Minutes 2026

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DRAFT Minutes of the Sutton Bridge Parish Council Meeting held 19:00hrs Tuesday, 22 September 2026, in the Curlew Centre Bridge Room, Sutton Bridge.

Present: Cllr C Brewis, Cllr M Booth, Cllr P Eggett, Cllr T Judd, Cllr M Middleton, Cllr M Philpott, Cllr M Pitt (Chair), Mrs. C Smith (Parish Clerk), Mrs. K Croxford, (Admin Assistant), County Cllr R Woods.

Two Members of the Public:Absent:  Cllrs Baldry, Cook and Kirby- Fox 

Unless otherwise stated, actions are to be undertaken by the clerk. 

26.174. Apologies were received from Cllrs Baldry, Judd and Kirby - Fox

26.175. Cllr Booth declared an interest in agenda item 20 (min. ref 26.193) as a family member was an allotment tenant 

26.176. There were no public representations.

26.177. It was resolved to approve the minutes of meeting held Tuesday 28 July 2026 they were signed by the chair.

26.178. Police matters

i. Cllr Brewis reported that he would be attending a presentation by the Police Crime Commissioner and would report back at the next meeting.

26.179. Chair’s Report

i. The chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. 

26.180. Clerk’s Report

i. RAF Propeller Service – This successful community event was held again this year. Unfortunately, the weather did not allow the planned flypast. However, over 75 people attended at the Curlew Centre and the event went well. Thanks are extended to Karen for all her hard work, to Mr Baxter for organising the display, and to Kevin and the Vicar at St Matthew’s for conducting the service. We have since met with Kevin to review the event and identify any improvements to ensure everything runs smoothly again next year. The request for a flypast next year had already been submitted.

ii. Fireworks Event 5 November 2026 – The Contractor and Fair had been booked, and arrangements were currently being made to book the stalls. An application was made to Sutton Bridge Bingo for a donation, and this had been confirmed. The donation was expected to be received next week. Letters to residents and posters advertising the event would be circulated in October.

iii. Memorial Park Grass Cutting – The Contractor’s machinery had broken down last week part-way through the grass cutting. He had returned today and would be back again next week to continue the work and bring the area back up to standard. The contractor had expressed serious concerns about the condition of the field and was having to travel increasingly slowly due to the ruts caused by vehicles, including those resulting from the most recent incident when the container had been moved to the back of the park. At present, he was unable to cut an area in the centre of the field because of the condition of the ground and the ruts.

iv. Speed watch –An appeal for Speed watch volunteers was posted on Facebook, but there had been no responses so far. A poster would also be placed on local noticeboards. If anyone knows of someone who may be interested in joining the group, please ask them to get in touch.

26.181. District and County Councillors Report

01. County Councillor Woods report

i. It had been nice to see the newly built Playzone in use and he asked if anything had been decided on the new pathway arrangements and the quote from the Cllr Volunteer scheme – the clerk reported that this would be added to a future agenda.

ii. As a member on the Health Scrutiny Committee, he had attended a meeting concerning changes within the Integrated Care Board (ICB) and how these would affect the local community.

iii. The Government had received fresh legal advice over the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) this had now been put on pause pending review.

iv. Sutton Bridge Port had been in contact regarding delays affecting the operation of the Port, due to an insufficient number of pilot boats, which were operated through Wisbech Harbour Authority, Fenland District Council. He had been liaising with Sir John Hayes MP regarding the matter to explore whether a way forward could be found.

v. A local Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) was also being investigated as the closest one in this area was Spalding.

vi. A community grant of up to £3000.00 was available through local County Councillors – please get in touch for further information.

