2024 Parish Council Minutes of Meetings

CAYTHORPE AND FRIESTON PARISH COUNCIL

MEETING NUMBER 3

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY 11th SEPTEMBERB 2024

Present:

Councillors: Crawley, Manderfield, Macer & Page, Maughan & Milne

Clerk:  Mrs D Manderfield

Item 1 – Chairmans Remarks

Cllr Crawley welcomed the councillors and as there were no members of the public started the meeting immediately

Item 2 – Apologies for absence

Cllrs Sandy, Topley, Macpherson, Farr & Stojanovic. All councillors had notified the clerk and the council Resolved to accept the reasons for absence

Item 3 – Declaration of Interests under the Local Government Act

Cllr Crawley expressed a declaration of interest as a committee member of the Playing Field Committee  

Cllr Manderfield expressed a declaration of interest as a committee member of the Village Hall Committee

Item 4 - Approval of Minutes of meeting number 2 held on 10th July 2024

Copies of the minutes were circulated prior to the meeting. It was Resolved to accept the minutes as  a true record of events. They were signed by the chairman, Cllr Crawley 

Item 5- To receive written applications for the office of Parish Councillor and to Co-opt a candidate to fil the existing vacancy

As there were no applications forthcoming Cllr Crawley moved on

Item 6 – Parish Clerk’s Update on Matters Arising Since Last Meeting      

There have been 3 interments at the Burial Ground since the last meeting

The External Auditors have concluded their work and financial year 2023/24 has been signed off. All necessary administration has been completed

I have purchased storage boxes and folders and all ‘old’ paperwork is now kept at the Village Hall. I only have relevant files at home. 

There have been a few planning applications, all of which have been determined and the decisions of the Parish Council been submitted to SKDC

The Commemorative Bench for Andy Roberts is now in situ. Photos were taken of Andy Roberts and his wife with some serving and ex councillors with a view to a piece going in News & Views

The tree that came down at the top of Gorse Hill, bordering the allotments is in the hands of Savills, and has now been sorted by them on behalf of the land owners

We currently have 1 vacancy on the Parish Council and 1 further resignation

I have completed work on the draft Financial Regulations, as updated by LALC and have forwarded to Cllr Crawley and Stojanovic for comment before forwarding to all councillors for Resolution

Andy Roberts contacted me to thank the Parish Council for the bench that has been erected in his name on the playing field. He expressed sadness for no longer being on the council and his gratitude for those who joined Cllr Crawley at the ‘unveiling’ of the bench. Andy also said that it had been situated in a great position from where he can sit and enjoy the view

The Clerk added that the budget would need to be set at the next meeting and requested that items requiring inclusion be advised asap. Cllr Macer agreed to collate figures for defibrillator repairs & renewals and a potential new device

Item 7 - Financial Matters

7.1 Authorisation of BACS/Cheque payments. 

Councillors considered the list, previously circulated, and Resolved to accept the payments

Please see Appendix A below

7.2 Review of CFPC accounts. Bank rec & management accounts. 

Bank reconciliations and management accounts as at 31.8.24 were circulated to all prior to the meeting.

Please see Appendix B below

7.3 Summary of Gala Accounts

As Cllr Farr was not present Cllr Crawley summarised the accounts and suggested that although the final figures were not available, the organising committee were confident that they had improved takings on last year.

Cllr Crawley went on to express his thanks to the Gala Committee for all their hard work and dedication. The sentiment was echoed by the rest of the councillors

7.4 Update from Finance committee Chair

There was no report at this time. As new Finance Chair it was agreed that Cllr Stojanovic should have access to the bank to authorise payments. The bank mandate was signed by Cllrs Sandy & Crawley but as yet this has not been completed.

Cllr Crawley summarized the accounts and declared that they were in a good position

Action: Cllr Stojanovic & Clerk

Item 8 Registers 

8.1 Risk Register – this was distributed previously.

It was Resolved to approve this document, 

8.2 Maintenance Register – this was distributed previously and reviewed.

It was Resolved to approve this document

Item 9 -  Project Register Update 

9.1 Firework Display

Cllr Crawley explained that a meeting had been held and responsibilities allocated to the committee members: Cllrs Macer, Crawley, Farr & Topley. Non-cllrs: J Betts, K Farr & S Bennett. 

