Annual Parish Meeting minutes 12th May 2026
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
HELD 12TH MAY 2026
Present: Cllr Williams (in the Chair); Cllrs Tong, Holiday, S. Faulkner-Smith, Crome (as members of the public) 5 members of the public.
Mrs J. Cooper (Parish Clerk)
1. WELCOME
The Chairman welcomed all to the annual meeting of electors of Welton le Marsh.
2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 8TH APRIL 2025
It was proposed and seconded that the Chairman sign these as a correct record of that meeting
3. UPDATE ON PARISH COUNCIL BUSINESS DURING YEAR
The Chairman gave a brief update on Council business during the year
- Still continuing with consultations regarding National Grid and infrastructure proposals.
- Replaced oil tank at village hall
- Installed CCTV camera at the hall
- Procured a new dog waste bin
- Speed device back in the village
- Procured grant aid for upgrade to kitchen at village hall.
The Chairman thanked all councillors and volunteers for the work they have done in the village and the hall over the year.
The Clerk gave a brief update on finances over the council year, balance carried forward to 26/27 totalled £7992, of which £3771 is ring fenced (allotments, defib and election)
4. ALLOTMENTS
Discussions on allotments had taken place over the past year, the allotments are vested in the Council on behalf of the Poor Land Charity, and funds from the charity and use of the land is restricted by the original doner and charity for use by the poor of the village. The Council felt this was restrictive in todays meaning and have, after much deliberation and discussion, advised the Charity Commission that the definition of the use of the land for the poor needed to be updated. Suggested update would allow for greater use of the part of the land unused by allotments and redefine the term “poor”. The proposed definition put forward by the Council to the Charity Commission is:
‘ To provide allotments for the use of villagers of Welton le Marsh and other nearby villages as appropriate, and to use the remaining land for the benefit of the villagers in general but to particularly meet the needs of the poor, the neuro- diverse, those suffering the effects of social isolation, the elderly and the young and those with physical and learning difficulties.’
It was generally agreed that this was acceptable and that the Council should chase the Charity Commission for final approval.
It was agreed that this should be an agenda item for the next full Council meeting and member of the public invited to put forward ideas for use of the land not currently used as allotments.
5. QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Member of public, Mr Tucker, advised he was hoping to arrange for a village fete in 2027 including civil war re-enactments. He had hoped for the re-enactment to take place in the grounds of the church, however there was some doubt as to whether this would be a suitable location. He had received offer of use of some land in the village and would be looking into that.
Question on the installation of planters at the entrances to the village. Mr Tucker had volunteered to make these some time ago and agreed to look into this further. Questions on future maintenance of planters was also to be looked at. It was suggested that the provision of village entrance gates, similar to those in other villages be considered. As with the planters these would need consent from Highways and costs to build, install and maintain would be factor.
It was noted that there were no longer reports from the Village Hall committee, and a query raised as to who was taking the bookings - the current situation regarding the Village Hall committee and group was explained.
It was noted with disappointment that the County Councillor for the area had not attended Parish Council meetings, and it was agreed the Council should write to express this view.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 7.50pm