2026 Minutes

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

Present: Cllrs T Ashton (Chair), D Dickason, R Edwards, C Law, S Seymour, P Wrisdale and P Ashton.

Absent with apologies: Cllr Bowles.

Absent without apologies: Cllr Hill.  

Also Present: Borough Cllr J Baxter and Parish Clerk - R Herberts.

Public Forum

There were nine members of the public present.

The following matters were raised:

• Planning application B/26/0259: Concerns were raised regarding existing flooding and drainage issues, including concerns that the development site is at a lower level. Residents referred to a Flood Risk Assessment undertaken in 2017 and requested that this be reviewed in light of current conditions. It was noted that Witham Fourth had been contacted regarding drainage and that residents had submitted comments to Boston Borough Council's Planning Department. The Council would consider the application under agenda item 19.
• Anglian Water: Concerns were raised regarding low water pressure in the village.
• Community Speed Sign: Concerns were raised that the sign had not resulted in a noticeable reduction in vehicle speeds through the village.

7:15pm – Three members of the public left the meeting. The Public Forum was closed and the Parish Council meeting commenced.

1/7/26 To receive and accept apologies and approve reasons for absence

Resolved: To accept and approve the reasons for absence from Cllr Bowles.

Received: Apologies from Borough Cllr Butler.  

Noted: That no apology or communication was received from Cllr Hill.

2/7/26 To receive reports from representatives on outside bodies:

1. Borough Councillors - A written report was received and is appended to the minutes.
2. County Councillor – No report received.
3. Local Government Association Coastal Group – No updates.  

3/7/26 To receive declarations of interest under the Localism Act 2011 and consider any requests for dispensations

Cllr Edwards declared an interest in the planning application relating to land off Tooley Lane.

Cllr Law declared an interest in agenda item 16.

4/7/26 Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 02 June 2026 to be approved and signed as the minutes

Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting held on 02 June 2026 be approved and signed as a true and accurate record.

5/7/26 Clerk’s Report

The Clerk reported that the noticeboard at the Parish Hall was damaged and did not lock properly. The possibility of replacing the noticeboard with a new one was discussed.

Resolved: To obtain a quotation for a replacement noticeboard and ask the Parish Hall Committee whether it would be willing to contribute 50% of the cost.

1. Councillors to review and update their Register of Interests forms where necessary.

The Clerk advised that councillors were required by Boston Borough Council to review and update their Register of Interests forms where necessary.

Action: Councillors to review and update their Register of Interests forms as required.

6/7/26 Chair’s announcements and any relevant updates

The Chair reported the sad news of the passing of Frank Pickett.

The Parish Council formally recorded its sadness at his passing. Flowers had been sent to his wife, Sandra, on behalf of Wrangle and Old Leake Parish Councils.

7/7/26 Committee Reports

1. HR/Staffing Committee

No report was received.

2. Recreation Field Committee - to consider outstanding matters including:
   1. Installation of replacement benches: Replacement benches had not yet been purchased as it was proposed that they could potentially form part of an application to the Pride in Place funding scheme.
   2. Electrical testing: SJG would undertake electrical testing within the next two weeks and would also advise on the condition of the meter box.

The cost of the testing was not yet known. Once testing had been completed, quotations could be obtained for any necessary works to the electrical installation and meter box.

3. Vandalism at the Recreation Field, including replacement of the damaged pavilion door and any associated expenditure: The damaged pavilion door was discussed, including the type of replacement door required.

Resolved: To authorise the Clerk to arrange for the replacement of the damaged pavilion door, with a budget of up to £1,250.00, and for the replacement door to be a metal fire door meeting the appropriate requirements.

Action: Clerk to obtain/arrange the replacement door and associated works within the approved budget.

4. To consider security and operational matters relating to the Recreation Field: Issues with the combination padlock were discussed.
5. 5. To consider the annual play area inspection and approve the associated expenditure: The Council discussed the annual play area inspection. ROSPA, which had undertaken the previous inspection, had quoted £166.00 plus VAT. The inspection was expected to take place in August.

Resolved: To request that ROSPA go ahead with the inspection.

8/7/26 Reports and Updates

1. General Maintenance Contractor

The contractor's report had been circulated to councillors.

Works undertaken included:

• Preparation, cleaning and general tidying of the Recreation Field in advance of the Wrangle Show.
• Cleaning of the toilet block and removal of overgrown vegetation behind the block.
• Cleaning and tidying of the football pavilion, including signage and front doors.
• Strimming around the bottle bank.
• Cleaning of the pavilion doors.
• Regular maintenance of parish areas, including cleaning and strimming around bus shelters.
• Repair to the front wooden slats of the bus shelter adjacent to the Village Hall.
• Strimming of the Youth Club car park.
• Maintenance of the bridge fence and removal of overgrowth.
• Regular maintenance of Spinney and Orchard bridges.
• Cleaning of parish signage.
• Tidying and cleaning around the war memorial at the church end of the village.