Action: Firework Committee

9.2 Electrification of the Church Clock

The Clerk reported that Time Assured had confirmed that the regulator had been delivered and that it will be installed on Monday 16th September  

9.3 Burial Ground Levelling Contract

Taylors reported that they expected to start work on October 7th

9.4 Caythorpe Hall Footpath Re-route

Cllr Crawley reported that this project is now out of the hands of the Parish Council and that prior to resignation Cllr Middleditch had informed the landowner that the two parties now involved are the landowner and LCC.

9.5 Grit Bin – Arnhem Drive

Cllr Maughan reported that LCC would not be replacing the grit bin on the corner of Arnhem Drive and that the land was not owned by them. The Clerk will investigate prices and liaise with Cllr Topley

Action: Cllr Topley/ Clerk

9.6 Tree Survey

Sam Barrell has started work on the trees. The Clerk is still waiting for permission to be granted for work on the TPO tree. This is expected soon

9.7 2 Historical Books

There is no change to this project

Action: Cllr Stojanovic

9.8 Allotment Lease – expires 20.3.25

There is no change to this project. 

Action: Cllr Macpherson

Item 10 - New Proposals. 

10.1 Whats App Group & Chairmans Expectations

Cllr Manderfield explained that he was aware that some councillors were unable to use Company phones for PC email use and that maybe a Cllr WhatsApp group would be beneficial. Cllr Crawley stated that this was not something he would particularly be interested in but was willing to agree if the clerk were to administer  the group. The Clerk declared that this would simply be duplicating. All councillors present declared that this was not necessary for them personally so it was Resolved to keep the question open to give absent councillors the chance to consider

10.2 Emergency Plan – Cllr Topley

Although Cllr Topley was absent from the meeting Cllr Crawley was confident that some progress had been made to updating the original Emergency Plan

Action: Cllr Topley

10.3 Firework Budget & Committee Members

See 9.1 above

10.4 Clerks Appraisil

Cllr Crawley reported that he was gathering information from other councillors and would conclude the appraisal ASAP

Action: Cllr Crawley/Clerk

10.5 VE Day 80

All Councillors had previously been sent the VE Day programme and Cllr Crawley summarised what was required. It was Resolved to light the Beacon on 8th May 2025 at 9.30. The Clerk will add this to the Project Register for further planning

Action: Clerk

Item 11 – Planning Matters

11.1 Planning Issues

Cllr Crawley confirmed that he had received notification that Quickline were definitely not going to install more poles but to go underground

11.2 Report from Cllr Page – Planning Committee Chair

There have been a good number of  applications submitted in the period 

S24/1101referred to tree work under Section 211 – we have no objection.

S24/1131 – We object to the proposal. This is an application by the home owner, to fell two trees that are subject to a tree Preservation Order at the new development on Waterloo Road. A similar application was made by the developer during the construction stage, and that was withdrawn/ rejected and a TPO imposed. The two trees in question, form part of a group of trees which are partly rooted in the garden of an adjoining property. As they have grown together, removal of a number of the group, will doubtlessly leave the remaining trees in a poor condition and will inevitably lead to an application being made to fell the rest of the group. We note the proposal to plant three replacement trees, but feel that although this is a welcome gesture, it does not over ride the need to preserve the existing landscape. These 'replacement'  trees are proposed to be container grown so will not have the wildlife benefits nor carbon reduction properties of mature trees planted in the soil.

S24/1219 was our own application in respect of tree work to a horse chestnut in Church Lane and we had no objection.

S24/ 1316 was an application to reduce a Walnut Tree height by 3m in the rear garden of 9 Frieston Green – we had no objection

S24/1435 We have no objections to the proposal subject to conditions being imposed on the home owner.  This is an application to carry out works to trees that are subject to a tree preservation order at the new property at 15 Waterloo Road. There have been previous applications by the developer during construction, and home owner (S24/1131) to remove these trees, that were objected to by the Parish Council, on the basis that to do so, would encourage the later felling of the remaining trees in this group.

