September 2025 Minutes
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting for West Ashby Parish Council held on Wednesday 10th September 2025 in West Ashby Village Hall.
Those councillors present were Cllrs C Graves, N Moore, A Radcliffe and G Edwards. Also present clerk Mrs K Elliott and D Cllr Simpson, C Cllr N Oliver. R Atkin House joined the meeting via phone link.
The meeting commenced with the public forum at 7.30 pm.
PUBLIC FORUM: Those present discussed the water issue at Docking Lane and concerns about lack of action.
2025/108 Chairman’s remarks - Mr Graves welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2025/109 Apologies – There were none.
2025/110 Declarations of interest – There were none.
2025/111 The notes of the meeting held on 16th July 2025 were proposed, seconded, voted and RESOLVED as a true and accurate record.
2025/112 To co-opt a new parish councillor – A resident has expressed an interest and will be able to attend the November meeting.
2025/113 Reports from District & County Councillors: C Cllr N Oliver advised that the 30mph symbols had been painted in the wrong place according to National Guidelines and all drainage in the parish had been cleaned. Local Government reform was discussed. D Cllr Simpson advised that several Grants are available via ELIF and Michael Cornish funds, more details are on the ELDC website.
2025/114 Clerk’s report on matters outstanding and correspondence
a) Gov.uk email addresses – the clerk will attend training on this next week and will report at the next meeting.
b) Anglian Water – RAH is chasing.
c) Tub(s) for Build out Area – Amberol stone troughs are £250 each, we could need two. How do they look, should we have more barrels? Troughs measure 600x1060x440. S Summerlin Benton has offered to assist with planting.
2025/115 Cemetery:
a) Information Board design – Two grants have been received and a design is to be approved.
b) Gazebo Bench – A temporary bench has been installed and a grant has been applied for and received from the District Councillor. Another bench is to be ordered. CG will confirm measurements.
c) Hedging Plants – This will be carried out over half term in October and the clerk will get prices.
d) Cemetery Fees – Following discussion it was resolved to increase charges for our cemetery, these will be included in our new cemetery regulations and put onto the parish website.
e) Burial Plan – NM offered to assist with this, the clerk will forward a scanned copy of the paper document to all.
f) Maintenance – CG and GE have sprayed. Members asked the clerk to advise of any future funerals to avoid potential issues. The spoil heap sign is now in place.
g) ERofB - 2 documents were signed.
2025/116 War Memorial – 3 quotes have been received from £675 to £4,873. CG is asking The British Legion locally for advice. Members discussed who has responsibility. It is not in a good state, it is weathered sandstone. Should the finial be replaced? The VCC wish to be involved in this process.
2025/117 Christmas Tree – Lighting on the gates and planters will be done again this year. RAH will discuss with a landowner regarding using another location for a tree. Would this be a rooted tree? Not at this time. The Churchyard Tree should be purchased by the VCC and it is possible that the Parish Council would contribute.
2025/118 Gov.uk email addresses – this is a duplicate item (see 2025/114 a) above.
2025/119 Highways matters – There is nothing to report at the moment.
2025/120 Planning Matters: There are no planning applications currently.
2025/121 Grass Cutting
a) Costs for 24/25 – 2024 £1990 and 2025 to date £1360
b) Quotes for 2026 – More quotes are required for the November meeting. [D Cllr left the meeting 8.50pm]
2025/122 Finance Matters, to approve payments and to note income since last meeting.
a) Invoice payments – there has been some confusion since starting online banking, however these have been resolved.
b) Expenses – Councillor Edwards submitted expenses £73.28 which will be paid. [C Cllr Oliver left at 9pm]
2025/123 Next Meeting
a) The next parish council meeting will be held on Wednesday 19th November 2025.
b) Items for the next newsletter – as soon as possible to RAH please. New planters coming, gazebo painting, new seat for cemetery, new loos at the village hall, vacancy for parish councillor, Anglian Water complaint.
c) Items for the next agenda will include gov.uk email addresses, War Memorial, Christmas tree, Anglian Water, grass cutting costs.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.05 pm.
Chairman: Date: