Fotherby Parish Council
Minutes of the Annual Meeting of Fotherby Parish Council with Parishioners held on Wednesday 14 May 2025 commencing at 7:00pm in St Mary’s Church.
Present: Councillors Mansfield, Sutton, Ensell,
In attendance: V Davies (Clerk), Cllr E Mossop
3 Parishioners were in attendance.
1.APOLOGIES: NONE RECEIVED
Cllr C Chen, Cllr N Tomlin, Cllr T Hunter, ELDC E Mossop, LCC Cllr N Hastings.
2. MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING HELD ON 8 MAY 2024
Minutes were checked and agreed to be a true and correct record of the meeting. Minutes were proposed by Cllr Sutton and seconded by Cllr Mansfield. All in favour for the minutes to be signed by Cllr Mansfield
3. PARISH COUNCIL UPDATE
Cllr Mansfield reported the following: -
2024/2025 has been a busy year, during which the Council has remained active on several fronts, attempting to resolve both long and short term problems.
Initially, I would like to mention something that I really believe is a positive feature of our village. For V.E. Day one of our villagers had the imagination and generosity to ask an engineering company in Spilsby, to build a model of a Lancaster. Then he made the pole to place it on and, together with another villager, entered Fotherby Dock with their waders up to their chests, to ensure it was permanently sited. It looks superb and will be a lasting reminder of the bravery of the air crew who lost their lives near Fotherby in 1944. Many thanks to him.
I am always so grateful and surprised by the number of volunteers who come forward to enrich lives within our village.
We are grateful for the energy of the Fotherby Jubilee Committee, who spend many hours providing a whole selection of events throughout the year; also members of the Church Council and volunteer helpers who work tirelessly on ‘Pop Ins’, Open Gardens, services and a whole variety of social contacts. We are also grateful for the Almshouses Committee, volunteers at Fotherby Common, Bus Shelter helpers, Keyhole production and distribution, those who cut grass verges and individuals who step up to help at a moment’s notice when a need appears.
These are all volunteers and, as a village, we do really appreciate their help and spirit.
As last year, again I congratulate the efforts of many volunteers who work continually throughout the year as litter pickers, working hard to keep our roads and lanes free of discarded rubbish.
An excellent relationship with the ELDC has ensured that any fly tipping is very swiftly removed. We will continue our efforts to have a gate sited at the junction of Barton Street and Short Lane to prevent visiting groups using our lanes for impromptu parties, leaving their rubbish spread around.
Slowly the council are getting the correct balance when siting dog bins, ensuring we have enough and in the correct, convenient positions. Villagers seemed content to have the one beside the seat at Fotherby Dock removed and placed further down Peppin Lane. It is always disappointing to find some individuals, whether they are visitors or residents who choose to leave these full waste bags on the roadside or in hedges. We still need to educate a minority of owners.
Our village has experienced drainage & flooding problems for some time and although there have been several initiatives over the years, some issues have never been fully resolved. Flooding seems to occur in several areas throughout Fotherby and the council has continually knocked on the doors of various agencies. Site meetings with these bodies have proved extremely worthwhile. Anglian Water increased capacity at our pumping station and, together with tackling other issues in that area, things improved further. We now have a good relationship with this agency and together we are feeling very confident for the future.
A local resident suggested the council develop its own Flood Plan and Record which could be used for several purposes, certainly to clearly identify works done and where more work would improve things further. Several villagers submitted comments and photographs of their own experiences which were very helpful. In April we completed our first Fotherby Flood Plan with support documents. This has been complemented upon by several agencies. It was not the easiest thing to complete but we recognise it as a substantial and valuable support, going forward.
As we approach the next year, we already have tasks to occupy our thoughts. The on-going development of electricity pylons across our county, discussion involving the small village status for Fotherby and also ensuring that heavy rainfall doesn’t still present flooding issues.
Working closely with the ELDC, LCC and a whole range of other agencies, to establish a good working relationship, is vital for a small council such as ours. It can be very rewarding when they listen to our voice over various issues, the recent plan for road restriction lines and signs on our main road has certainly shown this.
We thank all those who have attended our meetings, supported our efforts and kept us reliably informed of the needs of the village.
I feel proud to be Chair of this council, the greatest resource being the members, their individual skills and talents, our clerk and the teamwork we have shared. Long may it continue.
4. FINANCIAL MATTERS
The clerk reported that the carry forward is £6,223.14. There is a high level of internal control, and all expenditure is closely monitored by the parish council against the budgeted expenditure.
5. MATTERS RAISED BY ELECTORS
No comments were raised.
The meeting closed at 7:07pm.
Signed ………………………………………… Dated ……………………………….