February 2026 Minutes
Harlaxton Parish Council
Chair: Andrew Cartlidge
Email: harlaxtonpc@gmail.com
Address: 3 Church Street, Harlaxton, Lincs, NG32 1HB
Extra Parish Council Meeting
7:30pm on Tuesday, 10 February 2026
Harlaxton Village Hall, 3 Church Street, Harlaxton, NG32 1HU
Minutes
1. Meeting Opened: 7.30pm
2. In Attendance: Cllrs Smith, Phillips, Wicks & Cartlidge
3. Apologies (Non-Attendance): Cllr Clawson
4. Declarations of Pecuniary Interests: Cllrs Wicks and Smith acknowledged membership of the Harlaxton Sports and Social Club [HSSC]. Cllr Cartlidge acknowledged membership of the HSSC and Village Hall committee.
5. Resolution to approve minutes of Parish Council Meetings: PCM of Tuesday, 13 January 2026: Approved.
6. Public Forum (15 Minute Presentation/Discussion): Meru introduced themselves as the new shopkeeper of the Harlaxton Village Shop. Councillors warmly welcomed him and wished him well in the village. The shop will open on 22 February from 10am to 1pm. Normal opening times will be Monday to Saturday, 7am to 6pm and Sunday, 8am to 1pm. They have been trying to bring back a post office counter, however the Post Office want to be paid £3000 per month to operate the service. The shop will stock groceries, household items, alcohol, cigarettes, and offer a parcel drop service for DPD, Amazon, Royal Mail, and DHL, but not Evri or Parcel Force. Newspapers will commence from Monday, 23 February.
7. Update from County Councillor Vernon – No Attendance
7.1. Update on LCC meeting from 12 December – pending.
7.2. Update on gulley on Trotters/High Street Junction – pending.
7.3. Update on unfixed pothole opposite Trotters Lane on A607 – pending.
8. Update from District Councillor Leadenham
8.1. Update on Regulation 18 proposal by SKDC [Land to the west of The Drift] – Expecting an SKDC response in June/July 2026.
8.2. Update on CSW position for A607 – In process and should be issued in the next few weeks.
8.3. Update on Road Sweeping – It was noted that some of the village had been swept, but not A607. To be chased up.
8.4. The Local Government Reorganisation plan is now out for public consultation and urges everyone to read it and have a response.
8.5. SKDC Community Awards are now open for 2026
8.6. Four more 30mph signs will shortly be available.
8.7. Dog Fouling signs provided can be put up.
8.8. The Barrowby planning application remains open for everyone to make comments, and urges everyone to have a response.
8.9. 23 March to 6 April, Gorse Lane will be shut from Swinehill to the A1 for repairs
9. Finance: Finances remain healthy with no significant change from previously.
9.1. Invoices/Expenses: None.
10. HSSC:
10.1. Car Park Fence: No response from the appointed contractor. Admin to Chase up.
10.2. Accessible WC: Cllr Wicks has met three contractors on-site, and the PC is now awaiting quotations.
10.3. Car Park Lines: Two options were discussed, both offering similar parking spaces. Cllr Wicks to review another option.
11. Manor Drive Sports Field Hire: The Council noted that several parties have expressed interest in hiring the Manor Drive Sports Field for youth football training. Any proposed hire would need to be compatible with the existing cricket use, and only viable areas of the field would be considered following discussions with the Cricket Club. Admin to discuss with Cricket Club.
[Continued…]
12. Pearson Gregory Field Improvements: Dog fouling issues have recently been raised by residents. It was agreed to close up the unofficial gap between the adjacent landowners' car park and the field with a padlocked gate. Potential improvements were discussed, acknowledging the need for appropriate community engagement. It was agreed to do a letter drop to local households advising that the matter will be discussed at the Annual Meeting of the Parish on 25 March 2026.
13. Highways: There are ongoing gulley and drainage issues causing flooding on the A607, resulting in water flowing from the A607 into the High Street, which has its own gulley blockage issues. Road sweeping on the A607 has been requested but has not yet been carried out.
13.1. Community Speed Watch: The status of Community Speed Watch locations on the A607 is still pending review by the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, and approval is awaited. Additional 40mph signage has been deployed, thanks to CSW volunteers DB and SW. There has been some indication of improved driver behaviour. The CSW coordinator needs to be more active in arranging sessions.
14. HVH Licence Agreement: It was agreed to update the dates and issue the agreement for the next period.
15. Bowls Club Licence Agreement: It was noted that the Bowls Club has advised that their previous licence (2002–2007) had expired without renewal. It is understood that the Parish Council owns the land, and the Bowls Club owns the building and is responsible for the building and its maintenance, and that, should the club cease operations, the building would revert to the Parish Council. A draft had been prepared by Admin, substantially using the original wording and intent. It was agreed to issue this to the Bowls Club for signing.
16. James Murden Book: The response from the History Society was discussed regarding their options for distribution and costs. Pricing remains to be determined. Possible sales outlets were considered, and it was indicated that appropriate parties would be approached regarding potential sale locations.
17. Meeting Dates 2026/27: The following dates were agreed:
Wednesday, 25 March – Annual Meeting of the Parish
Wednesday, 29 April – regular Parish Council Meeting
Wednesday, 27 May – Annual Meeting of the Council
Wednesday, 29 July – regular Parish Council Meeting
Wednesday, 30 September – regular Parish Council Meeting
Wednesday, 9 December – regular Parish Council Meeting
Wednesday, 24 February 2027 – regular Parish Council Meeting
18. Annual Meeting of the Parish - Wednesday, 25 March 2026 – Cllr Wicks to arrange the Cheese and Wine. Admin to organise the invitations.
19. Any other business:
19.1. Cllr Phillips: (i) raised the grit bin and asked Admin to check the previous minutes and follow up, (ii) update on the Manor Drive Flooding and asked Admin to follow up with the insurer, (iii) 999 defibrillator signs, noted to be ordered by Cllr Wicks.
19.2. Cllr Wicks: (i) will be ordering the previously agreed HSSC car park signs shortly, (ii) will follow up with The Manor regarding the replacement of the damaged Bowls Club chainlink fence they damaged.
19.3. Cllr Cartlidge: (i) reminded councillors that the west end dog bin and play area hedge still need attention.
20. Next scheduled Meetings
Annual Meeting of the Parish - Wednesday, 25 March 2026 at 7:30pm in the Village Hall
21. Closed Session [if required]: none required.
22. Meeting closed: 9.10pm