January 2026 Minutes
MINUTES OF WHAPLODE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT
WHAPLODE DROVE ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH
ON WEDNESDAY 28TH JANUARY 2026
Present;
Cllrs Morris Stancer (Chaired the meeting), Bob Merchant, Richard Barlow, Neil Carver and Stephen Mackman.
The Clerk (minute taker), and one member of the public.
Apologies:
Kevin Prince, Pam Langstaff and County Cllr Carey.
Public Forum:
Paul Rodgers attended on behalf of the Tudor Lodge therapeutic school to request the parish council support for highway signage in Little Lane. Councillors agreed for the Clerk to contact LCC Highways.
Co-option:
Cllr Langstaff introduced Adrian Haslett who attended the meeting as a Saracens Head resident and on the proposition of Cllr Stancer, seconded by Cllr Merchant he was co-opted for the Saracens Head ward.
Minutes and Matters arising:
On the proposition of Cllr Stancer, seconded by Cllr Merchant and agreed by all, the minutes of the meetings in November and December 2025 having been previously circulated were signed by the Chairman, as a true record.
Date & venue of the next meeting:
Finance meeting 25th February and full council 8th April at Saracens Head. The meeting dates for 2026 will be circulated by the Clerk.
Planning applications,
The Clerk reported that applications had been dealt with as per annexed and circulated to members.
Finance Report;
The Clerk reported the following cheques for payment which members agreed,
G Hawkes salary & expenses £ 557.16
HMRC £ 109.60
Anglian Water £ 123.15
Evolution Ground care £ 4,670.40 vat £778.40
Balances: Business Prem £ 54,421
Current a/c £ 14,324
Less cheques £ 5,460
Balance £ 63,285
The Clerk had previously circulated the budget for 2026-2027 and on the proposition of Cllr Stancer, seconded by Cllr Barlow was agreed by all at £16,750. Now the council is meeting the cost of St Mary churchyard grass cutting the existing grant to the Whaplode PCC will be cancelled.
Allotments;
The clerk reported one tenant in arrears for 2025 and the FBT will be reviewed to see what action needs to be taken.
Highways:
Whaplode village – Cllr Merchant will request the footpaths are cleaned.
Whaplode St Caths – Cllr Carver has reported the speeding on Ravens Bank on fix my street.
Whaplode Drove – the Clerk will request that the LRSP camera van attends in Broadgate.
Whaplode Playing Field:
Following the annual inspection by Wicksteed part of the play park has had to be closed. The Committee are fundraising to meet the cost of repairs, Cllr Barlow proposed, seconded by Cllr Stancer that £1,500 be contributed as a one off by the council and all agreed.
Whaplode St Catherines playing field:
The Clerk reported no further news on a community group being formed.
Whaplode cemetery:
There is a tree down for which quotes are needed to remove. The clerk will obtain a quote to cut the grass in St Marys churchyard.
Land registration:
Cllr Barlow will contact Mossop & Bowser.
Wryde wind farm grant:
Further funding has been requested.
Acorn pre school:
The Clerk reported an email from the school wanting to progress the council leasing a parcel of land in Millers Rest for expansion. The Clerk will request further information and a costed project plan.
Correspondence/AOB:
None
The meeting closed at 20.44pm
Chairman