Minutes of Meeting – 7th July 2026

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Cropwell Bishop Parish Council

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 7th July 2026

7.00pm at The Old School
The meeting started at 7.02pm and finished at 8.45pm.

Present: Cllrs. W. Allison, M. Barlow, M. Beazley, C. Bryan, R. Gudgin, I. McEachran, A. Wilson, P. Wregg and J. Wroughton (Chairman)

In Attendance: Clerk and 2 public members

Supporting Documents

Supporting Document RoSPA Reports

Apologies Approved

  1. Cllr. N. Clarke N.C.C. – Conference; Cllr. T. Birch R.B.C. – Childcare.

Declarations of Interest and Confirmation of Agenda

  1. Declarations of Non-Pecuniary Interest: Cllr. Wilson and Cllr. Wregg, Agenda Item 11, Cropwell Bishop Memorial Hall; and Cllr. Wroughton and Cllr. Wilson, Agenda Item 13b.The agenda was confirmed.
  2. Standing Orders were suspended at 7.03pm to allow the order of business to be amended to enable attendees to speak to the meeting.

Parishioners’ Question Time and Policing Report

T. Jarrow updated the Parish Council on the Street Stories book. All 100 copies have now been sold and he is assessing a second run. T. Jarrow will send the Clerk a written piece to be added to local Facebook pages.

Crime Figures

Cllr. Wroughton read the crime figures for April. There were 62 crimes in the Wiverton Group: 2 in Saxondale, 46 in Cotgrave, 2 in Barnstone and 12 in Cropwell Bishop:

  • 5 – Violence and Sexual Offences
  • 2 – Criminal Damage and Arson
  • 1 – Antisocial Behaviour
  • 4 – Other Crimes
  1. Standing Orders were reinstated at 7.06pm.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

  1. Cllr. McEachran proposed that the minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held on 2nd June 2026 were a true record. Cllr. Barlow seconded and all agreed.
    It was unanimously resolved: “That the Parish Council meeting held on 2nd June 2026 be confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chairman.”

Progress

  1. M.79 2/6/26 – Councillors’ Reports – Street Sign, Old Lenton CloseComplete: Cllr. Birch raised this at R.B.C. and arranged for a dead-end sticker to be added to the street sign.
  2. Cllr. Wroughton asked whether Agenda Item 7 could be brought forward and heard next. Cllr. Barlow proposed the change and Cllr. McEachran seconded. All agreed.Standing Orders were suspended to allow Ian McKenzie of Samworth Farms to speak.
    It was unanimously resolved: “Agenda Item 7 be brought forward and Standing Orders be suspended to allow Ian McKenzie of Samworth Farms to speak.”

    Ian McKenzie gave a brief introduction about himself and Samworth Farms, a farming and property business based at Stragglethorpe. The purpose of his attendance was to open communication and act as a point of contact between the business and the local community.

    There was a discussion about the farming business and some of the work being undertaken. Samworth Farms has completed a project in which 34 leaky dams were installed on the farm to help mitigate the impact of flooding around Cropwell Butler. Ian explained the construction of leaky dams and other farming methods, such as drilling across slopes to slow water runoff.

    Ian advised that Samworth Farms was happy to help with local projects. It had recently helped the allotments by supplying soil and was willing to become involved in further community projects.

    Philly oversees the administration of the charity and can be contacted at info@thechetwodefoundation.co.uk. Further information is available at thechetwodefoundation.co.uk.

    The Parish Council felt it would be useful to invite Samworth Farms to a future meeting of the electorate to update the village on activities at Stragglethorpe.

  3. Standing Orders were reinstated at 7.21pm.

Planning Matters and Applications

  1. RBC Grant Permission 26/00666/VAR – Variation of Condition 1 (Plans), 21/02885/REM, for amended tile-over-brick gable detail and alteration to a rear ground-floor window – land to the rear of 1 Nottingham Road, Cropwell Bishop.

    Noted

  2. RBC New Application 26/01032/LBC – Replace existing softwood timber windows and doors with bespoke hardwood timber windows and doors – 18 Fern Road, Cropwell Bishop.
    It was unanimously resolved: “No objection.”

Finance

  1. Financial Statement up to 30th June 2026
    1. Financial Statement up to 30th June 2026
      It was unanimously resolved: “To approve the financial statement.”
  2. Payments made on 30th June 2026 and awaiting payment in July 2026
    1. Payments made on 30th June 2026 and awaiting payment in July 2026
      It was unanimously resolved: “To approve all payments as reproduced on payments document 216.”

Correspondence for Action

  1. To consider an email from Giles Stanley Limited regarding local housing needs within the village.Cllr. Wilson advised that a previous rural survey had been completed by a government body. Cllr. Wilson proposed that, as the Government is proposing a need for more council houses in the future, the offer should be declined at this time. Cllr. Wregg seconded and all agreed.
    It was unanimously resolved: “To write to Giles Stanley Ltd and decline the offer at this time.”
  2. To note a thank-you from Cropwell Bishop Primary School.The Primary School sent a letter of thanks for the Parish Council’s financial contribution to the new play area.

    Noted

Review of Training and Development Policy

  1. Cllr. Wilson proposed that the Training and Development Policy be approved. Cllr. McEachran seconded and all agreed.
    It was unanimously resolved: “To approve the Training and Development Policy and for it to be signed by the Chairman.”

Update on Village Green Open Spaces and Ball Games

  1. The second set of goalposts has been reinstated at the Memorial Hall Playing Field and is being used by children from the village. Thanks were given to Cllr. McEachran and the Ranger/Lengthsman for carrying out the work.

    Following the previous meeting, the Parish Council had resolved to speak to children playing football on the small section of the central green behind Brownhill Close and ask them to play in the centre of the green instead of directly behind nearby gardens. This resolution could not be carried out because the Council was informed that an agreement had already been made between Tom Pettit of R.B.C. and Cllr. Birch.

    The agreement allowed the children to continue playing in the same location until 8.00pm, provided the goalposts were moved to one side afterwards. This was intended to be a two-week trial and the affected resident at Brownhill Close had been advised.

    Since then, residents had visited the Parish Council Office to report damage to fencing, bad language and football being played until approximately 8.45pm or 9.00pm on weekdays and from approximately 9.30am until 8.55pm at weekends. Concerns were also raised about the safety of other green users, including elderly people and young children using nearby paths. The Clerk referred all complaints to Tom Pettit of R.B.C. and asked R.B.C. to liaise with the residents concerned.

    The Parish Council also queried liability for accidents, the existence of a risk assessment and public liability insurance for the village open spaces. On Thursday 2nd July, the Parish Council received notification from Tom Pettit that R.B.C. intended to serve enforcement notices requiring goalposts and other structures to be removed from this and other village green sites. Notices would be displayed and a one-month period allowed for removal. Cllr. Birch emailed the Clerk to confirm his support for the decision.

Review of RoSPA Safety Inspection – Cropwell Bishop Playpark

  1. A copy of the RoSPA report was issued as part of the supporting documents. The minor issues and actions taken were recorded as follows:
    Gate at the entrance from the Memorial Hall car park – paintwork in poor condition
    Complete: The gate has been sanded back and repainted.
    Toddler area rocker seesaw – laminate damage
    Complete: Sanded down and painted.
    Toddler area rocker dragon – laminate damage
    Complete: Sanded down and painted.
    Toddler area swing – wear beginning to show at the top of the cradles
    Early stages; this will be monitored.
    Toddler area small multi-play – projecting bolt
    Complete: The protrusion was removed.
    Toddler area – areas of corrosion requiring treatment and repair
    Complete: Treated.
    Toddler area carousel – bolts missing
    Complete: All bolts fitted and thread-locked.
    Fitness equipment air walker – bolts missing and equipment not taped off correctly
    Complete: The equipment had already been reported to Streetscape and taped off. Streetscape has now completed the repair and installed new bolts and fixings.
    Fitness equipment – end cap missing, parts need greasing and rust requires descaling
    Complete: End caps replaced and equipment greased.
    Action: Rust descaling to be completed.
    MUGA – trip point at entrance
    Complete: Topsoil was used to build up the trip point.
    Large carousel – rust points
    Areas that can be reached will be treated, although much of the affected area is underneath the equipment and inaccessible.
    Freestanding slide – vegetation beginning to protrude
    Complete: Vegetation cut back and removed.
    Mixed-bay swing – surface wear
    To be monitored. The issue has been reported to Streetscape because the surface should not be crumbling. A response is awaited following a Streetscape inspection.
    Mixed-bay swing – parts need greasing
    Complete: All moving parts greased.

The Memorial Hall

  1. Update on the Memorial Hall
    1. A report from the Memorial Hall Chair was presented to the meeting and is reproduced below.Cllr. Wregg reported that all musicians appearing at “Chillin’ in the Park” on 18th July had donated their services free of charge. Some volunteers would be needed on the day.
  2. The Launch Field
    1. A report was produced by the Memorial Hall and is reproduced below.

Village Ranger/Lengthsman Inspections

  1. The Ranger/Lengthsman carried out RoSPA-recommended work at the playpark during the month.

    The second set of goalposts was secured into permanent sockets. Both sets are now complete.

    Grass cutting is up to date and the Ranger/Lengthsman is doing a good job keeping on top of work around the village.

    The wooden fences at the Memorial Hall have been painted and the grass will be cut before “Chillin’ in the Park”.

The Old School

  1. Entertainments, Activities and User Update
    1. Hamnet was well attended and enjoyed, although it was a sad film.

      The next film is a sing-along screening of Grease on 17th July. Cinema screenings will then resume in September, with the film to be decided.

      The Graham Transfield Band will perform live on 26th September. A mountain gorilla talk will take place in October and a winter quiz in December.

  2. CKOB Club Update
    1. Cllr. Wroughton advised that 40 children attended the last session. The final sessions will take place in July. The club will close during August and return in September with the new Year 6 intake from the school.

Transport

  1. No issues have been raised with the Parish Council since the new service came into operation. It is considered a good, reliable service.

Highways and Footpaths – Defects and Issues

  1. Sunken road surface, Fern Road
    1. Roadworks by Severn Trent are scheduled for 18th July to rectify the issue.
  2. Update on parking at the corners of Kendal Close and Salvin Close
    1. Cllr. Birch asked R.B.C. why bins on Salvin Close were not emptied on 22nd June and reported that parked cars had caused an obstruction.
  3. Update on safety signage for pedestrians crossing Kinoulton Road
    1. Cllr. Clarke advised that this was ongoing and survey work was required.
  4. Cllr. Bryan raised an issue concerning overgrowth from a property on Clarke Close obstructing the pavement.Action: The Clerk to write to the homeowner and ask for the overgrowth to be cut back.
  5. Community Speed Watch
    1. Cllr. Wregg advised that the speed gun trigger was not working properly.

      Action: Cllr. Bryan agreed to inspect it and determine whether it could be repaired. If not, he would report back to the Clerk, who would investigate the cost of a replacement.

      Police speed vans carried out checks on Nottingham Road on Sunday 5th July.

The Environment and Biodiversity

  1. Cllr. Bryan reported that the church tower had been professionally cleaned to remove bird detritus and had now been made bird-proof. The clock required attention because the chimes were not working.
  2. Cllr. Allison advised that a litter pick had taken place on Saturday for National Litter Picking Day. There was a good turnout and a large amount of rubbish was collected. Thanks were given to everyone who took part.

