2026 Minutes

MINUTES OF THE DORRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

Monday 14 September 2026

Present; Cllrs Gray (Chair) (TG), Cllrs Unwin (SU), Drury (BD), Darby (PB) and Bell (PB)

In Attendance: Gerald Garton, Clerk and Proper Office

Public Forum:  No members of the public present.

1    Chairperson's welcome: 053/26: The Chairman welcomed everyone to the       meeting.

2   Apologies and reasons for absence: 054/26: None

3    Declarations of interest in agenda items: 055/26: None

4.   Notes of previous meeting held on 13 and 30 July 2026: 056/26:   These were proposed by PB and seconded by TG that the notes be accepted as a true record. Signed by the        Chairman.

4   Planning: 057/26: - 26/0890/FUL Chicken House on Land to west of Arm     Poultry site 3. No objections

                       Planning subcommittee report. 2 plots identified in Register of Interest in planning areas.

      6 Finance: 058/26:    The Clerk had circulated the reconciliation prior                 

Since last meeting the following amounts including VAT were approved:

                        Clerk’s expense                £      108.40

                       Chapel rent                        £       60.00

                       Grass cutting                      £      874.80

                        Community Heartbeat         £      108.40

                        Playsafety RoSPA               £      208.80

                        Cloud Next domain              £       59.98

                        Cloud Next hosting             £       60.00

                        Clerk’s quarterly salary       £      503.05

                        HMRC                                 £     125.80

The Bank Balance is currently £22,365.06

In the absence of Cllr Hayes the above payments were authorised and signed by BD and TG.

To decide on third bank signatory. TG volunteered to be the third signatory. Clerk to organiser.

          To appoint a Finance Administrator as per para 1.9 of Practitioner Guide.

  Points noted but no further action. Presently the role of chairman and RFO are carried out by separate individuals.

Agreed on clerk training provided by LALC for digital completion of AGAR reports with any necessary costs.

7 Playing Field: 059/26: - Consider RoSPA report. TG has inspected the equipment, and it is considered that there are no urgent issues, but spare parts have been        ordered from Freshairfitness. TG explained that provided the PC regularly inspect the equipment to ensure that any risk elements are identified and any subsequent remedial action taken.

Parking on Playgarth is an issue with vehicles parking on verge and path due to narrow access road to residential properties. Public notification is necessary to highlight need to eliminate nuisance parking. PB offered to compose notice for public display.

The monthly inspections report has been updated and are in use. Bird perching prevention strips yet to be installed.

Report by Playing Field sub committee

8 Highway issues: 060/26: - LCC response for yellow lines parking restrictions at B1188 junction. No further action unless there is documented proof of any accidents that have occurred during to parking issues. No response received from LCC about path and road boundary at shop junction. This need drawing to the attention of our County Councillor

9 Co-option of Parish Councillor: 061/26 -following resignation NKDC have given us permission to co-opt. Vacancy poster will be put up with a closing date of four weeks from publication. Also added to web site.

10 Parish Council Laptop: 062/26 – A reconditioned Dell laptop has been purchased from Ink and Toner Ruskington, and they have successfully recovered all data and settings from the old laptop.

11 The Waver: 063/26 – PB reported that her search of land registry confirms that the Waver is not registered. TG reported that following research it is possible to claim adverse procession of the grass areas surrounding the Waver and the hence apply for land registry. He offered to forward the documents to SU for his consideration. The forming of a sub committee was put on hold.

12 Response to Prof Rory Waterman 064/26: - A response has been sent based on a draft prepared by SU. An additional comment was added concerning the need to consult with Dorrington PCC regarding a convenance for any signage at the church. Prof Rory Waterman has responded and acknowledged the convenance issue and will negotiate placing of signs with the PC once he has obtained funding.

13 Correspondence: 065/26: - NKDC County Council reorganisation which has subsequently been cancelled by Parliament.

                                               LCC Salt Bags noted. Councillors to check grit bins and if necessary, replenish using Fixmystreet.

                                               NHS Community Services reorganisation noted

                                               National Allotment Society survey noted

                                               LCC Road Closure 7.10.2026 for Anglian Water,

                                              James Dexter aid station confirming litter prevention.

14 Items for next agenda: - 066/26: - Picnic table/bench for Playgarth. Shop road and path boundary for the attention of county councillor.

15 To resolve to move into confidential session: 067/26:  Notification of clerk’s salary annual increase from 1.4.2026 has been published by LALC

16 Confidential notes 068/26: To consider the annual increase hourly rate from £16.12 to £16.62. Noted.

17 Date and time of next meeting: 069/26: 9 November 2026 at 7.00pm

 There being no further business the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 20.40.