January 2026 Minutes
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting for West Ashby Parish Council held on Wednesday 21st January 2026 in West Ashby Village Hall.
Those councillors present were Cllrs C Graves, N Moore, A Radcliffe, T Thomas, L Hebden and G Edwards. Also present clerk Mrs K Elliott, C Cllr N Oliver and D Cllr Simpson. Cllr Atkin-House accessed the meeting remotely.
The meeting commenced with the public forum at 7.30 pm.
PUBLIC FORUM: Those present discussed the water issue at Docking Lane again.
2026/138 Chairman’s remarks - Mr Graves welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2026/139 Apologies – There were none.
2026/140 Declarations of interest – There were none.
2026/141 The notes of the meeting held on 19th November 2025 were proposed, seconded, voted and RESOLVED as a true and accurate record.
2026/142 Reports from District & County Councillors: D Cllr Simpson advised that local government reform is definitely going ahead, budget setting is being started, some local elections have been postponed, special interest regarding funding of drainage boards is being sought, food waste bins are being introduced this year, warm homes grants are available and the local plan is not making any progress.
2026/143 Clerk’s report on matters outstanding and correspondence
a) Planters for Build out Area – the size, colour and design of these troughs was agreed. The majority choosing moss stone colour and RAH wished it to be noted he is not in favour of this colour. The clerk will place an order for delivery to the Chairman’s home address.
b) Battery & pads for Defib – the clerk will confirm prices for these and circulate to members.
c) Dropped Kerb – details of the residents’ concerns were discussed and the clerk will write to confirm our agreement with these concerns and the general condition of the footways. We will also advise our County Councillor.
d) Front Bank – details of the residents’ concerns were discussed and the clerk will write to acknowledge.
2026/144 Cemetery:
a) Information Board design – The clerk is chasing the company who are designing the board and advised those present of the current situation.
b) Cemetery Graves – NM has kindly update the cemetery plan onto a spreadsheet and this was circulated to all. The last 2 burials have sunk considerably and the clerk will contact the undertakers in both cases.
2026/145 War Memorial – The clerk suggests that more information is required to confirm ownership of the memorial and that it might be more appropriate for the Church VCC to lead on this project. The parish council will support this project.
2026/146 Events 2026 – Are we having any? The pub ownership should complete in about 3-4 weeks, with refurbishment taking 3 to 4 months after. Could we have an event at the pub? Other suggestions were discussed.
2026/147 Highways matters
a) Drain blockages – this has been reported by several people, several times. With regard to the build out in the Church layby, there was lots of leaf litter and silt which has been cleared by volunteers and now the water cannot get away. A job and works order has been raised at LCC. The Docking Lane issue has started again and this has also been reported. Apparently Anglian Water have acknowledged there is a leak which they have yet to find! With regard to the footpath condition please report on fix my street and copy everything over the Cllr Oliver.
2026/148 Planning Matters: There are no planning applications currently.
2026/149 Grass Cutting – Prior to the meeting the clerk circulated details of the x 3 quotes which have been received. Following discussion it was resolved to appoint Mr A Bonnett as our grass contractor for this year.
2026/150 Finance Matters, to approve payments and to note income since last meeting. The clerk circulated a document containing all payments and income since the last meeting plus bank balances.
a) To approve Budget – as per document circulate prior to the meeting. The grass cutting and clerk’s salary figures will be amended, the new document will be circulated. Members discussed and resolved the budget.
b) To approve the Precept - as per document circulate prior to the meeting. Members discussed and agreed to increase the precept to £4,095 for 26/27. This was resolved.
c) To consider donations – it was discussed and resolved to make £50 donations to both West Ashby Village Hall and LIVES.
d) LALC Subs and Annual Training Scheme – were approved for payment, the clerk will send details on all LALC training courses and access to the website and other useful information.
e) Invoice payments – as per the circulated list of payments. These were approved. There is also a payment for £12 to Mr Graves for cable ties.
2026/151 Next Meeting
a) The next parish council meeting will be held on Wednesday 18th March 2026.
b) Items for the next newsletter – as soon as possible to RAH please. New planters coming, new grass contractor.
c) Items for the next agenda will include litter picking.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 8.50 pm.
Chairman: Date: