2026-27 Minutes (Full Council)

Minutes taken by the Clerk Mrs. Val Austin. for the Parish Council meeting at Wyberton Parish Council, which was held on Wednesday 12th August 2026 at 7.00pm at Wyberton Community Centre
(These minutes will be checked at the next meeting before the council amends/approves them as a correct record)

Present: Cllr Allan Fryer (Chair), Cllr Colin Clarke (Vice Chair), Cllr Christabelle Horner, Cllr Maxine Stones (arrived 19:03pm), Cllr Jason Stevenson, Cllr Richard Austin, Cllr Mike Sharp and the Clerk Val Austin.

Also present:   Cllr Chris Mountain – Boston Borough Councillor

The meeting was called to order at 19:00pm

At 19:17pm, the meeting was suspended for councillors to view the solar eclipse.

The meeting resumed at 19:19pm.

1. Chairman to open the monthly parish council meeting. Cllr Allan Fryer opened the meetings and welcomed everyone for attending.

• Cllr Allan Fryer, mentioned before starting that, if anyone wished to ask a question or speak, please raise your hand.
• He also added that, if anyone wanted to step outside to watch the solar eclipse, he would be happy to suspend the meeting for a few minutes

2. Apologies for absence: To receive and accept apologies where valid reasons for absence have been given to the Clerk prior to the meeting.

• Cllr David Williams – Prior Commitment
• Cllr Barry Daish Lincolnshire County Councillor – Prior Commitment

3. Public Forum: To resolve to suspend the meeting for a maximum of 10 minutes to allow members of the public to ask questions or make short statements to the council

• There was no public forum

4. Declarations of interest (if any): To receive declarations of interest under the Localism Act 2011 – being any pecuniary interest in agenda items not previously recorded on Members’ Register of Interests

• No declarations of interest were made.

5. Minutes of the Annual Parish Council meeting and Monthly Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 8th July 2026- To resolve as a correct record and to authorise the Chairman to sign the official minutes.

• Cllr Mike Sharp proposed, Cllr Richard Austin seconded, and all councillors resolved for Cllr Allan Fryer to sign the minutes as a true record.

6. Lincolnshire County and Boston Borough Councillors Reports

a) Cllr. Barry Daish - Not in attendance, apologises sent.

• A report was read out on behalf of Cllr Barry Daish. The grant application for £500 to support the Senior Meal and Summer Fair is awaiting approval.
• The Boston Barrier is now open. Cllr Chris Mountain added that it had been opened for the spring tide.
• The double yellow lines at Saundergate Lane have now been approved.

b. Cllr. Richard Austin - Nothing new to report

c. Cllr. Chris Mountain -

• Mentioned Football parking is becoming a problem by the Quadrant now that the football season has started. Complaints are being received. The Quadrant is still under Chestnut Homes, and there is no enforcement in place.
• There was discussion on the future formation of a town council for Boston. The Unparished areas — Sir Isaac Newton Drive and Park Avenue — will go under Boston instead of Wyberton Parish Council.
• Food Caddies

Cllr Chris Mountain explained that the bin lorries have been upgraded for the new collection system, and changes will be happening as the service has not been updated since 2012. He confirmed that food bags do not need to be biodegradable — residents can use a normal carrier bag. There are biodegradable bags supplied in the caddies, but once these are gone, any bag will do.

He added that the bags are bio digestible when processed: they are spiked, producing a raw‑soup texture, and after processing the bags are removed.

Cllr Mike Sharp asked whether the food‑waste collection would be weekly, and Cllr Chris Mountain confirmed that the collection will be weekly, and that a new collection calendar will be sent out in due course.

7. Clerks Report and Councillors Ongoing Items

7.1:      Drainage works at the Community Centre.

• Cllr Richard Austin asked whether there were any ongoing issues with the blocking of the drains. Cllr Allan Fryer explained that since the first repair at the top end of the drains, the blockages have not been too bad.
• Cllr Mike Sharp asked what the cost of the full drainage works would be. Cllr Allan Fryer advised that the cost would be approximately £17,000, but he would confirm the exact figure.
• Cllr Allan Fryer requested that this item be removed from future agendas until more information is available. The cost of the drains is to be included in the 2027–2028 budget.

