2025 Minutes

Billingborough Parish Council  Meeting

Minutes of the meeting of Billingborough Parish Council held on 14 Jan 2025 in the Sports Pavilion at the Recreation ground.

Present: Cllrs C Woodhead (Chairman), C Williamson, H Middlebrook, J Tweddle, M Turner.
In Attendance: H Beaver (Clerk). 
There were 20 members of the public present who came to discuss the flooding that had taken place on Jan 6, mainly on Folkingham Rd. As there were so many questions, the Chairman extended the normal 15 min forum time to 30 minutes before starting the meeting at 7.15pm. When the public forum ended, 2 members of the public stayed for the meeting, one to observe with a view to possibly applying to become a Cllr, and one who had already applied and hoped to be co-opted that evening. The bulk of the questions were about the reasons why the volume of water came from the South West of the village, and on to Folkingham Rd, and if these weren’t currently known, imploring that measures be taken to establish the reason/s, so that preventative measures could be put in place for future prevention. It was suggested that the flood bank that was erected in 2000 behind some of the properties that back on to the Ousemere Load on Folkingham Rd and on to the Piper Dam bridge, although this was not breached, was insufficient as the water appeared to come from much higher up. It was also suggested that the sandbags needed to be placed at more strategic points, also that a petition should be started in conjunction with other villages, a parishioner agreed to organise this. It was felt that development at Folkingham had added to the volume of water received. It was suggested that if the reasons for the flooding couldn’t be established by the Authorities, then the village should fund an independent investigation. It was explained that a village meeting had been organised previously and an emergency planning meeting was to be confirmed for 12 Feb. It was also reported that a flood emergency group had been formed already.

The Chairman closed the public forum at 7.15pm and opened the meeting.

1.    Chairman’s opening Remarks
161. Everyone was welcomed and the Chairman thanked everyone who turned up during the days of January 6 and 7 to help in any way they could, those affected by the flood waters.

2.    Apologies for absence – none received.

3.    Receive any new declarations of interest – none received.

4.    To consider any requests from Members for a dispensation on any items on the agenda. To agree, or not, by resolution to any dispensations, including voting rights. Non received.
162. The Chairman moved to agenda item 20 next in order that members of the public could stay and listen to the agenda item being discussed. Further questions about the local fire engine being involved were asked and further requests to establish the cause were demanded. It was reported that by 7.20am water was flowing very quickly down Folkingham Rd from Folkingham towards Billingborough. All were reminded that both the emergency planning meeting and a meeting of the  the Billingborough Flood Aid group would be happening in the near future. In the meantime the Parish Council would continue to push for a meeting of all the authorities and continue to push for the cause to be established.

5.    Co-option – this was moved to later in the meeting.

6.    Approve draft minutes of the meeting held 12 Nov 2024.
163. It was RESOLVED to accept the minutes as circulated as a true record, the Chairman signed the minutes.

7.    Receive any external reports. 
164. C Cllr Hill who was unable to attend on the night sent the below report that was read out during the public forum:
I am sorry that I am unable to be with you tonight but will give you an update on the current situation in writing.On Monday morning over 2 inches of rain fell in 2 hours which combined with the melting snow resulted in a surge of flood water in the South Kesteven area resulting in the villages of Horbling, Billingborough, Pointon, Rippingale and others suffering flood damage.The south forty foot drain reached its highest ever level but fortunately did not breach and a few properties in Boston flooded.The Environment Agency stated issuing flood alerts at 4am including to registered households and the situation was continuously monitored in the early hours but until an emergency was called mid morning, the situation was considered manageable at the time.From my observance on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday there were related issue with the Ousemere Lode which caused houses on Folkingham Road to be flooded and water was not escaping down the fen fast enough which caused water to be feet deep in the village centre to cause some houses to flood there. It was surprising that more houses were not flooded.Some residents had to be rescued. The Red Cross attended the emergency centre at the village hall with support from local volunteers.The water did clear reasonably quickly apart from Folkingham Road which needed the Fire &Rescue high volume pump to remove 5 million litres of water to at least enable residents to access their properties and start the sorry process of clearance.There are many questions which need addressing including:
what happened at the Ousemere Lode
why didn’t the water flow to and from the south forty foot drain better
would the decommissioned pumps made a difference
were the lock gates used to best effect between high tides.
In Pointon, although houses were flooded the water was flowing down the fen unimpeded.
I have already asked the regional Environment Agency manager for an interim assessment and will be meeting with the national management shortly to demand a comprehensive review of the water catchment in this area including main water courses.
The section 19 reports only related to the 2 known properties and haven’t addressed the broader issues which are there. LCC have jetted drains as requested but the volume of water surpassed those issues.
I was impressed by the great community spirit during and after the food which is great but we must do everything possible to prevent a recurrence which must include greater investment by the Environment Agency and Government on drainage maintenance.
LCC increased its flood related budget by £6 million in response to the storm Henk flooding not only for our own assets but other agencies need to step up in similar fashion. I will keep you updated on developments on this and will continue to welcome advice and suggestions.
The Chairman reported that she had been advised by C Cllr Hill that the repairs to the pavements both in the village and the one from Pointon into the village had been put on the list to be carried out. She had also been advised that the County elections would most probably be going ahead this year, but this would be confirmed next month.
165. D Cllr Turner reported that he had been able to get SKDC representatives into the village to help in any way they could including with the pumping.

