June 2026 Minutes
Present: Cllr Mrs Jones Cllr Hanson
Cllr Ms Banks Cllr Hughes
Cllr Broughton Cllr Neilson
Cllr Dr Byrd Cllr Ms Reed
Cllr Gamble Cllr Mrs Sked
Cllr Guerge Cllr Mrs Steel
Cllr Wey
The Clerk and the Deputy clerk were in attendance.
The Mayor welcomed everyone to the meeting and the Open Session commenced.
The Mayor congratulated Cllr Dr Byrd on her appointment as Vice Chair of South Kesteven District Council and invited her to provide an update from the District Council.
Cllr Dr Byrd as Vice Chair of SKDC reported that they are currently waiting for a decision from Government with regards to the Local Government Review (LGR). Depending on the decision it could reduce the number of councillors from 3 to 2 seats in Market Deeping and West Deeping. A decision as to whether there will be two elections next year is yet to be decided.
24. Chairman’s Welcome & Introductions
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting
25. To note apologies and accept valid reason for absence
There were no apologies for absence.
26. Declarations of interest under the Localism Act 2011
Cllr Mrs Jones declared an interest in item 10.
27. Acceptance of minutes of Annual meeting held on 13 May 2026
Cllr Mrs Jones asked members if they were to accept the minutes of the meeting of 13 May 2026. It was RESOLVED unanimously to accept the notes of the meeting as a true and accurate record. The Chairman signed the minutes
28. Reports: Including reports from Committees: Planning and Highways, Deepings Neighbourhood plan, Mayor’s report and the Clerk’s report.
Planning & Highways
The committee met last week and an outline planning application for a proposed development was discussed. The Committee welcomed the development and if it proceeds it would provide employment opportunities for the area. The committee have submitted their comments to SKDC planning, one of which was a request to have a drive through road from the bypass to Towngate East.
Deepings Neighbourhood Plan (DNP)
DNP met last week and are currently conducting a survey to upgrade the vision for the Deepings. There are 10 statements and the public are asked to choose 5 statements to reflect their view of how they would like the Deeping to move forward. DNP has also been engaging with 6th formers at the Deeping School seeking their views of how they would like the Deepings to look in the future. DNP are hoping to have the findings completed by December 2026.
Mayor
The Mayor attended the following:
Thursday 14th May, Opening of the fair, Market Deeping.
Saturday 16th May, Peterborough City Council, Mayor’s Ball, The Holiday Inn, Peterborough.
Sunday 7th June, Peterborough City Council, Installation of Mayor, Peterborough Cathedral.
Wednesday 10th June, Raunds Town Council, Funeral of the late Paul Byrne, Raunds.
Clerk’s Report – 10th June 2026
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Comment |
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Lincolnshire County Council have employed a Hydrogeologist to advise them re best solution for repairing the borehole. In the meantime, the Town Centre car park is to be made tidier. |
Cllr Mrs Jones reported that she is continuing to liaise with LCC and are hoping to receive the Hydrogeologist report next week. |
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Hopefully all Councillors are now able to access their emails.Other email providers are being considered as the current system is not as user friendly as previously. |
Cllr Mrs Jones informed that there is an agenda item later in the meeting whereby this will be discussed. |
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The walking audit planned by SKDC for 21.5.26 was cancelled but not rearranged. |
Clerk reported that a revised date has been circulated for 29 July between 10.00am and 12.00 noon. |
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Stamford’s Christmas Market date has been altered to 29 November from 5/6 December, this is the same date as ours. |
Stamford have reverted back to 5/6 December and therefore there will be no clash with Market Deeping’s Christmas Fayre. |
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Enquiries are to be made regarding the installation of the Town Centre clock. |
Awaiting a response from the clock company. |
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The Annual Governance and Accounting report for 2025/26 has been submitted to PKF Littlejohn together with all the supporting documentation and explanations. |
Members noted. |
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The Notice of Public right to request copies of unaudited accounts has been displayed in the noticeboard and on our website for the period 3.6.26 to 15.7.26.All documents have been uploaded to our website. |
Members noted. |
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The hanging baskets are ready and will be collected next week. |
Hanging baskets will be delivered by the supplier end of the week. |
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The Clerks and Mayor have volunteered to attend the LALC Summer Conference on 12 July 2026 in Lincoln. |
Members noted. |
29. Correspondence to be noted and resolved upon
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Correspondence to be Noted – Received up to 10 June 2026 |
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No. |
Received from |
Date Received |
Subject |
Committee Response |
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1. |
SKDC |
19.5.26 |
Drop in events bring action for climate change |
Noted. |
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2. |
Lincs Emergency Planning |
15.5.26 |
Latest Community Resilience Newsletter |
Noted. |
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3. |
RSN newsletter |
20.5.26 |
Rural Services Newsletter to 20.5.26 |
Noted. |
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4. |
Deepings Literary Festival |
20.5.26 |
Thank you for the grant aid donation |
Noted. |
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5. |
SKDC |
02.06.26 |
Questions on local government reorganisation |
Noted. |
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6. |
SKDC |
03.06.26 |
Increased funding available for community groups |
Noted. |
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7. |
RSN newsletter |
03.06.26 |
Rural Services Newsletter to 3.6.26 |
Noted.
