2026 Minutes

Minutes of the Annual Parish Council meeting of Wrangle Parish Council held on Tuesday 5th May 2026 at 7:00pm at Wrangle Parish Hall. 

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. 

7:50pm – The Annual Parish Council Meeting commenced. 

1/5/26 Election of the Chair – Receive signed declaration of acceptance of office 
It was proposed by Cllr Law and seconded by Cllr Wrisdale that Cllr T Ashton be elected Chair of Wrangle Parish Council for the ensuing year. Following a show of hands vote, it was:
Resolved: That Cllr T Ashton be elected Chair of Wrangle Parish Council.
Cllr T Ashton signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

2/5/26 To hand over the sealed envelope containing passwords relating to the operation of the administration of the Parish Council. 
The Clerk handed a sealed envelope containing passwords and access information relating to the administration of the Parish Council to the Chair, Cllr T Ashton.
Cllr T Ashton signed to acknowledge receipt of the sealed envelope.
The Clerk advised on the importance of secure storage and handling of the contents.

3/5/26 Election of Vice-Chair – Receive signed declaration of acceptance of office 
It was proposed by Cllr T Ashton and seconded by Cllr Law that Cllr Dickason be elected Vice-Chair of Wrangle Parish Council for the ensuing year. Following a show of hands vote, it was:
Resolved: That Cllr Dickason be elected Vice-Chair of Wrangle Parish Council.
Cllr Dickason signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

4/5/26 Public Forum
To resolve to suspend the meeting for a maximum of 15 minutes, unless directed by the Chair. To allow members of the public to ask questions or make short statements to the Council. 
Resolved: That the meeting move into the Public Forum session.

7:54pm – The Public Forum commenced. 

A resident raised concerns regarding a number of road signs throughout the village which were either damaged or required cleaning. It was noted that some signs had already been reported via FixMyStreet. Residents were encouraged to continue reporting highway matters through the appropriate reporting system.

8:03pm – The Public Forum closed and the Parish Council meeting resumed.

5/5/26 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. 

6/5/26 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.   

7/5/26 To receive declarations of interest under the Localism Act 2011 and consider any requests for dispensations
Declarations of interest were received from 
a.    Cllr C Law - Agenda Item 28
b.    Cllr T Ashton formally withdrew his interest he had previously expressed in the vacant allotments. He explained that his first duty is in providing leadership to the Council. 

8/5/26 Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 07 April 2026 to be approved and signed as the minutes 
Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting held on 07 April 2026 be approved and signed as a true and accurate record.

9/5/26 To review and adopt the Council’s Standing Orders
Resolved: To adopt the Standing Orders. 

10/5/26 To review and adopt the Council’s Financial Regulations 
Resolved: To adopt the Financial Regulations. 

11/5/26 To review the renewal of the Insurance Policy 
The renewal quotation from Hiscox for the period 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2027 was considered at a cost of £2,119.65.
The Clerk queried the fact that the War Memorial appeared on the insurance schedule but was not included within the Asset Register.
Resolved: That the War Memorial be added to the Asset Register and that a review of the Asset Register be included on the next agenda.
Resolved: To renew the Council’s insurance policy with Hiscox for the period 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2027 at a cost of £2,119.65.

12/5/26 To appoint members to represent the Council on outside organisations/community groups for 2026/27 
a.    Parish Hall Committee: Cllr Law
b.    Alenson & Erskine Foundation: Cllr T Ashton
c.    Consolidated Charities: Cllr Bowles
d.    Youth Club: Cllr Edwards 
e.    Recreation Field Management Committee: Cllrs T Ashton and Wrisdale
f.    Wrangle Show Committee: Cllrs Edwards and Seymour

13/5/26 To resolve setting up the following committees:
a.    HR/Staffing Committee
i.    Review and adopt terms of reference, including frequency of meetings
Resolved: To adopt the terms of reference. A minimum of two meetings would be held per year.
ii.    Appoint members to the committee and appoint a Chair for 2026/27 
It was proposed by Cllr T Ashton and seconded by Cllr P Ashton that Cllrs Dickason, Law and Seymour be appointed as the members of the HR/Staffing Committee. Following a show of hands vote, it was:
Resolved: That Cllrs Dickason, Law and Seymour be appointed as the members of the HR/Staffing Committee. 
Resolved: That Cllr Dickason be appointed as the Chair of the HR/Staffing Committee for 2026/27. 

b.    Recreation Field Committee
i.    Review and adopt terms of reference, including frequency of meetings
Resolved: To adopt the terms of reference. A minimum of four meetings would be held per year.
ii.    Appoint members to the committee and appoint a Chair for 2026/27 
It was proposed by Cllr T Ashton and seconded by Cllr Dickason that Cllrs Edwards, Law, Seymour, Wrisdale and P Ashton be appointed as the members of the Recreation Field Committee. Following a show of hands vote, it was:
Resolved: That Cllrs Edwards, Law, Seymour, Wrisdale and P Ashton be appointed as the members of the Recreation Field Committee. 
Resolved: That Cllr P Ashton be appointed as the Chair of the Recreation Field Committee for 2026/27. 