It appears that the home owner has now met with the council representative responsible for trees and has agreed a revised scheme, where only one tree (T1) will be removed and a second tree (T2) will have the crown lifted to 4 - 4.5m. It is proposed to replant with a Quercus Ilex (holm oak) that has been container grown.to 14 - 16 cms girth.

This is probably the best that can be achieved given the considerable investment the householder has made in the property. We would however wish to see the following conditions imposed:-

That there be a complete ban on further applications being submitted for this group of trees for the next ten years (to prevent piecemeal removal)

That there be a condition attached to the work, that the replacement Quercus Ilex is planted in the ground (Not remaining in a container) and maintained for a period of ten years.

S24/1348 was an application to reduce the height of a lime tree by 3m at Ewerby House, Back Lane -we had no objection. 

S24/1366 We had no objections to the application -  This application is for retrospective approval of matters relating to external refurbishment at Caythorpe Residential Care Home, specifically materials to be used.

The materials proposed are sympathetic to the existing structure and in keeping with the building. 

Quickline Following a number of notices appearing around the village on behalf of Quickline stating that new poles were being proposed under Permitted Development, a representation has been made to Lincolnshire County Council and Quickline that we would prefer roadworks inconvenience over new poles.  

At this point Cllr Crawley invited Cllr Milne and Cllr Maughan to update the council, please see reports below

Item 12 – Community Activities by Portfolio Councillor – the following are reports written by the individual councillors. 

12.1  Report by Cllr Crawley

12.1.1Litter Picking

The newly appointed litter picker Darran Gibson, is continuing his duties keeping the villages clean. He is supported by a number of volunteers to whom I have issued equipment.

The Village Facebook page includes a complaint about litter from Mid Uk along the A607 on the path and verge by Caythorpe Hall. I have emailed Simon Pattison about this, asking him to get it cleared and await his response.

12.1.2 Environmental Sustainability

Sites for new tree planting are sought as I have a number of trees that have been raised by myself and volunteers that currently have no destination. A couple of new trees on Millfield Crescent have been strimmed by the Council grass cutting team, but it appears that they are making new growth from the base.

I have cleared the vegetation around the trees on the A607 with assistance from volunteers

The fallen tree on Gorse Hill has been cleared from the road. I have met a representative from the contractors employed by Savills on behalf of the Diocese of Lincoln and it appears they will be removing the remainder of the tree to a safe level.

Mid UK have stated they have no plans at present to remove the redundant chimney and fire damaged building, which will be assessed, once they have finished clearing it out.

12.1.3 Playing Fields

I was unable  to attend the last meeting as I was on holiday. The committee decided to refuse the offer of a grant from the UKSPF for solar panels and battery storage, and I have cancelled this accordingly.

I will continue to raise the issue of solar and battery storage but unfortunately the next meeting clashes with the CFPC meeting so I am unable to attend. 

An extension to the patio area outside the Sports and Social club is wanted and contractors have been approached, and several quotes have been obtained. It appears that Lincolnshire Cricket are unable to help with funding this work. Alternative sources of funding are being explored. No progress to date.

Planning for the Gala is proceeding for this year’s event in September. By the time of the meeting this will have taken place.

A second Firework event is being planned for 2nd November 2024. A subcommittee has met to discuss and agree the way forward and will continue to do so as necessary. Galaxy Fireworks have been booked and a deposit paid. Planning meeting took place at  7.30pm at the Red Lion

There has been no update on the sale of the old police office.

A bench with a plaque marking the service that Andy Roberts has given to our villages, has been purchased and erected on a concrete plinth on the playing field. A short unveiling ceremony took place attended by several councillors with Andy. An article and photo have both been submitted for inclusion in the next N&V.

12.1.4 Other

In response to a number of complaints received about vegetation overgrowing the path between the Pavilion on Old Lincoln Road and the High Street by the Doctors Surgery, I spoke with the owner of the bungalow behind 43 Old Lincoln Road to try and find a solution to trimming the vegetation from his property that is overhanging the path. As a result of that conversation, he got his gardener to trim back the hedge

The recent discovery of an unexploded mortar round in the village, prompted some thought on our emergency plan which was found to be out of date. I have liaised with Councillor Topley and the Clerk to try and get this updated.

