional litter bins. All requests had been approved, and quotations received.
Resolved: That an existing litter bin be relocated from the entrance of the Recreation Field to a position near the toilet block at a cost of £31.40, and that two new dual waste litter bins be purchased for the A52, one at the top of Tooley Lane and one in the Camm’s Lane layby, at a total cost of £524.02. It was further resolved to defer a decision on the proposed 240L wheelie bin pending receipt of a quotation.
d.    To discuss the entrance/Car Park
It was noted that the entrance and car park had been levelled and improved by Councillors, and that no further work was required at this time.
e.    To discuss purchasing benches
The Council considered quotations for benches and picnic tables.
Resolved: That the damaged picnic table be replaced with a new table constructed from recycled materials, with a maximum budget of £750, inclusive of fixings and base, and that the Clerk be authorised to make the purchase.
f.    Any other matters 
It was further noted that electrical testing of the pavilion and toilet block is required.
Resolved: That the Clerk obtain quotations for the necessary electrical safety inspections.

10/4/26 To receive an update on siting of two bus shelters on the A52 in the area of Sea Lane junction.
An update was received regarding the siting of two bus shelters on the A52 near Sea Lane junction. It was reported that the bus shelters have now been installed. The Clerk advised that discussions had taken place with the contractor, and that the concrete bases are due to be installed during the current week. It was noted that tarmac will be used for reinstatement works, and that Lincolnshire County Council had confirmed agreement with the works, subject to them being completed to an appropriate standard.

11/4/26 To receive an update on the Community Speed Sign
An update was provided on the Community Speed Sign. It was reported that a data cable has been ordered and is currently awaited. The pole installation had been delayed due to an issue raised by a nearby resident regarding the proposed location, who advised that alterations to their driveway are planned.
It was agreed that the sign would be relocated slightly west of the original position to resolve the issue. The Clerk reported that the matter is being actively progressed, and that the sign is expected to be delivered imminently.

12/4/26 Streetlights – Updates and approval of works
a.    To receive an update on Washdyke Lane streetlight upgrade
b.    To consider approval of the Mill Lane streetlight upgrade  
Boston Borough Council had confirmed that works at both locations are now complete. However, it was noted that the Council is still awaiting a detailed map and full cost breakdown of the works.

13/4/26 To discuss Parish Path grass cutting contracts/tenders.
An inspection of parish paths was carried out on 05 March 2026 by the Clerk and Cllrs B Bowles and R Edwards. It was reported that TJW are currently undertaking cutting of the paths on an interim basis until a formal arrangement is finalised.
It was noted that all paths requiring maintenance have been included within the draft tender document. The Clerk advised that tenders will be issued shortly to ensure quotations are received in advance of the next meeting.

14/4/26 To discuss Anglian Water issues. 
It was agreed that consideration would be given to whether the Anglian Water matters should be escalated through the Flooding Corridor Group.
It was noted that copies of the petition have been forwarded to Anglian Water. It was further agreed that a representative from Anglian Water would be invited to attend the next meeting of the Council to provide an update.

15/4/26 To discuss storage options for Council records and paperwork. 
Councillors discussed whether second-hand fireproof storage solutions may be appropriate and agreed that further enquiries would be made into options used by other parish councils.

8:19pm - Cllr T Ashton left the meeting. 

16/4/26 To review the allotments and associated paperwork.
The Council reviewed the current position in relation to allotments and associated tenancy arrangements. It was reported that another tenant has surrendered their share of the land with immediate effect, resulting in all allotment land currently being vacant.
Following discussion and consideration of information received from Savills regarding the Parish Council’s tenancy agreement, it was:
Resolved: That a meeting be arranged with Savills and the Church Commissioners to review the tenancy arrangements and future use of the allotment land.

8:41pm - Cllr T Ashton returned to the meeting. 

17/4/26 Purchase of lamp post poppies and consideration of sponsored cards 
An update was provided on the Lamp Post Poppies project. It was noted that the project remains ongoing and that a poster has been produced containing relevant information for residents and businesses.
It was agreed that the order for poppies would not be placed until the closing date at the end of May to allow all contributions to be received and processed together.
It was further agreed that local businesses would be contacted to invite sponsorship or donations. Any surplus funds raised will be donated to the Royal British Legion.

