- Present
- Parish Councillors B.Baker, N.Brooks, T.Bulgarelli, Ms. R.Collins, J.Downes, Mrs.S.Ward, Mrs. P.Webb. District Councillor C.Seaton. 3 Parishioners. Clerk B.Boyce.
Welcome
- To receive apologies and Declarations of Interest.
- Apologies received from Parish Councillor Mrs. S.Edghill and District Councillors Ms M.Clark and Mrs. B.Barber. The meeting was closed for a Public Forum.
- The parishioner spoke of the concern of residents about the Roman Court complex and alleged illegal entry and use. The other parishioners present also expressed their concern especially as children use the area for travelling to school.
- The meeting was reopened.
- Councillor Baker declared an interest in item 6.2
To Agree the Minutes of the Meeting Held on 25th November 2025
The minutes were agreed and signed as a true record. The reports on the Foal Ground and Playground attached to minutes.
To Receive Written Reports from County and District Councillors
- District. Report from Councillor C.Seaton.:
Children’s Play Areas across Fenland.
Children’s play areas across Fenland are to benefit from the ‘Pride in Place Impact Fund’ recently awarded from government. An audit of FDC owned children’s play areas is to be presented to the February cabinet, this will provide a map of facilities and identify areas requiring either refurbishment or renewal and funding. Following this members will be requested to present proposals for their specific wards and consideration. There are strict guidelines from government on how this funding can be used, play areas fall within this category. This is part of the ‘Inspire’ project to protect Fenland assets which might be under threat from the proposed Local Government Reorganisation and a move to a single Unitary Authority.
Please let me know of any issues that I may be able to help with.
Report received after the meeting. Councillor B.Barber
Potholes:
I have been in touch with a contact at CCC Highways and succeeded in getting one pothole mended opposite the Rising Sun (although I have been informed that the repair did not last long) and also the huge one by the thatched cottage on Church Road repaired (a bit better, hopefully). I will continue to push for repairs but it is helpful if residents can let me know where they are and send a pic if possible.
I was present at the start of the Appeal into the refusal of the Solar Farm in TSG today. Unfortunate it has now been adjourned, probably for a month or two so I will let you know what happens when it continues.
As people have been asking me about Simon King’s health, I can report that he is home but though he is improving, his recovery may take quite a long time. He is grateful for those who have enquired though and sends his thanks.
- County.
No report.
To Receive a Financial Report
- Receipts and payments.
Checked by Councillor Brooks.
Date File Invoice Item Total Opening balance 40,389.49 Receipts 06.11.25 P.Richardson Plot rent 17.00 D.Sa Plot rent 16.00 10.11.25 S.Goose Plot rent 13.00 A.Allgar Plot rent 35.00 R.Collins Land rent 278.98 13.11.25 A.King Plot rent 22.00 Payments 06.11.25 51 Upwell Computer repairs Monthly fee 25.00 52 Community Heartbeat Defibrillator support 162.00 53 S.Ward Cemetery Maintenance (M.Ward) 340.00 54 B.Boyce Month Oct. 574.53 07.11.25 55 Leverington Village Hall Hire 39.00 12.11.25 56 G.Butler Cemetery Laurels 450.00 57 N.Power Commercial Street light power 764.87 58 Employer Contributions HMRC Payment quarter 965.77 04.12.25 59 Upwell Computer Repairs Monthly fee 25.00 50 Leverington Village Hall Hire 39.00 61 B.Boyce Month Nov 574.53 62 GLW Engineering Playground repairs 1306.00 Closing balance 35,505.77 - Precept (Finance Working Party met 19th January).
Proposed increase from £62,000 to £64,500. This is an increase of £1.89 per annum on a band D property which equates to 19p per month on the 10 month payment period or under 4p per week. The Internal Auditor will receive a copy for comment.
- Quotes received for cemetery extension.
No further quotes received. Council cannot decide on one quote. A further deadline of February 10th will be given.
Highways and Associated Items
- Speed Watch: Report received from B.White
Flashing speed signs have been installed at the Foal Ground and Sports and Social Club. Sutton Road still to be erected. The Dowgate sign is still in use. All sites have been risk assessed.
- Leverington Common.
Closure and report. Nothing further regarding the closure. For other road closures, information is sent to Councillor Collins for ‘Love Leverington’ page.
- Village Entrance signs.
No further forward. New personnel have been appointed in Highways and the chairman will be chasing this.
- Public footpaths. Councillor P.Webb
Report: Public Pathways
Barnards garage – hedges still over the path but not as bad as it is winter. Residents of caravan park may have been told about their cars being parked on the footpath as they have been leaving it clear by approximately 1 metre since before Christmas. The rest of the pathway is fine. Roman bank upper and lower condition as expected for time of year. Someone has cut a piece of Proctors Fence near the school access gate but not gained access. The Still to Barton Road obviously muddy but no obstructions and there is still access from Barton Road. Green Lane has no obstructions and again is in the condition you would expect.
- Dowgate problems.
The problem of children cycling over and crossing the road is a real safety issue. The police must be made aware of this and not disregard the danger. An accident has already occurred with a cyclist and lorry.
- Other highway problems.
A letter from a resident of Knights Close pointed out the hazards of pedestrians from traffic and hedgerows. The Council noted the problems and will monitor.
- Roman Court
As reported at 1.1, residents are very concerned that certain activities at Roman Court are not within the law. The police are aware. The Chairman will also contact the police and emphasise the need to investigate and for police presence to be shown.
To Receive Health and Safety Reports from Councillors
- Allocation of asset inspections to Councillor Bulgarelli.
The Councillor will inspect the garden plots each month and annual inspection. Information will be sent to T.Bulgarelli by the clerk. The perimeter and open area of the Foal Ground needs two councillors and T.Bulgarelli will assist R.Collins.
- Village Hall Committee
Councillor B.Baker has received correspondence from the trustees of the Village Hall stating that he cannot be the representative of the Custodians (Parish Council) without also being a trustee. To be investigated further. No decision made.
Allotments
Allotments 28.12.25 Just checked the allotments again all is good.
Benches
12.12.25 Have walked and checked all benches over the weekend, all in good order
Cemetery
- Extension.
The deadline extended to 10th February. Three quotes to be secured.
- Reservation markers.
Not yet in place
- Report: 28.12.25
The cemetery was checked again today all is good apart from we are getting a build up of leaves but it’s the time of the year.
Defibrillators
18th January 2026. All checked and in working order. Reports to CHT and EEAS. All pads in date until mid 2027 and some until mid 2028.
21.12.25 All checked and in working order. Report to CHT and EEAS. Pads updated on:- Leverington Common, Leverington Primary Academy, Table Tennis Club, Bailey and Wests Pads fitted expire April 2028. Pads at The Chase expire April 2027.
Foal Ground Family Park
- Report.
The play areas report attached to the minutes and signed.
Notice Boards and Memorials
- War memorial repairs.
Not completed. The chairman has the contact name.
Playground
- Remedial work.
Not completed. It is becoming very difficult to get the recommended repairs completed. The Council resolved not to renew the lease on the land at the end of this year 2026. The clerk will inform the Sports and Social Club of the decision.
- Report
Received from Councillor Edgill and attached to minutes.
Street Lights
Two faulty street lights at Horseshoe Terrace have been reported. The chairman has contacted the contractor for an inspection.
Village Sign
Post repair. The post needs a new coat of paint. The chairman will contact the painter.
Web Site
.gov.uk Media releases. No problems reported regarding the .gov.uk A request for a full council send box will be passed to the Support provider.
Close of Meeting
The meeting closed at 9.00pm Next meeting 24th February 2026