18th March 2026 DRAFT
Present: Cllrs D.Walby (Chair), M.Walby, O.Marshall, N.Marshall, C. Robinson, H. Poulton
Not Present: Cllr M.Rodgers.
Clerk: A. Everard
Members of Public present: One
37/26 Opening remarks by the Chair of Mareham le Fen Parish Council
The Chair welcomed all to the meeting.
38/26. Apologies for absence with reason given
Cllr M. Rodgers apology was noted but not approved and that he had not attended a meeting since 15th October 2025.
39/26. Declaration of Members’ interests in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 and requests for dispensations. Councillors are reminded that they must complete a Register of Interests for themselves and any partner within 28 days of election/ co-option and also have a duty to amend their register within 28 days of a change in circumstances to be submitted to the Clerk.
None.
40/26. To receive the draft minutes to be approved as the minutes of the meeting held on 23rd February 2026.
Apologies approved for Cllrs H.Poulton and C.Robinson. Proposed Cllr O. Marshall, seconded Cllr M.Walby RESOLVED to approve as amended and signed by the Chair.
41/26. Matters arising from the minutes of 23rd February 2026 and Clerk’s updates not already on this agenda.
Cllr Robinson advised that the council had not fully understood the planning applications as the objections to the footpath diversion and Village Hall were not consistent with previous comments submitted by the parish council and were opposite to the desired outcome.
42/26. ELDC and LCC councillors invited by the Chair to make verbal or written reports on local matters.
ELDC District Councillor Foster sent apologies.
LCC County Councillor Roberts advised that investigations into the Watery Lane overflowing water were being investigated; LCC Highways will be undertaking works at the Chapel Lane/Main Steet junction to fix drainage; potholes and other highways matters should be reported through FixMyStreet; the parking area outside the school is not well designed but investigations have not identified a better solution; bus stops – the one outside the Memorial Lawn is not being used as car parked there and bus seems to stop informally on Watery Lane. Will continue to monitor this.
43/26. Planning matters
a) 00038/26/RVC - Former Mareham Le Fen Village Hall Main Street Mareham Le Fen Lincolnshire PE22 7RW - Section 73 application to vary condition no. 3 (approved plans) and to remove condition no.4 (public highway alterations) previously approved under Outline Planning Permission ref. no. S/114/01098/22 for the erection of a bungalow (with access, landscaping, layout and scale to be considered) existing building on site to be demolished.
Parish Council: Objected
ELDC: Decision awaited. Noted no change since previous meeting.
44/26. Highway, footpath, and drainage matters affecting the parish.
a) Clerk’s report on the recent Highway Officer’s visit to Mareham le Fen and to receive further feedback.
Highways Officer advised that the number of people crossing Main Street near the shop was insufficient for a permanent crossing. Parish Councillors will monitor number of adults and children crossing roads and bring to the Annual Parish Meeting. Councillors also concluded that the bench opposite the shop could not be moved but perhaps a bin might be located there to reduce risk of litter invading nearby residents’ gardens. Due to some parking issues along Horncastle Road councillors would prefer to see LCC’s original proposals for double yellow lines up to the Community Centre if possible.
b) To note the location of bins in the village and consider any further location changes.
Noted current ELDC list. Councillors will map where the existing provision is located.
c) To note the location of bus stops and consider further changes in light of LCC’s bus stop £3,000 grant fund.
Noted. Councillors will investigate the locations and bus services.
d) To note the recent Watery Lane drainage issues and consider any further steps.
Noted that Cllr Roberts had reported the LCC investigations so the council will await feedback from that work.
e) To consider any FixMyStreet local issues
Current issues listed were noted. No escalation actions required. County Councillor Roberts was monitoring.
45/26. Financial Matters
a) To consider payments on the payments schedule
Welton Garden Services - £924; Elan City £9413.50. Proposed Cllr Poulton, seconded Cllr O.Marshall £9413.50.
b) To note bank balances and bank reconciliation.
Council noted deposit £29560.26; current £4273.45.
c) To approve bank mandate changes and Board Resolution required by the bank.
Proposed Cllr Robinson, seconded D.Walby RESOLVED to add Cllr Robinson to the bank mandate.
46/26. Defibrillators
To consider the locations, costs and maintenance of defibrillators in the village.
(Cllr M.Walby left the meeting at 8.55pm and returned at 9pm during this agenda item).
After debate of previous minute 74/24 it was proposed Cllr O.Marshall, seconded Cllr Poulton RESOLVED that the defibrillator at Tumby Woodside and the Community Centre will be maintained and paid for by the Parish Council directly and Clerk will conduct the checks (as LIVES no longer operates a Guardianship service). The defibrillator from the Bowls Club is to be moved and the Clerk is to investigate locations with the Bowls Club, shop and pub with the intention that it will then be maintained by the Parish Council once in position.
47/26. Local Government Reorganisation
To consider the latest proposals out for consultation.
Noted. No comments.
48/26. Assertion 10
a) To consider the requirements of Assertion 10 and compliance.
Parish Council noted the requirements and noted progress made to meet compliance standard.
b) To consider website accessibility statement.
Proposed Cllr O.Marshall, seconded Cllr Poulton RESOLVED to adopt.
49/26. Grass-cutting
a) To consider the LCC grass-cutting maps and proposal for 2026 grass-cutting season.
Council noted the revised maps had been received. They will be on show at the Annual Parish Meeting.
b) To consider the grass-cutting fee of the contractor in second year of operation.
Proposed Cllr M.Walby, seconded Cllr Robinson RESOLVED to offer increased fees in line with RPIX increase at 3.7% in accordance with the terms of the council’s two-year contract.
50/26. Risk Register
To consider the Parish Council’s Risk Register.
Parish Council considered the Risk Register. After debate the Clerk is to review the Risk Register to consider amalgamating some items and including Assertion 10 and to reconsider some of the risk outcomes.
51/26. Annual Parish Meeting
To consider the public meeting and invite LCC to deliver a demonstration of the new local flood monitoring equipment.
RESOLVED to delegate the date to be fixed by the Clerk in consultation with the Community Centre possibly 29th April 2026 if LCC available.
52/26. Training Bookings to be approved.
New Councillor training event on 13th May 2026 at Mareham le Fen Community Centre. Clerk to book the new councillors onto it.
53/26. To consider items to be added to the next meeting agenda on Wednesday 20th May 2026 Annual Parish Council Meeting.
Election of Chair, consideration of Annual Returns and Internal Audit report (if available).
Meeting ended 9.50pm.