The contractor also reported damage to parish property, including a wooden bus shelter panel which had been removed and discarded in nearby vegetation. The panel had been repaired using screws.

An attempted break-in had also damaged the pavilion back door, which had been boarded to make the building safe.

2. Wrangle Northern Star – Football Club

No further communication had been received.

The toilet block keys had been removed so that the Football Club could arrange for its own set to be cut. This had resulted in the keys not being available when the handyman required access to clean the toilet block.

Action: Invite representatives of Wrangle Northern Star Football Club to attend the September meeting with all relevant documentation for the Council to review.

8:06pm – Four members of the public left the meeting.

9/7/26 Financial matters:

1. To authorise payments for July and August and note any income received since the last meeting

The accounts for payment for July were checked against the invoices to the list, confirmed as correct and signed by Cllrs T Ashton and R Edwards.

Resolved: To authorise the July payments as presented.

Resolved: To grant the Clerk delegated authority to make the approved August payments.

The following income received since the previous meeting was noted:

• £10.00 towards the Poppy sponsorship scheme. A total of £90.00 had been collected for Poppy sponsorship and would be paid into the Council's bank account.
• £68.69 interest received on the business account.

2. To receive and approve bank reconciliation and up to date budget figures to the end of June 2026

The Clerk advised that the bank reconciliation and budget monitoring information had been circulated prior to the meeting.

Resolved: To approve the bank reconciliation and budget monitoring information.

3. To receive an update on setting up online banking

The Clerk reported that Cllrs Dickason and Law had successfully established access to the Council's online banking system.

It was reported that online payments would be trialled following the July meeting. Cllr Edwards had also established access. Cllr P Ashton was to complete the process.

4. To review and update the bank mandate

Cllr P Ashton would complete the process of setting up access to the online banking system.

10/7/26 To consider potential applications for external funding

The Council discussed potential applications to the Pride in Place funding scheme, including replacement benches and additional play equipment. The possibility of incorporating this with other available funding was also discussed.

The potential installation of a bicycle rack was also raised.

The Council discussed potential projects for the funding scheme, including additional play equipment and replacement benches.

Caloo, who had installed the existing play equipment, had been contacted for recommendations regarding potential additions, including farm-themed equipment and equipment suitable for toddlers and pre-school children.

It was noted that there may be limited time to obtain quotations and complete the application within the funding deadline.

11/7/26 To receive an update on siting of two bus shelters on the A52 in the area of Sea Lane junction.

One base had now been installed.

The contractor had been contacted and would arrange for the second base to be installed within the following two weeks.

12/7/26 To receive an update on the Community Speed Sign

The sourcing of a suitable battery was ongoing, together with obtaining quotations for the mounting brackets.

The latest speed monitoring data was presented.

Action: The speed monitoring data would be published on the Parish Council website and in the September parish magazine.

13/7/26 To note an update on Anglian Water issues

No further updates were available. The matter had also been raised during the Public Forum.

14/7/26 To receive an update on the storage options for Council records and paperwork 

The Council discussed storage requirements for Parish Council records.

Advice had been received from LALC regarding the use of fireproof storage for important Council records, including minute books, deeds and financial records not held electronically. Other records could be retained in a standard filing cabinet.

The Clerk would clarify arrangements regarding the existing filing cabinet with Jackie and would check the required dimensions for fireproof storage for the minute books. An estimated cost of £30–£40 was discussed.

Resolved: To purchase fireproof storage for the Clerk's Council records held at home and to discuss further storage arrangements with the Parish Hall.

15/7/26 To receive an update on the allotments and associated paperwork

Negotiations with Savills regarding the allotments remained ongoing. Further information would be provided when available.

Resolved: To move into confidential session at 8:54pm to consider the confidential matter.

The meeting resumed at 9:11pm.

16/7/26 To note an update on lamp post poppies and sponsored cards.

The project remained ongoing.

An advertisement had been placed in the Wrangle Parish Magazine.

Action: Contact Lincolnshire County Council to confirm whether lamp post poppies could be installed on selected lamp posts along the A52.

17/7/26 To review recent community engagement activities, including the Annual Parish Meeting and Wrangle Show, and consider any actions arising.

The Council discussed the forthcoming coffee mornings and events at the Parish Hall.

It was suggested that these events would provide an opportunity to promote the Village Survey and encourage residents to submit responses.

8:05pm – Three members of the public left the meeting.

18/7/26 To receive reports of any highway’s matters

1. A Freedom of Information request had been circulated to councillors.
2. The Clerk reported that a quotation of £350.00 plus VAT had been received for repairs to the streetlight outside 14 Mill Lodge, Mill Lane.

Resolved: To proceed with the repair to the streetlight outside 14 Mill Lodge, Mill Lane, at a cost of £350.00 plus VAT.

