The Boston Town Area Committee (BTAC) met on Thursday 23 July 2026 to discuss play area improvements, the council's work programme, and the BTAC Small Grant Scheme. Key decisions included the approval of funding for play area improvements and the redirection of a discussion regarding a proposed booking system for household waste recycling centres to a scrutiny committee.

Play Area Improvements 'Aspirations'

The committee discussed proposed improvements to play areas, parks, and open spaces within the Boston Town Area Committee's remit. These aspirations, identified during a biennial tour of facilities, focus on enhancing accessibility, inclusivity, and environmental value. The report detailed specific needs for various locations, including replacing worn equipment at Woodville Row Play Park, expanding inclusive play at Broadfield Lane, and major pathway restoration at Central Park.

Councillor Stephen Woodliffe highlighted the importance of seating for parents watching their children play, noting that seating had previously been removed due to misuse but that parents should not have to stand. He also raised the issue of a missing park that was not included in the criteria, which he felt needed to be addressed by officers. Councillor Patricia Marson agreed with the sentiment of spending taxpayer money locally, advocating for local firms to be successful in bids to create a circular economy.

The committee supported the progression of a smaller-scale improvement: the installation of cycle proficiency or road safety markings within Central Park, to be funded from an available underspend. Further information was requested regarding a prioritisation of proposed schemes, cost breakdowns, and clarification of asset ownership and responsibility. The committee also agreed to explore opportunities to align works with external funding sources.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed and updated its work programme for the 2026/27 municipal year. Several working groups were confirmed, including the Green Flag Award, Small Grants, and Central Park Security Working Groups. A new Funding Working Group was established to monitor funding opportunities.

A significant discussion arose regarding a proposed booking system for the Household Waste Recycling Centre at Lincolnshire County Council. Councillor Alison Austin expressed concerns that the system would make it more difficult for some members of the foreign national community due to language barriers and a lack of computer skills, potentially leading to an increase in fly-tipping. Councillor Stephen Woodliffe suggested that this matter was more appropriate for a scrutiny committee than the Boston Town Area Committee, as the latter did not have the authority to influence Lincolnshire County Council's decisions. Councillor Mike Gilbert agreed, questioning the problem the booking system was intended to solve and suggesting it would add bureaucracy. The general consensus was to refer the matter to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The issue of seating in parks was also raised again in the context of the work programme. Councillor Alison Austin reiterated her concerns about the lack of seating, particularly in parks, and the impact of previous removals due to anti-social behaviour. Councillor Mike Gilbert noted that the removal of seats along Haven Bank had significantly reduced anti-social behaviour and street drinking, suggesting that any proposal to reinstate seats would require consultation with the local community. The committee agreed to add seating in the town centre as a suggestion for the Pride in Place funding scheme.

The committee also discussed the potential for digital boards in the town centre, which could be interactive and provide information in multiple languages, and whether this could be funded through the Pride in Place scheme.

BTAC Small Grant Scheme

The committee received recommendations from the BTAC Grants Working Group regarding applications for the BTAC Small Grant Scheme. The total budget available for the scheme in 2026/27, including a carried-forward balance, was £13,925.23. Five eligible applications were received for Round 1 of the scheme. The committee was asked to approve the grant funding award recommendations made by the working group, which were detailed in an exempt appendix. The report noted that the scheme supports local community-led projects that benefit residents within the BTAC area.