Agenda and minutes

Committee to vote for their elected Chairman for the Municipal Year 2026/27.

Nominations were requested for the position of Chairman.

It was proposed by Councillor Stephen Woodliffe and seconded by Councillor Mike Gilbert that Councillor Barrie Pierpoint be elected Chairman of BTAC for the municipal year.

On being put to the vote, Councillor Pierpoint was elected Chairman of the Committee. Councillor Anne Dorrian requested that her vote against be recorded.

Councillor Pierpoint thanked Members for their support, outlined his intention to work collaboratively with the Committee, and highlighted his commitment to progressing the work of BTAC, including in preparation for future Local Government Reorganisation. He also paid tribute to the work of his predecessor, Councillor Patsie Marson over the last 12 months.

Resolved:

That Councillor Barrie Pierpoint be elected Chairman of the Boston Town Area Committee for the 2026/27 municipal year.

Committee to vote for their Vice-Chairman for the Municipal Year 2026/27.

Nominations were requested for the position of Vice-Chairman.

It was proposed by Councillor Barrie Pierpoint and seconded by Councillor Neil Drayton that Councillor Patsie Marson be elected Vice-Chairman of BTAC for the municipal year.

There being no further nominations, the proposal was put to the vote. Councillor Marson was duly elected Vice?Chairman. Councillor Dorrian requested that her abstention be recorded.

Resolved:

That Councillor Patsie Marson be elected Vice-Chairman of the Boston Town Area Committee for the 2026/27 municipal year.

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Emma Cresswell, Anton Dani and Paul Gleeson.

To receive declarations of interests in respect of any item on the agenda.

No declarations of interest were received.

To sign and confirm the minutes of the last meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 26^th March 2026 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To report progress on outstanding actions from the minutes of the last meeting, for information only.

The Service Director – Leisure and Local Services provided the following updates:

Highways

Members were advised that following the inability of the Portfolio Holder for Highways at Lincolnshire County Council to attend the Overview & Scrutiny Committee on 4^th June 2026, written responses to Members' questions had been circulated. Information regarding the appropriate reporting protocol for highways matters had also been provided.

Deliberation by Members occurred regarding the importance

of Portfolio Holders attending meetings to answer questions directly and support effective scrutiny.

Green Flag

Members were advised that, on 8^th May 2026, Boston Borough Council hosted a judge from the Green Flag Award scheme at Central Park as part of the annual assessment process.

The visit had been supported by a number of officers, including a representative from Boston in Bloom. Following an introductory discussion, the judge had taken part in a guided tour of the park, which highlighted key features of the site and the work underway to address known challenges. The judge had remained engaged throughout the visit, asking questions to gain a greater understanding of the park and its operation and had participated in a number of informal activities.

A full report would be submitted to the Green Flag Award Scheme by the end of June and would include any recommendations and required actions. The outcome of the assessment was expected later in the month.

Central Park

Following the decision not to renew the security and gate locking service at Central Park, the gates had remained unlocked since 31^st August 2025.

Between 1^st September and the Committee meeting on 26^th March, there had been thirteen reports of alleged criminal behaviour to Council departments, ranging from anti-social behaviour to youths scaling the toilet block roof and unconfirmed reports of a man with a knife. None of those reports had occurred during the period when the gates were previously locked.

Since the March meeting, there had been one report of a firearm being seen within the park. The area had been patrolled by Lincolnshire Police and monitored through CCTV, with nothing substantive being confirmed. This incident had occurred during a period when the gates would previously have been locked.

Members were advised that updated information from police records was not yet available. However, Lincolnshire Police were undertaking work in Boston relating to serious violent crime and that Central Park had been identified as a hot-spot area Further information would be provided to the Committee at its next meeting.

Community Governance Review

The Chairman of the Community Governance Review Working Group, Councillor Mike Gilbert, provided a verbal update on progress. Members were advised that the consultation had concluded and that the vast majority of respondents supported the proposal to create a Town Council for the BTAC area. In relation to the consultation regarding the unparished areas north of Wyberton, the outcome indicated that the area should be incorporated into the BTAC arearather than Wyberton Parish.

