2026 Minutes

MORTON PARISH COUNCIL

 

Minutes of the Meeting for Morton Parish Council held on Monday 12th January 2026, 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 Butroid (Chair for  meeting), Cllr C Allison, Cllr King, Cllr Purdy, Cllr. Tinker, Cllr C Reeve, C. Graves (clerk).

 

1. Apologies for Absence – Cllr B Allison and Cllr Field.  Cllr Butroid informed the council that the resignation of Cllr Tompkins had been received.  Clerk to inform WLDC and arrange vacancy notice.

 

2. Minutes of the Meetings held on Monday 8th December 2025 - Proposed as a true and accurate record by Cllr King and seconded by Cllr Purdy.

 

3. Declarations of Interest – Cllr Tinker (football).

 

4. Accounts – Monthly financial statement distributed prior to meeting.   Agreed as a true and accurate record by Cllr C Allison and seconded by Cllr Tinker.

a) Precept 2026/27- Following submission of the precept estimate of £17,115.63 in November it was proposed by Cllr Butroid and seconded by Cllr King that this figure be submitted as the final precept submission.  All in agreement. Cllr Butroid signed the declaration. Clerk to action.

 

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

a) New Crime Reports – Cllr Tinker reported further issues with motorbikes driving recklessly down Little Belt Road onto Front Street without due care and attention at the junction.    He also reported that an animal trap had been found recently on the edge of the bank, outside the boundary of the field and this had been removed and reported to the police by the individual who had found it.

b) SID Data - deferred.

 

6. Playing Field & Shared Community Facilities

a) Barrier Lock and Access - Cllr Tinker reported that the  current arrangements seem to be working well and Clerk confirmed she had received no feedback or complaints.  Access could still be gained through Southlands and the river bank.  Following a brief discussion it was agreed that these arrangements continue and reviewed in the spring.  A discussion took place regarding the possibility of solar security cameras and Cllr Reeve suggested that the clerk contact Hemswell Parish Council as they had recently had some assistance from WLDC for cameras he believed.  Clerk to contact the clerk at Hemswell for information.  Cllr Tinker asked the clerk if we had got any further with mole maintenance and requesting a log from Axholme Pest Control, clerk to chase.  He informed the council that he was looking at the possibility of an over 35’s football team/pitch and requested that the clerk keep him informed on bookings.

Cllr Purdy advised the council that initial inquiries for funding opportunities, once again, this was made difficult as the field could not be accessed in school hours therefore restricting usage.  Cllr Reeve suggested seeking help from WLDC who may be able to assist.

b) Hard Court Repairs - Deferred.

c) Removal of Showers and Installation of Hot Water Tank - Clerk to arrange one further quote and Cllr Tinker provided details of a local plumber who may be able assist.  Clerk to action.

d) Online Calendar - Clerk advised that she was liaising with the webmaster and it was hoped this would be actioned in the next week or so.

e) Review of Signage and Bylaws - Clerk to share with Cllr Tinker who would review.  General consensus was that these were outdated and not currently relevant.

f) Hedge Trimming Maintenance - Clerk was seeking a contact provided by Cllr Field and Cllr Butroid would approach Ewan Miles.

 

7. Burial Ground

a) Research 99 year plots - Clerk advised that this could tie in with the mapping and she had received an invite to attend an online demonstration to learn more about the packages available and how the system worked.

b) Research Cemetery Mapping - see above.

c) Research Documents relating to purchase of land - deferred.

d) Review Burial Agreement Forms - Cllr Butroid and clerk to meet prior to the next meeting.

e) Review Burial Policy - Cllr Butroid and clerk to meet prior to the next meeting.

f) Research Friends of Morton Cemetery -  ongoing.

g) Hedge Trimming Maintenance - see 6(f). However, due to the work carried out by LCC on the culvert this would not need cutting back for a least another year.

 

8. Planning Matters - WL/2025/01244, 80 Walkerith Road, change of use from C3 dwelling to C2 children’s home and rear extension. Cllr Butroid  updated the council.  It would appear that Morton, Nr Gainsborough had been confused with Morton, Nr Bourne with regard to amenities available in the village categorising this from a Zone 5 to a Zone 4.   A response would be drafted and submitted to WLDC planning.  Clerk to action.

 

9. Village Environment

a) Fix My Street – Cllr Butroid and the clerk confirmed that prior to the meeting a check of the app revealed no new reports.   In light of Cllr Tompkins resignation Cllr Butroid was happy to take on the responsibility of a monthly update. No objections.

 

10. Village Events - nothing to report.

 

11. Tyler Trust – Cllr Butroid advised that it was hoped that the next meeting would take place in March, pending availability of members of the committee.

 

12. Community Assets - Cllr King advised that a list of potential projects could be considered in the new financial year.   This did not include the multi-use games area as it was already agreed that this would be repaired.

 

13. Councillor Updates - Clerk reported that she had received an inquiry from a resident of Field Lane regarding his birds.  Clerk advised the resident that she had received no reports/complaints and she was reassured that all appropriate methods for housing birds where being followed in line with recommendations.   Cllr Tinker had received reports that the boundary of 10 Trentside had potentially encroached onto the playing field.  Cllr Butroid and Cllr C Allison would look into this.   Cllr King suggested that a sign to request that visitors close the gates to the cemetery on leaving be purchased as it was becoming increasingly regular for the gates to be left open.  Clerk to action.

 

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 9th February 2026 at 6:30 pm to be held at the Community Room, Morton Trentside School.  Cllr Field gave apologies in advance.

 

Meeting closed at 7.35 pm.