Alvingham Parish Council
Minutes of Annual Parish Council Meeting
Held on 18th November 2025
Present: Councillor N Ashley (NA
Councillor G Cummings (GC)
Councillor A Graves (AG)
Councillor S Shucksmith (SS)
Councillor V Stratford (TS)
In Attendance: Councillor N Hastings (NH)
Clerk: Mrs T Bradshaw (TB)
Apologies Councillor E Mossop (EM)
Minutes of meeting held on 10th June
The minutes from the previous meeting on 16th September 2025 were read and Cllr Graves proposed they be approved and Cllr Cummings seconded this. Cllr Ashley signed them as a true copy.
Matters Arising
Pot Holes – Cllr Hastings advised that he had already raised the matter with Layla Hardy in Highways at LCC, but he would chase her again for an outcome. Cllr Graves confirmed that potholes along Abbey Lane had been filled with chalk by a Matthew Graves, but when tarmac was requested to cover them, it was refused. Without a tarmac coating, the chalk will dissolve and wash out as the weather turns. There are also areas along Highbridge Road, specifically outside ‘Springside’, that are now subsiding, and flooding in wet weather, despite being filled previously this year. We are all aware that it has been a significantly dry year, and being built on what would have been marsh lands years ago, this has caused many local roads to deteriorate rapidly. However, works were contracted out by LCC to WPH, who should surely be held accountable for their poor workmanship. LCC & WPH will therefore be contacted and a request made for them to arrange remedial works.
Speed Signs – Cllr Shucksmith to check where the ‘check your speed’ sign is currently displayed. Clerk to contact Grainthorpe, Marshchapel & Covenham PC’s respectively to confirm the current rota. It was discussed that displaying the speed sign only twice yearly possibly has more effect- it becomes less of a deterrent when displayed more regularly as drivers get used to seeing it.
Defibrillator – with the lack of providers being available to regularly monitor the defibrillator at the Village Hall, all Cllrs agreed that a service should be carried out (approx. cost of £185) to establish the unit remains in full working order with consumables ‘in date’, and registered on ‘The Circuit’. It was discussed whether to allow ‘free access’ to the unit (i.e. remove the access code requirement) to enable anybody in need to just open the locker and remove the defibrillator if ever required in order to save valuable time. However, as the unit is on the main through road of Alvingham, and has a significant value, it was unanimously decided to leave the unit locked, but to publish the access code to the village media sites to ensure all residents had knowledge of the code.
War Memorial – Cllr Ashley is still awaiting a second quotation for the refurbishment. It was decided that the quote obtained from Alford Memorials of approx. £1,500, was too costly, and that ‘professional cleaning’ of the memorial could damage the stone, or indeed remove some of the history of it. The requirement should therefore be reduced to merely replace the damaged or missing letters so it remained legible for the foreseeable future. Cllr Cummings would revert back to Alford Memorials for a new quotation.
Litter – the Clerk advised that ELDC had been contacted regarding the voluntary collection of litter along Alvingham Road, and confirmed that green refuse sacks could be supplied, and an agreed collection point assigned. We are still awaiting details, so ELDC would be chased up. It was also brought up that litter (cans, bottles, empty food wrappers, etc.) was starting to appear along Highbridge Road and Abbey Road. This needs to be monitored to ensure it does not become an issue.
Treasurers Report
Cllr Cummings confirmed that the current balance in the account stands at £5,340.99, with cheques to be presented totalling £460.80 (Clerk remuneration Oct – Dec’25, Village ‘poppies’).
Correspondence
LCC had been in contact to confirm the address for a delivery of rock salt over the coming month. Cllr Ashley made a request for a Salt Bin to be provided for containment of the material, which can be used to ensure village facilities and vulnerable properties are kept safely accessible to residents throughout the cold weather.
Any Other Business
Remembrance Poppies – it was noted that the ‘lamp post’ poppies and the wreaths on the War Memorial & Village Hall had been very well received. Comments had been made that some roads had ‘more than others’ and some felt a little left out. All Cllrs agreed that for 2026, a further 20 ‘lamp post’ poppies should be purchased, which will ensure the entire village is well covered, and that we continue to support the RBL. The current poppy display to be taken down the weekend commencing 22/11/25.
Christmas Tree – All Cllrs agreed that a Christmas Tree should again be displayed on the verge outside the Village Hall. Last year, lights were borrowed from Sue Chilvers. Cllr Stratford proposed that lights should be purchased by the PC for this specific purpose, and this was seconded by Cllr Ashley. Cllr Shucksmith will liaise with Ian Whittington in the next week or so to arrange to source, collect and erect the tree. Once again, Puddle Ducks nursery will be invited to decorate the tree.
Grave Stones – Cllr Cummings confirmed that David Shucksmith & David Allen continue their work on cleaning up & cataloguing all the graves in the church yard. Funds have been raised towards the cost of repair to some gravestones, and the Parochial Church Council have made a donation to the cause. Cllr Cummings proposed that the Parish Council consider a donation. The matter was discussed at length, and all Cllrs agreed that whilst the project was worthwhile, the Parish Council should be not be involved in what is essential a Church matter.
Louth Canal / River Lud – Cllr Shucksmith raised the matter of state of the Louth Canal between Lock Road & Highbridge Road. It has not been dredged this year, and fallen bushes and trees have been allowed to take root in the river bed resulting in a narrowing of the banks. This is now impeding the flow of water along the canal. Seasonal wet weather will cause the water levels to rise, and with the restricted flow, flooding will occur. The Environmental Agency will be contacted to request the stretch of water be cleared and any overhanging vegetation cut back.
County Councillor ‘Surgery’ – Cllr Hastings held an initial open surgery for the village on 18/11/25 at 5pm, and reported that although not busy, some residents did attend. Cllr Hasting would like to make this a regular occurrence if it will be utilised, so proposed a 2nd surgery for 10th February 2026 at 5pm.
Next Meeting Tuesday 10th February 2026 7.30pm
Cllr Ashley thanked everyone for their attendance and closed the meeting at 8.45pm