06-30-26 TC MINS

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF LOUTH TOWN COUNCIL
HELD IN THE OLD COURT ROOM, THE SESSIONS HOUSE, LOUTH
ON TUESDAY 30th JUNE 2026

The Mayor, Cllr. Mrs. K. Parsons (Mrs. KP) (in the chair).

Councillors present: J. Bakewell (JB), T. Ball (TB), Mrs. E. Ballard (Mrs. EB), J.K. Baskett (JKB), G. Cummings (GC), J. Drake (JD), H. Filer (HF), G.E. Horton (GEH), Mrs. H. Hunt (Mrs. HH), Mrs. J. Makinson-Sanders (Mrs. JMS), P. Matthews (PM), D. Moore (DM), P, Starsmore (PS), H. Steer (HS), I. Steer (IS), N. Steer (NS), T. Tapsfield (TT).

Councillors not present: D. Hobson (DH), D.E. Wing (DEW).

The Town Clerk, Mrs. L.M. Phillips, the Town Clerk’s Assistant, Mrs. S. Chitauro-Adlard, Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) Councillors, T. Catton and N. Hastings, East Lindsey District Councillors (ELDC), R. Jackson and D. Hall, and five members of the public were also present.

Public Forum:
• A lady addressed the Council about a planning application which was due to be discussed at the upcoming Planning Committee meeting.

T26. Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were received from Cllr. DH.

T27. Declarations of Interest / Dispensations
The following declarations of interest were made:
a. Cllr. TB – Item 14 as an acquaintance of two of the candidates for co-option.
b. Cllr. JKB – Item 4 due to his wife working for the Dementia Group.
c. Cllr. GEH – Any items relating to ELDC as a member of ELDC.
d. Cllr. Mrs. JMS – Any items relating to ELDC as a member of ELDC.
e. Cllr. HS – Item 14 as a relation of two of the candidates for co-option.
f. Cllr. TT – Item 9 due to employment at another local supermarket.

T28. Town Clerk’s Remarks
The Town Clerk informed the Council that:
• LCC had kindly installed a temporary fix to the hole in the ramp near the toilets at Hubbard’s Hills.
• Reports had been received of rodents in the car park at The Sessions House. The Town Clerk assured the Council that the situation was being monitored, and pest control would be contacted if necessary.
• Arrangements regarding the Park Avenue Play Park were progressing and the area that the Council would take ownership of had been agreed. The Councils solicitors estimated that their fees would be between £2,000 and £3,500 plus VAT, which included: a review of the property file; raising of enquiries and consideration of replies; the consideration and negotiation of contract; the preparation and negotiation of the transfer and lease; liaising with third parties; reporting to the Town Clerk throughout the process; attending the completion and; post completion formalities. Searches were to be undertaken and in the process of being agreed, for which a separate payment would be made.
• Following the previous meeting, the Town Clerk had emailed the firm undertaking an appraisal of the Conservation Area and it had been confirmed that a walkaround/meeting would be held, with dates and times to be decided.
• Communications around Old Mill House were ongoing.
• May’s list of payments, along with the Council’s bank balances at 31st May 2026, had not been included with the meeting’s agenda and were tabled as follows:

 

 