01. Cllr C Brewis reported on the following SHDC (South Holland District Council) matters.

i. He had been delighted that the LGR had been put on pause.

ii. Former Bridge Hotel – It had been confirmed the former Bridge Hotel would be unsuitable for the propose of housing asylum seekers.

iii. Sutton Bridge Youth Club – He had been working with the group and was optimistic over the future of the Club.

iv. Recycling Bins – If anyone needed any assistance with the new bins, please get in touch with South Holland Council. 

v. Postal Votes – Forms for postal votes can be obtained through the library in The Curlew Centre or through Cllr Brewis.

vi. Bus Timetables – The bus times had changed at the end of August new timetables were available from the library in The Curlew Centre or from Cllr Brewis.

vii. Lime Street - It had been confirmed that Lime Street would not have recycling bins and would revert back to the bags.

03. Cllr M Booth reported on the following SHDC (South Holland District Council) matters.

i.   He was pleased that the proposed LGR had been paused, although disappointed that the decision had been taken so close to the deadline and that significant costs had been incurred during the process.

ii.  Queen Elizabeth Hospital – He expressed concern regarding recent discussions about the possibility of losing some departments at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, including Accident and Emergency (A&E), and the potential impact this could have on the local area. It was suggested that a letter from the Parish Council could be written to express its concerns and support for the retention of these services.

iii. Recycling Bins – A meeting had been arranged to discuss leaving bins in collective areas.

26.182. Financial Matters

i. It was resolved to approve the August cash book and bank reconciliation.

ii. It was resolved to approve payments to 23 September 2026 as circulated at Appendix A. Cllr Kirby - Fox and Cllr Scarlett would authorise bank payments.

iii. Receipts were noted see Appendix B

26.183. The next Councillor surgery would be on the 10 October 2026 – Cllrs Judd and Kirby- Fox

26.184. Playzone 

i. The clerk reported that the official opening of the Playzone would be on the 4 October 2026 at 13:00hrs to 15:00hrs. Following a meeting with the Steering Group and the Playzone Co-ordinator the event would still go ahead regardless on weather conditions. All the funders had been invited to attend, along with colleagues. Members were encouraged to share the date, and posters would be displayed on local noticeboards. Everyone was welcomed to attend.

ii. Problems had arisen over the software for the opening of the gate this was being looked into.

iii. Concerns over the path and accessibility had been addressed to Support in Sport (SIS), a meeting was to be arranged to discuss this further

iv. The Playzone had now been opened for free play and seemed to be well used. The Football Club and a team in Long Sutton were to use the facility on a regular booking basis.  

19:55hrs Standing orders were suspended to allow a member of the public to talk on the following agenda item.

26.185. Bench in Curlew Garden 

i. A member of the public explained that an offer had been received to install a small bench in the Curlew Garden. A small donation had also been received from Sutton Bridge in Bloom towards the cost of the bench.

19:57 hrs Standing orders were reinstated

ii. It was resolved to approve the installation of a small bench in the Curlew Garden

26.186. Correspondence 

i. Long Sutton Allen’s Charity – Applications were invited from students aged 18 – 25 who are residents in the parishes of Long Sutton and Sutton Bridge who wish to be considered for University Educational Grants for the academic year September 2026 – June 2027. Please contact angelareeve10@gmail.com 

ii. Anglian Water – A letter had been received from WHP Telecoms Ltd concerning details of a proposed communications installation for Arqiva’s smart meter network for Anglian water at Avenue Farm Road, Sutton Bridge.

iii. Antenna Details – Details of the antenna had been received this would be further discussed under agenda item 14 (min ref 26.187 ii) 

iv. Complaint – An email had been received concerning cyclists and e- scooters on the pavement along Longdon Close and Harriet Close. The clerk would respond to the member of public concerned.

v. Phillips Chairity - Applications were invited from students aged 18 – 25 who are resident in the parishes of Long Sutton and Sutton Bridge moving from primary to secondary education and also those  who are studying A Levels or a college course for the academic year September 2026 – June 2027. Please contact angelareeve10@gmail.com

vi. Underpass – The graffiti in the underpass had been reported on Fix My Street and was being investigated.

vii. Development of Tourism - The Clerk reported that the South Holland Place Assistant had contacted the Council to learn more about the heritage and points of interest within the Parish. The Clerk would contact them to invite them to attend the Annual Meeting in March 2027.

