Draft - Minutes March 2026
DRAFT MINUTES OF LUDFORD PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council Meeting was held on 19 March 2026 at the Village Hall, Ludford at 7.30 pm.
PRESENT: Chairman Cllr Mrs Ridger
Vice-Chairman Cllr Mrs Hunt
Cllr Dr Lofts
Also Present Cllr McGonigle (LCC) & 1 MOP.
1. Apologies
Cllrs Mrs Brader, Fisher & Fry (ELDC).
2. Minutes of Meeting
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 15 January 2026 were approved and signed following amendment to Item 10 Matters for Discussion following “flag” addition of rope.
3. Matters Arising from the Minutes – None.
4. Correspondence
ELDC-Electoral Update, E-news, LALC News (received via email), Clerks & Councils, Glasdon brochure, ElanCity-speed signage, Tradepoint-card updated-all noted.
Ludford Twining had sent a letter and cheque following their closure, which they wished the Parish Council to use for defibulator expenses. The Clerk had submitted the cheque, but it had been returned “refer to drawer”. This matter is being resolved by their representatives, and the Clerk will report at the next meeting.
5. Finance
The Clerk distributed a statement of Income and Expenditure which met the Council’s approval.
Brit Gas-Lighting £28.79 Lloyds-Bank Charges £4.25
Lloyds-Bank Charges £4.25 L&DPFA-Hall Hire £120.00
Clerks Salary-Mar £386.48 HMRC-PAYE £129.30
TG Jones-Box File £4.00
It was noted that following an admin error Brit Gas Lite, had awarded a credit of £200.00 on the floodlighting account.
All accounts were received and agreed for payment.
8. Reports
Village Hall Committee – The Chairman reported that the Committee met on 18 March, although she was unable to attend on this occasion. The AGM is on 21 May. The group had received a grant from Tesco for £1500, the new play equipment is being used. They have recently purchased a salt bin for the hall and would like assistance from Parishioners in moving salt from the bag into the bin.
The Rock & Roll, Country & Western Meetings continue, although the Hall now has a sound limiter for any hall hirings. There is a Sunday Lunch this Sunday and 18 April, Easter Egg Trail on 4 April (10am-12noon). Medium (Joe) on 17 April and Bingo on 28 May.
Speeding/Traffic Calming
The Vice-Chairman reported that the speed gun was sent for servicing, it was serviced, repaired at no cost and returned within 2 days. The Speed Calming Group had lost 2 members, who hope they will be able to return in due course. The group is ready to recommence monitoring when the weather improves. Dr Lofts continued to look for funding for the speed signs (2 x £600 = £12000), but the Parish Council/village would need to organise some match funding. See Projects Item 9 for more information. Email to Cllr McGonigle (LCC) lack of cats’ eyes to A631 through village following their removal.
Defibulator
The Vice-Chairman reported that she had carried out a brief maintenance routine and the unit was working, although it appears that it does not like minus weather temperatures. Still awaiting news from manufacturers regarding the recall of children’s pads.
9. Business
Projects for 2026/27, Budget & Precept
The Clerk had submitted the Precept to ELDC for £7000 and finalised the Budget. The Committee discussed how to raise funds for the speed signage for the village, including approaching local companies and “Go-fund Me” page.
ELDC – Planning Applications
The Committee were advised that ELDC Planning had found no issues with the porch at Campion Cottage and had not made any decision on application: 03824/25/FUL Thorpe Top, Thorpe Le Vale. The Committee noted application 03798/25/PIP had been refused. ELDC had approved applications: N/108/01076/24 The Old Workshop, Magna Mile and 03843/25/RES 2 Dwellings land at Magna Mile.
HRH Bench
The Vice-Chairman advised that due to no football fixtures being held, she had not yet been able to organise abled-bodied persons to assist on the installation of this project. Matter in hand.
Meter Box Door (Church Wall)
The Committee were enormously appreciative to Mr Brocklebank, who had very kindly resolved the issue with the meter box door in the Church wall and it is back to normal, keeping the meter safely enclosed from the weather. Clerk to send a letter of thanks.
Church Floodlighting
The Chairman advised that the lighting is working, although the light sensor fault does need resolving. It was noted that this item is listed on the Parish Council list of Assets for insurance purposes. it is a fault on the light sensor, due to water ingress in the heavy rain and needs isolating.
Grasscutting
The Clerk was requested to re-email the grasscutting contractor to re-affirm the start date for the contract and the requirements relating to the Village Hall, who wished their area to be invoiced separately.
101 Service
The Chairman advised that all matters were in hand for this event, including the hall. Councillors Fisher and Vice-Chairman Hunt had both offered their apologies for this event.
Flag Rope
The Chairman reported that she was organising the new rope.
10. Matters for Discussion
The Committee agreed to put “Co-option of Councillor/s” on the Agenda for the next Meeting to attempt to fill the 2 empty positions.
Neighbourly Dispute-The Committee had been advised that this matter appeared to have been resolved.
The Vice-Chairman continued to monitor water samples from the spring, which appeared to be acceptable. Mr Bartle (Chalk Stream Group) was attending on 30 April 2026 between 10.30am-4.30pm to carry out work.
11. Date of Next Meetings
Thursday 21 May 2026 (AGM) at 7.00 pm.
Meeting closed 8.58 pm.
Signed ................................... Chairman/Vice-Chairman Date ....................