Payment Ref Supplier/Payee Description Payment Total Date Paid
DC18 Aford Awards Ltd Arms of Town x2 92.00 12/05/26 PC8 Trotters Traders Cem supplies 29.99 15/05/26
SC2 Lloyds Service charge 8.50 19/05/26 PC9 Morrisons Card for PFW 2.00 20/05/26
DDAWSH2 Anglian Water Business SH water 8.00 20/05/26 DDAWCEM2 Anglian Water Business Cem water 36.00 20/05/26
DDEONCH2 E.On Next St. James’ Electric 115.20 20/05/26
DDEONCEM2 E.On Next Cem electric 160.38 20/05/26
DDEDFSH2 EDF Energy SH gas 171.22 20/05/26
DDEONSH2 E.On Next SH electric 377.46 20/05/26
DDAWHH2 Anglian Water Business HH water 403.00 20/05/26
DDEONHH2 E.On Next HH electric 51.98 21/05/26
OP704 ACB Machinery & Servicing Mower repairs 715.10 22/05/26 OP705 Glendale Countryside Ltd HH & Cem grass cutting 3,149.10 22/05/26
OP706 MG Ubique Ltd HH tree 1,800.00 22/05/26
OP707 Rodden & Cooper Ltd SH repair work 5,772.98 22/05/26
OP708 Paul Riddel Skips HH skip 300.00 22/05/26
OP709 GBM Waste Management Cem skip & bin bags 290.56 22/05/26
OP710 Warwood Interments Ltd Gravedigging 450.00 22/05/26
OP711 Rialtas Business Solutions Ltd Financial y/e closedown 1,176.00 22/05/26
OP712 Louth Building Supplies Cem supplies 28.34 22/05/26
OP713 John Darke Ltd Fuel 144.97 22/05/26
OP714 LALC Training 318.00 22/05/26
OP715 GRS Electrical Services Ltd PAT testing 197.88 22/05/26
OP716 Wilkin Chapman LLP Legal fees 1,334.40 22/05/26
OP717 PEAC (UK) Ltd Photocopier May-Aug 328.51 22/05/26 OP718 Allinson Print Ltd Stationery 62.35 22/05/26
OP719 SCIS UK Limited IT assistance 96.00 22/05/26
OP720 IT@Spectrum Limited Printing fees 64.50 22/05/26
OP721 D. Hobson Civic expenses & travel 265.34 22/05/26
OP722-725 Staff payments Staff payments 7,146.25 22/05/26
OP726 HMRC PAYE/NIC 2,336.12 22/05/26 OP727 LCC Pension Fund Pensions 2,274.77 22/05/26 PC10 All Occasions Flowers for MS 40.00 26/05/26 DDTEMKT2 Total Energies Market Place electric 30.22 29/05/26
DD1COMSH2 Onecom SH 2 x phone line & wifi 86.44 29/05/26
Bank Balances
Council to note bank balances as follows:
i. Lloyds Treasurers Account (balance on statement 2 at 29th May 2026) – £351,808.12
ii. Lloyds Deposit Account (balance on statement 2 as at 29th May 2026) – £166,652.51
iii. NS and I Account (balance on last statement, numbered 15 as at 18th February 2026) – £114,560.77.

T29. Reports/Updates from District and County Councillors
a. ELDC Cllr. R. Jackson reported that ELDC was scrutinising destination management. She asked Councillors to encourage any young community groups they were aware of to apply for ELDC’s Councillor Grants. She also advised that the Memory Support Service was due to receive cuts and that ELDC would investigate the impact.
b. ELDC Cllr. D. Hall informed the Council that the planning application for the proposed housing development at Fanthorpe Lane was scheduled for consideration on Thursday. Cllr. Mrs. KP confirmed that two LTC Cllrs. were due to speak at the meeting. ELDC Cllr. Hall also advised that there was an upcoming ELDC scrutiny regarding building renewables.
c. Speaking in her capacity as an ELDC Councillor, Cllr. Mrs. JMS reported that LCC were introducing a booking system for Louth Household Waste Recycling Centre without consultation. She expressed concern that the new system might not be easily accessible for elderly residents and could lead to an increase in fly-tipping. She then went on to advise that the Partnership had achieved its goal of saving £46m in five years, rather ten years as originally projected. She reported that the beacon at the zebra crossing on Upgate was still awaiting refurbishment and queried the continued closure of Lincoln Road outside Thorpe Hall as its initial four-day closure had lapsed despite there being no apparent works taking place. Cllr. Mrs. JMS went on to inform the Council that work to Enginegate Walk had been undertaken by LCC and questioned whether LCC were taking ownership of the area. She noted that Vital and Viable consultation in Louth had received excellent feedback from councillors. She stated that, despite a 2% increase in market productivity, traders were unhappy and advised that ELDC’s scrutiny on car parking had concluded. Finally, she informed Council that the local dementia group was struggling to afford the room hire costs at the Trinity Centre, she thought ELDC would pick up the bill.
d. LCC Cllr. T. Catton reassured Cllr. Mrs. JMS that the beacon on Upgate crossing was due to be reinstalled imminently.
e. LCC Cllr. N. Hastings shared that, after receiving complaints, the drains at Aswell Street were scheduled to be cleared in the upcoming week. He also advised that he had spoken to Cllr. Mrs. JMS regarding faulty streetlights, and confirmed that they were due to be repaired, along with work to the wooden stanchions on Riverhead Bridge. In addition, Cllr. N. Hastings informed the Council that Louth Academy were still awaiting the installation of two bus stops outside the Louth Hospital but hoped that they would be installed in the autumn after the necessary assessment works had been completed. Cllr. Mrs. EB brought Cllr. N. Hastings’ attention to the potholes on Crowtree Lane, Cllr. N. Hastings assured that he was aware of the issues.