Competition Winner – May Cropwell News

  1. Cllr. Barlow made the draw. The winner was Tom Robinson.

Councillors’ Reports

  1. Cllr. Wroughton advised that the new .gov.uk email addresses for all councillors would go live on Wednesday 8th July. The Clerk had updated the addresses on the website, Facebook page, village plan, Cropwell News and village Facebook pages.
  2. Cllr. Wroughton advised that there was no longer a requirement to publish councillors’ addresses. References to addresses had been removed from the website and published documents.
  3. Cllr. Wroughton requested attendees for the July and August Saturday Café sessions. July: Cllrs. Wilson, McEachran, Allison, Wroughton and Beazley. August: Cllrs. Wilson, Wroughton and Beazley.
  4. Cllr. Wregg advised that Sandra Hunt had passed away. The Parish Council would arrange a donation or flowers when funeral arrangements were known. Sandra had always been involved with the Memorial Hall and village events and would be missed.
  5. Cllr. Wregg advised that Carl Sellars, a resident of Shelton Gardens, intended to establish a Neighbourhood Watch scheme. She would invite him to a future meeting.
  6. Cllr. Wregg reported on the latest Police Priority Meeting:
    • Concern had been raised with Caroline Voce about increased antisocial behaviour and the challenges faced by police managing large groups with reduced resources, including offenders escalating behaviour to film content for social media.
    • Arrests were being made for burglaries and vehicle theft, but many young offenders released by the courts went on to reoffend.
    • A new “Street Watch Scheme” would enable volunteers to act as the eyes and ears of the community by recording and reporting antisocial-behaviour hotspots and suspicious activity.

    Group priorities for the next three months:

    1. Anti-Social Behaviour
    2. Acquisitive crime, including shoplifting, burglary, robbery and fraud
    3. Speeding
  7. Cllr. Beazley had been approached by residents of Hardy’s Close who were concerned about the apple tree at the corner of Cropwell Butler Road and Hardy’s Close. The tree was very overgrown and its fruit was likely to fall onto the footpath and road. Residents asked whether the Parish Council could arrange for it to be reduced in size.

Correspondence for Information

  1. There was no folder for circulation. Information had been circulated by email during the month.

Date of Next Meeting

  1. 1st September 2026 at 7.00pm – Parish Council Meeting at The Old School.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.45pm.

Chairman’s Signature: ______________________________

Date: ______________________________

Agenda Item 11a – CMBH Chairman’s Monthly Report, June 2026

New Building Progress and Fundraising

As time moves on, the objectives required to support future funding plans are being continually appraised. A mission statement must be developed carefully to reflect what Cropwell requires as a village, both now and more than 100 years into the future. This is not a simple task and must take account of many factors, including the fact that the present building did not last 100 years. The more evidence of use that can be gathered from the current building, the stronger the case for the project’s goals will become.

The upcoming “Chillin’ in the Park”, to be held on Saturday 18th July, will hopefully attract villagers who appreciate the group’s efforts and wish to help create what will become the village’s principal community building. Arrangements are in place and volunteers will assist on the day. Thanks were given to everyone who helped with the trial assembly of one of the new marquees, both of which will be used at the event.

Thanks were also given to Mark at the Chequers Pub for offering the use of his mobile bar. The Parish Council is kindly lending equipment for the day. As a free-entry event, and weather permitting, it is hoped that the afternoon on the Playing Fields will be enjoyable and provide further evidence in support of the mission.

General

A further structural survey of the current building is awaited because of movement in the main brick pillar during the past 18 months. Local surveyors HWA, who prepared the previous survey that enabled minor work to be completed and the facilities to reopen, have been engaged. It is hoped that the new survey will be informative rather than critical, because closure of the present facilities would cause significant disruption.

The continuing cost of maintaining the existing building and preparing for the new build is reducing the funds raised by the committed volunteers. It is hoped that the organisation will be able to move forward more freely in the near future.

The permanent goalposts have now been resited by Cropwell Bishop Parish Council and await a coat of paint. Groups of children have been seen enjoying them.

Pétanque

The weather prevented play on both Wednesdays and Saturdays. Early June brought very wet conditions, followed by excessive heat. Once the trees planted two years ago have grown, they should provide the shade needed. The loss of sessions also affects kitchen takings. Although the amounts are currently small, they all contribute.

J. J. Lacey
30/06/2026

Agenda Item 11b – The Launch Field Report, June 2026

June saw a number of new children attend following the end of the football season in May, when many local clubs ended their training.

The Launch Field will end its season at Cropwell Bishop on 11th July for the school holidays and return on 5th September.

Children and families will be encouraged to visit the Playing Field on Saturday mornings, when the kitchen and facilities will be open between 10.00am and noon, and to make use of the picnic tables and resited goalposts.

P. Wregg
30/06/2026