The proposal to erect two new poles to assist with the installation of high speed broadband by Quickline has been raised following canvassing of councillors and local residents. The overwhelming view was that additional temporary roadworks was preferable to permanent poles. This has been communicated to LCC who have been in contact with Quickline, who have now agreed to run the services underground.

There have been no applicants to date, for the vacant Councillor post, caused by the resignation of Andy Roberts. A second vacancy has also arisen due to the resignation of Councillor Middleditch. I have approached one possible candidate and am awaiting a response once she returns from holiday.

12.2 Report from Cllr Manderfield

12.2.1 Highways

I have continued to report potholes via Fix My Street including Gorse Hill Lane, Arnhem Drive, and Waterloo Road. 

I also reported overgrown hedgerow on the footpath towards PGL and along the A607 opposite Woodwards garage and over the old railway bridge.

I had a meeting on the 6th of August with Cllr Maughan and the LCC Highways Manager to discuss the section of Waterloo Road between Church Lane and Waterloo Close, we also discussed the issue of the proud tree on Frieston Path, With regard to parking outside the doctors surgery it was suggested that the Parish Council set up a working party with representatives from the Waggon and Horses and the Doctors surgery to come up with a plan before involving Highways. 

12.2.2 Village Hall

The next village hall committee meeting is on the 24th September.

The external paintwork on the front porch has been painted over the summer and the ceilings in kitchen areas have recently been re boarded and plastered.

Quotes for new flooring in the entrance porch have been received.

The next hill and chat is on the 20th September, the village breakfast returns on the 6th October and the film night (Wicked Little Letters) is on the 18th October

12.3 Report from Councillor Sandy

I can report the burial ground repairs are now booked and we have paid the deposit. The burial ground gates have been cleaned, treated and reoiled, now looking very good and we've paid the contractor. I've asked the original contractor of the path renewal if they can seal a crack caused by a tree root probably with some liquid tar to stop the water getting in and causing more problems in the winter. Housing issues are about the same as normal

Item 13 -  Items of Urgent Business

Cllr Crawley reported that Remembrance Day was fast approaching. The Clerk had booked the Bugler and ordered the 2 Wreaths and 30 wooden crosses. Cllr Crawley asked for volunteer marshalls on the day. Cllrs Manderfield, Macer & Page agreed to help. Cllr Crawley stated he would contact all necessary on behalf of the portfolio holder. The Clerk has also contacted the contractor to arrange signage on the day

Item 13 - Arrangements for Next Meeting 

The next Parish Council Meeting Number 4 of 2024 will be held on Wednesday 13th November 2024 commencing at 7.30 p.m. in the village hall.  (7.15 for open forum)

Cllr Crawley thanked everyone for coming and closed the meeting

{Electronically signed}

D Manderfield 

Parish Clerk

Report from Cllr Penny Milne (SKDC)

• A Parish Forum was held last week for parish clerks and councillors to meet the senior staff and network. 21 people attended including June Hutchinson, Chair of Fulbeck PC.

• The Shoot. Recently the Planning Inspector in charge of the Enforcement Appeal ruled that the Enforcement Notice as served is a legal nullity. Further legal advice is being sought as to the next step.

• NPPF review consultation ongoing with a result expected by Christmas:

SK potentially will need to find extra allocations in the Local Plan review for another 200 homes per annum which is deemed significant. A time dispensation could delay submission until June 2025. No sites have been put forward for development in Caythorpe despite being a larger village. Potential developments will be considered on a submission basis under similar policies to the current Local Plan, with the need for housing paramount. See Appendix.

         Applications for commercial solar farms and onshore wind farms would be encouraged.              

10% Biodiversity Net Gain is now required by Schedule 14 of the Environment Act 2021 for development (mandatory from 12 February this year). This can be offset by developers buying units off site if necessary. Cascade of preference is on site first/off site/statutory grants from Govt. 