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8. |
SKDC |
09.06.26 |
Community award winners |
Noted.
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Correspondence to be Acted Upon – Received up to 10 June 2026 |
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No. |
Received from |
Date Received |
Subject |
Committee Response |
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1. |
SKDC |
09.06.26 |
Walking audit rescheduled for 29.7.26 between 10 and 12 |
Members noted the date; purpose of the audit is to establish how walkable the area is for the elderly and those with a disability. |
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2. |
Allison Homes |
09.06.26 |
Invitation to Councillors to consultation re building of 111 houses East of Peterborough Road, Market Deeping Wednesday 24th June 1- 3pm Community centre. Public consultation 3 – 7.30pm |
Councillors Gamble, Byrd, Steel, Jones and Wey confirmed their attendance at the stakeholder preview session at 1.00pm. Clerks to notify Allison Homes. |
8. SKDC 09.06.26 Community award winners Noted.
Correspondence to be Acted Upon – Received up to 10 June 2026
No. Received from Date Received Subject Committee Response
1. SKDC 09.06.26 Walking audit rescheduled for 29.7.26 between 10 and 12 Members noted the date; purpose of the audit is to establish how walkable the area is for the elderly and those with a disability.
2. Allison Homes 09.06.26 Invitation to Councillors to consultation re building of 111 houses East of Peterborough Road, Market Deeping Wednesday 24th June 1- 3pm Community centre. Public consultation 3 – 7.30pm Councillors Gamble, Byrd, Steel, Jones and Wey confirmed their attendance at the stakeholder preview session at 1.00pm. Clerks to notify Allison Homes.
30. Council Finances
a) Income and expenditure by cost centre
Members had received a copy of the Council Finances and Omega report prior to the meeting. Cllr Mrs Jones asked if there were any questions. There were none. It was RESOLVED unanimously to accept the
b) Accounts to be paid June 2026
It was RESOLVED unanimously that the council pay its bills for June 2026. See appendix A.
c) For members to review Council Finances to 31.5.26
The balance in accounts at 31.5.26 were as follows:
Current account - £119,756
General savings - £22,762
Cemetery land a/c - £58,179
CCLA - £375,872
Petty cash - £1,146
CCLA – Charter Ave - £354,223
Total £931,938 Total cash and Investments
It was RESOLVED unanimously to accept the reported account balances.
d) For members to review detailed income and expenditure to 31.5.26
It was RESOLVED unanimously to accept the detailed income and expenditure to 31.05.26
e) For members to consider payment of £2302.10 to Mayor’s charity for 2025/26
Cllr Broughton proposed that he would like to donate £2000 to St Guthlac’s Church as his mayor’s charity for 2025/26 and the remainder of £302.10 to be passed to the new Mayor for their chosen charities for 2026/27.
It was RESOLVED unanimously to accept Cllr Broughton’s proposal.
31. For Councillors to receive a reminder to update their register of interest annually see DPI form this is mandatory
Councillors had completed their annual DPI which will be submitted to SKDC.
32. For members to review representation on or work with external bodies and arrangements for reporting back
Cllr Dr Byrd represents or works with external bodies on the following: - Deepings Neighbourhood Planning Group, the Deepings Community Trust, the Coronation Hall Committee, the Deepings Community Library, Feoffes, Mary Scotney Alms Houses, Vice Chair at South Kesteven District Council, Welland and Deeping Drainage Board and a Governor for the Deeping School.
Cllr Broughton represents or works with external bodies on the following: - is a Trustee for Feoffes, Coronation Hall Committee, Royal British Legion, Mary Scotney Alms Houses, Probus, Emergency Planning Group, President of Deeping United and the Deeping’s Men’s Group.
Cllr Mrs Jones represents or works with external bodies on the following: - the Deeping Youth Group, the Deepings Business Community and the Emergency Planning Group.
Cllr Hanson is a member of the following external bodies: the Coronation Hall Committee and the Deepings Rotary.
Cllr Neilson represents the Council on the Citizen’s Advice meetings.
Cllr Hughes represents the Council or works with external bodies on the following: - Funday Sunday meetings and the Dog Show.
Cllr Steel represents the Council or works with external bodies on the following: - Funday Sunday meetings and Doctor’s Survey Group.
Cllr Guerge is on the Emergency Planning Group.
Cllr Gamble represents the Council on the Deeping Neighbourhood Plan.
Cllr Mrs Sked represents the Council on the Friends of Deeping Library and the Cubs.
33. For members to consider allocation of precepted amounts to the Youth Group
Cllr Ms Reed is concerned that the Youth Group have limited funds, the group are currently meeting in 2 locations. It was RESOLVED unanimously to pay £3,500 to the Youth Group with half of the grant money paid now and the other half paid later in the year.
34. For members to receive an update on liaison with local schools – DJ
Cllr Mrs Jones reported that she had been liaising with local schools to encourage their involvement with the Council. The 6th formers at the secondary school will be having a volunteer day on 14 July and are looking for some activities. The Deeping School are running a competition to carry out some art work on the boarding at the Factory Shop located in the centre of Market Deeping.
The Deeping School children have been invited to take part in the Remembrance “Lamp Light of Peace” service which is a nationwide, non-political act of remembrance where Communities across the UK will light a special lamp at 10:57 am on 11 November 2026, immediately preceding the national Two Minutes' Silence. The initiative invites local councils, churches, schools, and civic organizations to participate in a shared, synchronized moment of reflection, acting as an emblem of peace and a tribute to the millions who lost their lives in conflict.
A pupil will be invited to light the lamp and read a poem at the service.
Market Deeping Primary Schools have been invited to take part in designing a Christmas card for the Council, winner will receive a voucher and consideration will be made to sell these at the Christmas Fayre.
As part of the William Hilyard School’s curriculum pupils will be touring the town to learn about historic buildings. Cllr Mrs Jones suggested that the Town Hall could be used as a stop off with refreshments.
School Councils have been invited to use the Council Chamber for their meetings should they wish to do so.
35. For members to consider a grant aid application from the Coronation Hall
Cllr Mrs Sked would like to be considered to join the Coronation Hall Committee if a vacancy occurs.
Cllr Broughton informed that a lottery grant of £17k was received to refurbish the toilets but the hall now needs decorating. The committee have increased the rental up from £15 to £16 per hour.
The hall is a great asset for Market Deeping residents and community groups.
Councillors discussed the amount of grant aid with the general view that £500 should be increased. It was also discussed that the Coronation Hall should be included when the precept is being considered in September in the region of £3k to £4k per annum.
Cllr Gamble withdrew his proposal of providing a grant aid of £2,500 and it was proposed and RESOLVED with 12 in favour and one abstention to provide a grant of £1,000 to the Coronation Hall.
36. For members to consider lights for the tree on the roundabout - FG
Cllr Guerge had supplied photos to the lighting company who confirmed that a length of 250m would be sufficient to light the tree.
Cllr Guerge had circulated a list of options to Councillors prior to the meeting and it was RESOLVED unanimously to purchase, when available later in the year, the ColourConnect – RGB LEDs, low voltage, 250m, including extension and large power supply and controller at a cost of £959.11.