18/4/26 To receive and review the updated Asset Register and to consider its adoption.The Council reviewed the updated Asset Register, which had been circulated prior to the meeting. The Register reflects the Council’s asset position as at 31 March 2026.
Following consideration, it was:
Resolved: That the goalposts and nets be removed from the Asset Register, being beyond repair, with a recorded acquisition cost of £1,048.00.
Resolved: That the two new bus shelters installed near Sea Lane, with an acquisition cost of £7,700.00 (excluding VAT), be included within the Asset Register.
Resolved: That the Clerk’s laptop, with an acquisition cost of £250.00 (excluding VAT), be included within the Asset Register.
Resolved: That the updated Asset Register, reflecting the Council’s assets as at 31 March 2026, be approved.
The Council noted that any additions or disposals of assets occurring after 31 March 2026 will be recorded in the next review of the Asset Register.

19/4/26 To discuss the Annual Parish Meeting 
Following discussion, it was:
Resolved: That the Annual Parish Meeting be held in the main hall at Wrangle Parish Hall on Tuesday 5 May 2026 at 6:30pm.
It was agreed that all local community groups would be invited to attend, and that the Parish Coffee Morning would be approached to provide refreshments for the event.

20/4/26 To discuss setting up the following committees:
a.    HR/Staffing Committee 
b.    Recreation Field Committee 
Resolved: That an HR/Staffing Committee and a Recreation Field Committee be established.
It was further agreed that terms of reference for both committees would be drafted and presented at the next meeting, and that membership of each committee would also be agreed at that time.

21/4/26 To receive reports of any highway’s matters
There were no highways matters raised. 

22/4/26 Planning applications received for a decision at this meeting (All plans can be viewed at https://www.boston.gov.uk/planning)
There were no planning applications for consideration at this meeting.

23/4/26 Planning Decisions received from Boston Borough Council 
There was no planning decisions received for this meeting.

24/4/26 Correspondence received, not covered on the agenda
No correspondence was received that was not already covered elsewhere on the agenda. 

25/4/26 Matters for next agenda
No items were raised.

26/4/26 Date of next meeting
It was noted that the Annual Parish Meeting will be held on Tuesday 5 May 2026 at 6:30pm in the main hall at Wrangle Parish Hall.
The Annual Parish Council Meeting will be held on the same evening at 7:00pm in the committee room at Wrangle Parish Hall, followed immediately by an ordinary meeting of the Parish Council.

 9:18pm - The meeting closed. 

Wrangle Parish update April 2026

We continue to update the Clerk with details of funding opportunities for the village. 
We are aware of an increase in rural crime in recent weeks including attempted break ins in several parts of Wrangle including Tooley Lane and the Main Road.  we have passed details of crimes to Borough Council officials and liaising with police and Community Support Officers. The council’s community safety team are looking to visit the PARISH Hall coffee morning in the near future. 
We have had a couple of residents mention speeding along the Main Road. we have advised them to contact our County Councillor and Parish Council to see if anything can be done to help alleviate the issue. 
Cllr Staples as Portfolio holder for communities has launched the Community Nomination scheme where we as Borough councils nominate someone from the community who is an unsung hero and makes a huge contribution to the local community. John has nominated Jackie McGlenn. 

In the borough, 
Boston Borough council and the SELCP are starting to gear up for the introduction of food waste. This is due to launch in September in our area and more details will be given over the next few months. Caddies and bins will be delivered from June/ July. This change has also allowed us the opportunity to look at all the bin routes as some are too big, as you can appreciate with housebuilding in the borough since the last review over 14 years ago. This will result in changes to collection days for the vast majority of residents. New Calanders will be given to residents prior to the changes commencing in September. There will also be a stand at Wrangle and Old Leake shows to discuss food waste changes.  
As a cabinet, we are finalising the criteria to bid for some of the 1.5 million Pride in Place funding. The 3 areas we are looking at are community spaces, such as village halls, Community Spaces, such as parks, and High Street, which isn’t limited to just Boston. 
Work has now started on Wainfleet road on the building of 200 new homes. This site will include 2-4 bed houses including Shared ownership, affordable rent, and 36 specialist retirement properties. 
Rosegarth square is nearing completion of the public realm section of the development. As part of this, the historic 1927, 5 lamps are to be removed in the next couple of weeks and restored. This will include sandblasting, painting and fitting new electrics and fittings so that the feature will once again have 5 lamps. Once finished they will be placed in the Rosegarth scheme near to where the former B and M trolley bay once stood. 

Thank you,
Borough Cllrs J Baxter and C Butler.