Interestingly, there is a site called Boothby Wildland being commercially developed in the District, where units can be purchased by developers. This could keep the biodiversity in the District…64 hectares of woodland/grassland/meadow/ponds. You can find details on Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust’s website. SKDC are obliged to monitor the sites and last week the planning committee agreed S106 terms for £35,000 for an initial monitoring fee which can be increased. The monitoring need is for 30 years.

• Digging Market Garden at Fulbeck Manor was a successful few days of archeological digging culminating in the announcement that £147,550 has been awarded to SKDC from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to enable the ongoing creation of SK’s Airbourne Forces Heritage Trail ‘Soldiers from the Sky’. 

• Market Square refurbishment to create a level space for community events was delayed a month due to supply problems with the setts – but is now complete.   Station Road design improvements have begun to enable a welcoming and easier access into the town.

These projects were awarded as part of the previous governments High Street Fund and Heritage Fund which began pre pandemic. Now urgent to finalise due to Government grant conditions.

Together with urgent work on Dysart Road traffic congestion will get worse with school returning.

SKDC and LCC are working together to expedite the works and mitigate the impact. 

SK are also planning a series of events to bring people to the refurbished Market Place, beginning with a celebration of Lincolnshire Day on 1st October. 

• Battery Collection starting Monday 16 September. Place batteries/vapes in clear plastic bag on any bin.

• Community Orchard funding reminder - deadline for applications is 27 September, with funds available from South Kesteven District Council thanks to the Coronation Living Heritage fund marking the accession of King Charles lll.

• Community Awards - Reminder

The SK Community Awards contain a number of categories to present.  The link is below and the deadline for nominations is 20th September.  

SK Community Awards 2024 | South Kesteven District Council 

NB: Do you have use of social media guidance for Councillors? 

Appendix; Site Allocation

SK select the most ‘preferred sites’ for housing. The current minimum need is 14,200 ‘til 2041 = 701 homes p.a (plus the new uptick in numbers of around 200 p.a – considered a significant number)

Allocations rely on ‘Call for Land’ plus original sites to carry forward = healthy variety of around 289 sites, mostly around Grantham, Bourne, Stamford and The Deepings. There are none in this ward.

All settlements have to play a role although there will be no allocations in the smaller villages – eg Fulbeck, Hough, Stubton, or in the Open Countryside – eg Gelston, Brandon, Fenton.

In Caythorpe no land has been presented but remain open to windfall applications determined under the prevailing NPPF, Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plan where it is up to date.

Sites are selected considering infrastructure delivery, historic environment, nature etc using a traffic light system.

Originally there were no sites put forward for Gypsy and Traveller sites despite the necessity to allocate sufficient land for their needs. I understand there are now 3 sites under consideration.

NB: Infrastructure Delivery Plan includes:

Transport, Education, Healthcare, Open Space, Ambulance, Police, Fire, Utilities, Flood defences and Sustainable Drainage.

Report from Cllr Alexander Maughan (LCC)

Traffic Regulation Order to preserve historic Viking Way 

Members of Lincolnshire County Council’s Planning and Regulation Committee have voted unanimously in favour of a new Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), which will restore and protect the historic Sewstern Lane and The Drift, preserving the area's heritage and improving accessibility for non-motorised users. 

This new TRO will restrict motor vehicle access on four key sections of Sewstern Lane and The Drift, which are part of an ancient Drove Road linking Long Bennington and Sewstern in Leicestershire, a vital recreational area for walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and local communities. 

The benefits of the new TRO will include: 

• Restoration of Historic Paths: The TRO will protect the ancient Drove Road from further degradation by motor vehicles, allowing for full refurbishment and ensuring it remains a valuable recreational asset for the community.

• Enhanced Accessibility: By restricting motor vehicles, the TRO will make Sewstern Lane and The Drift more accessible to walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and other non-motorised users throughout the year. 

• Environmental Protection: The reduction in vehicular use will help to restore and protect the area's diverse ecosystems, preserving important local wildlife and preventing further habitat destruction. 

£110m relief road funding at threat 

As one of the first acts of the new Government since the General Election, a review of all capital schemes is underway. This has put the £110m funding secured for the North Hykeham Relief Road, as committed by the previous Government, under threat. 