The chosen lights have the capability to be controlled remotely and different colours can be selected if desired.
37. For members to receive an update on the Green Walk - PB
Cllr Dr Byrd outlined that it is hoped that the project will be concluded before the summer holidays. There will be 11 activity posts that will be installed enroute and if sponsorship money could be sourced 7 extra posts at £1,000 each will be purchased and will be installed at a later date.
Cllr Dr Byrd would like to obtain permission from Full Council to locate a bench at the Riverside Park, the bench will have an engraved route map on the back and would be used as the start and finish point of the Green Walk. Permission was also requested to locate a post in Welland Gardens which would provide details of wildlife such as bats that are residing in the area. A paper map will also be produced and will include information about Deeping.
It was proposed and RESOLVED unanimously to allow the use of any MDTC land in this case Welland Gardens and Riverside Park to enable the project to be completed.
38. For members to consider the purchase of iPads and a policy for use by Councillors – DJ
Cllr Mrs Jones had received a quote of £4,959.52 to provide all councillors and clerks with an iPad. Funding is available in the budget. Cases would also need to be purchased to protect the iPads.
Cllr Wey asked if android had been considered and suggested the possible use of Zoho which is similar to Office 365. Cllr Jones would contact the provider to see what their recommendation would be. It is hoped that this will be rolled out in August/September and all iPads will have the new system already installed and training will be provided to Councillors.
39. For members to consider changing to a new email provider - DJ
Cllr Mrs Jones had spoken to a new email provider as the current system since being updated was not suitable for the council. The new email provider confirmed that a full migration of emails from the current provider to the new provider would be possible. The cost per mailbox per year is £42 with an annual fee of £260.00. There is an option to bolt on Cloud Office if needed. Clerks will provide the new provider with a list of questions that have been raised, to ensure that the system meets everyone’s requirements.
It was RESOLVED unanimously to proceed with the new email provider.
40. For members to consider arrangements for forthcoming events: Civic Service Sunday 28th June 2026, Xmas Fayre 29th November 2026. Possible Race Night and Charity Bingo
Cllr Mrs Jones thanked Cllr Broughton for providing £302.10 as a balance for her mayoral year. The Mayor’s chosen charities for 2026/2027 will be LIVES and East Anglian Veteran’s Association.
Civic Service Sunday 28 June – thank you to all who have confirmed their attendance.
Xmas Fayre Sunday 29 November – thank you to Cllrs Reed, Jones, Steel, Guerge, Broughton, Sked who have volunteered to join the working group. It is proposed to hold the meeting on the same night prior to an existing meeting, an email will be sent with a date and time.
Cllr Mrs Jones reported that the Deeping Car Dyke will soon have a lectern with details of its history and location. Information concerning the Car Dyke was provided by Pauline Redshaw (former Councillor of MDTC). The lectern was funded by Allison Homes and the artwork was funded by the Town Council.
Cllr Mrs Jones reported that the lectern located on the Riverside was now out of date and needed updating, quotes are being obtained. It was RESOLVED to proceed and update the information.
Cllr Broughton informed that on 22 June from 7.00pm – 9.15pm a group of Explorer Scout volunteers would be assisting in clearing the allotments. Cllr Broughton will be providing the tools.
Cllr Hughes reported that the Fun Dog Show will be taking place on Sunday 19 July. There are 10 different classes and Cllr Hughes enquired if the Town Council would consider sponsoring one of the classes. It was agreed in principle that the Council would donate £50 towards a class and that it would be resolved (or otherwise) at the next full council meeting.
Cllr Mrs Jones reported that there was no update on the New River Retail with regards to a supermarket.
41. For members to discuss and consider any points raised in the public session
There were no points raised in the public session.
42. Personnel Matters: Consideration to go into Closed Session to discuss: Staff Issues
There were none.
43. To consider items for inclusion on the agenda at the next meeting of the Town Council, to be held at The Town Hall, Market Deeping on Wednesday 8 July 2026
• For members to consider sponsoring one of the classes at the Fun Dog Show on 19 July.
The Chairman thanked all members for attending and declared the meeting closed at 9.15pm.
The next scheduled meeting of the Full Council will be held on Wednesday 8 July 2026.