2025 Minutes

MORTON PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting for Morton Parish Council held on Monday 8th December 2025, at 6:30pm in the Community Room at Morton Trentside School

15-minute public forum – No members of the public in attendance.

In Attendance - Cllr B Allison, Cllr Butroid, Cllr C Allison, Cllr King, Cllr Field, Cllr Purdy, Cllr C Reeve, C. Graves (clerk).

1. Apologies for Absence – Cllr Tinker.

2. Minutes of the Meetings held on Monday 10th November 2025 - Proposed as a true and accurate record by Cllr Butroid and seconded by Cllr King.

3. Declarations of Interest – Cllr Field (Feastival). Cllr Purdy (Cricket).

4. Accounts – Monthly financial statement distributed prior to meeting. Cllr Field asked what rate relief we received for the playing field.  Clerk advised that this was 40%, however, there was no indication that any relief would be received for the period 2026/27, which would increase this amount significantly. The outlay for rabbit maintenance was discussed but it was felt that in the past as this has been a one-off session the problem returned. It was hoped that regular maintenance would help eradicate further issues. Clerk was requested to ask Axholme Environmental for a log of attendances for mole control at the playing field.  Accounts proposed by Cllr C Allison and seconded by Cllr Purdy.  Chairman requested that money ring-fenced and fund-raising income show on the statement before the final balance.  Clerk to action. 

5. Community Safety (Crime, Vandalism, Anti-Social Behaviour & Speeding)

a) New Crime Reports – There had been reports that cannabis was being cultivated on a property on Walkerith Road and this was being dealt with by the police. Individuals on motorbikes without helmets and wearing balaclavas or masks were persisting.

6. Playing Field & Shared Community Facilities

a) Barrier Lock and Access - Cllr B Allison advised that following discussion at the previous meeting the main gates to the field would be locked. This was a temporary measure as the barrier had been damaged.   Pedestrians could still gain access from either Southlands or the bank.  Clerk had advised the school of this decision who were happy with the arrangement.

b) Pest Control - Clerk to request log from Axholme Environmental for mole control.

c) Hard Court Repairs - Deferred until the new year.

d) Removal of Showers and Installation of Hot Water Tank - Clerk to arrange one further quote. Cllr Reeve had inquired with the assets department at LCC to clarify who was now lead for the chance to share discussions that had taken place following a change in staff.  Ongoing.

e) Online Booking App/Web Diary for Field Hire - Clerk advised that it was not possible to monitor how many hits the calendar would have.  Clerk to action with webmaster.

f) Review of Signage and Bylaws - Cllr B Allison distributed a copy of the bylaws adopted by the council in 1984 and requested that councillors review and feedback at the next meeting.

g) Hedge Trimming Maintenance - Clerk to seek three quotes.  Cllr Field to provide clerk with a contact.

7. Burial Ground

a) Research 99 year plots - Ongoing.  

b) Research Cemetery Mapping - Ongoing. Clerk had spoken to a representative from Pear Technology who would provide further details which she would share.

c) Research Documents relating to purchase of land - Cllr B Allison distributed a copy of a map of the original land ceded to the council for the purpose of the the burial ground. Discussion took place regarding the potential for extending the burial ground and contact with Thonock estate would be made in the new year to explore possibilities.

d) Review Burial Agreement Forms - Clerk and Cllr Butroid, ongoing.  This could coincide with review of burial policy scheduled for February.

e) Review Burial Policy - ongoing.

f) Research Friends of Morton Cemetery -  ongoing. Clerk to gather opinions.

g) Waste Disposal - Cllr C Allison requested that the waste disposal was reduced to monthly during the winter months. Clerk to action.

h) Hedge Trimming Maintenance - see 6(g). Clerk to look into further any projects for free saplings.

8. Planning Matters - Clerk to ask for an update on the progress of the farmer statue.  Cllr B Allison and Cllr Butroid had attended an  open day at the Illuminate Learning for Life Lodge on Front Street. Cllr B Allison gave a brief summary of the visit.  The lodge would receive referrals for pupils from mainstream schools who may have been excluded and needed support. The Illuminate Group were also involved in the renovations of properties 70 and 80 Walkerith Road, which was ongoing.  Concerns were raised by councillors that reports had been received from residents that renovations had started and were ongoing at 80 Walkerith Road prior to a planning application for change of use being submitted.

9. Village Environment

a) Fix My Street – Cllr Tompkins provided a verbal report to the council.

b) Field Lane Re-wilding - Cllr Butroid was pleased to report that despite the recent 10k the area was growing.    Poles had been placed around the area to deter anyone from walking or driving through whilst the rewilding was being established, however, these had been removed following a complaint.

10. Village Events - Cllr C Allison advised that there would be a Carols By Candlelight at St Pauls Church on 11th and Christingle on 24th December, all welcome. A Christmas card art competition would take place at the village hall on 16th December.  Cllr King asked if there was an update on the proposed 10k for next year, and Cllr Reeve replied that this would be dependent on RunThrough Events applying for the relevant road closures to LCC.

11. Tyler Trust – Next meeting to take place in March 2026.

12. Community Assets - Cllr King reported that any potential projects would be reviewed in the new year.

13. Councillor Updates - none.

14. Items for Inclusion on next Agenda - Councillors were requested to submit agenda items to the clerk prior to the next meeting.

15. Date and time of Next Meeting – Monday 12th January 2026 at 6:30 pm to be held at the Community Room, Morton Trentside School.  Cllr Field gave apologies in advance.

Meeting closed at 7.45 pm.