The Boston Town Area Committee (BTAC) met on Thursday 24 September 2026 to discuss a range of local issues. Key decisions included the approval of significant funding for pathway improvements in Central Park and a series of play area repairs across the BTAC area. The committee also reviewed the financial position for the 2026-27 financial year and discussed the work programme for the upcoming year.

Central Park Pathway Improvement Works

The committee considered a report on the proposed improvement works for the pathways in Central Park. Initially estimated at £200,000, a subsequent procurement exercise resulted in a preferred bidder's quote of £213,341.93. To fund these works, the BTAC's contribution would need to increase from £15,000 to £138,341.93, with the remaining £75,000 to be funded by the Pride in Place Impact Fund. The works aim to improve accessibility, reduce trip hazards, and enhance the overall visitor experience, aligning with recommendations from the Green Flag award assessors.

Councillor Patricia Marson questioned the high cost and the assessment process, while Councillor Mike Gilbert, Deputy Leader, supported the investment, highlighting the importance of making the park safely accessible for all users and retaining the Green Flag award. Councillor Stephen Woodliffe agreed that the cost was secondary to ensuring the park's quality and safety. Councillor Anne Dorrian praised the assets team's estimate and inquired about the portfolio holder's briefing and the absence of an environmental impact assessment in the report. Councillor Carl Beacock noted the significant difference in submitted bids, emphasizing the importance of robust foundations and curbing for longevity. Councillor Anton Dani moved the recommendations, citing the need for prompt action and the potential for rising costs. Councillor Sandeep Ghosh, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Economic Growth, asked about contract guarantees and the timeline of the procurement process. Councillor Patsy Noble sought clarification on the difference in quotes and the type of hardcore to be used for foundations, receiving assurances that the work would meet the highest specifications and include guarantees. Maria Cotton confirmed the £75,000 allocation from the Pride in Place Impact Fund, noting it was approved by Officer Delegated Decision and that contractual commitment by March 2027 would be met.

The committee recommended that Cabinet approves a BTAC reserve contribution of £138,341.93 for the 2026-27 financial year and delegates authority to the Section 151 officer, in consultation with the Chairman of BTAC, to agree revised costings if unforeseen costs arise. Councillor Patricia Marson abstained from the vote.

BTAC Play Area Improvements

The committee was presented with a request for funding for a range of repairs and improvements to play areas across the BTAC area. High-priority items include replacing buffers, swing chains, seats, and rocker equipment at Woodville Road Play Park (£3,550), and targeted repairs to safety surfacing and replacement of swings with more inclusive alternatives at Shelton's Field (£12,000), where the safety surfacing is expected to fail within 12 months. Medium-priority requests include replacing swing chains and seats and repairing surfacing at Broadfield Lane (£2,750), and replacing matting and bearings at St John's Road Park (£5,750). A development request for Burgess Pit includes ecological enhancements, a community orchard, and wildflower areas, costing £3,250.

Councillor Anne Dorrian moved the recommendations, urging for the work to be prioritised and completed as soon as possible, particularly the high-priority items. Councillor Anton Dani expressed his long-standing support for improvements at Angel Avenue Park, which is not BTAC land but belongs to Boston Borough Council, and highlighted the need for facilities for local children. Phil Perry clarified that Angel Avenue Park is not BTAC land. Councillor Alison Austin inquired about the confirmed nature of the costs and the guarantees for the work, particularly concerning the safety surfacing. Carl Beacock explained that while physical equipment often comes with 15-year guarantees, the attenuating surfaces typically have a six-year guarantee, with public interference often being a factor in their deterioration. He also mentioned plans for BTAC operatives to conduct wet pour repairs internally to reduce contractor dependence. Councillor Stephen Woodliffe supported the maintenance activities and raised concerns about the transfer of Angel Avenue Park to BTAC. Councillor Mike Gilbert seconded Councillor Dorrian's motion, viewing the expenditure as turning reserves into social and community value. Councillor Patsy Noble inquired about the status of a previous proposal to sell Angel Avenue Park, receiving confirmation that the housing scheme involving community facilities is not currently live.

The committee approved the recommendations for the play area improvements.

2026-27 Quarter 1 Financial Position

Nicola Hayes, Head of Finance Delivery at PSPS, presented the financial summary for the first quarter of the 2026-27 financial year. The report forecasts a year-end surplus of £6,518. Key movements include a small underspend in open spaces and play areas relating to professional and contractor fees, and a favourable variance for public conveniences mainly due to additional income, partly offset by mobile phone costs. Income from events such as Food Fest, Strongest, and B Fest also showed a favourable variance. A small overspend in town centre maintenance is attributed to a timing difference in agency spend from the previous financial year. The report also detailed the anticipated reserve balance, which, after accounting for budgeted contributions and the forecast position, is projected to be £495,457. Following the approval of previous agenda items, the updated forecast available balance is £227,890.

Councillor Sandeep Ghosh inquired about the breakdown of public conveniences costs, which Nicola Hayes clarified were primarily employee and premises costs, and also asked about the mobile phone costs. Councillor Anton Dani questioned the rental income from allotments, which Phil Perry explained is managed by allotment associations, with income likely going to them. Councillor Mike Gilbert raised concerns about the insurance costs for the Boston's Strongest event, noting that the organisers, Mayhem Gym, could not afford the insurance for the following year and seeking assurance that the council would cover these costs. He also commented on the impact of road closures by Lincolnshire County Council on event success. Councillor Anne Dorrian thanked Nicola Hayes for the improved reports and highlighted the significant reserve balance, urging for strategic consideration of how this money would be spent. Councillor Andy Izard asked for clarification on the sale of keys and cash collection figures, and Councillor Danny inquired about the rental income from the kiosk at the park. Phil Perry committed to providing further details on these matters.

The committee noted the forecast surplus of £6,518 for 2026-27 and considered the forecast reserve balance to 31 March 2027.

Work Programme

Phil Perry presented the draft work programme for 2026-27. Members discussed the continuation of working groups, specifically the Funding Working Group and the Central Park Security Working Group, with a view to determining if they had met their brief or were no longer needed. Councillor Anton Dani proposed that a discussion on the utilisation of surplus monies be added to the work programme. Phil Perry also raised the issue of the toilet block in Central Park, which has been deemed unsafe and requires demolition, noting that quotes for the work were being obtained.

A significant discussion ensued regarding the condition and accessibility of public toilets across the BTAC area. Councillors Anton Dani, Alison Austin, Andy Izard, Stephen Woodliffe, and Patsy Noble raised concerns about toilets being out of order, locked, or awaiting demolition, with a particular focus on those in Central Park and St George's car park. Phil Perry committed to investigating the status of all toilets and providing a report. The potential for converting the unsafe toilet block in Central Park into a storage area or kiosk was also discussed.

The future of the aviary was also raised, with Councillor Sandeep Ghosh inquiring about its purpose and appreciation. It was confirmed that work is ongoing to assess the aviary's condition, costs, and animal husbandry, with options for its future use to be presented soon. Councillor Sandeep Ghosh also suggested extending the reporting on the condition of facilities to include play areas, with a summary of their status, including vandalism, to be provided as an appendix.

Boston Town Area Committee Small Grant Scheme

The committee reviewed the proposed distribution of grants for the current round of the Boston Town Area Committee Small Grant Scheme, with relevant details provided in Appendix One. The committee agreed to the recommendations without going into private session. Councillor Mike Gilbert proposed the recommendations, and Councillor Andy Izard seconded them. The recommendations were carried with no objections or abstentions.