8.    Receive any Community groups or Organisation reports – none received. 

9.    Clerk’s Report
166.The Clerk reported that the total sum of all monies held as of 31/12/2024 was £58,314.47. She advised that the first internal audit was taking place on 22 Jan, that the grit bin had been delivered and the salt had been promised to be delivered on Jan 24. The broken swing seat had now been replaced. The CC had advised that they would prefer to replace the patio, rather than individual slabs, this would be addressed at the next meeting. Also, that confirmation had been received that the temporary TPO for the tree between no's 5 and 7 Pointon Rd had now been made permanent.

10.    Finance Matters:
a)    To resolve to approve the accounts up to 31 Dec 2024. 
167.It was RESOLVED to approve the accounts as circulated.
b)    To resolve to agree to the payment of invoices on the list of transactions for approval.
168. It was Resolved to approve the invoices as listed on annexe C for payment.
c)    To receive an updated report on financial checks carried out by Cllr Turner.
169. Cllr Turner reported that he had carried out a check of all invoices and bank statements for the last 3 months, all was found to be in order.
d)    To complete discussions regarding the budget for 2025-26, including, but not necessarily limited to, the following points:
i)    To discuss and resolve on which Cllr proposed projects to include in the budget for 2025-26, and to decide on which projects to put forward for consultation with the Parish. 
170. It was RESOLVED to keep the two current projects only in the budget  i.e the recreation Grd and the cemetery.
ii)    To discuss any quotes received for the appraisal of income from the rental of land - None received
iii)    To discuss suggestions for generating income, as previously circulated by Cllr Woodhead.
171. It was RESOLVED to try and get sponsorships for the planters.
iv)    To discuss any further quotes received regarding the project at the recreation ground – none received.
v)    To discuss a proposal to reverse the previous decision to cease the distribution of the printed newsletter.
172. It was RESOLVED that the newsletter should continue in its current form and also go digital.
vi)    To set the precept for 25-26 as £19,500
173.It was RESOLVED to set the precept for the F/Y 25-26 as £19,500, an increase of 9.7%
vii)    To Resolve to accept the budget for 25-26 as discussed/presented or with resolved alterations. 
174. It was RESOLVED to accept the budget as presented with an amendment of £500 less on the income, as the precept figure had been agreed as £500 less than was on the circulated copy. 
viii)    To discuss any update on the reimbursement of costs already met with regards to maintaining the Aveland field – deferred.
ix)    To discuss and resolve on replacement finials for village signs.
175. It was RESOLVED to purchase 2 more finials from the sign supplier. 

11.    Admin:
a)    To elect an HR Committee and appoint the Chairman of this Committee – deferred.
b)    To receive a report from Cllr Woodhead on the recent Scribefest event – not now required.
c)    To discuss and resolve on the proposed amendments to the Aveland Early Entry Licence – deferred.
d)    To review the current rental agreement for the cemetery field and resolve on any amendments or additions.
176. It was RESOLVED that other than dates and values, no amendments were required.

12.     To consider any quotes received for the purchase of chairs and tables for the pavilion, and also for the replacement of the pavilion front door – none received.

13.    To consider any repairs required for the pavilion heaters.
177. Cllr Middlebrook offered to look for a grant for repairs to the heaters.

14.    To consider repairs required to the CCTV system.
178. It was RESOLVED to accept a quote from ProStorm Solutions Ltd to supply and install a replacement CCTV hard drive for the sum of £177.60

15.    To assess if any action is required regarding a report of trees being cut at the recreation ground – not required.

16.    To receive an update from Cllr Middlebrook on the bio-diversity project and grant application at the Recreation Grd.
179. Cllr Middlebrook reported that a grant application of £1660.35 had been submitted and accepted by SKDC for a bio diversity project at the recreation ground. This would be in the form of a wild flower area around the Kings Coronation bench.

17.    To consider any quotes received for proposed works at the cemetery, and discuss the choice of materials to be used.
180. It was suggested that Cllrs should meet at the cemetery to discuss the project, Cllr Woodhead to arrange a date.

18.    To receive any update on the ownership of, and repair to the road at the entrance to the Springwells.
181.C Cllr Hill has agreed that this will be put on the works schedule to be completed.

19.    To consider quote received for the plaque to be erected at the Hall Field and confirm location and budget for installation – deferred.

20.    To discuss recent flooding, Section 19 flood report, and scheduling of next meeting – already reported.

21.    To receive any update from Cllr Turner regarding the Fortescue Arms Committee.
182. Cllr Turner reported that the committee was awaiting paperwork before anything could be progressed and encouraged all to support this local business as the kitchen was now up and running. 
183. The co-option application from point 5 on the agenda was discussed, the applicant was asked a few questions before being co-opted on to the Council. Julie Green signed the Acceptance of Offer form.

There being no other business the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.00pm 

 APPENDIX A: Payments from 1/11to  31/12/24

APPENDIX B: RECEIPTS RECEIVED  1/11-31/12/24

APPENDIX C: Transactions for authorisation on 14 JAN 2025

SIGNED: J Tweddle.

SIGNED: C Williamson.

NEXT MEETING: TUESDAY 11 MARCH AT THE PAVILION, RECREATION GROUND.