The county council has already poured £14m into the project, secured planning permission, and are just over a year away from breaking ground. Further to this, losing this funding would mean not being able to unlock land for 4,500 homes, 7 hectares of employment space, and over £350m in economic benefits over the next sixty years.

It would be a massive blow for our county, and the £110m gap is simply too large for our council to fill. We’ve got support from Dr Caroline Johnson MP and have also reached out to Lincoln’s new MP and the transport secretary, urging them to safeguard this vital project to ensure our area does not miss out. 

Uncertainty over devolution deal for Greater Lincolnshire 

Prior to the general election being called Lincolnshire County Council, together with the Councils of North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire, agreed a devolution deal for the Greater Lincolnshire region. 

The devolution deal agreed will involve the creation of a Combined Mayoral Authority, covering the region of Greater Lincolnshire from the south bank of the Humber down to the Wash. The authority will be led by a directly elected Mayor, voted in by the public. This election was widely anticipated to take place alongside the County Council elections in May 2025. 

The additional funding promised comprised £28million for one-off projects already commenced by Lincolnshire County Council, and a £25million annual budget for the new Mayor. 

Following the general election outcome we are awaiting clarification from the new Labour government as to whether the deal backed by the previous Conservative Government will be supported and taken forward. 

News this month confirms that devolution deals for Norfolk and Suffolk have been dropped by the Government, to date we have had positive discussions with the Government regarding Greater Lincolnshire. We anticipate a final decision to be announced as part of the Government’s budget statement on Wednesday 30th October. 

Council joins with Woodland Trust for major tree planting initiative 

Lincolnshire County Council and the Woodland Trust have officially launched the LincWoods project. The ambitious initiative aims to plant 200,000 trees across Lincolnshire by 2026, significantly enhancing the region’s green spaces and biodiversity. 

The agreement outlines a collaborative effort to deliver the MOREwoods and MOREhedges schemes to landowners across Lincolnshire. Through this initiative, landowners can receive substantial subsidies and support for planting trees and hedges, contributing to the county’s environmental goals. 

This funding from Lincolnshire County Council, combined with support from the Woodland Trust and Lloyds, ensures that the cost to landowners is minimised, encouraging widespread participation. 

For more information about the LincWoods project and how to get involved, please visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/trees. 

Lincolnshire loves its libraries 

Lincolnshire’s residents visited libraries a million times last year and took out over two million items. This represents a 16 per cent rise in visits and a 17 per cent rise in issues compared to the year before. 

On top of these regular lending visits, 87,000 people enjoyed activities and events put on at our libraries, including story time sessions, craft and coding clubs, family history and reading groups. 

Lincolnshire’s love of their library service is also shown in customer feedback, with users rating both the staff and customer experience 4.9 out of a possible 5 stars. Additionally, 80% said that ‘access to a wide range of books and other resources’ was the best thing about their library service. 

Discover how much more your local library has to offer at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/libraries 

Disappointment at solar farm decisions 

The news that proposals for giant solar parks for both Mallard Pass and Gate Burton have been approved is deeply disappointing for all those who will have to live with these huge developments on their doorstep. 

These industrial sites will change our county landscapes dramatically, with both proposals expected to cover over 2000 acres each, degrading the quality of life of our residents who have also been vocal in their opposition to the plans. 

As a council we have consistently argued Lincolnshire should not be a dumping ground for these enormous infrastructure projects - our agricultural land in particular should be protected, playing a key role in our nation’s food security. But these pleas are not being heard by the Labour government now in charge of environmental policy. 

How we’ve cut our carbon emissions by 74% 

The county council’s operational carbon emissions have reduced by 74.6%, when compared to the national 1990 baseline. In real terms, that means we’ve cut our carbon emissions from over 55,000 tonnes per year, to around 14,000 tonnes. 

This drastic reduction has been down to various factors such as: updating heating systems and upgrading insulation; installing energy efficient LED lighting in our buildings, street lights and traffic lights; and installing roof mounted solar panels on our buildings - to name but a few. 

We’ve made huge strides in the way we operate to make us more energy efficient as a council, and we will continue to do so through our Green Masterplan and Carbon Management Plans - which you can read more about at: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/greenmasterplan 

Repairing our rural roads in Hough Division 

Our local roads remain the top issue in my inbox, and I have worked with local Parish Council’s to lobby for the priority schemes in our area. The additional funding that Conservative Councillors have invested in our highway network this year, opposed by Independent Councillors at County Hall, has enabled a number of local road schemes to be completed this summer. 

➢ Clensey Lane, Dry Doddington/Stubton Work has started on a 3 year programme of roadworks for Clensey Lane/Doddington Lane between Dry Doddington and Stubton. 

This section has long been in need of repair. Following site meetings I held last year, I am pleased to see Lincolnshire County Council has heard our local concerns and committed to a rolling programme of works over 3 years to resurface the entire section between the two villages. Phase 1 of this scheme (highlighted orange) has been completed this summer, with the remaining sections to be completed in 2025/26 and 2026/27. The scheme is being split into 3 stages to make it affordable, with an estimated total cost of £1million.

➢ High Street, Caythorpe A full reconstruction of the carriageway along Caythorpe High Street has been completed this summer, creating a much improved road surface through the village. 

➢ Moor Lane and Fen Lane, Long Bennington A re-tread scheme has been completed this summer along Fen Lane, Long Bennington. This section of unclassified road has been in long need of repair, with local residents businesses waiting many years for this scheme to come to fruition. I am delighted to see our calls heard and a scheme completed with the additional highways investment made this year. In 2023 a similar road, Moor Lane, also in Long Bennington had a similar re-tread treatment which has vastly improved the road condition. This summer, the Council has applied a top dressing to level and seal this road and secure it for the future. This type of chip and tar treatment typically improves the lifespan of a road by 5- 10 years. 

➢ A607 resurfacing schemes planned for 2025

• Caythorpe – resurfacing of the A607 from the Caythorpe Heath Lane junction to the edge of Fulbeck village. Provisional dates at this stage are from the 31 March to 23 May 2025, subject to changes once final designs are completed and contractors are appointed. 

• Honington to Carlton Scroop – resurfacing of the A607 from the level crossing at Honnington through to the village boundary at Carlton Scroop. 

Provisional dates at this stage are from 26 May to 1 August 2025, subject to changes once final designs are completed and contractors are appointed. 

I am fully aware of the challenges a closure of the A607 poses and the impact this will have on local businesses, motorists, and bus services. I continue to liaise with the project team managing these works to ensure that the impact is minimised as far as possible. Early dialogue with Stagecoach and local school bus providers has already begun. Additionally, I am mindful of the many thriving local businesses we have along the A607 who rely on passing trade. Highways are currently considering a mix of day-time/night-time working for these schemes to reduce and spread the impact on trade. Please contact me with your comments. 

Parish walkabouts to highlight your top priorities 

As part of my ongoing liaison with the County Council Highways team I offer Parish Council’s an opportunity at least annually to meet up in your village with myself and the Local Highways Manager to highlight your local priorities on all things roads, footways, streetlighting and verges. These meetings are invaluable opportunities to secure improvements for our villages, including a number of local schemes completed this year as well as reactive pothole and other defect repairs. 

If you would like a parish walkabout in your village please contact me at cllra.maughan@lincolnshire.gov.uk 

How to contact me 

Follow me on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/AlexanderMaughan to keep up to date with local news and my work, on your behalf, as County Councillor for Hough Division. 

For highway defects, potholes, damaged pavements, overgrown trees – please report these in the first instance at www.fixmystreet.com. 

If your report has not been dealt with sufficiently by the County Council (repairs should take no longer than 90 days on rural roads) please email me your report number at cllra.maughan@lincolnshire.gov.uk so I can raise this with the Local Highways Manager. 

For other queries relating to council services, including but not limited to flooding, adult social care, children’s services, or more complex highways matters, please email me at cllra.maughan@lincolnshire.gov.uk or call 07707 060 022. 

To keep track of planned road works in your area you can see all road closures and planned works around the country at https://one.network/ Alexander Maughan Lincolnshire County Councillor for Hough Division Mobile: 07707 060 022 Email: cllra.maughan@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Appendix A

Appendix B