July 2026 Minutes
Fleet Parish Council
Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held on 20th July 2026 at 7.00pm
Councillors present: Councillors Barnes (Chair), Dickey, Hammersley, C Penney, E Penney
Also present: 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
A member of the public offered thanks to the Parish Council for arranging the relocation of a dog waste bin on the playing field.
A parishioner requested that the layout of the football pitches be looked at to try and stop balls being kicked into their garden. It was also discussed whether a five-a-side pitch might be useful.
The lack of waste bins along Fleet Road was noted – the supply and emptying of waste bins is a SHDC function.
Speed limits throughout the parish being ignored – enforcement is the responsibility of the Police. Painted roundels on the road surface are being sought from Highways dept.
Parking outside the service station was discussed, LCC and SHDC are aware and the matter is ongoing.
The lack of road sweepers and roadside weed control was noted.
Cllr N Carey, LCC:
No report
Cllr P Barnes, SHDC:
A booking system is to be introduced at the refuse tips, Cllr Barnes objected to the proposal as it is designed to reduce the amount of waste despite the rapid increase in population, leading to the risk of increased fly tipping. A local registration scheme to exclude vehicles from outside the area would be advantageous.
Local Government Reorganisation is confirmed with South Holland forming part of a large unitary authority covering the majority of Lincolnshire. It is important that our Parish receives a fair slice of the cake. The wards will change and the number of Councillors reduce.
Agenda Item 1: To receive, consider and accept apologies for absence.
Cllr N Carey, LCC. All Parish Councillors were present and the meeting was 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.
None
Agenda Item 3: Receive declarations of interest on agenda items.
No declarations were made.
Agenda Item 4: Approve the minutes of the meeting on 15th June 2026
After discussion around the payment to SHPVCS the minutes were accepted by acclaim and duly signed by the Chair. Prop Cllr Barnes, Sec Cllr C Penney (Minute reference 26/035)
Agenda Item 5: Financial Matters
a. Reconciliation of Bank account for June 2026
The reconciliation was agreed as correct by acclaim and signed by the Chair. Prop Cllr C Penney, Sec Cllr E Penney, all in favour. (Minute reference 26/036)
b. Payment of invoices
See list attached
The payments list was approved by acclaim, Prop Cllr C Penney, Sec Cllr E Penney, all in favour. (Minute reference 26/037)
Agenda Item 6: To receive reports from:
a. Playing Field & Pavilion Working Party
The roundabout has been serviced, the bearings are grinding as the grease nipples weren’t fitted on installation, so they haven’t been greased. The Clerk is to take this up with the installers.
The car park is being very well used
The school event on the field was a great success; the vehicle parked to the south of the field was a safety vehicle with permission to park there.
The abandoned vehicle has been collected.
b. Fund Raising and Grants Working Party
The Chair asked Councillors to prepare a wish list of projects (with budget figure) for future planning.
A parishioner suggested a Multi-Use Games Area (cost approx. £100,000)
c. War Memorial & Amenities Working Party (including Cherry Lane)
Some trees at Cherry Lane Orchard need staking
Litter bin sign to be removed
The hedge and fence around the War memorial would benefit from renewal
The steps to the War Memorial need attention
The various flower planters need removal, renewal or repair
The step up to the memorial is loose and potentially dangerous, this is to be reported to Highways via Fix My Street.
i. Cherry Lane Volunteer Project – update
The volunteer works are scheduled for 4th/5th August
Agenda Item 7: Correspondence Received
None
Agenda Item 8: Speedwatch Initiative.
No report this month. The Chair is trying to get activity restarted.
Agenda Item 9: Planning Matters
See the schedule attached.
Full details of all planning matters can be found at www.sholland.gov.uk.
The planning application for commercial-scale waste upcycling facility using black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) bioconversion on Washway Road has been withdrawn.
Agenda Item 10: Forward Planning & Events
a. Fleet School Sports Day – 19th June 2026
The event was great success, the parking filled up quickly
b. SHDC Activity Fun Day – 27th July 2026
This is a turnkey event with the SHDC team simply needing access to the toilets. The Parish Council will have a cake stall in the pavilion
c. Use of pavilion for tea/coffee service
There has been minimal demand, so service is currently suspended
d. Parish Yard Sale – 16th August 2026
A number of expressions of interest have been received; work has started organising the event.
e. Future use of the car park
Following an informal Parish poll, Farmers Markets were a popular choice, so work has started to organise a taster event.
f. Summer Fete Sunday 13th June 2027
Bookings are already coming in from stalls and entertainment for this popular event
Agenda Item 11. Resolve to go into Closed session to discuss
a. Future development and potential assets
Various options were discussed for future projects
b. Appointment of the Clerk on a permanent basis following a probationary period
Confirmation of appointment was agreed by acclaim. It was resolved that the Clerk’s contract be amended at point 9.4 that salary in arrears be paid on the last day of each month rather than on the 12th of the following month. This is an administrative change only, to ensure that salary payments fall into the correct accounting month. (Minute reference 26/038)
Agenda Item 12. To Note Date of Next Meeting
Monday 21st September 2026, Gedney Hill Memorial Hall at 7.00pm
Meeting Closed: 8.50 pm.