Councillor Gilbert advised that the Working Group would now  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To answer any written questions received from members of the public no later than 5 p.m. two clear working days prior to the meeting – for this meeting the deadline is 5 p.m. on Monday 8^th June 2026.

No public questions were received.

To allow members of the public to address the Committee.

There were no public speakers.

(A discussion with Claire Foster, Interim Chair – Boston Town Board)

The Committee received a verbal update from the interim Chair of the Boston Neighbourhood Board, on the progress of the Pride in Place programme and the development of a ten-year vision for Boston.

Members were advised that the programme had been shaped through consultation with over 1,000 residents and stakeholders, alongside targeted engagement with young people and community groups. The consultation had considered the opportunities and challenges facing the town and had informed the development of the ten-year vision.

Sixty-three project proposals had been submitted to the Board, covering a wide range of themes and priorities. A dedicated sub-group had undertaken a detailed assessment of the proposals and met on three occasions to consider each submission. Members were advised that the assessment process had identified areas of alignment and overlap, with a number of common themes emerging which reflected the priorities identified through the consultation process.

Emerging priorities included town centre regeneration, improvements to public spaces, development of community assets, strengthened heritage and cultural initiatives, and improved perceptions of safety and community cohesion. The importance of heritage, culture and the Boston 400 initiative in 2030 had also been highlighted as key drivers for long-term regeneration, alongside an emphasis on community empowerment and cohesion.

The town centre had been identified as a particular focus due to challenges relating to footfall, vacant premises and perception. The programme sought to address these issues through coordinated interventions and investment. Members were advised that the Board was seeking to balance strategic long-term projects with shorter-term initiatives which would deliver visible improvements, including projects that would provide benefits for young people.

The Interim Chair concluded by stating that the Pride in Place programme represented a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver tangible and long-lasting improvements for Boston.

Member deliberation occurred, which included the importance of continued engagement with young people and partnership working. The Committee emphasised the importance of regular communication on the programme's progress and requested that further updates be provided. It was confirmed that each project proposals had been subject to a detailed assessment process and that the recommendations of the sub-group would be considered by the full Board on 22^nd June 2026.

Resolved:

That the update be noted and that further updates on the progress of the Pride in Place programme be provided to the Committee.

(A report by Maria Cotton, Service Director – Culture & Regeneration)

The Committee received a report from the Service Director – Culture & Regeneration, which sought the Committee's consideration of the Pride in Place Impact Fund programme for Boston and invited Members to consider how the Committee's priorities and resources could align with, complement or match fund projects supporting town centre improvements.

Boston Borough Council had been awarded £1.5 million of capital funding from Central Government to support immediate, visible improvements across the Borough, aimed at strengthening community pride and local identity. The funding was distinct from, but complementary to, the wider ten-year Pride in Place programme being delivered through the Boston Neighbourhood Board.

The report set out a proposed investment framework aligned to Government guidance, structured around three key themes: community spaces, public spaces, and high street and town centre revitalisation. On 5^th May 2026, Cabinet approved the allocation of £750,000 towards an open grants programme and £700,000 towards targeted high street and town centre improvements, together with a contingency provision to support programme delivery.

Members were invited to consider how the Committee could contribute to the programme, including identification of local priorities and potential match funding opportunities.

Deliberation by Members occurred and the Committee undertook detailed consideration of the report, focusing on both the strategic opportunities presented and the practical implications for delivery.

Members were advised that the programme comprised capital funding and would be required to operate at pace, with all funding needing to be contractually committed by the end of March 2027. It was recognised that this timeframe would place an emphasis on developing deliverable, high-impact projects which could be brought forward quickly whilst remaining aligned with longer-term objectives.

Members considered the relationship between the Impact Fund and the existing Pride in Place programme delivered through the Neighbourhood Board. Particular emphasis was placed on avoiding duplication and ensuring that investment was coordinated effectively. The Service Director confirmed that oversight arrangements were in place and that project proposals would be reviewed alongside other programmes to ensure that the most appropriate funding source was utilised.