7.2:      East Coast Community Fund - Grant application update

• Update on the grant funding
• The JES cabling works are now complete and to be removed from future agenda.
• The JES heater operation demonstration is also complete.
• Cllr Allan Fryer will speak to the contractor regarding the invoice for the cupboard installation.
• The cupboard has the necessary warning labels displayed on the walls.
• Cllr Mike Sharp asked about the ceiling fans. Cllr Allan Fryer explained that the fans will be thermostatically controlled, and that SJG, who installed the solar system, are aware of the type of fans required.
• The Clerk advised that the parish council is awaiting funding approval for the ceiling fan installation, and an update will be provided when available.

7.3 Resident Complaints – Saundergate Lane Dentist

• Cllr Barry Daish mentioned in his report that the double yellow lines have been approved.
• Cllr Allan Fryer advised that he has emailed Lincolnshire County Council to request that the lines continue a couple of meters past the dentist, as this section remains a concern.
• Update to be provided when more information is available.

7.4 Infinis Solar Development – Community Funding

• Cllr Allan Fryer mentioned that all windows and doors have been installed by K&K Windows.
• However, the lock for the PGS is an issue, and the Clerk has contacted K&K Windows and is awaiting a reply.
• The Clerk is also waiting for a quote for the works required on the community centre door hinges. When the contractor attended the community centre, they advised that the current locks are not rated for insurance purposes and need to be upgraded to 3‑star rated locks.
• The Parish Council is waiting for the funding to be released; once received, the invoice will be paid.
• The ceiling works have been approved. The Clerk has been in touch with the contractor, and the works will begin during the October half‑term. They are expected to take one week to complete, and no hirers will have access to the main hall during that week.
• The Clerk will write to each hirer nearer the time, once the dates have been confirmed.

7.5       Chairman’s Regalia

• No further update. To be added to the 2027–2028 budget for the honours board. This item is to be removed from future agendas.

7.6       Speeding on Low Road

• Cllr Allan Fryer reported no change.
• Cllr Mike Sharp and Cllr Richard Austin discussed the traffic check already carried out by LCC, which used two monitoring boxes that can be moved between locations.

7.7       Local Government Re‑organisation

• Cllr Chris Mountain informed councillors that Lincolnshire will move to a two‑authority structure, with Lincoln City forming its own area, Donut and the rest of the county forming the second authority.
• The change is expected to take place with elections planned for May 2027 and the full re‑organisation completed by 2028.
• Councillors noted that parish councils may take on additional responsibilities once the new structure is in place.

7.8       Cuckoo Land Allotments

• Cllr Chris Mountain mentioned that land and assets will not simply be given away, and that the Parish Council would need to submit a formal request if it wished to take on the allotments. He also confirmed that the Parish Council would not receive any funding towards the allotments.
• This was discussed in detail, noting the area’s value as community space, alongside considerations such as housing and future use of the land.
• Cllr Chris Mountain advised that the Parish Council could contact Boston Borough Council and put in a request for the land they wanted to explore this further.
• Cllr Allan Fryer asked the Clerk to put this item on the September agenda for a discussion.

7.9       Defibrillator – Outside Community Centre

• Cllr Allan Fryer advised that there is no update at present, but it should hear by the end of August or early September.
• Cllr Jason Stevenson mentioned the possibility of getting a bleed kit through the Visa Community scheme.
• Update when available

7.10     Wyberts Park & Green Space Future

• Cllr Jason Stevenson is dealing with this. Update when more information is available.

7.11     Internet at Community Centre

• Cllr Jason Stevenson has approached a local company. They will visit the Community Centre and Clerk’s office for Wi‑Fi placement.
• A date for the visit is still to be arranged.

