Minutes of the meeting of Colmworth Parish Council held on
Thursday 9th July 2026 at 7.00pm at Colmworth Village Hall
Present: Councillor Frew, Councillor Pegler (Chair), Councillor Palmer, Councillor Ball.
Apologies: Councillor Marsh and Borough Councillor Sira
In Attendance: No members of the public.
Clerk: Lizzie Barnicoat
2026/13 Welcome by Chair, Declarations of Interest
The Chair welcomed all to the meeting. Members reminded to declare any interests, none received.
2026/14 Apologies
Parish Councillor Marsh, Borough Councillor Sira had sent apologies for absence which were received and accepted.
2026/15 Approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting on 13th May 2026
The Council accepted the minutes as a true record of the meeting.
Councillor Palmer – Proposed. Councillor Frew – Seconded. All in favour
The Chair adjourned the meeting at this point
2026/16 Public Open Forum
No public statements received.
The Chair reconvened the meeting at this point
2026/17 Planning
To consider any planning applications received after the publication of the agenda if applicable – none received. Local Plan timeline noted, Call for Sites open from summer to October, not confirmation of when consultation on the submitted sites will be.
Decisions to be noted – none received.
2026/18 Highways, East-West Rail and Rights of Way
-
Parish Council noted the minutes circulated from the meeting with East West Rail and the Wyboston Ward.
-
Cllrs Pegler and Palmer, fed back on the meeting with East West Rail representatives, Programme Director, Construction and Traffic and Transport Manager, Public Relations and Environmental Impact specialists attended to hear the local concerns. There was an agreement to meet every six months with no impact on Chequers Hill expected till 2031. Colesdon Road will be a construction route to avoid Wilden Road and a route being taken through the village. There is a proposed wooded area at Chequers Hill so that as part of the environmental impact considerations, by having the cutting and the trees as there is no buildings for the sound to bounce off, the noise issue would be low. It was noted the bridge over Chequers Hill will be bright, modern and stylish. The next meeting would be around December with a further update to be given to the village at that time.
-
Parish Council response was collated and submitted to the public consultation.
-
Highways matters the Wilden Road Vehicle Activated Sign overgrown vegetation in front of it, Clerk had again requested that cutting back needs to take place. There were increasing highways safety concerns with Wilden Road for all road users, Clerk to ask for signage for pedestrians to be requested as the harm to those on foot is high in this area.
-
Average speed camera no further update from Borough Council Officer who had been chased, still no latest data.
-
There was no update on the issue with heavy good vehicle sign remains ongoing, Parish Council funds had been used for them, £500, feedback was that this would be looked into by the Officer. Still no feedback received, as the Parish Council would like to discourage such vehicles from using the local road network, Mayor Wootton to liaise with Wilden. No feedback to share to date, this had been followed up with Officer supporting with the Channels End vehicle movements.
-
There was some fly tipping in the verge of Wilden Road that needed to be collected.
-
Discuss any Rights of Way, no matters raised but noted the seasonal vegetation cuts due to be done shortly.
2026/19 Village matters
The Parish Council currently has vacancies it was noted and there is the ability to co-opt.
Confirmation that in person defibrillator checks continue to take place regularly, thanks given to the individual supporting the checks.
Community police attendance at the village church coffee meeting had been fed back.
Suggestion of the Village Hall having a flag pole raised, Village Hall to be asked if they would site a pole, associated costs would need to be established for a pole. Also detailed some issues with the local refuse collections recently in the village, follow up with local authority needed when this occurs.
2026/20 Country Park, Playing Field, Gardening Club and Triangle
Councillor inspections of the equipment have continued, reports had continued to be circulated to Councillors, external report circulated. Councillors unanimously agreed to ratify the maintenance items that had been actioned between meetings on the grounds of health and safety. Locating a local handy person would be helpful if any has any recommendations.
Thank you received and circulated from the individual who used the Playing Field for an event recently.
Cllr. Marsh had arranged for three new signs regarding litter which had been installed in the Playing Field, thanks given for this.
Request for use of the Playing Field updated for being used in September, feedback had been received and was satisfactory. The Parish Council confirmed that the Field use would continue to be considered on a case by case basis.
2026/21 Finance
Review receipts and authorise payments – see below.
No further confirmed update on the closing of the former Chronicle account.
Update on Parish Council communications, migrating across to Stackmail continued with support to Councillors offered and had been provided.
The Full Council approved and agreed the following payments, resolution passed.
|
Backlight Ltd |
Administration services |
£972.19 |
|
HMRC |
PAYE expenses |
£321.81 |
|
BATPC |
Membership renewal |
£107.00 |
|
Colmworth Village Hall |
Hire charge Q2 |
£56.00 |
|
These payments below are only for ratification |
||
|
Ionos |
Monthly charge for March email to be ratified |
£25.80 |
|
Ionos |
Monthly charge for April email to be ratified |
£25.80 |
|
Public Works Loan |
Repayments |
677.95 |
Community defibrillator pads due to expire, quotation for replacements circulated, it was unanimously agreed to purchase new pads, resolution passed. Clerk to arrange delivery. The what three words location to be added to the defibrillator including postcode.
Date of Next Meeting: Thursday 3rd September 2026 at 7pm.
Actions/Updates:
All items covered during meeting.
Correspondence list –
NALC Events Bulletin emails
Age Partnership email promoting services
BBC Planning weekly list email
Online playgrounds promotional information
CPRE update emails
NFP Workshops bid writing information
Beds Police crime statistics – circulated
BBC Agenda for Standards Committee
Regular Colmworth Trumpet communications received
Playground & Public Park Services promotional information
Street Trading (new application), outside of town centre, ALL CONSENT STREETS
EWR Local Representatives Group communications
May and June play area inspection reports – circulated
Colmworth Village Hall booking communications
Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway Trust information
A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet newsletter
Communications regarding heavy goods vehicles damaging verges in Channels End
CPRE Bedfordshire monthly update
BBC Town and Parish Council update – circulated
Bedford Borough Council Officer communications regarding community safety cameras, highways items follow up – agenda item
Communications regarding play area repairs – agenda item
Village tree works communication – agenda item
Defibrillator checks communications including notice new pads needed
BATPC Councillor training
BBC Localism Act communication – circulated
Meeting closed at 7.55pm
COLMWORTH PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting of Colmworth Parish Council held on
Thursday 9th July 2026 at 7.00pm at Colmworth Village Hall
Present: Councillor Frew, Councillor Pegler (Chair), Councillor Palmer, Councillor Ball.
Apologies: Councillor Marsh and Borough Councillor Sira
In Attendance: No members of the public.
Clerk: Lizzie Barnicoat
2026/13 Welcome by Chair, Declarations of Interest
The Chair welcomed all to the meeting. Members reminded to declare any interests, none received.
2026/14 Apologies
Parish Councillor Marsh, Borough Councillor Sira had sent apologies for absence which were received and accepted.
2026/15 Approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting on 13th May 2026
The Council accepted the minutes as a true record of the meeting.
Councillor Palmer – Proposed. Councillor Frew – Seconded. All in favour
The Chair adjourned the meeting at this point
2026/16 Public Open Forum
No public statements received.
The Chair reconvened the meeting at this point
2026/17 Planning
To consider any planning applications received after the publication of the agenda if applicable – none received. Local Plan timeline noted, Call for Sites open from summer to October, not confirmation of when consultation on the submitted sites will be.
Decisions to be noted – none received.
2026/18 Highways, East-West Rail and Rights of Way
-
Parish Council noted the minutes circulated from the meeting with East West Rail and the Wyboston Ward.
-
Cllrs Pegler and Palmer, fed back on the meeting with East West Rail representatives, Programme Director, Construction and Traffic and Transport Manager, Public Relations and Environmental Impact specialists attended to hear the local concerns. There was an agreement to meet every six months with no impact on Chequers Hill expected till 2031. Colesdon Road will be a construction route to avoid Wilden Road and a route being taken through the village. There is a proposed wooded area at Chequers Hill so that as part of the environmental impact considerations, by having the cutting and the trees as there is no buildings for the sound to bounce off, the noise issue would be low. It was noted the bridge over Chequers Hill will be bright, modern and stylish. The next meeting would be around December with a further update to be given to the village at that time.
-
Parish Council response was collated and submitted to the public consultation.
-
Highways matters the Wilden Road Vehicle Activated Sign overgrown vegetation in front of it, Clerk had again requested that cutting back needs to take place. There were increasing highways safety concerns with Wilden Road for all road users, Clerk to ask for signage for pedestrians to be requested as the harm to those on foot is high in this area.
-
Average speed camera no further update from Borough Council Officer who had been chased, still no latest data.
-
There was no update on the issue with heavy good vehicle sign remains ongoing, Parish Council funds had been used for them, £500, feedback was that this would be looked into by the Officer. Still no feedback received, as the Parish Council would like to discourage such vehicles from using the local road network, Mayor Wootton to liaise with Wilden. No feedback to share to date, this had been followed up with Officer supporting with the Channels End vehicle movements.
-
There was some fly tipping in the verge of Wilden Road that needed to be collected.
-
Discuss any Rights of Way, no matters raised but noted the seasonal vegetation cuts due to be done shortly.
2026/19 Village matters
The Parish Council currently has vacancies it was noted and there is the ability to co-opt.
Confirmation that in person defibrillator checks continue to take place regularly, thanks given to the individual supporting the checks.
Community police attendance at the village church coffee meeting had been fed back.
Suggestion of the Village Hall having a flag pole raised, Village Hall to be asked if they would site a pole, associated costs would need to be established for a pole. Also detailed some issues with the local refuse collections recently in the village, follow up with local authority needed when this occurs.
2026/20 Country Park, Playing Field, Gardening Club and Triangle
Councillor inspections of the equipment have continued, reports had continued to be circulated to Councillors, external report circulated. Councillors unanimously agreed to ratify the maintenance items that had been actioned between meetings on the grounds of health and safety. Locating a local handy person would be helpful if any has any recommendations.
Thank you received and circulated from the individual who used the Playing Field for an event recently.
Cllr. Marsh had arranged for three new signs regarding litter which had been installed in the Playing Field, thanks given for this.
Request for use of the Playing Field updated for being used in September, feedback had been received and was satisfactory. The Parish Council confirmed that the Field use would continue to be considered on a case by case basis.
2026/21 Finance
Review receipts and authorise payments – see below.
No further confirmed update on the closing of the former Chronicle account.
Update on Parish Council communications, migrating across to Stackmail continued with support to Councillors offered and had been provided.
The Full Council approved and agreed the following payments, resolution passed.
|
Backlight Ltd |
Administration services |
£972.19 |
|
HMRC |
PAYE expenses |
£321.81 |
|
BATPC |
Membership renewal |
£107.00 |
|
Colmworth Village Hall |
Hire charge Q2 |
£56.00 |
|
These payments below are only for ratification |
||
|
Ionos |
Monthly charge for March email to be ratified |
£25.80 |
|
Ionos |
Monthly charge for April email to be ratified |
£25.80 |
|
Public Works Loan |
Repayments |
677.95 |
Community defibrillator pads due to expire, quotation for replacements circulated, it was unanimously agreed to purchase new pads, resolution passed. Clerk to arrange delivery. The what three words location to be added to the defibrillator including postcode.
Date of Next Meeting: Thursday 3rd September 2026 at 7pm.
Actions/Updates:
All items covered during meeting.
Correspondence list –
NALC Events Bulletin emails
Age Partnership email promoting services
BBC Planning weekly list email
Online playgrounds promotional information
CPRE update emails
NFP Workshops bid writing information
Beds Police crime statistics – circulated
BBC Agenda for Standards Committee
Regular Colmworth Trumpet communications received
Playground & Public Park Services promotional information
Street Trading (new application), outside of town centre, ALL CONSENT STREETS
EWR Local Representatives Group communications
May and June play area inspection reports – circulated
Colmworth Village Hall booking communications
Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway Trust information
A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet newsletter
Communications regarding heavy goods vehicles damaging verges in Channels End
CPRE Bedfordshire monthly update
BBC Town and Parish Council update – circulated
Bedford Borough Council Officer communications regarding community safety cameras, highways items follow up – agenda item
Communications regarding play area repairs – agenda item
Village tree works communication – agenda item
Defibrillator checks communications including notice new pads needed
BATPC Councillor training
BBC Localism Act communication – circulated
Meeting closed at 7.55pm
COLMWORTH PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting of Colmworth Parish Council held on
Thursday 9th July 2026 at 7.00pm at Colmworth Village Hall
Present: Councillor Frew, Councillor Pegler (Chair), Councillor Palmer, Councillor Ball.
Apologies: Councillor Marsh and Borough Councillor Sira
In Attendance: No members of the public.
Clerk: Lizzie Barnicoat
2026/13 Welcome by Chair, Declarations of Interest
The Chair welcomed all to the meeting. Members reminded to declare any interests, none received.
2026/14 Apologies
Parish Councillor Marsh, Borough Councillor Sira had sent apologies for absence which were received and accepted.
2026/15 Approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting on 13th May 2026
The Council accepted the minutes as a true record of the meeting.
Councillor Palmer – Proposed. Councillor Frew – Seconded. All in favour
The Chair adjourned the meeting at this point
2026/16 Public Open Forum
No public statements received.
The Chair reconvened the meeting at this point
2026/17 Planning
To consider any planning applications received after the publication of the agenda if applicable – none received. Local Plan timeline noted, Call for Sites open from summer to October, not confirmation of when consultation on the submitted sites will be.
Decisions to be noted – none received.
2026/18 Highways, East-West Rail and Rights of Way
-
Parish Council noted the minutes circulated from the meeting with East West Rail and the Wyboston Ward.
-
Cllrs Pegler and Palmer, fed back on the meeting with East West Rail representatives, Programme Director, Construction and Traffic and Transport Manager, Public Relations and Environmental Impact specialists attended to hear the local concerns. There was an agreement to meet every six months with no impact on Chequers Hill expected till 2031. Colesdon Road will be a construction route to avoid Wilden Road and a route being taken through the village. There is a proposed wooded area at Chequers Hill so that as part of the environmental impact considerations, by having the cutting and the trees as there is no buildings for the sound to bounce off, the noise issue would be low. It was noted the bridge over Chequers Hill will be bright, modern and stylish. The next meeting would be around December with a further update to be given to the village at that time.
-
Parish Council response was collated and submitted to the public consultation.
-
Highways matters the Wilden Road Vehicle Activated Sign overgrown vegetation in front of it, Clerk had again requested that cutting back needs to take place. There were increasing highways safety concerns with Wilden Road for all road users, Clerk to ask for signage for pedestrians to be requested as the harm to those on foot is high in this area.
-
Average speed camera no further update from Borough Council Officer who had been chased, still no latest data.
-
There was no update on the issue with heavy good vehicle sign remains ongoing, Parish Council funds had been used for them, £500, feedback was that this would be looked into by the Officer. Still no feedback received, as the Parish Council would like to discourage such vehicles from using the local road network, Mayor Wootton to liaise with Wilden. No feedback to share to date, this had been followed up with Officer supporting with the Channels End vehicle movements.
-
There was some fly tipping in the verge of Wilden Road that needed to be collected.
-
Discuss any Rights of Way, no matters raised but noted the seasonal vegetation cuts due to be done shortly.
2026/19 Village matters
The Parish Council currently has vacancies it was noted and there is the ability to co-opt.
Confirmation that in person defibrillator checks continue to take place regularly, thanks given to the individual supporting the checks.
Community police attendance at the village church coffee meeting had been fed back.
Suggestion of the Village Hall having a flag pole raised, Village Hall to be asked if they would site a pole, associated costs would need to be established for a pole. Also detailed some issues with the local refuse collections recently in the village, follow up with local authority needed when this occurs.
2026/20 Country Park, Playing Field, Gardening Club and Triangle
Councillor inspections of the equipment have continued, reports had continued to be circulated to Councillors, external report circulated. Councillors unanimously agreed to ratify the maintenance items that had been actioned between meetings on the grounds of health and safety. Locating a local handy person would be helpful if any has any recommendations.
Thank you received and circulated from the individual who used the Playing Field for an event recently.
Cllr. Marsh had arranged for three new signs regarding litter which had been installed in the Playing Field, thanks given for this.
Request for use of the Playing Field updated for being used in September, feedback had been received and was satisfactory. The Parish Council confirmed that the Field use would continue to be considered on a case by case basis.
2026/21 Finance
Review receipts and authorise payments – see below.
No further confirmed update on the closing of the former Chronicle account.
Update on Parish Council communications, migrating across to Stackmail continued with support to Councillors offered and had been provided.
The Full Council approved and agreed the following payments, resolution passed.
|
Backlight Ltd |
Administration services |
£972.19 |
|
HMRC |
PAYE expenses |
£321.81 |
|
BATPC |
Membership renewal |
£107.00 |
|
Colmworth Village Hall |
Hire charge Q2 |
£56.00 |
|
These payments below are only for ratification |
||
|
Ionos |
Monthly charge for March email to be ratified |
£25.80 |
|
Ionos |
Monthly charge for April email to be ratified |
£25.80 |
|
Public Works Loan |
Repayments |
677.95 |
Community defibrillator pads due to expire, quotation for replacements circulated, it was unanimously agreed to purchase new pads, resolution passed. Clerk to arrange delivery. The what three words location to be added to the defibrillator including postcode.
Date of Next Meeting: Thursday 3rd September 2026 at 7pm.
Actions/Updates:
All items covered during meeting.
Correspondence list –
NALC Events Bulletin emails
Age Partnership email promoting services
BBC Planning weekly list email
Online playgrounds promotional information
CPRE update emails
NFP Workshops bid writing information
Beds Police crime statistics – circulated
BBC Agenda for Standards Committee
Regular Colmworth Trumpet communications received
Playground & Public Park Services promotional information
Street Trading (new application), outside of town centre, ALL CONSENT STREETS
EWR Local Representatives Group communications
May and June play area inspection reports – circulated
Colmworth Village Hall booking communications
Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway Trust information
A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet newsletter
Communications regarding heavy goods vehicles damaging verges in Channels End
CPRE Bedfordshire monthly update
BBC Town and Parish Council update – circulated
Bedford Borough Council Officer communications regarding community safety cameras, highways items follow up – agenda item
Communications regarding play area repairs – agenda item
Village tree works communication – agenda item
Defibrillator checks communications including notice new pads needed
BATPC Councillor training
BBC Localism Act communication – circulated
Meeting closed at 7.55pm
COLMWORTH PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting of Colmworth Parish Council held on
Thursday 9th July 2026 at 7.00pm at Colmworth Village Hall
Present: Councillor Frew, Councillor Pegler (Chair), Councillor Palmer, Councillor Ball.
Apologies: Councillor Marsh and Borough Councillor Sira
In Attendance: No members of the public.
Clerk: Lizzie Barnicoat
2026/13 Welcome by Chair, Declarations of Interest
The Chair welcomed all to the meeting. Members reminded to declare any interests, none received.
2026/14 Apologies
Parish Councillor Marsh, Borough Councillor Sira had sent apologies for absence which were received and accepted.
2026/15 Approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting on 13th May 2026
The Council accepted the minutes as a true record of the meeting.
Councillor Palmer – Proposed. Councillor Frew – Seconded. All in favour
The Chair adjourned the meeting at this point
2026/16 Public Open Forum
No public statements received.
The Chair reconvened the meeting at this point
2026/17 Planning
To consider any planning applications received after the publication of the agenda if applicable – none received. Local Plan timeline noted, Call for Sites open from summer to October, not confirmation of when consultation on the submitted sites will be.
Decisions to be noted – none received.
2026/18 Highways, East-West Rail and Rights of Way
-
Parish Council noted the minutes circulated from the meeting with East West Rail and the Wyboston Ward.
-
Cllrs Pegler and Palmer, fed back on the meeting with East West Rail representatives, Programme Director, Construction and Traffic and Transport Manager, Public Relations and Environmental Impact specialists attended to hear the local concerns. There was an agreement to meet every six months with no impact on Chequers Hill expected till 2031. Colesdon Road will be a construction route to avoid Wilden Road and a route being taken through the village. There is a proposed wooded area at Chequers Hill so that as part of the environmental impact considerations, by having the cutting and the trees as there is no buildings for the sound to bounce off, the noise issue would be low. It was noted the bridge over Chequers Hill will be bright, modern and stylish. The next meeting would be around December with a further update to be given to the village at that time.
-
Parish Council response was collated and submitted to the public consultation.
-
Highways matters the Wilden Road Vehicle Activated Sign overgrown vegetation in front of it, Clerk had again requested that cutting back needs to take place. There were increasing highways safety concerns with Wilden Road for all road users, Clerk to ask for signage for pedestrians to be requested as the harm to those on foot is high in this area.
-
Average speed camera no further update from Borough Council Officer who had been chased, still no latest data.
-
There was no update on the issue with heavy good vehicle sign remains ongoing, Parish Council funds had been used for them, £500, feedback was that this would be looked into by the Officer. Still no feedback received, as the Parish Council would like to discourage such vehicles from using the local road network, Mayor Wootton to liaise with Wilden. No feedback to share to date, this had been followed up with Officer supporting with the Channels End vehicle movements.
-
There was some fly tipping in the verge of Wilden Road that needed to be collected.
-
Discuss any Rights of Way, no matters raised but noted the seasonal vegetation cuts due to be done shortly.
2026/19 Village matters
The Parish Council currently has vacancies it was noted and there is the ability to co-opt.
Confirmation that in person defibrillator checks continue to take place regularly, thanks given to the individual supporting the checks.
Community police attendance at the village church coffee meeting had been fed back.
Suggestion of the Village Hall having a flag pole raised, Village Hall to be asked if they would site a pole, associated costs would need to be established for a pole. Also detailed some issues with the local refuse collections recently in the village, follow up with local authority needed when this occurs.
2026/20 Country Park, Playing Field, Gardening Club and Triangle
Councillor inspections of the equipment have continued, reports had continued to be circulated to Councillors, external report circulated. Councillors unanimously agreed to ratify the maintenance items that had been actioned between meetings on the grounds of health and safety. Locating a local handy person would be helpful if any has any recommendations.
Thank you received and circulated from the individual who used the Playing Field for an event recently.
Cllr. Marsh had arranged for three new signs regarding litter which had been installed in the Playing Field, thanks given for this.
Request for use of the Playing Field updated for being used in September, feedback had been received and was satisfactory. The Parish Council confirmed that the Field use would continue to be considered on a case by case basis.
2026/21 Finance
Review receipts and authorise payments – see below.
No further confirmed update on the closing of the former Chronicle account.
Update on Parish Council communications, migrating across to Stackmail continued with support to Councillors offered and had been provided.
The Full Council approved and agreed the following payments, resolution passed.
|
Backlight Ltd |
Administration services |
£972.19 |
|
HMRC |
PAYE expenses |
£321.81 |
|
BATPC |
Membership renewal |
£107.00 |
|
Colmworth Village Hall |
Hire charge Q2 |
£56.00 |
|
These payments below are only for ratification |
||
|
Ionos |
Monthly charge for March email to be ratified |
£25.80 |
|
Ionos |
Monthly charge for April email to be ratified |
£25.80 |
|
Public Works Loan |
Repayments |
677.95 |
Community defibrillator pads due to expire, quotation for replacements circulated, it was unanimously agreed to purchase new pads, resolution passed. Clerk to arrange delivery. The what three words location to be added to the defibrillator including postcode.
Date of Next Meeting: Thursday 3rd September 2026 at 7pm.
Actions/Updates:
All items covered during meeting.
Correspondence list –
NALC Events Bulletin emails
Age Partnership email promoting services
BBC Planning weekly list email
Online playgrounds promotional information
CPRE update emails
NFP Workshops bid writing information
Beds Police crime statistics – circulated
BBC Agenda for Standards Committee
Regular Colmworth Trumpet communications received
Playground & Public Park Services promotional information
Street Trading (new application), outside of town centre, ALL CONSENT STREETS
EWR Local Representatives Group communications
May and June play area inspection reports – circulated
Colmworth Village Hall booking communications
Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway Trust information
A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet newsletter
Communications regarding heavy goods vehicles damaging verges in Channels End
CPRE Bedfordshire monthly update
BBC Town and Parish Council update – circulated
Bedford Borough Council Officer communications regarding community safety cameras, highways items follow up – agenda item
Communications regarding play area repairs – agenda item
Village tree works communication – agenda item
Defibrillator checks communications including notice new pads needed
BATPC Councillor training
BBC Localism Act communication – circulated
Meeting closed at 7.55pm
COLMWORTH PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting of Colmworth Parish Council held on
Thursday 9th July 2026 at 7.00pm at Colmworth Village Hall
Present: Councillor Frew, Councillor Pegler (Chair), Councillor Palmer, Councillor Ball.
Apologies: Councillor Marsh and Borough Councillor Sira
In Attendance: No members of the public.
Clerk: Lizzie Barnicoat
2026/13 Welcome by Chair, Declarations of Interest
The Chair welcomed all to the meeting. Members reminded to declare any interests, none received.
2026/14 Apologies
Parish Councillor Marsh, Borough Councillor Sira had sent apologies for absence which were received and accepted.
2026/15 Approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting on 13th May 2026
The Council accepted the minutes as a true record of the meeting.
Councillor Palmer – Proposed. Councillor Frew – Seconded. All in favour
The Chair adjourned the meeting at this point
2026/16 Public Open Forum
No public statements received.
The Chair reconvened the meeting at this point
2026/17 Planning
To consider any planning applications received after the publication of the agenda if applicable – none received. Local Plan timeline noted, Call for Sites open from summer to October, not confirmation of when consultation on the submitted sites will be.
Decisions to be noted – none received.
2026/18 Highways, East-West Rail and Rights of Way
-
Parish Council noted the minutes circulated from the meeting with East West Rail and the Wyboston Ward.
-
Cllrs Pegler and Palmer, fed back on the meeting with East West Rail representatives, Programme Director, Construction and Traffic and Transport Manager, Public Relations and Environmental Impact specialists attended to hear the local concerns. There was an agreement to meet every six months with no impact on Chequers Hill expected till 2031. Colesdon Road will be a construction route to avoid Wilden Road and a route being taken through the village. There is a proposed wooded area at Chequers Hill so that as part of the environmental impact considerations, by having the cutting and the trees as there is no buildings for the sound to bounce off, the noise issue would be low. It was noted the bridge over Chequers Hill will be bright, modern and stylish. The next meeting would be around December with a further update to be given to the village at that time.
-
Parish Council response was collated and submitted to the public consultation.
-
Highways matters the Wilden Road Vehicle Activated Sign overgrown vegetation in front of it, Clerk had again requested that cutting back needs to take place. There were increasing highways safety concerns with Wilden Road for all road users, Clerk to ask for signage for pedestrians to be requested as the harm to those on foot is high in this area.
-
Average speed camera no further update from Borough Council Officer who had been chased, still no latest data.
-
There was no update on the issue with heavy good vehicle sign remains ongoing, Parish Council funds had been used for them, £500, feedback was that this would be looked into by the Officer. Still no feedback received, as the Parish Council would like to discourage such vehicles from using the local road network, Mayor Wootton to liaise with Wilden. No feedback to share to date, this had been followed up with Officer supporting with the Channels End vehicle movements.
-
There was some fly tipping in the verge of Wilden Road that needed to be collected.
-
Discuss any Rights of Way, no matters raised but noted the seasonal vegetation cuts due to be done shortly.
2026/19 Village matters
The Parish Council currently has vacancies it was noted and there is the ability to co-opt.
Confirmation that in person defibrillator checks continue to take place regularly, thanks given to the individual supporting the checks.
Community police attendance at the village church coffee meeting had been fed back.
Suggestion of the Village Hall having a flag pole raised, Village Hall to be asked if they would site a pole, associated costs would need to be established for a pole. Also detailed some issues with the local refuse collections recently in the village, follow up with local authority needed when this occurs.
2026/20 Country Park, Playing Field, Gardening Club and Triangle
Councillor inspections of the equipment have continued, reports had continued to be circulated to Councillors, external report circulated. Councillors unanimously agreed to ratify the maintenance items that had been actioned between meetings on the grounds of health and safety. Locating a local handy person would be helpful if any has any recommendations.
Thank you received and circulated from the individual who used the Playing Field for an event recently.
Cllr. Marsh had arranged for three new signs regarding litter which had been installed in the Playing Field, thanks given for this.
Request for use of the Playing Field updated for being used in September, feedback had been received and was satisfactory. The Parish Council confirmed that the Field use would continue to be considered on a case by case basis.
2026/21 Finance
Review receipts and authorise payments – see below.
No further confirmed update on the closing of the former Chronicle account.
Update on Parish Council communications, migrating across to Stackmail continued with support to Councillors offered and had been provided.
The Full Council approved and agreed the following payments, resolution passed.
|
Backlight Ltd |
Administration services |
£972.19 |
|
HMRC |
PAYE expenses |
£321.81 |
|
BATPC |
Membership renewal |
£107.00 |
|
Colmworth Village Hall |
Hire charge Q2 |
£56.00 |
|
These payments below are only for ratification |
||
|
Ionos |
Monthly charge for March email to be ratified |
£25.80 |
|
Ionos |
Monthly charge for April email to be ratified |
£25.80 |
|
Public Works Loan |
Repayments |
677.95 |
Community defibrillator pads due to expire, quotation for replacements circulated, it was unanimously agreed to purchase new pads, resolution passed. Clerk to arrange delivery. The what three words location to be added to the defibrillator including postcode.
Date of Next Meeting: Thursday 3rd September 2026 at 7pm.
Actions/Updates:
All items covered during meeting.
Correspondence list –
NALC Events Bulletin emails
Age Partnership email promoting services
BBC Planning weekly list email
Online playgrounds promotional information
CPRE update emails
NFP Workshops bid writing information
Beds Police crime statistics – circulated
BBC Agenda for Standards Committee
Regular Colmworth Trumpet communications received
Playground & Public Park Services promotional information
Street Trading (new application), outside of town centre, ALL CONSENT STREETS
EWR Local Representatives Group communications
May and June play area inspection reports – circulated
Colmworth Village Hall booking communications
Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway Trust information
A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet newsletter
Communications regarding heavy goods vehicles damaging verges in Channels End
CPRE Bedfordshire monthly update
BBC Town and Parish Council update – circulated
Bedford Borough Council Officer communications regarding community safety cameras, highways items follow up – agenda item
Communications regarding play area repairs – agenda item
Village tree works communication – agenda item
Defibrillator checks communications including notice new pads needed
BATPC Councillor training
BBC Localism Act communication – circulated
Meeting closed at 7.55pm