Donington-on-Bain Parish Council

The Donington on Bain Parish Council meeting was held on

Tuesday 2nd June, 2026 - Village Hall   

The meeting commenced at 7.30pm when members of the public were allowed to ask questions or make statements from this time with the full Council meeting commencing at 7.45pm.

Public Forum

• The Donington on Bain Village Hall have made a planning application to ELDC for Change of Use so they can provide a mixed-use nursery but with retained community use.

The nursery was once at the Hall, but that was a while ago, but there will be no effect on hiring out the Hall for public use.

Parking was possibly an issue, but it is envisaged that would be minimal disruption, as the parents would be there only to drop off and pick up.

• A request was made for more seating throughout the area, and the Clerk to check out prices and funding.
• A question was asked about the grass cutting in the area – who owns which patch of grass through the village. The Chairman is currently doing a survey for this very thing and looking at all of the grassed areas throughout the village to identify who owns what and who then is responsible for the cutting of said.
• An announcement was made that The Scarecrow Festival in DoB will be held at the end of August.

Minutes

• Apologies for absence

Cllrs Bellamy, Wright, and Simpson   

• To receive any declaration of interests under the localism act 2011

None

• To receive nominations and to elect a new Vice Chairman

Cllr Pearce was nominated and duly unanimously accepted as the vice chairman

• To receive reports from outside bodies

None 

• Approval of Minutes from the AGM meeting held in May 2026

So approved

• Reports from Councillors re: external meetings

The Chairman has had an email concerning the Biscathorpe oil exploration site which is currently dormant. The Company have applied to the Planning Department to disregard the Condition set in the original permission – to restore the land back to its original state of farmland.

This would be in breach of a condition, and this means (in real terms) that the compound, hardstanding, security fencing, gate and access track will stay as is and not be put back to agricultural land.

The Council felt that this was a breach of their conditions and that they would formally object to this proposal.

• Request for funding of the Scarecrow event and additional points of interest.

Last year’s Scarecrow Trail proved to be very popular and it is expected to be so again this year.

He would be ordering more maps for the event (End of August), subject to funding. He has found a supplier of the printing who is very cheap and he wants to give a QR code to each participant where the public can scan the code (at a cost of £1) to vote for the best Scarecrow.

The media are involved, with the Chairman having already been interviewed on Radio Humberside plus there will be future cover closer to the date.

A request was made for funding this – and a figure of £25 was sought from the Parish Council

£25 will be donated from the Village Hall, and a further £50 from MXR (Cllr Taylor) and this means that 500 maps can be ordered.

Small commemorative prizes will be given to the Scarecrows voted in first and second place.

In addition - Anti Dog fouling posters to be placed around the village and posters showing pointers to the nearest waste bin to be strategically placed to encourage the correct disposal of dog waste. (The Chairman to source).

New walking leaflets have been produced (1000) at only £79 (previously £440) and some of these were handed out to the Councillors at the meeting for onward distribution.

A new ‘Contact Sheet’ to be produced for the Notice Boards to give easier access to the Councillors.

The Cemetery needs a new Green Bin – Cllr Main to assess.

• Update on Village Gates project – siting of such

This has been a long standing idea in the village, and the Chairman first joined the PC to head up this project.

Unfortunately, siting has been an ongoing issue but this now seems to be resolved. A contractor is required to instal/paint these gates and various names were mentioned. Possible funding from the District Councillor via the DC Grant scheme? To be investigated.

• Update of new play equipment installation

The installation of the new equipment on the Children’s play area has now been completed and the company (EKM Ltd from Horncastle) have done an excellent job in their installation. The fence has not yet been re-instated because there is a suggestion that funding be found to put adult outdoor gym equipment into this same area. More discussion to follow.

• Update on Bus Stop improvement/refurbishment quotes

Awaiting quotes for this work. Our District Councillor did say at our last meeting that he would help by having ELDC clear the waste bin area.

• Update on Allotments – spaces available?

Cllr Main to take over the cemetery and have a look at the allotments with Cllr Beaney and to feedback nest meeting.

• Update on signage for dog fouling/village map etc

Printed and very cheap. To be put around the area by individual Councillors.

• Community Action Group – set-up for village projects? Next steps.

The Councillors are still enthusiastic about this idea and it would be a great starting project to install adult gym equipment into the play area. Cllr Pearce to take the lead on this and short list a series of possible projects for the village with approx. costings.

• Any Planning Applications recorded on the ELDC portal

Biscathorpe Oil – removal of original condition – an objection to be raised

Village Hall – to operate a children’s nursery from the premises – to support

• Financial statement for year end

As presented

• To approve payments/issue any cheques required
  • EKM Ltd - £22500 for balance of play equipment
  • BW Maintenance - £660 for the cutting of hedges and disposal of    waste
  • Clerk’s salary - £507.92 (May)
  • Printing of dog fouling posters etc - £109.00
  • Zurich Insurance (PL Ins) - £500
• Date of next meeting July 7th, 2026 
• AOB 

New PL insurance taken out with Zurich – a change of company, and although a few pounds more expensive, the benefits to this policy are far superior to the previous on (£12m public liability compared to £1.2 etc)