Minutes:
Question to: Councillor Astill
Question from: Councillor Barnes
Subject: Garden Waste Scheme
Councillor Barnes expressed disappointment at the lack of progress on the garden waste scheme, as referenced in the Portfolio Holder update. He questioned the routing system and queried why a more adaptable approach, similar to that used by the Post Office, had not been adopted. He highlighted that a period of six months had been spent developing an internal system now deemed unworkable, with a further four months required for improvements. Councillor Barnes queried why additional residents could not be accommodated on existing routes given confirmed bin availability and capacity and stressed that delays had resulted in wasted expenditure and lost revenue. He requested details of the total cost to date, the number of brown bins at the depot, the number of residents on the waiting list, and how many were on current routes. Councillor Astill advised that approximately 200 bins were held at the depot, some new and some used. There was no capacity on existing rounds, which had led to the creation of a waiting list that was closed in February or March 2025 due to uncertainty over expansion, although some residents had since joined the scheme. He confirmed that the Council’s internal team, at no additional cost, had been working on new rounds, with some rework required following testing, and that software changes for uploading routes were being implemented. Councillor Astill acknowledged delays but emphasised the need to get the system right, confirming that the work would be completed by the end of Quarter 1 and that a factual briefing note would be provided.
In response, Councillor Barnes challenged the assertion of zero cost, noting officer time as an expense, and reiterated concerns about wasted resources and the need for urgency. He recommended that normal waste collections were not altered and highlighted that residents had been waiting for bins for 18 months. Councillor Astill responded that the work completed so far had not been wasted and confirmed the scheme’s popularity, evidenced by a waiting list of 700–800 residents. He concluded that the work would be completed and a summary provided.
Question to: Councillor Astill
Question from: Councillor Eldridge
Subject: Waste Rounds
Councillor Eldridge queried whether the work on the waste rounds would be completed by March 2026.Councillor Astill confirmed that he was confident that the target date would be met.
Question to: Councillor Worth
Question from: Councillor Gibson
Subject: Spalding Remembrance Parade Road Closures
Councillor Gibson asked whether the Council had been charged by Lincolnshire County Council for road closures during the Spalding Remembrance Parade, noting that criticism had been directed at the County Council in this regard. Councillor Worth confirmed that Lincolnshire County Council did not charge for road closures. South Holland District Council was required to appoint a traffic management company, and this year an alternative provider was used, which incurred a cost. He explained that the parade route had been shortened to minimise town centre closures while maintaining a safe route for veterans. Councillor Worth also highlighted that the Safety Advisory Group was required to consider terrorism risks for all events as part of its risk assessment and clarified that councillor ward budgets could not be used to fund road closures.
Question to: Councillor Worth
Question from: Councillor Sheard
Subject: Spalding Remembrance Parade Format
Councillor Sheard raised concerns regarding the format of the recent Spalding Remembrance Parade, noting that many residents and service personnel had expressed disappointment and felt the event had not been delivered correctly. She sought reassurance that next year’s parade would follow the correct format and involve ex-Service personnel in its planning. Concerns were also highlighted about the choice of song at the end of the service, which some felt was inappropriate. Councillor Worth responded that the Council was responsible only for road closures, while the organisation of the parade itself was managed by the Royal British Legion, Spalding Branch. He confirmed that the wreath-laying had followed the appropriate protocol. Councillor Worth acknowledged the feedback regarding the song which would be taken into consideration for next year.
Question to: Councillor Casson
Question from: Councillor Reynolds
Subject: Fixed Penalty Notice Fee Increases
Councillor Reynolds queried the increase in fees for fixed penalty notices for littering, fly-tipping and graffiti. Councillor Casson confirmed that the proposed increases were as follows:
Question to: Councillor Redgate
Question from: Councillor Wilkinson
Subject: Youth Shed
Councillor Wilkinson raised concerns about the closure of the Youth Shed in Long Sutton in March 2025, which had left over 100 children without access to the facility. He noted reports on social media suggesting the centre might reopen with support from South Holland District Council and asked whether the facility, which had previously received over £90,000 in UKSPF funding, would receive further funding and reopen. Councillor Redgate advised that UKSPF funding was largely concluded, with approximately 99% already allocated, unless further funds were distributed by the Mayoral Authority in the following year. He confirmed that any future funding would be considered on its merits however could not confirm whether additional funding would be provided. Councillor Wilkinson asked if the Council was continuing to support the facility. Councillor Redgate clarified that this was outside his remit and that he was not aware of any funding currently being provided by the Council. The Leader undertook to clarify the appropriate Portfolio Holder and provide an update after the meeting.
Question to: Councillor Worth
Question from: Councillor Geaney
Subject: Spalding Town Forum, the Town Board and Spalding Business Improvement District (BID)
Councillor Geaney requested clarification of the Spalding Town Forum, Town Board and Spalding Business Improvement District (BID) and queried the associated impacts upon the Council/local tax payers for activities such as a recent installation project. Councillor Worth responded that Spalding Town Forum was a debating group with no decision-making powers, representing the town and its residents. The Town Board was responsible for managing the £20 million government grant, which did not come from local taxpayers. The Council paid a levy into the BID which was drawn from Council resources. Councillor Worth confirmed that local taxpayers had not funded the sheep installation, which was financed by the Civic Society through external funding.
Question to: Councillor Astill
Question from: Councillor Beal
Subject: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Funding
Councillor Beal requested an update on government Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) funding. Councillor Astill advised that some funding was known, but the position on food waste funding remained outstanding. He noted that further information might be included in the forthcoming budget and confirmed that members would be informed as soon as funding was confirmed.
Question to: Councillor Taylor
Question from: Councillor Alcock
Subject: Planters in Spalding Hall Place and Red Lion Street
Councillor Alcock queried whether the planters in Hall Place and Red Lion Street were the responsibility of the Council and, if so, whether there were plans to replace plants and trees that had not survived, and measures to prevent this recurring. Councillor Taylor responded that a grant had been obtained by the Council to install and maintain the planters, although this was not within his Portfolio. Councillor Astill undertook to seek clarification on replanting plans and added that a new Group Manager for Street Scene was now in post and was preparing a schedule for members detailing maintenance activities such as cutting, trimming and pruning.
Question to: Councillor Bingham
Question from: Councillor Woolf
Subject: Pantomime sales
Councillor Woolf asked for an update on ticket sales for the forthcoming pantomime at the South Holland Centre, noting its commercial importance and popularity. Councillor Bingham reported that overall ticket sales at the South Holland Centre were up by approximately 13,000 compared to previous years. The pantomime had already sold around 9,500 tickets, with several performances close to selling out. He credited the success to the efforts of the South Holland Centre team, performers and the production company.
Question to: Councillor Astill
Question from: Councillor Tyrrell
Subject: Bulky Waste Collection of Settees
Councillor Tyrrell raised concerns about delays in the collection of settees, noting that residents had been waiting for over a month. Councillor Astill confirmed that settees were still collected as part of the bulky waste service but explained that recent legislative changes required specific recycling processes. He undertook to seek clarification from the service and provide an update.
Question to: Councillor Astill
Question from: Councillor J Le Sage
Subject: Rubbish Collection at Capella Close and The Terrace
Councillor J Le Sage thanked Councillor Astill for previously meeting with residents regarding rubbish collection issues and asked for an update. Councillor Astill advised that he was still awaiting a response from officers, having requested a review of the situation. He confirmed that the decision was operational and, while he would continue to press for a resolution, reinstatement of collections could not be guaranteed. Councillor Le Sage expressed frustration at the lack of progress and emphasised the impact on residents and the need for stronger action.
Question to: Councillor Astill
Question from: Councillor Tennant
Subject: Christmas Tree Waste Collection
Councillor Tennant raised concerns about reports on social media that residents with brown bins could not leave whole Christmas trees for collection and were required to chop them up to fit inside the bin. He questioned the reasoning behind this change and noted that January was not a peak month for general gardening waste. He highlighted criticism on social media and suggested the decision be reconsidered, particularly for outlying areas of the district where access to recycling centres was difficult. Councillor Astill acknowledged the concerns and confirmed he was unaware of the issue. He undertook to seek clarification from the team.
Question to: Councillor Worth
Question from: Councillor Brewis
Subject: Fast Food Packaging Deposit Charge Campaign
Councillor Brewis referred to a discussion at an earlier meeting regarding the possibility of the Partnership initiating a national campaign to introduce a deposit charge on fast-food packaging. The intention was that customers would either return the packaging or, if discarded, others could collect it and redeem the deposit, similar to historic bottle return schemes. Councillor Brewis noted significant public interest in the idea which would help to address littering issues and asked if this would be taken forward. Councillor Worth understood that national legislation was already in place to encourage producers, particularly supermarkets, to reduce waste and recycle within their own facilities. He undertook to discuss the matter further with the relevant team and Portfolio Holder, acknowledging the merits of the suggestion, however additional action would not be necessary if covered by national legislation.
Question to: Councillor Taylor
Question from: Councillor Sheard
Subject: Spalding Indoor Bowls Club
Councillor Sheard requested reassurance be provided to members of Spalding Indoor Bowls Club, formerly based at the Castle Sports Complex and temporarily relocated to Long Sutton, following rumours that they might not be able to return once renovation works were complete. Councillor Taylor confirmed that there was no truth to the rumour and reiterated that the plan remained for the bowlers to return to the Castle Sports Complex in Spalding upon completion of the works, anticipated in early 2027. He expressed disappointment that such speculation had arisen and advised that any further concerns should be raised with him or the project team, who could provide written reassurance if necessary.