14/5/26 Clerk’s Report
The Clerk had nothing to report. 

15/5/26 To consider the purchase of a printer for the Clerk
Resolved: To allocate a budget of up to £200.00 for the Clerk to purchase a new printer. The printer would subsequently be added to the Asset Register.

16/5/26 Chair’s announcements and any relevant updates 
The Chair had nothing to report. 

17/5/26 Reports/Updates
a.    General Maintenance Contractor 
The General Maintenance Contractor reported that the Spinney and Orchard Walk bridge had been cleared of vegetation growth and the signage cleaned.
The wooden bus shelter near Wrangle Parish Hall had been deep cleaned and power washed. Graffiti inside the shelter was noted and it was advised that this could be addressed through re-staining the wood.
The Parish Council noticeboard had been cleaned and inspected. No graffiti or damage was identified, although the wooden frame was beginning to show signs of wear.
Ivy had been cut back from the gateway fence and bridge area at Wrangle Youth Club. No graffiti or damage had been identified.
Routine inspections and maintenance works continue to be undertaken to ensure village assets remain clean, safe and presentable. Inspection checklists would be submitted to the Clerk upon completion.
It was noted that some assets now require painting or varnishing due to wear and environmental exposure.
Two broken picnic tables had also been identified at Frank Pitcher Recreation Field.

18/5/26 Financial matters:
a.    To authorise payments and note any income received since the last meeting
The accounts for payment for April were checked against the invoices to the list, confirmed as correct and signed by Cllrs T Ashton and B Bowles. It was resolved to authorise the payments. 

The following income received since the previous meeting was noted:
£6,000.00 – Bus Shelter Grant
£21,055.58 – First Precept Instalment

b.    To receive and approve bank reconciliation and up to date budget figures to the end of April 2026
Due to ongoing technical issues with the Scribe accounting system, the bank reconciliation and updated budget figures were not available for approval at the meeting. The Clerk confirmed that the issues had been reported to Scribe support and the documents would be circulated once resolved.
Resolved: That approval of the bank reconciliation and updated budget figures be deferred until the next meeting.

c.    To receive an update on setting up online banking 
It was noted that Cllr Dickason required assistance from the Clerk in completing the online banking access arrangements. A suitable time would be arranged.

d.    To review and update the bank mandate 
It was noted that the addition of Cllr P Ashton to the bank mandate remained ongoing.

e.    To confirm regular payments from the Council’s bank account 
Resolved: To approve the continuation of regular direct debit payments including EON, Wave Water and Scribe.

19/5/26 Recreation Field:
a.    To receive an update on the Football Club 
Training sessions had recently commenced at the Recreation Field. The Football Club had requested consideration be given to expanding provision to additional age groups.
Following discussion, it was resolved that teams up to and including Under-16 level would be permitted.
It was further resolved that the existing agreement be amended to extend the contract end date until the end of September 2026 to allow additional time for the club to become established.

8:35pm – One member of the public left the meeting

b.    To receive an update on cleaning the dykes and the culvert pipe
Councillors would arrange a further date to continue dyke clearance works.

c.    To discuss the litter bin quotes received from Boston Borough Council  
The revised quotation for relocating one of the dual waste bins from the entrance of the Recreation Field to near the toilet block was received at a cost of £60.31.
The quotation for a 240L wheelie bin to be located in the Ranch lay-by was received at a cost of £231.61.
Resolved: To proceed with both quotations.

d.    To discuss purchasing benches
Following the identification of three picnic tables which were broken beyond repair, it was:
Resolved: To allocate a budget of up to £1,500.00 for the purchase of two recycled material picnic benches, including all fixtures and fittings.

e.    Any other matters 
It was noted that a meeting had been arranged with an electrician to obtain quotations for electrical testing and advice regarding the meter box.

20/5/26 Internal Audit:
a.    To review the internal auditor’s report 
The Internal Auditor’s report for the financial year ending 31 March 2026 had been circulated prior to the meeting.
The Council noted the significant improvement compared to the previous year’s audit outcome and acknowledged the progress made in strengthening governance and financial procedures.

b.    To resolve to accept the Internal Auditors report for 01/04/25 to 31/03/26. 
Resolved: To accept the Internal Auditor’s report.

c.    To review the corrective action plan 
The Clerk advised that a corrective action plan had been prepared and implementation was underway.
Resolved: That the matter remain on the agenda until all actions had been completed. 

21/5/26 Annual Governance & Accountability Return 2025/26
a.    To approve Section 1 – Annual Governance Statement 2025/26 and for this to be signed by the Chair and Clerk
Resolved: To approve Section 1 – Annual Governance Statement 2025/26.
The Council reviewed the assertions contained within the statement and the document was signed by the Chair and Clerk.

b.    To approve Section 2 – Accounting Statements 2025/26 and for this to be signed by the Chair (already approved and signed by the RFO)  
Resolved: To approve Section 2 – Accounting Statements 2025/26, previously signed by the Responsible Financial Officer, and for the Chair to sign the statements on behalf of the Council.
Resolved: To approve the restated figures for the previous financial year. It was noted that “Total Other Receipts” and “All Other Payments” on the previous year’s Accounting Statements had both been understated by £185.00.

c.    To note the dates for the period for the exercise of public rights, as set by the RFO
Resolved: To approve the period for the exercise of public rights from Wednesday 3rd June 2026 to Tuesday 14th July 2026.

