Minutes and Agendas 2026

HELPRINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL

clerk@helpringhamparishcouncil.gov.uk

helpringham.parish.lincolnshire.gov.uk

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NOTES for MEETING held on WEDNESDAY 8th JULY 2026 in the Memorial Hall, Helpringham

PRESENT:

Councillors:  Julie Frizzell (Chair), Geoff Hotchkin (Vice-Chairman), George Frizzell, Mark Robinson, Steve Waterfield, John Pittock

Clerk/RFO:  Judy Pittock

County Councillor David East

PUBLIC FORUM

No members of the public were present, however a detailed submission had been received about the George Street junction.  This was read out and it attached to these notes.

The meeting commenced at 7.00pm

54/27  WELCOME REMARKS BY THE CHAIRMAN

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

55/27  APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Cllr Adam Young and it was resolved to accept these.

56/27  SIGNING OF THE MINUTES

It was resolved to accept the Clerk’s notes of the last Parish Council Meeting held on 10th June 2026.

57/27  DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST & DISPENSATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LOCALISM ACT 2011

There were no declarations of interest.

58/27  REPORTS FROM COUNTY and DISTRICT COUNCILLORS

Cllr Russell Jackson had not submitted a report.

Cllr David East reported the following:

• Lincolnshire County Council are releasing the Councillor Community Grant which would be approximately £200 should the Parish Council wish to apply. 
• A Strategic Fund for Communities is also going to be released which allows Parish Councils to apply for a grant between £3000 and £15000 to help with local projects. 
• He has reported the broken bollards on Station Road and requested that a better method of installation is sought.

59/27  CLERK and COUNCILLOR’S REPORTS ON OUTSTANDING MATTERS

To note the items that had been actioned by the Clerk and Councillors since the last meeting and to discuss any that need further action.

Digital Hub – a meeting had been held on 24th July 2026 at the Community Café to scope out the requirements for the hub, check the WiFi connection and agree the date for the first session.  An operational setup was agreed along with simple safeguarding and data-handling procedures.  Attendees will use their own devices. Three volunteers were present and more will be required. 

Accessibility – it was agreed that notices would be put on the Parish Council Facebook page and the noticeboard requesting that residents ensure vegetation does not block footpaths so that they are safe to use.

Community Emergency Plan Volunteers – a request had been put on the Parish Council Facebook page asking for people with 4x4 vehicles to volunteer their time should an emergency occur.  All Parish Councillors who had such vehicles put their names on the volunteer list.

Pond Area – carried over to next meeting as three quotes had not been obtained.

Speed sign data – all signs are working but the data has not yet been downloaded.  A brief discussion was held about putting an additional sign on George Street, this will be added to a future agenda.

60/27  FREEDOM OF THE PARISH OF HELPRINGHAM

It was resolved that Helpringham Parish Council should grant the title of Honorary Freeman of the Parish Of Helpringham to Councillor Geoff Hotchkin in recognition of fifty years of distinguished service, in accordance with Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972.

61/27  PLANNING APPLICATIONS

No planning applications were presented for discussion.

62/27  FINANCE

62/27.1 It was resolved to accept following documents presented by the RFO for Quarter 1/2027:

62/27.2  It was resolved to approve payments presented at the meeting totalling £1358.10 and the payments were processed.       

62/27.3  The following Direct Debit payments since 10/6/26 were noted:

62/27.4  The following receipts since 10/6/26 were noted.

62/27.5  Bank checks by signatories had been carried out.

63/27  INTERNAL AUDIT

It was resolve to appoint Clark’s Clerical Service as the internal auditor for the three years 2026-2029.  The Letter of Engagement was duly signed by Cllr Julie Frizzell and RFO Judy Pittock.

64/27  CEMETERY

Cllr George Frizzell reported since the last meeting:

• Plot K42 – interment on 17/6/26;
• Plot G18 – interment of cremated remains due on 3/8/26;
• Plot V10 – memorial request for an additional inscription;
• Plot J12 – a memorial had been erected;
• Plot I33 – memorial had been approved
• The Topple Test had been completed on 7/7/26 and a paper copy was given to the Clerk for the file.

65/27  HIGHWAY MATTERS

To discuss Highway matters including:

• LCC Traffic Regulations Team had replied to the query sent about the limit of the extension to the 30mph on Station Road.  It was agreed that Cllr Pittock should check the criteria stated in the letter and either reply raising another query or agree that LCC should go ahead. 
• Cllr George Frizzell stated that he would report the obscured 30mph sign on Station Road on FixMyStreet.
• Letters escalating the complaints about LCC Highways procedures and the collapsing part of the B1394 had been sent and acknowledged.
• Flooding by Knott Hall Gardens – Clerk to email Cllr East about the offer made by Rowan Smith from LCC Highways to carry out a one-off clearance of the channel adjacent to the road.
• Overgrown vegetation on railway bridges – the Clerk had contacted Network Rail and they had agreed to cut back the vegetation once nesting season has finished.  It was resolved that the Clerk should write back thanking them but pointing out that the vegetation on Station Road bridge is in fact causing a road safety issue as vehicles have to move towards the centre of the road on a blind bridge to avoid being scratched by the vegetation.
• Cllr Waterfield stated that he would report the overhanging tree on New Street on FixMyStreet
• The following reports that had been made FixMyStreet were noted:

66/27  MATTERS AFFECTING THE VILLAGE/CORRESPONDENCE

To discuss correspondence received and other matters affecting the village including:

• Reservoir – Liaison Committee Meeting 25/6/26 7pm, Scredington Community Centre – this had been postponed.
• George Street junction – it was agreed that this should be passed onto LCC Highways.
• Community Resilience Conference 7/10/26, Petwood Hotel, Woodall Spa – no one can attend.
• Thanks were extended to Malcolm Ternouth and Alan Thompson for replacing the dead cherry tree on East Street.

67/27  ITEMS FOR INCLUSION ON NEXT AGENDA

No additional items were highlighted.

68/27  DATES FOR NEXT MEETING

Date and time of the next meeting –Wednesday 19/8/2026 commencing at 7.30pm. 

All meetings will be held in the Memorial Hall, Helpringham.

The meeting closed at 7.54pm

A printable version of the minutes can be found here