T30. Minutes
The Town Clerk notified the Council that there was a mistake on the agenda, the notes of 26th May 2026 having already been approved.

T31. Committee Minutes
It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to confirm receipt of the minutes and adopt the resolutions contained therein of the following Committee Meetings:
a. Planning Committee – 14th April 2026
b. Planning Committee – 12th May 2026
c. Governance and Finance Committee – 12th May 2026
d. Personnel Committee – 14th April 2026

T32. Annual Town Meeting Minutes 2025/26
The Council received the notes of the Annual Town Meeting held on 28th April 2026. Council discussed empty properties in the town centre and whether there was anything it could do about them. It was mooted that this was perhaps something that the Town Centre Retail Working Group could look into, perhaps a register of ownership was required and/or pressure needed to be applied to brands/a list of empty premises compiled. It was agreed to include the Annual Town Meeting, its focus and future on a future agenda.

T33. Working Groups
Councillors received a schedule containing the terms of reference for Working Groups, it was then proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to re-establish the Working Groups as per the schedule with the following membership/amendments:
a. Town Centre Retail Working Group
i. Members in 2026/27: Cllrs. DM, HF, KP, TT, PS and HS with Mrs. JMS to act as a liaison between LTC and ELDC when necessary or if required.
b. Events
i. Members in 2026/27: Cllrs. Mrs. KP, PS, HF, DM and JKB.
c. Past Mayors
i. Members in 2026/27: Cllrs. Mrs. KP, Mrs. EB, JKB, DH, GEH, Mrs. JMS and DEW.
d. Rural Town Market Group
i. Representatives in 2026/27: The Town Clerk and Older People’s Representative Mrs. EB. Young people’s representative to be deferred.
e. Floral Enhancement/Lovely Louth
i. Members in 2026/27: Cllrs. Mrs. KP, PS and JKB, with JD and Mrs. EB to volunteer as and when required.
f. Speed Awareness
i. Members in 2026/27: Cllrs. Mrs. KP, TB, PS and DM. Cllr. TB to undertake some research and group to bring recommendation back to Council.
g. Asset Review Group
i. Members in 2026/27: Cllrs. Mrs. KP, Mrs. EB, GEH, PS, DM, Mrs. HH and Mrs. JMS.
h. Hubbard’s Hills
i. Members in 2026/27: Cllrs. Mrs. EB, JD, TT and PS with Cllr. Mrs. KP kept in the look as the Mayor.
i. Louth Town Plan
i. Members in 2026/27: Cllrs. Mrs. KP, JKB, PS, HF, Mrs. JMS and TB.
j. Park Avenue Play Park
i. Members in 2026/27: Cllrs. TB, JKB, HF, DM, Mrs. JMS, Mrs. KP and PS.

Further, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED that Working Groups were to report back to the Town Council at least twice annually.

