The Spalding Town Forum met on Tuesday 30 September 2025 to discuss the Spalding Special Expenses Q1 Forecast report for 2025-26, receive updates on traffic regulation orders and active cycling routes, and review the Celebrate the River Day event. The Forum noted the Q1 forecast for Spalding Special Expenses, which indicated a projected underspend, and received updates on ongoing town centre traffic management and cycling infrastructure plans.

Spalding Special Expenses Q1 Forecast Report 2025-26

The Spalding Town Forum noted the Q1 forecast report for the Spalding Special Expenses for the 2025-26 financial year. The report, presented by the Interim Director of Finance (S151), Brendan Arnold, indicated a forecast outturn of £211,207 against an approved budget of £223,450, projecting an underspend of £23,043. This underspend was attributed to various factors, including increased income from cemetery plot sales and additional recharges for Ayscoughfee Leisure and Halley Stewart. The report also detailed the projected Spalding Special Reserve position, with an estimated closing balance of £215,214. The Forum's attention was drawn to a £44,900 figure related to Spalding Recreational Premises, which the Chief Finance Officer clarified was a contribution to grounds maintenance for Thames Road and Fulney Road parks.

Celebrate the River Day Event Update

Councillor James Le Sage provided an update on the successful Celebrate the River Day event, organised by the Welland Yacht Club. The event featured a flotilla of various watercraft and was enjoyed by attendees, with volunteers from the Yacht Club providing refreshments. The event also included an Open Day for the Yacht Club, attracting 23 participants for sailing tuition. Councillor Le Sage highlighted the potential benefit of an access ramp for the River Welland to encourage tourism, noting that the Rivers Authority, the Rowing Society, and Anglian Water had expressed interest in this venture. Gratitude was extended to The Moorings Public House and Sedge Homes for their contributions, as well as to the Welland Yacht Club, Spalding Water Taxi, and local councillors for their support. A River Fun Day was planned for early September 2026, with next year's Celebrate the River Day scheduled for mid-2026.

Traffic Regulation Order Update

The Chairman provided an update on the implementation of the Spalding Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). The TRO had been written and was in place, pending confirmation from Street Works regarding the electrical connection for the signage. It was noted that signage and road markings needed to be completed simultaneously for legal compliance. The Forum also discussed the potential installation of rising bollards, similar to those in Stamford and Grantham, with cost estimates still awaited. The Chairman was tasked with obtaining a price for a gate and its installation for a future meeting. The Friends of Johnson Hospital representative congratulated the Chairman on the near completion of the TRO process. Discussions also touched upon the frequency of pavement weeding in Spalding Town Centre, with a need for a more permanent solution identified. The resolution of longstanding issues in Abbey Passage, Spalding, was also reported.

Active Cycling Route Update

Councillor Ingrid Sheard was expected to provide a report on ongoing works and planned phases for cycle pathways in Spalding Town Centre, West Elloe, and Pinchbeck. While a detailed update was not explicitly recorded in the minutes for this specific meeting, the action to add Enhancing cycle pathways as an agenda item was noted as completed, with a verbal update on the Active Cycling route to be provided at this meeting.

CCTV Boston Hub Visit - Feedback Summary

Members provided feedback on their visits to the CCTV Boston Hub. Improvements noted since 2023 included increased staffing, additional cameras, and an enhanced process for managing the external connecting door. The presentation during recent visits was considered more informative. The importance of adequate police resources and funding was emphasised, as was the ongoing challenge for monitoring staff in prioritising incidents. Suggestions included further staffing improvements and ensuring new staff possessed a broad knowledge of the monitored areas. The Chairman remarked on the impressive zoom capabilities of the CCTV cameras. The Civic Society Representative raised a query regarding the volunteer mileage rate.

Spalding BID Manager Update

No specific details regarding the Spalding Business Improvement District (BID) Manager's update were provided in the minutes.

Any Other Items

The Forum noted that the next meeting was scheduled for 14 January 2026.