2026 Minutes

Fleet Parish Council

Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held on 20th April 2026 at 7.00pm

Councillors present: Councillors Barnes (Chair), Hammersley, C Penney, E Penney, McKendry

Councillors absent: None.

Also present: Cllr Neil Carey, Lincolnshire County Council, Neil Watson, Clerk & RFO and three members of the public.

PUBLIC FORUM – Incorporating reports from elected members of Lincolnshire County Council & South Holland District Council

The Parish Council meeting followed the Annual Parish Meeting, so no additional public forum took place.

Cllr N Carey, LCC:

The small project funding scheme funding is now available; each County Councillor has a small budget for appropriate projects.

Verge cutting and Planning application PL/0089/25 were both discussed at the preceding meeting and passed forward for further discussion.

Discussion about double yellow lines outside the garage on Fleet Road are still ongoing.

The roadworks on the bend by Little Marsh Lane are not well sign-posted before the blind bend, Cllr Carey will investigate.

Cllr P Barnes, SHDC:

The garden waste bin software issue has been escalated to a senior officer.

Discussions continue with LCC Highways about verge cutting in the Parish.

Agenda Item 1: To receive, consider and accept apologies for absence.

No apologies as all Councillors present, meeting is quorate.

Agenda Item 2: Receive applications (if any) for the office of Parish Councillor and to co-opt a candidate to fill the existing vacancy.

Mr Stephen Dickey offered himself for co-option, he was accepted by acclaim. He completed his acceptance of office and joined other Councillors for the rest of the meeting. (Minute reference 26/017)

Agenda Item 3: Receive declarations of interest on agenda items.

No declarations were made.

Agenda Item 4: Approve the minutes of the meeting on 16th March 2026

The minutes were accepted by acclaim and duly signed by the Chair. Prop Cllr E Penney, Sec Cllr Hammersley (Minute reference 26/018)

Agenda Item 5: Financial Matters

a. Reconciliation of Bank account for March 2026

The reconciliation was agreed as correct by acclaim and signed by the Chair. Prop Cllr C Penney, Sec Cllr E Penney (Minute reference 26/019)

b. Payment of invoices

The payments list 

Electricity to pavilion 17/03/2026 Electricity to pavilion EDF Energy £147.26

Bank Charges 31/03/2026 Bank Service Charge Unity Trust Bank £7.00

was agreed by acclaim (Minute reference 26/020)

Agenda Item 6: Reports on or from:

a. Playing Field and Pavilion Working Party

b. Pavilion Refurbishment

c. Installation of benches and tables

d. Fund Raising and Grants Working Party

e. Submitted Grant Applications

f. War Memorial & Amenities Working Party (including Cherry Lane)

g. Observations following asset inspections.

Cllr Barnes gave a consolidated report as follows:

The external painting of the pavilion windows is still ongoing.

The pavilion and container need sorting for retention or disposal

One quote has been received for a weekly cleaner, but it is too expensive.

A quotation is awaited for the installation of the benches and a hard standing at the playground entrance.

The roundabout needs servicing, Clerk to investigate. 

It was suggested that the floodlighting positions be reviewed now the pavilion work is complete to make use of the pitch more practical – it was noted that the pitch would need attention to bring it up to competition standard.

The Football Foundation grant was declined as the works proposed weren’t specific to encouraging women’s football.

A further grant round for UKSPF has just been announced, a zip wire would be an attractive addition to the playground – the Clerk has arranged for quotations to be prepared.

Cllr C Penney reported that the fence at Cherry Lane would benefit from repainting, this could be an ideal project for funding by Cllr Carey (see his report above). Cllr E Penney said that the war memorial is looking lovely now spring has arrived.

Agenda Item 7: Correspondence Received

None not on the agenda

Agenda Item 8: Speedwatch Initiative.

The sign is ready to be put up on Foxes Low Road. Sessions have been sparse during the winter but will hopefully ramp up now.

The Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership 30mph warning signs have arrived and will be erected as required.

Agenda Item 9: Planning Matters

See the schedule attached.

Full details of all planning matters can be found at www.sholland.gov.uk.

Agenda Item 10: Forward Planning & Events

a. Fleet Summer Fete 14th June 2026

Cllr McKendry gave an update on progress with the arrangements. 3 banners have been ordered; we have a number of stalls booked plus multiple food stalls and bands. Security is booked; there will be a dog show, children’s trail and classic cars.

A fete update meeting will be held at the Parish Pavilion on Thursday 30th April at 7.00pm

Agenda Item 11. To Note Date of Next Meeting

Annual Parish Council Meeting - Tuesday 19th May 2026 at Gedney Hill Memorial Hall

Item 12. The press and public were excluded for Councillors to consider quotations received for the works on the car park extension. It was agreed by acclaim to accept the quotation from Breaker Surfacing, works to be completed by the end of May 2026. (Minute reference 26/021)

Meeting Closed: 8.20 pm.