March 17th 2026 - Agenda and Minutes
MINUTES FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MARCH 17th, 2026
PRESENT: Councillors A. Wilson, C Campion, Mrs E Penketh, Mrs J Patrick, Ms J Brookin, D Andrews, F Griffiths, C/Cllr D East, and the Parish Clerk, Mrs S. McIntyre.
There were no public comments.
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE. There were none.
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. There were none.
3. MINUTES OF MEETING, January 20th, 2026. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Penketh and seconded by Cllr Griffiths that these be accepted as Minutes. The Resolution was passed. They were signed by the Chairman.
4. REPORT(S) FROM VISITING REPRESENTATIVE(S). D/Cllr Jackson was unable to attend, he sent a report which was circulated. C/Cllr East spoke about a County Councillor Volunteer scheme. He will circulate details of the scheme. The A15 to A46 relief road has finally started, there will be a 2-3 year works programme.
5. GRASS CUTTING
• LCC Village verge grass cutting. The insurance company confirmed the PC had the required indemnity cover. It was proposed by Cllr Campion and seconded by Cllr Mrs Penketh that the decision between meetings to accept the LCC contract was ratified, due to the time constraints. The Resolution was passed.
• Playpark Grass Cutting. Cllr Campion had contacted an outside contractor and obtained costs for three cuts. He also spoke to a local village contractor, who agreed to mow and strim the playpark and liaise closely with the Council. It was proposed by Cllr Campion and seconded by Cllr Wilson that the local contractor be asked to carry out the work for this season. All agreed, Cllr Campion will discuss the cost and invoicing details.
6. PLAYPARK.
• Volunteer D of E student. Teenager, John Wilson is undertaking a Duke of Edinburgh Award. For his volunteering duties, it was agreed that he could carry out various duties of inspection and maintenance within his capabilities, monitored by the Chairman. As a PC volunteer he will be covered by the PC insurance.
• Approve purchase of new signage. It was agreed that some ‘No Dogs’ signage should be purchased to renew worn out ones in the play park, to a maximum of £20.
7. GRANT FUNDING.
• Grant for village signs/monkey bars/ride on mower. After a discussion it was agreed to postpone an application as further enquiries are needed.
• Grant for ‘bus shelter maintenance. An LCC grant scheme for repair/maintenance of ‘bus shelters was circulated. Prices for roof and other repairs, plus some seating will be obtained. It was proposed by Cllr Griffiths and seconded by Cllr Brookin that an application for a grant should be made.
8. MAJOR PROJECTS. No updates.
9. COMMUNITY SPEEDWATCH. Cllr Mrs Penketh said that if six potential volunteers could be found, then she could apply for registration and training. Equipment can be borrowed from Osbournby PC. Four potential sites must also be identified.
10. WELCOME PACK FOR NEW RESIDENTS. This had been circulated. It will be handed out to new residents.
11. HIGHWAYS MATTERS.
• Site visit from Highways Manager. April 13th, 12midday was agreed. Various Highways matters will be discussed.
• Lengthmen’s scheme, or similar. The LCC equivalent is the Volunteer scheme – see item 4.
• Potential flood risk The Row/Eau Farm Cottage. This will be on the list for the Highways visit.
12. COUNCIL STAGING FUNDRAISING EVENTS. Advice from LALC had been circulated. Cllr Andrews suggested the possibility of the PC staging an event for PC funds.
13. FINANCE
• It was proposed by Cllr Griffiths and seconded by Cllr Wilson that the monthly report from the RFO be accepted and the awaiting BACS listed be approved. The annual LALC subscription was added to the list. All agreed, the Resolution was passed. The RFO confirmed that a VAT claim had been submitted,
• LALC – Annual Training scheme. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Penketh and seconded by Cllr Mrs Patrick that the PC should not enter the scheme for 2026/7. All agreed, the Resolution was passed.
• Litter Picking Grant. It was proposed by Cllr Griffiths and seconded by Cllr Wilson that the grant be passed to the village litter picker.
• Internal Auditor. Cllr Mrs Patrick proposed and Cllr Andrews seconded that Mrs Di Fairweather be confirmed as Internal Auditor for the coming financial year. All agreed, the resolution was passed.
• Budget for 2026/27. This had been circulated. It was proposed by Cllr Griffiths and seconded by Cllr Campion that the 2026/7 budget be accepted. All agreed, the Resolution was passed.
14. PLANNING MATTERS. None for this meeting.
15. CLERK’s REPORT.
• LALC bulletins and training dates circulated directly to Cllrs.
• Zoom training for New Councillors. Cllr Ms Brookin and Cllr Griffiths will undertake this.
• NKDC Parish and Town Council Forum. Cllr Mrs Penketh and The Clerk attended, The Clerk had circulated a report.
• .Gov Domain update. The Clerk said the system was still causing problems which she does not have the time nor the skills to sort out.
• S.L.C.C. The Clerk had attended a branch meeting and had circulated a report.
16. DATE OF NEXT MEETING(S). 2026.
May 19th Annual Parish Meeting 7.00pm. Annual Meeting of the Parish Council. 7.30pm or earlier if the APM ends sooner.
July 21st September 22nd November 17th.
There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.47pm.
AGENDA
The next Swaton Parish Council bi-monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday 17th March 2026 at 7.30pm. Members of the public are encourgaed to attend this meeting as observers, but will not be allowed to speak during the transaction of the business. The first 15 minutes (i7.30-7.45pm) are open to the public to ask questions or raise issues in regards to matters already on this agenda. Any other issues raised will be added to the next meeting's agenda
The March Meeting Agenda
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST, if any.
3. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES - Clerks’ Notes from the meeting of January 14th 2026, – accepting as Minutes, Chairman signs.
4. REPORT(S) FROM VISITING REPRESENTATIVE(S), if any.
5. GRASS CUTTING:
• LCC Village verge grass cutting. Ratify the decision to accept LCC grass cutting agreement. Check their Insurance requirements.
• Playpark Grass cutting. Insurance advice received re Insurance/use/maintenance of a Council owned mower. Any developments regarding an outside contractor or village contractor?
6. PLAPARK.
• Volunteer. A D of E student fulfilling a “Volunteer” project by helping with playpark maintenance.
• Approve purchase of new signage.
7. GRANT FUNDING.
• Enquiries about possible funding for ornamental village signs/monkey bars/ride on mower. Cllr Mrs Penketh.
• Grant for ‘bus shelter/maintenance.
8. MAJOR PROJECTS: No information received.
9. COMMUNITY SPEEDWATCH. Any interest? Cllr Mrs Penketh.
10. WELCOME PACK FOR NEW RESIDENTS. Update Cllr Wilson.
11. HIGHWAYS MATTERS.
• Site visit with Highways Manager? Lengthmen’s Scheme – is this adopted by LCC? Details of similar LCC scheme circulated.
• Potential flooding at The Row/Eau Farm Cottage.
12. COUNCIL STAGING FUNDRAISING EVENTS. Reply from LALC received and circulated.
13. FINANCE
• Monthly report from RFO, including signing of Cheques/Approval of BACS payments. Note and accept.
• LALC – Annual Training scheme – does the PC wish to join for 2026/7 - £120.00 plus VAT,
• Litter picking grant. Agree to pass this to the volunteer.
• Budget for 2026/7. Precept applied for. Accept the 2026/7 Budget.
14. PLANNING MATTERS. None received.
15. CLERK’S REPORT.
• LALC bulletins and Training bulletin – these are sent directly to Cllrs from LALC.
• Training – Zoom New Cllr Training – Cllrs Ms Brooking and Griffiths to “attend”.
NKDC Parish and Town Council Forum, March 17th. Cllr Mrs Penketh and the Clerk attended.
• .Gov domain update.
• SLCC Branch meeting – Report from last week’s meeting.
16. DATE OF 2026 MEETING(S) May, July, September and November
Tuesday May 19th, Annual Parish Meeting - 7.00pm, Annual Parish Council Meeting 7.30pm or earlier if the APM concludes earlier. Tuesday July 21st Tuesday Sept. 22nd & Tuesday November 17th