January 2026 Minutes
Denton Parish Council
Minutes
All Parish Councillors were summoned to attend a Parish Council Meeting
Monday January 12, 2026 at
Knipton Village Hall at 7:30 pm
This Meeting was recorded
PCM 2025
Item for Discussion/Resolution
1 Welcome Address from the Chair, Councillor Andrea Leadenham who thanked everyone for attending and reminded all that the meeting is recorded. apologies were also given for the late start to the meeting. Access to the Village Hall was delayed due to the keys not being replaced the lock box.
2 Attendees:
Those in attendance were: Councillors: Andrea Leadenham, Chair, Amy Leadenham, Nigel Elias and Sue Bellamy (also as Acting Clerk) and two members of the public.
3 Councillor Apologies:
Apology received & noted from District Councillor Robert Leadenham and County Councillor Charlotte Vernon.
4 Parish Council Declarations of Pecuniary Interest. None recorded.
5 Items from District & County Councillors,
County Councillor Charlotte Vernon had sent her apologies. District Councillor Robert Leadenham had forwarded information for the Acting Clerk to read out.
Comments from Councillor Robert Leadenham:
Play area: I have requested a SKDC general waste bin to be installed at the play area this has been approved just waiting for it to be sited. *(it was noted that the litter bin had been installed today (January 22, 2026).
I will request a quote for grass cutting of the play area by SK to get an idea of cost, this may be only 7 cuts per season but might be cost effective while they are cutting the rest of the green areas.
Also, I am investigating the option of Children Play Area road safety signs for the lamp posts warning drivers of the play area.
Service Road Hungate Road: I received a request from residents of the Bungalows on Hungate about street lighting on the service road that leads up to the play area, this is being investigated for options by Eon on behalf of SK.
Page 2
Minutes
January 12, 2026
Belvoir Castle Events: As reported at last month PC meeting I will be arranging a meeting with the Estate Event Manager in the next couple of weeks
Pavement Parking: The Government’s Department for Transport (DfT) has today announced that local councils across England (outside London) will be given new powers to enforce against instances of pavement parking in their area through a civil contravention of unnecessary obstruction of the pavement. This is an interim step before possible area-wide prohibitions, requiring primary legislation.
These measures are intended to help keep pavements clear and accessible for all users, while still allowing for exemptions where appropriate. Further information to follow.
6 Minutes of previous Meeting - Resolution to approve the minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Monday, December 15, 2025 This was agreed by all and duly signed.
7 Public Forum - Two members of the public attended & the muddy condition of the play area was discussed. Unfortunately, due to the time of year & when the play area was installed the weather conditions have caused some of the equipment to become muddy. The Acting Clerk & Chair to check on this & wash down equipment if required. The Planning Application Ref No: S25/2122 was also discussed as the applicant was present. The applicant was present to answer any questions the Councillors might have. None was recorded & the Acting Clerk had informed SKDC as such.
8 Report from the Parish Clerk including:
a) update on the Parish Precept - no further information from SKDC.
b) Finances - including balance sheet, payments & available funds: The current balance stands at £5,433.48 the following invoices have been approved & paid:
Creative Play - £35,099.98 - which includes VAT of £5,849.98.
Riverside Consultants £600 (no VAT)
£87.39 - Zurich re insurance of the play equipment up to the policy renewal in May 2026. Final payment of the outstanding balance of £6,000 from SKDC Prosperity Fund to be finalised when the final paperwork is submitted by the Acting Clerk. VAT to be reclaimed. It was also noted that the Street Market had offered a donation towards the play area on completion. Acting Clerk to check that this donation was still applicable.
c) Community Cleaner Report:
Monthly report from the Community Cleaner has been received and information regarding litter locations & areas cleared. Councillor Elias agreed to conduct a safety review with the Community Cleaner Date & time to be determined between both parties. This will also be required for due diligence for insurance purposes. Acting Clerk to act on this.
c. Any other reported business: Several residents had complained about the dangerous state of the pavement especially if using a pram or pushchair, on Main Street from the Agents House opposite Cawthra Court until the pavement ends.
Page 3
Minutes
January 12, 2026
The pavement has granite edging sets which should be retained. The opposite side also requires work - erosion of the surface & drivers parking on them. A response from Lincs CC (Highways is as follows):
“We’re sending you this message to let you know that we’ve assessed the footways condition and – whilst it has deteriorated it does not yet require further action. If the fault deteriorates significantly then please report this again to us and we will investigate further. Thank you for reporting this matter.
State changed to: Closed
Posted by Lincolnshire County Council”
Acting Clerk to monitor the situation.
9 Parish Council General (Update & Discussion)
a. Play Area Update: Favourable reports from residents. Councillor Andrea Leadenham (Chair) is currently checking on the status of the play area & equipment.
b. Village Hall - permission was requested to clear the hall after Christmas & New Year. The Hall must now be cleared of all items & sone items to be stored temporarily in St. Andrew’s Church. Councillors Andrea Leadenham, Nigel Elias & Sue Bellamy to meet to carry out an inventory.
c) SID & Road Safety: SID on Belvoir Road to be removed & Councillor Robert Leadenham to check on prices for new signs for Belvoir & Casthorpe Roads.
d. CSW Update: As CSW is to start up again in March. Councillor Elias said there would be another meeting to confirm new sites & to make sure all volunteers were onboard with the new locations.
e) Parking Issues: ongoing issues with parking & residents unable to enter or exit there driveways on Main Street with the ongoing construction.
f) Belvoir Castle events & General Update:
Councillor Robert Leadenham as reported to meet with the new Events Manager later in January.
g. Vale Parish Update: new date for Meeting & location to be confirmed.
h. Dog Fouling: no new reports but will keep monitoring the situation.
i. Lighting - Footpath between Hungate & Park Lane: options are being sought. Councillor Robert Leadenham to confirm.
10 Planning Applications:
Ferneley, Church Street, Denton, Lincolnshire, NG32 1LG
Change of use and extension to existing out building to form single dwelling
Ref No: S25/3122
Page 4
Minutes
January 12, 2026
Outstanding decisions:
Keepers Lodge - Caravan & Camping Site at Denton Lane, Harston. Still pending with Melton Borough Council.
The Planning Committee Meeting scheduled for Thursday December 18, 2025 was cancelled, this was probably in part due to a letter from Welby Estate with a stance that a judicial review would be instigated
12 Any other business - A sign for the play area was discussed. Several firms had been contacted but it was decided that a more local company to be contacted. A simple sign is required outlining the usual rules for a play area & contact numbers, three little words in case of an accident or emergency.
13 New business for the next meeting: None given
14 Meeting close and date of next meeting: Date of next scheduled meeting is February 9, 2026 at Knipton Village Hall.
15 Closed session if required.
Signed by:
Councillor Andrea Leadenham, Chair
Date: February 9, 2026