September 2025 Minutes
Present
Members: Trevor Tyrrell, Chris Elliott, Eric Fragale, Janet Barnes and Jake Mason
District Cllrs: Anthony Casson
7 Members of the Public
In the Chair: Trevor Tyrrell
Chairman’s welcome and Public Forum.
A gentleman raised the issue of the bus service as the route has changed since the road closure. People need to cross the road to catch the bus on the other side, but people haven’t been informed.
Members confirmed that it did start coming down Backgate, but now it’s not.
ACTION: Clerk to write to Stagecoach and ask that they notify the public and mention that drivers have been speeding down Stonegate.
A lady raised the issue of the playing field and asked whether the future plans will be moving forward.
Members assured them that the plans are going ahead and that it will be discussed on the Agenda.
The Meridian Solar Farm application was raised also, and the Chairman stated that the PC has already put in an objection to it. He also stated that he has recently been served notice by National Grid as they require some of his land, so although it is on the Agenda, he won’t be able to take part in the discussion.
A gentleman raised an issue with the gates on the Churchyard via Barrier Bank which are locked so you cannot get in from that entrance.
The Chair stated that he will take a look on his way home and if there’s a problem, he’ll contact the Church Warden.
A resident asked whether there was an option to place more benches around the village and that Willow Court would be an ideal location.
The Chair assured that the PC would discuss this with the management company who own the land.
36. To receive and approve apologies for absence.
Apologies from Daniel Sandhu were approved.
The Chair advised that, due to personal reasons, Peter Simpson had resigned his seat as of today and that a Notice of the vacancy would be published in due course.
It was noted that Cllr Condell and Cllr Woolf had sent their apologies to the Clerk.
37. To receive Declarations of Interest in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 and to consider any requests for dispensations.
The Chair declared an interest in item 10.b. Meridian Solar Farm
38. To approve the Minutes of the July meeting for the Chair to sign as a true record.
Moved by CE, Seconded by JM
All agreed and the Minutes were signed by the Chair.
39. Matters arising from the Minutes, (not covered on this agenda).
There were none.
40. Clerk’s Report on matters outstanding.
Village information boards : The Chair advised that these are now being quoted for by a company in Sutterton, which should be received by the end of October.
Welcome Gates : Members agreed to the quote from LCC Highways to provide and install additional village signs for the gates and also requested that the crooked sign be straightened.
Grass cutting between the highway and the layby on Barrier Bank : It was agreed to recommence cutting.
New bin to go next to the memorial bench on Barrier Bank : It was agreed that JM would send a photo of the chosen design so the Clerk can find one to purchase. Invoice to be sent to the District Cllrs for their contribution from their Ward Budgets.
41. Cow installation for A16 roundabout: to discuss options and designs.
The Chair stated that Cowbit had lost its identity since the installation of the A16 bypass.
Members were hoping to get funding from the Spalding Town Board Fund.
Cllr Casson confirmed that the Clerk was correct in that this fund was only for the town of Spalding.
Quotes for the installation have been sought from local companies, although it is proving difficult to get 3 quotes. So far, Laserfab and Chain Bridge Forge have been approached.
It was agreed that JB and EF will discuss the design using 2 x 3M sheets.
The Clerk will contact Cllr Condell to assist with the planning permission and installation on the roundabout.
42. New Village Signs: to discuss options and designs to replace the old one.
The Chair explained that the current village sign has passed its economical repair date.
The PC agreed to go for a steel framed sign to replace the wooden one.
JB stated that Chain Bridge Forge could make the sign and the post out of steel.
Quote would be Circa £2,000
JB will go back to CBF and show them a photo of the current sign so that they can give an exact quote.
It was agreed that the sign needs to be double-faced so it can be read from both directions.
Chair said he would also consider asking Cllr Tyrrell about whether the Men’s Shed in Long Sutton would be interested in making a new sign.
EF showed everyone the new park signs that will be installed outlining the rules regarding dogs.
There will be 3 signs in total, one at each entrance to the park.
CE advised that Cowbit FC have asked if they can put security cameras up at the pavilion.
Cllr Casson gave some advice about security cameras.
A discussion was had and it was agreed that the FC be given permission.
ACTION: Clerk to advise the CFC of the PC’s decision.
It was agreed that the PC would install a security light with PIR sensor on the Pavilion.
ACTION: Clerk to gain a price for supply and fit of a security light on the pavilion.