7.12     Community Centre Committee – Updates from 20 June 2026

• Key Box: Cllr Allan Fryer asked whether the new key box was working better. Cllr Colin Clarke confirmed it works every time.
• This item is to be removed from future agendas and minutes.
• CCTV: Quotes received and sent to Cllr Allan Fryer who noted that the second quote was too expensive, and the parish council will proceed with GBSG, who already service the equipment. The Clerk will advise the second contractor that, due to the pricing, the parish council will not be taking up the quote at this time.
• Hedge Cutting, Barrier & Fencing: Cllr Allan Fryer mentioned the email sent to all councillors from the resident, regarding the letter the Clerk wrote about the hedge and trees. After discussion, it was resolved that the Clerk will reply to the resident.
• Cllr Allan Fryer also mentioned that the Clerk had tried to obtain quotes for the broken barrier but none were received, even after chasing. He noted that the barrier should be at eye height. Councillors resolved that the gardener will cut the tree after nesting season on 1st September, and the hedges should be cut sooner.
• The Clerk will contact the gardener.
•  Cllr Chris Mountain mentioned wheel stops for the barrier.
• The Parish council wishes to remain good neighbours with the resident, and the clerk to reply to the email
• Entrance Improvements: Bunting will be put up for the Summer Fair.
• Cllr Christabelle Horner mentioned she would be available to help at the Summer Fair.
• Due to a mix‑up with timings, SMB will open and close the community centre on a Thursday, and the Clerk will deal with the paperwork.
• Regular Hirers: Karate, Pilates, Taekwondo, and Yoga are all using the key box successfully.
• Locks: Locksmith visited and the clerk asked for a quote for regulation locks and repairs to the main hall doors.
• Alarm Monitoring: Prices were discussed again. The Clerk will write to the second contractor to see whether their prices can be reviewed.

7.13  Community Resilience and Emergency Planning – To Note

• The Clerk advised that the wording on the agenda was incorrect, and it will be corrected before the minutes are issued.
• A small report has been located confirming the following roles:
• Cllr Mike Sharp – Coordinator
• Cllr Richard Austin – Deputy
• Bryan Reeves – Additional Support
• The report also includes email addresses and contact numbers for the above.
• Cllr Mike Sharp advised the Clerk that he will email the actual plan.

7.14     Community Centre Cleaning – To Note

• The Clerk advised that they are still looking for cleaning companies and will provide an update when more information is available.
• One quote has been received, but it was far too expensive for one visit per week.

7.15 Caretaker / Cleaner – To Note

• Cllr Allan Fryer advised that this item could not be discussed in this meeting, and that any discussion would need to take place in a closed session at the end of a meeting if required.
• A closed session was not required at this meeting.
• The Clerk noted that this update was included so councillors were aware of the current position, as most councillors have been opening and closing the building.
• A back to work meeting has taken place, and a further update will be provided after the next review on 18th August.

8. Councillors to discuss & resolve the following items:

8.1 Staffing Committee – To Note

• It was noted that Cllr Mike Sharp has resigned from the Staffing Committee by personal choice.

8.2 Staffing Committee – Appointment of Representatives (Co‑opted)

• To appoint representatives (co‑opted) to the Staffing Committee for the ensuing year 2026–2027. – Due to low numbers on the committee.
• Cllr Christabelle Horner agreed to join the Staffing Committee for the ensuing year 2026–2027.

9.1 Approve Payments of Accounts

• Cllr Colin Clarke proposed, and Cllr Jason Stevenson seconded, and all councillors were in favour for Cllr Allan Fryer to approve and sign the payment list. Cllr Colin Clarke also signed the accounts as a second signatory.
• Cllr Allan Fryer asked Cllr Mike Sharp to set him up on the bank to become a signatory.

9.2 Bank Statements

• Bank statements dated 12th August 2026.
• Community Account balance - £8,166.87
• Commercial Account balance - £20,971.38

10. Planning Matters

• After much discussion, councillors did not have any objections to the planning applications.
• B/26/0291 – 63 Causeway PE21 7AR – Emailed all Cllrs 27th July
• B/26/0251 – Plant and Bean New Hammond Beck Rd PE21 7JD – Emailed 28th July
• B/26/0293 – Merrimans Lounge – Emailed 11 August 2026
• The Clerk to advise Boston Borough Council Planning department.

11. Next Meeting

Cllr Allan Fryer advised councillors that the next meeting will be held on Wednesday 9th September 2026 at 7pm.

12. Any Other Business to be Brought Forward to the Next Meeting, or to note.

• Councillors may also give brief updates on ongoing matters; however, no decisions can be made under this item until the following month.
• Cllr Allan Fryer went around the councillors asking for their comments:
• Cllr Christabelle Horner mentioned the buses travelling through the Quadrant.
• Cllr Mike Sharp mentioned water problems along West End Road and noted how quickly the repair was completed.
• Cllr Colin Clarke raised the booking system and deposits for hirers.
• This item is to go to the Community Centre & Events Committee; a date will be arranged.
• Cllr Colin Clarke also mentioned the works at Garfit Lane, with floodlights on at 11:30pm at night.
• Cllr Allan Fryer mentioned the Summer Fair and again asked for helpers.

With no other business, the meeting was called to a close at 20:17pm.

Signed:

Date: