Minutes 2026

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Minutes of a meeting of the Open Spaces, Burial and Allotments Committee held 18:00hrs, Tuesday, 20 January 2026, in the Curlew Centre Bridge Room, Sutton Bridge.

Present: Cllr Brewis, Cllr Kirby-Fox, Cllr McLaughlin, Mrs C Smith (clerk), Mrs K Croxford (admin assistant). Absent: Cllr Baldry, Cllr Middleton

26.001. Apologies were received from Cllr Baldry and Cllr Middleton

26.002. There were no declarations received.

26.003. Representations received from members of the public – no members of the public were present.

26.004. It was resolved to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 30 September 2025.

26.005. Memorial Park

i. Tree work. - The Clerk confirmed that all tree work allocated for completion under the August 2024 Tree Report had now been carried out. The contractor had identified an additional tree that was found to be rotten, and following consultation with the Tree Officer at SHDC, it was agreed that the tree should be removed and replaced. The Clerk would speak further with the Tree Officer regarding the replacement species and would enquire whether a Rowan or Silver Birch from the tree pack received last year could be used.

ii. Based on advice from the tree consultants in the previous report, a further re survey was not recommended within 18–24 months. It was resolved that the next tree report would be undertaken in 2027.

26.006. Burial Ground.

i. Following concerns raised by families and registered grave owners in the Garden of Rest regarding additional items placed on graves, it was agreed that a meeting would be convened with the families to hear their concerns and consider how these issues might be addressed. The meeting has been scheduled for 16 February 2026 at 18:00 hours in the Bridge Room at the Curlew Centre.

26.007. Garden Allotments.

i. The admin assistant reported that the newly designated area of allotment land had been ploughed, courtesy of a tenant. Two vacant plots had now been allocated. The area had also been marked out; the Clerk would visit the site to verify the layout.

ii. An allotment inspection was scheduled for 26 April 2026 at 11.00am starting at Wrights Lane, followed by Westbank allotments at 12.00 noon.

26.008. Farm Tenancy

i. Following notification from Longstaff’s regarding a tenant’s notice to quit due to access arrangements, the Clerk would contact the tenant to determine the nature and location of the access issues. 

26.009. Public Participation – 18:40 hrs Cllr Scarlett and a member of the public entered the meeting.

26.010. Cllr McLaughlin reported that she would be stepping down from the Committee. Thanks were expressed for her contribution and support during her time as a member.

26.011. There were no quotes for work

26.012. Next Meeting - 28 April 2026

The chair closed the meeting at 18:42 hrs