June 2026 Minutes
MINUTES OF WHAPLODE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT
WHAPLODE ST CATHERINES VILLAGE HALL
ON WEDNESDAY 10TH JUNE 2026
Present;
Cllrs Pam Langstaff (Chaired the meeting), Bob Merchant, Richard Barlow, Neil Carver, Morris Stancer and Adrian Haslett.
The Clerk (minute taker), District Cllr Allan Beal and County Cllr Carey.
Apologies:
Cllrs Kevin Prince.
Public Forum:
Cllr Carey advised that he had contacted & thanked the litter picking group, he had attended a meeting about The Bridge Hotel that had been well attended and was constructive.
Cllr Beal requested that the meeting agendas are more visible.
Minutes and Matters arising:
On the proposition of Cllr Stancer, seconded by Cllr Merchant and agreed by all, the minutes of the meetings in April and May 2026 having been previously circulated were signed by the Chairman, as a true record.
Cllr Merchant is still trying to obtain information from the curling group.
There has been no progress on forming a community group at Whaplode St Catherines.
Date & venue of the next meeting:
Finance meeting 5th August and full council 2nd September Whaplode.
Planning applications,
The Clerk reported that applications had been dealt with as per annexed and circulated to members.
Members expressed concern about the MOD proposal to increase flying times due to any increase in noise levels.
Finance Report;
The Clerk reported the following cheques for payment which members agreed,
G Hawkes salary & expenses £ 1,601.75
HMRC £ 199.30
SHPVCS £ 1,133.72
Evolution Ground Care £ 1,887.60 vat £314.60
Balances: Business Prem £ 53,212
Current a/c £ 37,300
Less cheques £ 4,300
Balance £ 85,712
2025-2026 Audit,
The Clerk reported that the audit had been completed their review of the accounts and members proposed and agreed to approve the internal audit report. Cllr Stancer proposed and Cllr Langstaff seconded (agreed by all) that the Annual Governance Statement Section 1. Members then proposed and approved the Statement of Accounts section 2. Members then proposed and agreed that the Chairman sign the annual return.
Allotments;
The clerk reported that all 2025 rents had been collected and 2026 April rents paid. The Clerk will send rent demands to the Whaplode Drove tenants. Members agreed for M Grummitt be offered to take on the garden allotment numbers 11-14 within his existing holding.
Highways:
Whaplode village – Cllr Merchant reported no new issues.
Whaplode Drove – Cllr Mackman reported ongoing issues with speeding on Broadgate and potholes in Chapelgate and will send details to Cllr Carey.
Whaplode St Catherines - Cllr Carver reported that the Ravens Bank crossroads are a live issue and will email details to Cllr Carey.
Saracens Head – Cllr Haslett reported no progress on A17 speed limit reduction and will liaise with Cllr Carey.
Whaplode Playing Field:
Cllr Merchant reported all okay, two new seats to be installed.
Whaplode St Catherines playing field:
No new issues.
Whaplode cemetery:
The Clerk has obtained quotes to remove the two damaged trees, on the proposition of Cllr Barlow, seconded by Cllr Langstaff, and agreed by all with one abstention, agreed to accept the quote by M Goose. The Clerk will contact him to arrange.
Land registration:
The Clerk has contacted Mossop & Bowser. He will speak to Hix regarding the valuations.
Wryde wind farm grant:
The Clerk advised that the 2026 funding was available.
Whaplode St Mary cemetery maintenance:
C Rous has started cutting the grass at £200 per cut. Members agreed for the Finance Committee to discuss a formal arrangement with the PCC as per the Local Government Act 1972.
The Bluebell Inn:
The owner has requested a letter of support to go with a funding application for development to his establishment which members agreed.
Defibrillator cabinet:
The Whaplode Drove defib cabinet needs replacing which members agreed within a budget of £500.
Update re .Gov.uk emails:
On the proposition of Cllr Haslett, seconded by Cllr Stancer members agreed , with two abstentions for Cllr Haslett to progress this issue for the parish council.
The meeting closed at 21.08pm
Chairman