26.187. Planning applications

i. Cllr Brewis abstained from voting on the applications as he was a member of the planning committee.

ii. H18-0857-26: Land at Sutton Bridge STW, Avenue Farm Road, PE12 9QF: Proposed Telecommunications Apparatus comprising 3 Antennas & smart meter equipment enclosure. No comment

26.188. Planning Decisions – Councillors noted the planning decisions made by South Holland District Council as listed below:

i. H18-0647-26: Poppy Fields Caravan Park, Fields Farm, Sutton Bridge, PE12 9XT: Use of site for caravans for seasonal workers and its retention out of season for storage of caravans approved under H18-0224-18: REFUSED

ii. H18-0641-26: Sutton Bridge Memorial Park, Sutton Bridge, PE12 9SA: Works to Sutton Bridge Tree Preservation Order No 15: APPROVED

iii. H18-0581-26: Bridge Farm, New Road, Sutton Bridge, PE12 9QE: Proposed change of use of agricultural buildings to 2 No dwellings: APPROVED 

26.189. Committee Reports 

01. Pavilion 

i. Cllr Middleton reported that she had spoken to Sir John Hayes following the Propeller Memorial Service. During the conversation Sir John Hayes understood that Cllr Middleton may not have been aware of the most recent correspondence, which stated that there was no further funding available for the Pavilion as the Playzone had now been built. This was not the original intention. 

ii. The Playzone had always been considered the second choice following the proposed construction of the Pavilion. The Council had previously been advised to obtain planning permission for both projects. 

iii. Sir John Hayes is continuing to look into the matter on the Council’s behalf, including raising the issue in the House of Commons and also with the Football Association.

iv. A meeting was arranged for the 13 November 2026 with Cllr Middleton and the clerk with Sports England.

v. A letter had been drafted to local businesses seeking any financial assistance or other support towards the provision of new Pavilion.

02.There were no other committee or working party reports. 

26.190. There were no representations from members of the public.

26.191. There were no outside body reports.

20:30hrs Two members of the public, County Cllr Woods and Cllr Booth left the meeting. 

26.192. It was resolved to move into closed session in accordance with the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 s.1(2).

26.193. The admin assistant updated members with information on an outstanding uncultivated garden allotment. It was resolved to issue a notice to quit to the tenant.

20:35hrs Cllr Booth returned to the meeting 

26.194. Princes Street and Lime Street Parks

i. The Clerk reported that Council’s solicitor had been in contact on the 9 September to inform us that information had been received from South Holland District Council (SHDC) solicitors and that they were reviewing the information.

ii. Correspondence had been received from a member of the public concerning who was responsible for the car park, following a recent incident involving a vehicle parked there. Further details on the area plans were awaited. It was suggested that a ‘Parking at Your Own Risk ‘sign be considered. 

26.195. Quotes

i. CCTV- Two quotations had been received, one estimate and one detailed, for the provision of CCTV in the Memorial Park. Further quotations had been sought; however, no additional quotations had been received. It was resolved that the Clerk contact Holbeach Parish Council to obtain details of their CCTV contractors and, in liaison with the Chair and Vice-Chair, proceed with the relevant quotation

ii. Garden of Rest – It was resolved to approve quote to cut back the hedges in the Garden of Rest @ £980.00

26.196. It was resolved to reply to the member of public concerning the rules for items on graves in the Garden of Rest. 

26.197. Staffing and Administration Matters

i. Following recommendation from the Personnel Committee, it was resolved to continue the post to open the toilets at weekends and look into the purchase of PPE. 

The chair closed the meeting at 21:10 hrs.

Appendix 1 

Appendix 2 Receipts