April 2026 Minutes
MINUTES OF WHAPLODE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT
SARACENS HEAD VILLAGE HALL
ON WEDNESDAY 8TH APRIL 2026
Present;
Cllrs Morris Stancer (Chaired the meeting), Bob Merchant, Richard Barlow, Neil Carver and Adrian Haslett.
The Clerk (minute taker), and County Cllr Carey.
Apologies:
Cllrs Kevin Prince and Pam Langstaff, Cllr Mackman absent.
Public Forum:
Cllr Carey mentioned the LCC sponsored volunteer scheme, the Clerk will circulate details to members.
Minutes and Matters arising:
On the proposition of Cllr Stancer, seconded by Cllr Haslett and agreed by all, the minutes of the meetings in January and February 2026 having been previously circulated were signed by the Chairman, as a true record.
The Clerk reported that Highways had declined to support the request from Tudor Lodge.
Date & venue of the next meeting:
Finance meeting 6th May and full council 10th June Whaplode St Catherines.
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 £ 1,006.99
HMRC £ 287.25
SHIDB £ 264.06
Whaplode play field committee £ 1,500.00
Balances: Business Prem £ 53,059
Current a/c £ 4,819
Less cheques £ 3,058
Balance £ 54,820
Allotments;
The clerk reported one tenant in arrears for 2025 and members agreed for notice to be served by Hix & Co. The Clerk will meet with Cllr Stancer to do a garden allotment inspection.
Highways:
Whaplode village – Cllr Merchant reported that the litter picking group are doing a good job – letter of thanks to be sent by the clerk
Whaplode St Caths – Cllr Carver has reported the speeding on Ravens Bank on fix my street and will liaise with a local resident.
Whaplode Drove – the Clerk has requested that the LRSP camera van attends in Broadgate.
Saracens Head: Members agreed to support the proposal to reduce to 40 mph, the speed limit on the A17 junction.
Whaplode Playing Field:
A contribution of £1,500 has been made as agreed to help fund the cost of the play equipment repairs.
Whaplode St Catherines playing field:
The Clerk reported no further news on a community group being formed.
Whaplode cemetery:
The Clerk has requested quotes to remove the two damaged trees, and will review the damaged fence in the cemetery. Cemetery regulations are to be reviewed to allow for wreaths to be removed and will be published in the cemetery.
Land registration:
Cllr Barlow will contact Mossop & Bowser to confirm any progress.
Wryde wind farm grant:
The Clerk will do a report on 2025 grants to release the 2026 funding.
Whaplode St Mary cemetery maintenance:
On the proposition of Cllr Barlow and seconded by Cllr Haslett and agreed by all to accept the quote from C Rous to cut the grass at £200 per cut. A schedule of cuts undertaken to be requested by the Clerk.
Correspondence/AOB:
Cllr Haslett reported the cost of introducing .gov email addresses and this will be on the next full council agenda.
The Clerk reported an email from T Trehearne seeking funding and more information will be requested.
The meeting closed at 20.25pm
Chairman