Alvingham Parish Council
Minutes of Annual Parish Council Meeting
Held on 16th September 2025
Present: Councillor N Ashley (NA
Councillor G Cummings (GC)
Councillor A Graves (AG)
In Attendance: Councillor N Hastings (NH)
Clerk: Mrs T Bradshaw (TB)
Apologies Councillor E Mossop (EM)
Councillor S Shucksmith (SS)
Councillor V Stratford (TS)
Minutes of meeting held on 10th June
The minutes from the previous meeting on 10th June 2025 were read and Cllr Cummings proposed they be approved and Cllr Graves seconded this. Cllr Ashley signed them as a true copy.
Matters Arising
Pot Holes – Cllr Cummings advised that the pot holes along Highbridge Road had been ‘filled & tamped’, but the repairs are very poor. The tarmac is already broken and loose and the pot holes are returning. Cllr Hastings agreed the repairs were disappointing and would raise the matter with Layla Hardy in Highways at LCC.
Speed Signs – Cllr Shucksmith to check the rota regarding the ‘check your speed’ signs to confirm when we can expect them back in the village
Defibrillator – the Parish Clerk advised that LIVES now responded, only to confirm they no longer offered the service of defib maintenance. Alternative providers would be approached for quotations.
War Memorial – Cllr Ashley is awaiting a second quotation for the refurbishment
Treasurers Report
Cllr Cummings confirmed that the current balance in the account stands at £6,004.49. Authorisation of remuneration to the Parish Clerk, May – September 2025, was proposed by Cllr Graves and seconded by Cllr Cummings.
Correspondence
Lincolnshire Community Resilience – Cllr Cummings suggested this may be beneficial for the village, with a small team of volunteers being trained and organised to be ‘on call and prepared’ to take charge in the event of any emergency (flood, etc.) It was noted however that with the strong community spirit already displayed in Alvingham, people would pull together and help anyone in need if an emergency were to ever occur.
Litter – a member of the public had noted the increased amount of litter whilst travelling from Louth into the village, and had kindly volunteered to ‘litter pick’ the Alvingham Road if the Parish Council could arrange for collection of the rubbish. All Cllrs were in agreement with the suggestion. ELDC have similar arrangements with volunteers throughout Louth, so enquiries would be made on how this works and whether they could supply bags.
Any Other Business
Grass cutting in the churchyard – the younger generation continue to keep the grass cut throughout the churchyard. Cllr Cummings had successfully organised a ‘clear up’ of any remaining areas. At present, and as we are coming into the colder season, no further action is required.
Grave Stones – David Shucksmith & David Allen are continuing their work on cleaning up and cataloguing all the graves in the church yard, enabling graves to be ‘GPS mapped’ and searchable online, as it is known that family members travel from all over the world to visit the churchyard to find long lost family graves. Over 10 new graves have been located recently, and it is believed there are 410 – 450 graves in the churchyard. Of these, over 50 are in need of serious repair. Quotations are in the region of £350 per headstone. Authority is required to carry out any works in the churchyard and on the headstones, which comes at a cost. It is understood The Parochial Church Council have voted to make a donation to the cause. Cllr Cummings proposed that the Parish Council may consider a donation in the future. This matter to be discussed at the next meeting.
County Councillor ‘Surgery’ – Cllr Hastings proposed holding an open surgery for villagers to come and meet him and raise any concerns, or ask any questions they may have. All Cllrs welcomed this. Surgery to be arranged for Tuesday 18th November at 5pm.
Next Meeting Tuesday 18th November 2025 7.30pm
Cllr Ashley thanked everyone for their attendance and closed the meeting at 9pm