January
CASTLE BYTHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2026
Present
Cllr McLaughlin (Chair), Cllrs Dugmore, Hayward, Morrow, Goode, Sismey-Durrant
In attendance
District Cllr Robins, County Cllr Vernon
Apologies
Cllr Hayward and Cllr Lee
- Declarations of interest
None
- Approve minutes 17 December 2025
The record of the meeting held on 17 December 2025 was approved by the Chair. Proposed by Cllr Goode, seconded by Cllr Dugmore, all in favour.
- Matters arising
Job description of the role of Clerk being sort and notices used to advertise the vacancy. Applications to be received by 17th February 2026.
- County Council matters
County Cllr Vernon: LCC consulting on 4.99% increase in Council Tax.
- District Council matters
District Cllr Robins: Green bin charge increasing to £55 p.a. Food bin collection commencing from 6-13th April and provided an update regarding the planning issue at Priory Farm. Proposed 2.99% increase in Council Tax.
- Planning issues - verbal report from the Planning Working Group
Cllr Mclaughlin: S26/0661. S.211 tree works in conservation area. No comment.
- Amenities Working Group report.
None.
- Burial Committee Matters
Council approved a new headstone in the graveyard.
- Correspondence
Cllr Mclaughlin reported the council had received a new copy of the Electoral Role for the records. Cllr Dugmore reported that Save a Life First Aid/Defibrillator training would be available at the village hall for interested parishioners between February and May.
Interim Clerk: Alicia Kearns MP had stated her interest in attending a meeting with parishioners concerning recent concerns regarding speeding in the village and other matters.
District Councillor Vernon stated that this could be arranged via an email to Alicia Kearns’ constituency office.
- Accounts
The Chair reported that the books were in order.
- Councillors’ verbal reports
Cllr Morrow said the closing date for the position of Clerk would be concluded by March with applications closing by 17th February.
The Chair stated that Cllr Lee had tended their resignation and all in attendance extended their thanks for Cllr Lee’s service.
Cllr Dugmore gave notice that they would not be able to attend the next PC meeting.
More poo bags have been ordered for the refill of the village dispensers.
Cllr Mclaughlin to research Parish Record digitisation, and cemetery software.
Noticeboards : It was agreed to remove the noticeboard out of the crossroads bus stop and replace the community shop noticeboard. To be sanded and varnished before installation.
The next meeting will be on 18 February 2026