T34. Correspondence Received
Council received correspondence from a resident neighbouring the property of 160 Eastgate, highlighting issues they were facing. Their concerns included the overgrown and deteriorating state of 160 Eastgate, which was causing water ingress in their hallway. They also highlighted the issue of parking at the front of the store, which had no clear markings for the two designated disabled bays and had subsequently led to too many motorists parking in the area, causing a dangerous environment for pedestrians and others on the road. The resident also detailed persistent issues with the noise from the fans used at the store, causing constant disturbance through the day and night. Furthermore, she was also concerned that the empty buildings at the rear of the store, were creating a hive for antisocial behaviour. Acknowledgement of the issues had previously been received during a meeting with the Town Council and the owners and the Town Council have been assured that the problems would be addressed as part of a redevelopment of the store which no longer seemed to be progressing. Cllr. TT had been in contact with the lady, who confirmed that ELDC Enforcement were aware of the issues and were investigating the noise complaints. It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED, to write a strongly worded letter to Morrisons’ local store and head office regarding the appearance of 160 Eastgate and parking, with ELDC and LCC to be copied in. It was mooted that the Speed Awareness Working Group could review parking issues.

T35. Lincolnshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan
Further to circulation of details of the above to Council via email, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to make no comment on the plans.

T36. Easter Parade
Council received an update from Cllr. HF regarding her proposals for an Easter event to be held on Monday 29th March 2027, which aimed to create a family-friendly, community event encouraging participation from all ages, which would support businesses throughout the town. Council noted that the event may require road closures, traffic management measures, sound system provision, first aid support, volunteer stewards, and sponsorship opportunities. It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED that the Council 1) agreed in principle to hold the Easter Parade and Bonnet Competition – granting delegated authority to the Events Working Group to progress planning and delivery of the event, 2) gave delegated authority to the Town Clerk to incur expenditure from the EMR Events budget head in liaison with the Events Working Group and 3) Councillors agreed to assist, support and promote the event and planning however possible.

T37. Town Centre Retail Working Group
Council received notes from the Town Centre Retail Working Group following its recent meeting to discuss town centre development. Topics included the water network, progress on the Louth Town Plan, a potential market stall to promote Louth Town Council and tourism, ELDC Shop Front grants, improving the appearance of vacant shopfronts, the use of unused space in the town centre for outdoor seating, car parking charges, and the production of a tourist booklet. It was proposed, seconded, and RESOLVED to approve a trial market stall to promote the Council and engage with residents.

T38. Closed Session
At 8.34pm upon a proposal from Cllr. HF, seconded by Cllr. Mrs. HH, it was RESOLVED to move into closed session in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 due to the business to be discussed in the following items, the information being of a commercial and confidential nature in regard to:
a. Sessions House key holding – following consideration of a report and quotations, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to appoint Static Security Services as the Council’s key holders/emergency response provider.
b. Council tablets – upon receipt of a report and reviewing quotes, it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to agree in principle to accept SCIS’s quote provided that the price included the installation and configuration of antivirus software, SCIS held the Cyber Essentials accreditation and that keyboards could be provided.

At 8.56pm it was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED to move out of closed session.

T39. Co-option
Applications for co-option were considered and Councillors received presentations from the five applicants and asked questions which they felt were pertinent to the candidate’s potential role on the Council. It was proposed, seconded and RESOLVED that the five applicants should be co-opted onto Louth Town Council as follows:
a. Mr. J. Bakewell (JB) – Priory Ward.
b. Mr. N. Steer (NS) – Priory Ward.
c. Miss I. Steer (IS) – St. Margaret’s Ward.
d. Mr. P. Matthews (PM) – Trinity Ward.
e. Mr. G. Cummings (GC) – St. Mary’s Ward

The five each signed a Declaration of Acceptance of Office and joined the Council meeting.

T40. Next Meeting
It was noted that the date of the next scheduled Town Council meeting was 28th July 2026.

The Meeting Closed at 9.55pm.

 

Signed_______________________ (Chairman) Dated_________________________