2025 Minutes

Parish Council Meeting

7:30pm on Wednesday, 26 November 2025

Harlaxton Village Hall, 3 Church Street, Harlaxton, NG32 1HU

 

Minutes

1. Meeting Opened: 7:30pm

2. In Attendance: Cllrs Wicks, Phillips, Smith, Clawson and Cartlidge. County Councillor Vernon was thanked for attending.

3. Apologies (Non-Attendance): HPC, all present. However, District Councillor Leadenham gave their apologies.

4. Declarations of Pecuniary Interests: Cllrs Wicks, Smith and Cartlidge acknowledged membership of the Harlaxton Sports and Social Club.

5. Resolution to approve minutes of Parish Council Meetings: PCM of 24 September 2025: Unanimously approved and signed.

6. Public Forum (15 Minute Presentation/Discussion). A villager thanked LCC for their prompt action in sending a contractor to pump out the flooding gulley pot at the bottom of Trotters Lane, but expressed concern that the flooding returned the following day. Cllr Cartlidge advised that on the day, the operatives were of the opinion that the gulley pot may not be connected to the highway drainage, and there is other inflow of water into the pot from elsewhere: LCC were now considering further investigations and remedial work if necessary.

7. Updates - County Councillor, District Councillor

7.1. County Councillor update on:

(i) Overgrown Sloes and Verge cutting on the Drift: Pending further involvement from Cllr Vernon to follow up with LCC.

(ii) Weight Limit on The Drift Canal Bridge: This has now been resolved. Cllr Cartlidge advised that the Canal and River Trust has replied to confirm that they are responsible for the masonry arch bridge, which was assessed in March 2012 as having a capacity of 44 Tons and last inspected in May 2024. LCC Highways has confirmed that the 7.5 weight limit sign at the top of The Drift, just off the A607, relates to the Barrowby Load Road bridge across the A1.

(iii) A607 50mph to 40mph: Cllr Cartlidge advised that LCC Highways have now indicated this may be completed in December/January, but before March 2026.

(iv) LCC maintenance of land on the corner of Pond Street/Rectory Lane: Pending further involvement from Cllr Vernon to follow up with LCC.

(v) Removal of A607 streetlighting: Pending further involvement from Cllr Vernon to follow up with LCC.

(vi) Clearing of gulley pots and below-ground drainage on A607: Cllr Cartlidge advised that LCC Highways have now agreed to a meeting on site to listen to the various issues. Arranged for Tuesday, 16 December 10am to 11:30am

Cllr Vernon added: (a) Harlaxton is within the Avian Flu zone and all owners of birds should already have been notified of the necessary safeguarding requirements. (b) Anglian Water works are planned on Swinehill, with partial closures, to resolve the leaking water main. (c) The mains water pipe under the High Street is to be raised again with LCC for action with Anglian Water.

Cllr Smith asked for an update on the double yellow lines outside the school on Swinehill, as the works seemed to have been cancelled. Cllr Vernon advised that this may have been due to the rain, but they will return shortly to complete. [Post meeting update, the double yellow lines were added at 8:30 on Wednesday, 26 November. 

7.2. District Councillor updates

7.2.1. Local Government Reorganisation: Cllr Leadenham had earlier sent through a briefing update from SKDC. It seems that HPC may be expected to take on additional responsibilities previously handled by SKDC/LCC, such as bins, grass cutting, and green spaces, which may necessitate an increase in the Precept from 2027 onwards.

 

 

[Continued…]

 

 

 

8. Defibrillator: It was agreed to replace the defibrillator at the Village Hall, and to consider commissioning an agent to carry out yearly testing of the two units. Eight quotes have been received for a replacement HVH Defibrillator unit to fit within the current enclosure, ranging from £503 per year rental to purchase prices of £660+VAT to £1355+VAT. It was agreed to only purchase units designated as Fully Automatic. Pending further investigations, the London Hearts Scheme grant funded Mindray C1A at £660 was the favourite option, but it was agreed to spend up to £917 [which is £1100 inc VAT], which would include possible options of a Zoll AED plus at £899 [to match the previous units], or a Mindray C1A V2 at £850. Update information to be sent to Councillors before the Admin makes the purchase. Yearly testing costs were agreed at no more than £200 per year, covering both defibrillators. 

9. Financial: 

9.1. Invoices/expenses:

The current HPC bank balance is £28997.64 with HSBC and £8445.27 of savings with MMBS. HPC finances are healthy with the expectation that, despite drawing down on reserves for various projects and urgent repairs this year, it will end the year with at least a year's precept in hand in the current account, as is good practice. Principal expenditures for 2025/26 have been included:

[projects {P}, emergencies {E} and unforeseen {U}]: 

{P} £9060 for Sports Field Maintenance [the land drain to the south of the Manor Drive Sports Field],

(U} £856.85 election charge for the Parish Poll,

{P} £660 for clearing the overgrown hedge around the HSSC car park,

{P} £660 for cutting back the overhanging Maple on Gregory Close,

{P} £582 to clear the gravel from the two inspection chambers on the HSSC car park,

{U} £484.15 for signage related to the Parish Poll

{U} £480 for the valuation of the two buildings for insurance purposes,

{E} £400.25 for the repair of the HSSC STW inspection chamber,

{E} £220 for the repair of the HSSC roof, identified when the HSSC Committee were installing their PV panels

{U} £175 for clearing the roof of moss before the HSSC installed their PV panels, 

{E} £150 for clearing the fallen tree branch to the top of Gregory Close, and

{U} £78.85 for printing related to the Regulation 18 consultation

A total of £13807.10 of projects, emergency or unforeseen matters.

