2026 Minutes

MORTON PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting for Morton Parish Council held on Monday 9th March 2026, at 6:30pm in the Community Room at Morton Trentside School

15-minute public forum – Tracey Potter, Chris Masterson and Jamie Carney.

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

1. Apologies for Absence – Cllr Purdy and Cllr Tinker.

2. Minutes of the Meetings held on Monday 9th February 2026 - Proposed as a true and accurate record by Cllr Field. Seconded by Cllr C Allison.

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

Members of the public were welcomed to the meeting by Chairman.   Tracey Potter who lives on Southlands Drive shared her concerns regarding the limited access to the field as the main gates  continue to be locked out of school hours.  She explained that she believed this was having an impact with parking around the residential area of Southlands Drive at weekends with residents driveways being blocked by inconsiderate parking as they access the field from the Southlands entrance.   Cllr B Allison explained the reasons why the main gates had been temporarily locked, however, this was being addressed by the council with consideration being given to a new pedestrian gate being installed.   

Cllr Reeve reported that proposed plans for the Humber Hydrogen Pipeline continue with nearby Corringham falling within the corridor, and a consultation meeting would be held at Blyton Village Hall.  He informed the council that to date no temporary road closures had been applied for through LCC for the 2026 half marathon/10k although RunThrough Events continue to sell tickets for this event.  Following the difficulties experienced by motorists and inconvenience to residents when the road was closed outside the Ship Inn Cllr Reeve confirmed that this had been addressed with highways.

4. Councillor Vacancies - Clerk explained the timeline for the upcoming election due to be held on 9th April, however, if this was uncontested, it would not go ahead. 

5. Accounts – Monthly financial statement distributed prior to meeting.   Cllr B Allison and clerk would be reviewing the budget and Cllr B Allison was keen to ensure that we were getting the maximum interest on the accounts. The accounts were proposed as a true record by Cllr Butroid and seconded by Cllr Field.

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

a) New Crime Reports – No concerns. 

b) New Speed Corex Boards - Clerk advised that the boards were £20 each.  Council agreed that the current boards needed replacing and it was agreed by all that 5 new 30mph boards be purchased. Clerk to action.   Cllr Randle offered to assist with the SID sign should Cllr B Allison need it.

7. Playing Field & Shared Community Facilities

a) Football Team Capacity -  Cllr B Allison welcomed Chris and Jamie to the meeting. Following previous discussions he asked for councils thoughts on the proposals put forward by Morton Juniors. Cllr B Allison gave a brief outline of the costs involved in maintaining the field and informed Chris and Jamie that new fees would be set at the next meeting.   Chris and Jamie expressed concern that the area that they were currently using was getting worn and any maintenance that they implemented was hindered by other users.  Cllr Field suggested that the current user be asked to utilise another area of the field. Discussion took place at the site of the proposed pitches and Cllr King suggested that there was potential for these to be rested out of season when no training was planned.  It was proposed by Cllr Butroid that the council allow Morton Juniors 2 pitches which would then allow Morton Seniors to have their required space.   Clerk informed Jamie and Chris that they should arrange to pick the keys up from either herself of Cllr B Allison for access to the toilets.  Chris and Jamie were happy with the arrangements and left the meeting at 7.13pm. 

b) Hire Fees - to be set at the next meeting.

c) Field Booking Camping Enquiry - Clerk reported that she had received an enquiry from a resident on Southlands for hire of the field on the weekend of the late August bank holiday for a private family party. They wished to have a marquee, possibly portable toilets and camping.  Following discussion and concerns regarding the camping element it was agreed that the clerk contact the resident and offer the hire of the field at a cost of £100 with no music after 11pm and no glass.  A marquee and toilets would be acceptable.  Proposed by Cllr Field. Seconded by Cllr Randle.

d) Removal of Showers and Installation of Hot Water Tank - ongoing. 

e) Online Calendar - Cllr B Allison and Clerk to action.

f) Review of Signage and Bylaws - Clerk advised that the bylaws had been uploaded to the website.  Clerk to obtain quotes for new signage.

g) Hedge Trimming Maintenance - Clerk to approach Glendale for additional quote.

h) Hard Court Repair - ongoing.

i) Research Pedestrian Gate for Main Entrance - Cllr B Allison to share details with clerk.

8. Burial Ground

a) Review Burial Agreement Form, Fees and regulations - Council had considered fees shared at last meeting.   It was proposed by Cllr B Allison that the fee for cremated remains be increased to £180 (double for non-Morton residents) and the remainder of fees remain the same.   Seconded by Cllr Cllr Randle.  Clerk to action with effect from 1st April.

b) Research Friends of Morton Cemetery -  ongoing.

c) Hedge Trimming Maintenance - see 7(g).   Cllr C Allison and Cllr King asked that  consideration be given to the two bushes either side of the carriageway be trimmed back or removed. 

d) Review Water Tap - Clerk to confirm where the water stop  tap was located prior to installation of a new tap.

e) New Bench - ongoing.

9. Planning Matters - 

a) WL/2025/01244, 80 Walkerith Road, change of use from C3 dwelling to C2 children’s home and rear extension - granted.  Cllr B Allison summarised the outcome of the Planning Committee meeting held on 4th March attended by Cllr Butroid, clerk and himself. This outcome was disappointing and he would approach the Neighbourhood Plan consultant for advice regarding possible amendment of the MNP. 

b) WL/2025/00391 - Land at 10 Trentside, Morton, DN21 3AQ. Following a site visit by Cllr King, Cllr Butroid, clerk and residents of 10 Trentside.  Upon further measurements a satisfactory outcome had been reached by both parties.  Clerk to action.  

10. Village Environment

a) Fix My Street – Cllr Butroid summarised ongoing reports including an abandoned caravan on Trentside , a blocked drain close to The Ship Inn, fly tipping on Ings Lane and parking outside the school.  Cllr Reeve reported that LCC were to look at the ongoing drainage issue on the corner near the cemetery. 

b) Litter Picks 2026 - Cllr B Allison shared with the council the litter pick dates for 2026.  28th March, 16th May, 27th June, 4th July, 5th September.   The first pick on 28th March would concentrate on the cemetery.

11. Village Events - Cllr Field gave an update on Feastival planning for 2026.  The Feastival Committee would meet on Thursday and discussion would include whether a temporary events notice was adequate or whether a full permit was needed. Cllr B Allison advised of a Mothers Union coffee morning at St Pauls on 12th March.

12. Tyler Trust – Cllr Butroid advised that the next meeting would now take place on 12th May.

13. Community Assets - Clerk to contact Lincolnshire Co-op regarding new noticeboard.

14. Councillor Updates - No updates.

15. Items for Inclusion on next Agenda

a) Agree field hire fees for 2026/27.

16. Date and time of Next Meeting – Monday 13th April 2026 at 6:30 pm to be held at the Community Room, Morton Trentside School.

Meeting closed at 8.22 pm.