43. Finance Matters:
a. to receive Bank Reconciliations for July and August.
Received and signed by the Chairman.
b. to receive the Budget Report.
Received with thanks.
c. to approve invoices for payment received since the last meeting.
Payments of £4,030.87 were detailed, which as well as the usual monthly costs, included the annual playground inspection charge, playground repairs, external audit and the annual subscription to the ICO, information Commissioner’s Office.
Moved by CE, Seconded by TT
All agreed.
d. to discuss Assertion 10 of the AGAR 2025/26 and to resolve the requirement for the PC and Members to have dedicated .gov.uk email addresses.
The Clerk explained the requirements in order to comply with the new Assertion 10 on the AGAR 2025/26. She had attended a session with Parishes Online who offer a free domain for the Clerk, then £260 per year, discounted to £160 for the first year, to include 20 additional emails for Councillors.
Clerk will be attending another session with the Webmaster at LALC, in order to compare and find out the best option for a dedicated .gov.uk email address which will incorporate Cllr email addresses.
TT moved that in order to be compliant, the Clerk go ahead with obtaining a dedicated .gov.uk email address, and to source the best option. CE seconded and all agreed.
ACTION: Clerk
The new IT Policy was formally adopted and signed by the Chairman.
44. Highways Matters:
a. to discuss the closure of Spalding Road
The Chair advised that the road is going to be closed for a considerable amount of time, as the cost of repair will run into the millions.
Some people have asked that it be closed permanently, but the PC cannot support this.
The road needs to be repaired and reopened as soon as possible.
Between A1175 and Queens Bank Emergency 30mph speed limit order from the 1st to the 21st of October 2025.
Email from LCC Highways advising that the Village Hall and Park signs do not comply with their regulations.
It came to light that the County Council had put them in originally but they kept getting hit by passing vehicles. LCC offered to replace them or we could do it ourselves, which is what we did. This was many years ago.
ACTION: Clerk to go back to LCC to explain the situation.
b. to receive the CSW report for July and August.
The following report was read out by the Chair: -
11.07.2025
Barrier Bank 40mph 30 checked 1 over limit, fastest 47mph
25.07.2025
Village Hall 30mph 16 checked 1 over limit, fastest 39mph
06.08.2025
Backgate 30mph 17 checked 1 over limit fastest 40mph
15.08.2025
Barrier Bank 40mph 17 checked 1 over limit fastest 50mph
28.08.2025
Stonegate 30mph 36 checked zero over limit
Members thanked the CSW team.
45. Planning Matters:
a. to agree a response to any new applications.
There were none
b. to discuss the Meridian Solar Consultation: 24.09.25 – 22.10.25
The Clerk advised that comments could be submitted to SHDC to be compiled into one response, if the PC preferred.
The Chair, Trevor Tyrrell, declared an interest and didn’t take part in the discussion.
Extra parcels of land have been added to the plans along with the land required for the pylons.
The main issues impacting Cowbit Parish were outlined as follows: -
Traffic and current state of the roads
Weather conditions – road closed indefinitely
Unsuitable – residential streets
Not wide enough
Main road closed
Safety
Quality of life
ACTION: Clerk to send objections to SHDC
46. Police matters:
a. to receive the online Police report.
The following report, from July, (the most recent on the Police website), was read out by the Chair: -
On or near Barrier Bank (near Tollbar Drove)
2 x Burglary
On or near Brownlow’s Drove, (opposite side of Barrier Bank)
1 x Burglary
On or near Croft Close
1 x Burglary
On or near Clarkson Avenue
1 x Other Theft
On or near St Mary’s Gardens
1 x Antisocial Behaviour
On or near Vicarage Close
1 x Other Theft
On or near Meadow Walk
1 x Other Theft
47. Playing Field and Pavilion:
a. to receive the Feasibility Study from Tim Wall
The feasibility study for the upgrade of the playing field had been circulated prior to the meeting and was received with thanks.
b. to agree a suitable meeting date.
It was agreed that members would meet with Tim Wall on Monday the 13th of October at 7:30pm.
ACTION: Clerk to contact Tim Wall to confirm and book the Village Hall.
48. Items to be included on the next meeting’s agenda.
Village Sign
Cow on Roundabout
Lights and cameras
49. To confirm the date of the next meeting, provisionally set as Monday the 10th of November.
The date was confirmed.
Meeting closed at 21:17