Minutes 2025

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Minutes of a meeting of the Open Spaces, Burial and Allotments Committee held 19:00hrs, Tuesday, 30 September 2025, in the Curlew Centre Bridge Room, Sutton Bridge.

Present: Cllr Baldry, Cllr Brewis, Cllr Kirby-Fox, Cllr McLaughlin, Cllr Middleton, Mrs C Smith (clerk).

Absent: None

25.011. There were no apologies all present.

25.012. There were no declarations received.

25.013. Representations received from members of the public – no members of the public present.

25.014. It was resolved to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 17 June 2025.

25.015. Memorial Park

i. Tree work – Councillors noted the tree work that had been undertaken over the year with one other , it was agreed that the G5 group that had been previously pollarded would be done and that the two trees on the end would not be cut back but inspected when that next report was commissioned. It was agreed that the next tree report would be commissioned in spring 2026.

ii. Overgrown weeds near Churchgate. Cllrs agreed to meet and tackle the weeds themselves on 6th Oct 10am.

iii. Bin in the play area – Cllrs noted that the outside operative thought the current bin was adequate providing it was emptied twice a week. It was agreed not to order another bin.

25.016. Burial Ground.

i. Councillors discussed the request to have a different design of bench in the burial ground. After careful consideration Cllrs agreed that any new benches installed should match the existing benches to maintain a consistent design and preserve the overall appearance of the space.

ii. It was noted that the signage included a request that all rubbish should be taken away by visitors. Cllrs also discussed the items on graves that made maintaining the area difficult. Concerns had been raised by an undertaker in the summer that some of the graves were overgrown. Contractors do not move any items left on graves and so do not cut the grass in those areas. It was agreed to write to grave owners and ask that items be removed so that the cemetery could be managed as a lawn as stated in the rules. There would be one month’s notice given after which time items would be removed by council staff. It was agreed that the rules of the burial ground would be circulated when the Exclusive Rights were purchased and again when Memorial rights were granted.

Cllr Middleton left the meeting.

25.017. Garden Allotments.

i. Cllrs received the notes of the tenants meeting 9th September. Cllr Brewis reported that the pothole made by the installation of a pipe was still there and he would show it to County Councillor Woods to see if something could be done.

ii. An allotment inspection was scheduled for 19th October 10.30 starting at Wrights Lane, followed by Lime St. Cllr Kirby-Fox would try to attend if work commitments allowed.

iii. Cllrs discussed using allotment land to heel in the saplings for the hedge, until the build was complete. It was agreed that the wildflower area may be the best place as there is water at the cemetery.

25.018. Farm Tenancy

i. Cllrs noted the notice to vacate on one of the farm tenancies. The clerk would work with the land agent to get this area re-let. It was agreed to include the unused allotments in this area.

25.019. Public Participation – no public present.

25.020. Next Meeting - 20 January 2026

The chair closed the meeting at 20:10