9:23pm – Cllr Edwards left the meeting

19/7/26 Planning applications received for a decision at this meeting (All plans can be viewed at https://www.boston.gov.uk/planning)

Application Number: B/26/0259

Location: Land off Tooley Lane, Wrangle, Boston, PE22 9BL

Development Description: Application for the approval of reserved matters (Appearance, Landscaping and Scale) following outline approval B/22/0306. (Major – Approval of Reserved Matters).

Response: The Council considered the application and the concerns raised by residents during the Public Forum.

Resolved: To object to planning application B/26/0259 and submit the following response to Boston Borough Council's Planning Department.

‘Whilst the Parish Council acknowledges that the principle of development, and certain matters considered under the outline permission, have already been established, the Council wishes to reiterate its previous objection and continues to object to this application in support of the significant concerns expressed by local residents.

The Parish Council remains concerned that the proposed development will place further pressure on local infrastructure and services, particularly in relation to:

- The use of Tooley Lane as the access route to the development. Residents already experience issues with increased traffic, excessive vehicle speeds and roadside parking, all of which raise highway safety concerns.

- Existing drainage issues along Tooley Lane, where properties and gardens have experienced flooding. The Parish Council is concerned that the development could exacerbate these existing problems.

- The capacity of the local water supply infrastructure. Residents have reported ongoing issues with water pressure, including difficulties using showers, flushing toilets and operating washing machines. The Council is concerned that additional dwellings will place further demand on an already strained network.

- The proposed appearance and layout of the development. The Parish Council considers that the design does not adequately reflect the character or pattern of the adjacent residential development within Wrangle.

The Parish Council also notes that the Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage Report supporting the development was prepared in October 2017. Given the passage of time, changes in national planning guidance, increasing awareness of flood risk, and the occurrence of more frequent extreme weather events, the Council questions whether this assessment remains sufficiently current to inform the determination of this application. The Parish Council requests that the Local Planning Authority considers whether an updated Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage Strategy should be required to reflect current conditions and circumstances before any decision is made.

The Parish Council respectfully requests that these concerns are fully considered in the determination of this application.’

9:51pm – Cllr Edwards returned to the meeting

20/7/26 Planning Decisions received from Boston Borough Council

No planning decisions were received.

21/7/26 Correspondence received, not covered on the agenda

No correspondence was received that was not already covered elsewhere on the agenda.

22/7/26 Matters for next agenda

No additional items were raised for inclusion on the next agenda.

23/7/26 Date of next meeting

The next meeting of Wrangle Parish Council will be held on Tuesday 1st September 2026 at 7:00pm.

9:58pm - The meeting closed.

Wrangle, Parish Council Monthly Update, July

At cabinet report going through to continue with PSPO for dog owners

Callum has been busy around the village cutting grass, trimming bushes and clearing dykes.

We hope the Wrangle show goes well, and it is a sunny day.

We have arranged that Lincs Digital are coming to the coffee morning at the Parish Hall. We have linked this in with the Medical Centre PPG.

We attended a meeting with the Chief Inspector and flagged up policing matters in the village. Have arranged another meeting with various parties/PCSO/CSO in July. We highlighted the recent fatal crash and accidents on the main road. Once again, he said it is so important people report incidents etc on 101.

Following residents comments we have reported overhanging bushes and long verges on fix my street. Promoted this on our social media and comments were that at this time of year rules about not interfering with nature etc

We have attended a briefing with LHP and continue to deal with several issues from tenants in the village.

New Waste arrangements. We have arranged visits to Wrangle Parish Hall coffee morning and our local shows. The waste team will be able to answer questions and give details.

Pride in Place Linked Funds-Now made public and we strongly recommend the parish council, and local organisations submit a bid. We have circulated lots of information to all local groups.

Fix my streets reports outstanding-Many say put the work out to gangs but no action yet. Flagged this up to Cllr Arundell and also a post on our social media site. We have asked him to look at comments on social media and ask if Highways can get a list of such cases as he asked us to list them all which would mean trawling the whole of our villages on the fix my street map.

Anglia water=pressure problems. We have advised everyone who commented on social media or got in touch with us to report issues to AWA.

Unsightly buildings-We have flagged these up to our Planning Enforcement Officer.

LGR talk. Arranging a talk at the Hub in Old Leake but if residents mention this, we could try to arrange a visit to coffee mornings etc.

Events coming up. Boston’s Strongest Man…B Festival-tickets selling quickly. Please look on Boston Borough Council site for full details.

We continue to send information on to the Parish Council as and when we receive it or hear about it-to the Parish Council.

The volume of ward cases referred to us continues and we action them all. Approx 10 a week between both of us.

We have reported fault street signs to the Borough and send fix my street reports for actual road signs.

Our sincere thanks to all those who constantly litter pick in our village.

We are so pleased to see that the Parish Hall committee are constantly arranging events as well as the Church. Also, more events in our Parish Hall. We are so pleased to see this and support them.

We were sorry to hear that Frank has passed away and send our condolences to his family and friends.

Callum and John