SKDC have issued the Precept information for 2026/2027, and the following options were considered:

£23041 [as 2025-26, no increase] - equates to a 0.6% increase on a Band D charge and an increase of £0.39

£23488 - 2.5% increase on a Band D charge, equivalent to approx £1.67

£24062 - 5% increase on a Band D charge, equivalent to approx £3.32

£24636 - 7.5% increase on a Band D charge, equivalent to approx £4.97

£25209 - 10% increase on a Band D charge, equivalent to approx £6.62

Councillors were broadly in favour of a 5% increase due to rising maintenance and grass-cutting costs, but agreed to make a decision at an extra meeting in December/January when the grass-cutting quotes are returned.

 

The HSSC had reported that the warning light was on the sewage treatment works [STW] pumps in the Car Park. HPC asked Allerton [the previous installer and maintenance provider of the equipment] to make an emergency visit. They found that both pumps and the float valve had failed, possibly due to water ingress into the junction box inside the chamber. Their invoice was £758.06 inc VAT. It was agreed to pay this. It was further agreed to ask Allerton to quote to replace the junction box now, rather than wait until the next service in April [to supersede the temporary repair] and avoid the risk of a further incident that may cause the pumps to fail again. A cost of up to £300 was approved.

10. Harlaxton Meadows [Land to the west of Swinehill]: No further update from SKDC on an appeal. It was noted that the site is being promoted for sale again.

11. Regulation 18 proposal by SKDC [Land to the west of The Drift]: No further update from SKDC.

12. Village Flooding

12.1. High Street: Following the event on 14 November, and many other long-standing defects along the A607, Trottes Lane, and The Drift, LCC Highways have agreed to a meeting with HPC on Tuesday, 16 December.

Cllrs Phillips, Wicks and Clawson to do a recci to pre-empt the LCC meeting, and that Cllrs Phillips, Wicks, Carlidge and Clawson to meet LCC on 16 December.

12.2. Manor Drive: The insurance claim is ongoing. HPC are now awaiting an improved settlement figure from AXA.

13. Harlaxton Wharf: HPC were invited to attend a Wharf Committee meeting on Monday, 3 November. Cllrs Phillips and Cartlidge attended. It was established from Land Registry, that the wharf is owned by the Canal and River Trust, not Haralxton Parish Council. The committee were concerned that maintenance has been minimal in recent years due to the pandemic and the small number of active volunteers, and that without renewed involvement, the area risks returning to brambles and nettles. New Volunteers are required to help maintain the Wharf for the Canal and River Trust.

 

[Continued…]

 

14. Village Shop/Post Office: Cllr Wicks advised that the new owners are actively preparing the shop for opening in the future.

14.1. James Murden’s Book: No update from Harlaxton History Society. Cllr Phillips asked if Harlaxton Manor would like to have some to sell to visitors and students. Cllr Wicks to enquire.

15. Highways:

15.1. A607 50 to 40mph speed reduction: LCC advise that this should be completed in the next few months.

15.2. Community Speed Watch: Cllr Wicks reported that there haven’t been too many recent sessions due to the poor weather. Recent events reported to Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership have included a vehicle being caught exceeding the limit twice within the same session, which will likely count twice towards the maximum of three warnings before action is taken. Cllr Cartlidge mentioned that the role of Harlaxton Community Speed Watch Coordinator remains available.

15.3. Anglian Water pipe in Culvert below High Street: No further action from Anglian Water. Admin to follow up, but to be raised at the LCC meeting on Tuesday, 16 December.

16. HSSC:

16.1. Car Park Hedge: Quotes are being sought for the repair/replacement of the fencing, now exposed by the clearing of the hedges. One quote has been received, and four others are awaited. It was noted that the contractor has not fully plugged some of the stumps to prevent re-growth. A photo was shared with Admin for following up with the contractor. The Contractor has not been able to return to spray the area again because of the poor weather, and suggests that this will now need to be scheduled for next year, before re-growth occurs. 

16.2. Package Sewage Treatment Work [STW]: Emergency repairs were undertaken to replace both failed pumps and the float valve. A quote is to be sought to replace the defective junction box, thought to have been the cause of the defect.

17. Grass & Hedge Cutting

17.1. Hedge Cutting 2025: Volunteers are sought to help cut back the hedge around the play area of Manor Drive. Harlaxton Manor is to repair the chainlink fence on the Manor Drive side of the Bowls Club fence, which they damaged earlier this year.

17.2. Grass Cutting 2026: Quotes are to be sought for the usual main village areas and Coffin Walk [the Manor Drive sports field is on a three year arrangement, which has not yet expired]. Additional quotes to be sought to optionally include (i) the mowing of the grass on the corner of land between Rectory Lane and Pond Street, which villagers cleared and reseeded with grass earlier this year, (ii) the verge between A607 and The Drift, which LCC should cut, but it's often left to be overgrown and untidy, and (iii) the grass and brambled area towards the bottom of The Drift, which should similarly be the responsibility of LCC, but they have repeaatedly avoided any maintenance here and the area is becoming excessively overgrown.

18. Any other business: Cllr Smith raised the Harlaxton Christmas Lights, which was arranged for Thursday, 4 December, subject to the weather. Cllr Smith asked if District Councillor Leadenham would be providing a tree again for the Sports & Social Club. Admin to enquire.

19. Next scheduled Meetings

Extra Council Meetings for finalising the precept: Pending a date in December/January.

Parish Council Meeting Wednesday, 28 January 2026 at 7:30pm in the Village Hall

20. Closed Session

21. Meeting closed: 9pm