22/5/26 To receive an update on siting of two bus shelters on the A52 in the area of Sea Lane junction.
It was reported that the shelters had been installed and the associated grant funding received. Installation of the bases remained outstanding.

23/5/26 To receive an update on the Community Speed Sign
It was reported that the pole had been installed and the speed sign was due to be installed on Wednesday 6th May 2026.

24/5/26 To discuss Parish Path grass cutting contracts/tenders
The quotations received for the Parish Path grass cutting contract were considered by the Council.
Resolved: To appoint Lucy’s Lawns to undertake the Parish Path grass cutting contract.

25/5/26 To note an update on Anglian Water issues 
The Clerk advised that it had not been possible to secure attendance from an Anglian Water representative at a Parish Council meeting.
It was noted that the current works being undertaken to install a new water main may bring some local improvements, although further works were still being considered.

26/5/26 To receive an update on the storage options for Council records and paperwork  
The Clerk advised that quotations continued to be sourced.

27/5/26 To receive an update on the allotments and associated paperwork
A meeting with Savills had been offered.
Resolved: To defer the meeting until further information and advice had been obtained.

28/5/26 To note an update on lamp post poppies and sponsored cards.
The project remains ongoing.

29/5/26 To review the Annual Parish Meeting 
Resolved: That the Parish Council reimburse the Coffee Morning group for refreshments provided at the Annual Parish Meeting.
Councillors agreed that the event had been a success and noted that future events would be organised further in advance with additional publicity.

30/5/26 To receive reports of any highway’s matters
Councillors noted that vehicle speeds through the village continued to be a concern.
The Clerk would contact the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership for further advice and information, including whether the village was currently under review due to the recent accidents within the area.
The Partnership would also be invited to attend a future Parish Council meeting.

31/5/26 Planning applications received for a decision at this meeting (All plans can be viewed at https://www.boston.gov.uk/planning)
Application Number    Location    Development Description    Applicant Name    Registered Date
B/26/0172    Off Sea Lane, Wrangle, Boston PE22 9HE    Exemption application under the Electricity Act 1989: The Overhead Lines (Exemption)(England and Wales) Regulations 2009/Planning Act 2008 for the proposed replacement of Low Voltage Poles and Overhead Lines    National Grid    27/03/2026

32/5/26 Planning Decisions received from Boston Borough Council 
Application Number    Location    Development Description    Applicant Name    Decision
B/26/0172    Off Sea Lane, Wrangle, Boston PE22 9HE    Exemption application under the Electricity Act 1989: The Overhead Lines (Exemption) (England and Wales) Regulations 2009/Planning Act 2008 for the proposed replacement of Low Voltage Poles and Overhead Lines    National Grid    BBC Cons. Response - No objections
B/25/0167    Staples Brother Ltd, Marsh Farm, Sea Lane, Wrangle, Boston, PE22 9HE    Application for Hazardous Substances Consent    Staples Brother Ltd    Favourable with conditions

33/5/26 Correspondence received, not covered on the agenda
No correspondence was received that was not already covered elsewhere on the agenda. 

34/5/26 Matters for next agenda
-    Setting up a Parish Council Facebook page.

35/5/26 Date of next meeting
The next meeting of Wrangle Parish Council will be held on Tuesday 2nd June 2026 at 7:00pm.

9:42pm - The meeting closed. 

WRANGLE PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE MAY 2026

At a recent coffee morning in parish hall, we have arranged that the Community Security Officer attended

Callum contacted our County Councillor following many comments on social media and contacts about speed limits and safety of roads in the Village following the fatal crash on main road.

We have nominated Trevor Wilkinson and Jacqui McGlen for Boston Volunteer Recognition Awards.

New waste arrangements-Council officers will be attending local events-Coffee Morning and Wrangle show.

Renters Rights Act starts 1st May.

Pride of Funding Impact Fund-To be discussed at Cabinet and may be funding available to Parish Council.

Rosegarth works going well and old five lamps to be moved there soon after renovation.

May 2nd to 9th is May Fair.

Street Lighting map and works-Officers continue to work on this.

Environmental Crime Team Hotspot and consultation taking place on protection order for Dog Owners in Public Places

Heating Oil Support is available through the Crisis and Resilience Fund

Boston has entered the Town of Culture competition

Funding-we keep sending Becca funding opportunities and recently information on how to nominate residents for a Royal Garden Party.

Callum has given updates on Bins for Dog Poo collection

We have recently attended local events-Quiz night and Bingo etc.

John is now a member of Old Leake Medical Centre PPG

We have arranged walk rounds of our ward with the PSPO, CSO and Parish Clerk attending as well as Security specialist

We use our Social Media sites to advertise the AGM, Poppies and appeal for loan of a noticeboard

Callum and John