Members considered the governance arrangements for the programme. It was noted that a cross-party Member Panel had been established to assess grant applications, supported by officer oversight and due diligence processes. The Committee emphasised the importance of transparency, political balance and the management of any potential conflicts of interest. It was confirmed that further information regarding the composition of the panel and associated governance arrangements would be provided.

Consideration was also given to the accessibility of funding for community and voluntary sector organisations. Members stressed the importance of ensuring that smaller and less well-resourced groups were not disadvantaged. Assurance was provided that the application process would be as accessible as possible and that officer support would be availablethroughout the application process.

Members considered the types of projects that could be supported through the programme, including public realm improvements, town centre infrastructure, environmental enhancements, accessibility improvements and community facilities. It was recognised that BTAC resources, including reserves funding, could be used strategically to complement  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

(A report by Russell Stone, Executive Director – Finance (Section 151 Officer))

The Committee received a report from the Executive Director – Finance (Section 151 Officer), presented by the Head of Finance Delivery - BBC (PSPSL), which set out the draft outturn financial position for the 2025/26 financial year for the period ended 31^st March 2026.

The report provided details of income and expenditure across BTAC service areas, together with an updated position on reserves. Members were advised that the overall draft outturn reflected an underspend of £104,153.

Members were advised that the reserve balance as at 1^st April 2025 had been £293,825. Following the in-year drawdown and transfer of the draft outturn underspend to reserves, this resulted in a balance of £396,788. Taking account of the ring-fenced balances for small grants and the minimum reserve balance, the available reserve balance was £324,863. Members were further advised that, from 1^st  April 2026, the available balance would reduce £294,863 following the approved increase in the minimum reserve balance.

The Head of Finance Delivery summarised the position across the principal

service areas:

Open Spaces and Play Areas - An underspend of £1,332 was reported, primarily arising from savings in grounds maintenance and repairs budgets, partially offset by costs relating to the maintenance of new play equipment and employee costs.

Allotments - An underspend of £275 was reported due to slightly higher rental income and lower than anticipated expenditure.

Central Park - An underspend of £43,155 was reported, largely driven by savings in grounds maintenance and the cessation of the gate-locking service, partially offset by resurfacing, repairs and maintenance costs.

Public Conveniences - An overspend of £12,963 was reported, arising principally from vandalism-related repairs, increased operational costs and associated loss of income.

Events - An underspend of £73,179 was reported, primarily as a result of staffing savings arising from a service review, together with reduced expenditure on supplies and services.

Town Centre Maintenance - An underspend of £12,086 was reported.

Administration - An underspend of £21,820 was reported, largely attributable to changes arising from service reviews and revised recharge arrangements.

Deliberation by members occurred. Members sought assurance that underspends had not resulted in missed opportunities to provide or enhance services. The Head of Finance Delivery advised that budget setting had taken place before service reviews were undertaken and that the outturn position reflected revised cost allocations rather than unspent operational capacity. Members were assured that the underspends reflected service changes which had been implemented rather than reductions in service standards.

Further discussion included the effectiveness and cost of cash collection services, with a request for additional information to be provided to Members. The Committee also discussed the utilisation of speed indicator devices and noted that existing equipment was not currently in use due to a lack of trained personnel. Members suggested that consideration be given to allocating resources for training and requested a future update.

Members discussed the ongoing impact of vandalism at the public conveniences. Assurance was provided that measures including enhanced CCTV coverage, routine inspections and repairs had been implemented,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

(A report by Victoria Burgess, Service Director – Neighbourhoods)

The Committee received a report from the Group Manager - Street Scene & Commercial Services which outlined proposed aspirational improvements to play areas, parks and open spaces within the Boston Town Area Committee area.

The report provided an overview of the condition of play areas and green spaces managed by BTAC, together with indicative proposals for improvement. Members were advised that the report presented a range of potential projects, including upgrades to play equipment, accessibility and safety improvements, resurfacing works and new installations, to assist the Committee in considering future priorities.

Deliberation by members occurred and included the importance of maintaining safe, attractive and accessible play areas and open spaces as key community assets which contributed to the health, wellbeing and quality of life of residents.

