minutes 3rd Feb 26
WELTON LE MARSH PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the ordinary meeting held 3rd February 2026
Present: Cllrs Williams (Chair); Tong ; Hardcastle, Holiday, S. Faulner Smith, J. Faulkner Smith & Crome
Mrs J. Cooper (Clerk)
5 members of the public
During the public session Village Hall representatives advised that internet banking is being set up, grant work almost completed and there was an issue with fitting the new cooker. This was discussed during the meeting. It was noted that works were taking place for archaeological purposes on the route of underground cables and brief discussion on the work at Gunby roundabout.
77. APOLOGIES
There were none.
78 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllr Holiday declared a personal interest in agenda item 7 as an allotment holder.
79 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD 23RD DECEMBER
It was resolved that the Chairman sign these as a correct record.
80 UPDATES
Clerk confirmed the precept request of £5661 had been acknowledged - £65.82 per band D property per year.
81 CORRESPONDENCE
Village Hall Committee had sent letter to Cllr Eyre ELDC regarding grant application.
82 VILLAGE HALL
a) – general matters.
The problems encountered in fitting the new cooker were raised. The builder appointed felt it could not be fitted against the window without additional work to remove the window and fit a fire wall and SS backing plate. The Village Hall Group wanted the Councils approval to have the work done as it concerned work to the fabric of the building. They had been advised the cooker could not be fitted against the far wall due to access/user difficulties. Discussion followed on whether the proposed work was the correct solution and the additional costs of £816.24 inc VAT were reasonable. Cllr J FaulknerSmith offered his builder to take a look and submit a quote to the VH Group, who were anxious for a decision and for the work to commence.
Cllr Holiday proposed that the window remain and the cooker be relocated. There were no seconder for the proposal or vote so the proposal fell.
Cllr J Faulner Smith proposed that the window stayed and alternative work be carried out after another builder brought in. This was seconded but no vote taken as it was felt the decision on a second quote was for the Village Hall Group to make.
After further discussion Cllr Williams proposed that suitable work be carried out to fit the cooker in accordance and compliance with Building Regulations with no insurance concerns provided any works left the building in a satisfactory, safe and neat condition. This was seconded and voted for unanimously with one abstention from Cllr Holiday. It was also agreed that the final decision be made by the Village Hall Group trustees, subject to the building being left in good condition as per proposal.
b) – Lease.
Cllr Tong circulated report on the lease situation and it was proposed, seconded and resolved that the recommendations in that report be agreed:
- Welton le Marsh Parish Council and the Group enter into discussions to mutually agree to cancel the existing lease agreement and agree that all current and any previous unfulfilled obligations by either party no longer apply
- The Parish Council and the Group enter into an agreement which is intended to serve as a guide and does not create any legally binding obligations on either party but in which both parties agree an intent to jointly work towards maintaining the Village Hall for the benefit of the community.
- The employment and employment conditions of any cleaners or other employees will, as now, be the responsibility of the Parish Council
- The Group and the Parish Council will negotiate and agree which party will be responsible for all other aspects of the running of the village hall but the overall financial support will be a joint responsibility
83 ALLOTMENTS
a) Charity Commission – The Clerk had written to the CC to advise of the Councils rewording of the aims as per Council decision minute 61 11th Nov 25, and the CC replied that this needed to be done on line. As the Clerk did not have access on line it was agreed that the Chairman add her as a third party.
b) rents – To remain at £8 per plot.
c) general – Cllr Holiday be given key to storage shed and he and the members of the allotment team look in there.
84 FINANCIAL
It was resolved that the following accounts be paid, and the invoice for the Christmas trees be paid when received:
Clerks salary/PAYE (Jan/Feb) £350.22
85 NATIONAL GRID
Cllr Holiday had received updates on proposed works and timescale for pylons, cabling etc and would keep the Council updated.
86 PLANNING
There were no applications
87 ANY OTHER MATTERS
Concern at the state of the verges and safety of litter pickers – to discuss at next meeting
88 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
24TH March(2 apologies received)
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.10pm