2026 Minutes

Minutes of the Meeting for Morton Parish Council held on Monday 13th April 2026, at 6:30pm in the Community Room at Morton Trentside School
 

15-minute public forum – no members of the public in attendance. Chairman invited Cllr Reeve to address the council with any updates relevant to the parish. He gave a brief overview of the situation regarding children in care in Lincolnshire,  approximately 871, which was an increase on the previous year. This did not include those children that were housed in Lincolnshire from neighbouring counties.  Care facilities were therefore on the increase.   Cllr Reeve was disappointed to report that road surface problems continue on Little Belt Road especially Thonock Hill.   He had previously had conversations with Cllr Boles around this topic and also reducing the speed along the belt road. Cllr Tinker inquired whether there were any plans to install a footpath along that road.  Cllr Reeve reported that this was not a consideration at the present time, as far as he was aware, due to financial pressures.  Cllr B Allison suggested that he liaise with Cllr Reeve at a later date to further discuss highways issues and road safety in the village.   Cllr Reeve reported that no temporary road closures had been applied for to date for the 10k/half marathon, however, it now appeared  that the venue had been changed to Sturgate airfield following feedback from last years event.   Cllr Butroid had concerns that RunThrough events were still advertising this as taking place in Morton and selling tickets.    Chairman thanked Cllr Reeve for his updates and Cllr Reeve left the meeting at 7pm.

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

1. Apologies for Absence – No apologies received.

 

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

 

3. Declarations of Interest – Cllr Field (feastival). Cllr Tinker (football). Cllr Purdy (cricket).

 

4. Councillor Vacancies - Following an uncontested election, Cllr B Allison welcomed Jo Marsh to the meeting.  Jo signed the declaration of acceptance of office and receipt of code of conduct witnessed by the clerk. Clerk would provide WLDC with the relevant paperwork.    Cllr Marsh was given a warm welcome.

 

5. Accounts – Monthly financial statement distributed prior to meeting. The accounts were proposed as a true record by Cllr Butroid and seconded by Cllr Randle.   Cllr B Allison provided a budget overview.   Whilst it was reassuring that playing field and burial income had increased, overall costs across all expenses were up around 20% on the previous year. Savings had been made through line marking and grass cutting.  New expenditure included the secure storage unit which was essential for the safe storage of archive documents.  Cllr B Allison reiterated that funding was key to drive any improvements to the playing field forward.  Cllr Purdy described his past experience in applying for funding for the cricket team and as Morton did not have a women or junior team this made funding options difficult. Cllr Marsh suggested that the council explore Pride of Place funding, however, it was thought that Morton did not fall within this catchment.   Clerk requested that council consider appointing Shucksmith Accountants as the external auditor for 2025/26 prior to the submission of the Annual Governance Accounting Return.  Proposed by Cllr Allison.  Seconded by Cllr Purdy.   Cllr B Allison requested that council consider a replacement for the Clerk’s laptop.  Cllr Tinker suggested that the monthly warranty costs associated with the current laptop could be utilised towards the new laptop.   Chairman to source possible replacements and share with clerk.

 

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

a) New Crime Reports – Cllr Tinker reported that the garage on the playing field had been subject to an attempted break in.  No other reports.

b) SID data - Cllr B Allison circulated report for period 1st October to 31st March which was duly noted. Due to battery issues on SID1 the data collected was not consistent, however, the data collected for March when compared to March 2025 showed a decrease in volume and speed of traffic.   SID2 data shows that on the whole there has been a steady increase in the amount of traffic entering the village and although average speeds remain the same daily violations increased significantly over the past two months year on year.

 

7. Playing Field & Shared Community Facilities

a) Hire Fees - Following discussions at previous meetings and taking into consideration comparisons with other venues with facilities it was proposed by Cllr Tinker that all Morton teams, ie. senior and junior football and cricket be charged the same fee of £35 per game/match.   Outside teams £45.00.  General hire inquiries would be via the clerk.  Seconded by Cllr King.  It was also agreed by all that the previous training fee be scraped and the flat fee of £35/£45 be charged for any sporting team wishing to utilise the field whether this be for training sessions or planned games.   All bookings to be confirmed through the clerk.  Cllr Field suggested that the contract be reviewed and this would be put on the agenda for the next meeting.

b) Removal of Showers and Installation of Hot Water Tank - Cllr Butroid to explore one further quote.

c) Online Calendar - Clerk to ensure that calendar is up to date to allow Cllr B Allison to upload.

d) Review of Signage and Bylaws - Cllr B Allison explained that following further research amending bylaws was a lengthy process, however, the council could look at standing orders.  Ongoing. 

e) Hard Court Repairs - ongoing, work to commence in half term break.

f) Research Pedestrian Gate for Main Entrance - ongoing, clerk.

g) Mole contract - Clerk asked for council to consider cancellation of mole contract for the playing field following previous discussions.  Proposed Cllr Butroid.  Seconded Cllr Tinkr.  Clerk to action.   Cllr Tinker asked that the clerk request a further visit from Kruger management to monitor the rabbits.

 

8. Burial Ground

a) Review Burial Agreement Form, Fees and regulations - Actioned. Cllr Butroid and Clerk to visit Walkeringham Cemetery this later this month. 

b) Research Friends of Morton Cemetery -  ongoing.

c) Review Water Tap - Cllr Butroid reported that this was ongoing following a suitable tap being sourced.

d) New Bench - ongoing.

 

9. Planning Matters - 

a) WL/2026/00235, 7 Orchard Close, Morton, DN21 3BP.   Proposed side extension to create garage and attic room.  No comments.

b) Neighbourhood Plan - Cllr B Allison advised that following recent planning applications around HMO’s the council may consider making amendments to the plan, if feasible.  This was good practice and he would seek advise from Nev Brown and update the council accordingly.

 

10. Village Environment

a) Fix My Street – Cllr Butroid provided a summary which included hedging and tree on Hickman Court which was a highways issue.   A submission had been logged for the overflowing bin outside the Premier shop and street light outside the Manor nursing home that was not working. Residents are encouraged to report any concerns via the Fix My Street app in the first instance.

 

11. Village Events

a) Feastival 2026 - Cllr Field updated the council on plans to date.   A temporary events notice had been applied for and this would restrict visitors to a maximum of 499 at one time.  Wristbands would be provided and volunteers would monitor numbers.  Any businesses wishing to offer raffle prizes should contact the Feastival committee.

 

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

 

13. Community Assets - No update.

 

14. Councillor Updates - Cllr Tinker was pleased to report that Morton Firsts would play in the cup final on Northolme on Tuesday 5th May against Babworth.   All welcome to support.

 

15. Items for Inclusion on next Agenda

a) Un-authorised extension to cremation plots.

b) Risk register.

c) Review of playing field hire contract.

d) Clerk’s laptop.

 

16. Date and time of Next Meeting including the Annual Assembly of the Parish Meeting – Monday 11th May 2026 at 6:30 pm to be held at the Community Room, Morton Trentside School. 

 

Meeting closed at 8.10 pm.