Members acknowledged the breadth of proposals presented and indicated that further information would be required to support effective decision-making. The Committee noted that whilst indicative costs had been provided for some schemes, additional information was required regarding project costs, priorities and the sites most in need of improvement.

Particular discussion focused on Central Park, which was recognised as a flagship open space within the BTAC area. Members highlighted concerns regarding the condition of pathways, including uneven surfaces and areas requiring resurfacing. Whilst substantial improvements had already been undertaken, it was acknowledged that further investment may be required.

The Committee also considered the condition of play equipment across a number of sites and requested a clearer understanding of where improvements were most needed.

Members highlighted the importance of receiving further information on:

• Sites which fell within the direct responsibility of BTAC;
• The relative priority of each proposed scheme, including whether works were considered essential, desirable or aspirational;
• A more detailed breakdown of estimated costs; and
• A prioritisation framework to assist the Committee in determining which projects should be progressed.

Members recognised opportunities to align improvements to parks and open spaces with external funding streams, including the Pride in Place Impact Fund and BTAC reserves, in order to maximise the scale of investment.

Notwithstanding the above, the Committee supported the progression of a smaller-scale improvement which could deliver an immediate benefit. Members considered the possible installation of cycle proficiency or road safety markings within Central Park, to be funded from an available underspend within the approved budget allocation, and expressed support for the proposal.

Resolved:

1) That the report be noted;

2) That further information be submitted to the July meeting, including:

• A prioritisation of proposed schemes;
• A cost breakdown for each site; and
• Clarification of asset ownership and responsibility.

3) That opportunities to align works with external funding sources be explored; and

4) That the installation of cycle proficiency markings within Central Park be approved.

[Councillor Anne Dorrian left the meeting at 8.19pm, following consideration of the above item.]

(The Committee’s work programme for the current year for discussion and/or updating.)

The Committee received an update from the Service Director – Leisure and Local Services on the Work Programme for the 2026/27 municipal year and the membership of the Committee's Working Groups.

Members reviewed the Work Programme and considered the membership of the Green Flag Award, Small Grants and Central Park Security Working Groups.

It was agreed that the Working Groups would comprise the following Members:

Green Flag Award Working Group: Councillors Barrie Pierpoint, Mike Gilbert, Neil Drayton and Lina Savickiene. Democratic Services would contact Councillors Paul Gleeson and Anton Dani to establish whether they wished to continue as members of the Working Group.

Small Grants Working Group: Councillors Barrie Pierpoint, Stephen Woodliffe, Andy Izard, Lina Savickiene and Neil Drayton. Democratic Services would contact Councillor Gleeson to establish whether he wished to continue as a member of the Working Group.

Members received clarification that the annual Small Grants budget was £12,000, in addition to a ring-fenced balance of £1,925.

Councillor Mike Gilbert, as Chairman of the Community Governance Review Working Group, confirmed that future meetings could be moved to 5pm, where necessary, to avoid conflicting with meetings off the Small Grants Working Group.

Central Park Security Working Group: Democratic Services would contact Councillors Paul Gleeson and Anne Dorrian to establish whether they wished to continue as members of the Working Group. Councillor Neil Drayton agreed to join the Working Group.

Consideration was given to whether the Working Group should be disbanded. Members agreed that it should remain in place pending the outcome of the Central Park Green Flag application.

Members further agreed to establish a Funding Working Group to monitor funding opportunities discussed during the meeting. Membership would comprise Councillors Barrie Pierpoint, Patsie Marson, Neil Drayton and Andy Izard.

Deliberation by Members occurred in relation to future items for inclusion within the Work Programme. Members expressed concern regarding the condition of a number of BT red telephone boxes within the town centreand agreed that a future report should be submitted regarding the potential purchase, improvement and maintenance of the assets. Members suggested that consideration could also be given to alternative community uses, including themed displays, public art installations and  locations for defibrillators.

Resolved:

1. That the Work Programme be updated, as set out above; and

2. That the Working Groups continue as detailed above, subject to confirmation being sought from members not present at the meeting and the establishment of the new Funding Working Group.