Parish News from Boston Borough Council - July 2025

Welcome to Parish News from Boston Borough Council. If you have any enquiries about any of the articles, please feel free to contact the communications team at communications.unit@boston.gov.uk

Share your views on whether a town or parish council should be created in Boston

Following a vote made by Full Council in March, a consultation has started today on whether a parish or town council should be created for the area currently covered by Boston Town Area Committee (BTAC).

The consultation can be found here: online1.snapsurveys.com/Interview/15252450-6ba5-44a1-9281-755f3516ab45

The Government is proposing to reduce the number of Borough and District Councils in England by 2028 through Local Government Reorganisation.

Unlike many other towns in Lincolnshire, Boston does not currently have a town or parish council. Since 1974, local decision-making and accountability have been the responsibility of Boston Borough Council.

The Council also has a Mayor for ceremonial and civic duties. The Mayor represents the Borough at local events, supports local charities and community initiatives, and acts as an ambassador for Boston.

BTAC serves the unparished area of Boston and acts as a substitute for a town or parish council, however it does not have statutory powers such as being able to raise funds or make binding decisions.

Find the full story online: www.boston.gov.uk/article/28641/Share-your-views-on-whether-a-town-or-parish-council-should-be-created-in-Boston

The Councillors' Grants Scheme is now open for 2025/26

Boston Borough Council is pleased to announce the launch of a new Councillor Grant scheme to support not for profit organisations within the Borough.

For 2025/26, each councillor has £1,000 to support community groups within their ward. Councillors may choose to allocate the full amount to a single project or divide it among several local good causes.

The scheme intends to financially support smaller projects that are easily deliverable and make a meaningful difference in our communities.

Those wishing to apply for a grant must be a formally governed not-for-profit organisation based within the Boston Borough. Applicants should also demonstrate that they are supporting at least one of the following priorities:

Growth and prosperity
Safe and resilient communities
Healthy lives
The environment

The Scheme is happy to fund capital costs for building improvements, playground equipment, IT or sports equipment, disabled facilities, energy efficiency measures and more. Additionally, Councillor Grants can cover revenue costs, such as rent, events costs, training fees, or general maintenance.

Please note that the deadline for Councillors' Grants Applications to be received is Saturday 28 February 2026, after which time we can no longer accept applications.

A project may only be funded once in a financial year (1 April to 31 March). It is also a requirement that the project is completed within 12 months of receiving the grant.

For enquiries, please contact communities@boston.gov.uk

Full details of the Scheme including eligibility criteria can be found in the Policy and Information Guide, found at Councillors' Grants Scheme - Boston Borough Council.

The Mayor of Boston is available to attend your event, organisation or business

Are you a community group, organisation, charity or business that would welcome a visit from the new Mayor?

The Worshipful the Mayor of Boston, Cllr Barrie Pierpoint, is happy to attend events, official openings, meet people at coffee mornings, attend talks, make a speech, and much more.

Cllr Pierpoint said: "If your organisation, business or group has never had a visit from the Mayor before, then please get in touch. There is so much going on in this fantastic town and I would love for you to have the Mayor attend your event or establishment.

"I have the great honour of being the Mayor this year and I am committed to being a 'people's Mayor.' So please make contact if you would like the Mayor to attend your special events and I look forward to meeting with you during my Civic Year."

To request the Mayor's attendance, please contact the Mayor's Office; Alison Hull, Civic and Member Services Officer alison.hull@boston.gov.u

Boston area organisations encouraged to apply for grants as Lincolnshire Community Foundation UKSPF GRASSroots scheme reopens

Community organisations, village hall committees, parish councils and sports clubs are being encouraged to apply for a grant as a popular funding scheme reopens.

The Lincolnshire Community Foundation GRASSroots Grants Fund, which has been made possible by the South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership's UK Shared Prosperity and Rural England Fund programme, has already supported hundreds of projects.

The established grants scheme is available to organisations such as charities, community groups, sports clubs and parish councils which are operating for the benefit of people living in East Lindsey, Boston Borough and South Holland District Council areas.

Grants of up to £24,999 are available to enable for projects with an aim to strengthen the social fabric of communities, build pride in place by improving local community facilities, creating opportunities to bringing people together to create social connections that will grow and thrive.

The fund will support both capital and some revenue costs and is keen to level up communities, providing access to activities and opportunities for people living in rurally isolated areas.

More than £145,000 awarded for the continuation of successful projects supported by the UK Shared and Rural England Prosperity Funds

Several projects funded by the UK Shared and Rural England Prosperity Funds (UKSPF/REPF) have been granted permission to continue running through an award of more than £145,000 from Boston Borough Council.

In the Government's autumn budget, it was announced that the UKSPF programme would be extended into 2025/2026 for a final, transitional year on a reduced national budget.

As a result, this has extended the commitment to investing in business growth, improving pride in place, living standards, adult skills and increasing the number of residents in work across South and East Lincolnshire.

Several UKSPF and REPF supported projects have been selected for continuation, being included in Boston Borough Council's Investment Plan as a result of their strong fit and/or track record of delivery during the 2023-2025 programme.

Find out which projects were involved here: www.boston.gov.uk/article/28422/More-than-145-000-awarded-for-the-continuation-of-successful-projects-supported-by-the-UK-Shared-and-Rural-England-Prosperity-Funds

Trader applications now open for Boston Christmas Festival 2025

Boston Borough Council, in collaboration with local businesses and community partners, is pleased to announce the return of the annual Boston Christmas Festival.

The three-day festive event brings seasonal cheer and a vibrant shopping experience to the heart of the town and will take place from Friday, 28 November to Sunday, 30 November 2025.

Boston Christmas Festival is a well-loved tradition that attracts residents and visitors with its festive lights, charming stalls, and wide range of seasonal products.

The market offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the holiday season while supporting local businesses and market traders, who are now invited to apply for a stall at this year's event.

The market is open to festive artisans, Christmas crafters and food vendors; speciality retailers who wish to showcase their products and engage with the community in a high-footfall, festive setting.

The application process is designed to ensure a diverse and high-quality selection of stalls, enhancing the overall visitor experience and supporting the local economy, priority will be given to Christmas traders.

For more information or requesting an application, email bostonchristmas@boston.gov.uk

South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership launches new 'Arts in Heritage' initiative

The South & East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership is looking for Expressions of Interest for a new pioneering creative story-telling programme, 'Arts in Heritage'.

Part of Story Tellers, the Partnership's Arts Council England NPO programme, the initiative aims to support work between local creative practitioners, heritage sites, organisations or places and people with heritage stories, traditions or research, to tell the tales from across South and East Lincolnshire in new and innovative ways.

This initial Call Out can cover up to £1,000 to support research and development. This can be used for various costs including artist's fees and time, heritage organisation's costs and time, travel and subsistence, necessary materials and access costs. It also covers site visits, training, and fees for professional support, such as a funding bid writer or other specialised services.

Find out more and apply: www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/article/28633/South-East-Lincolnshire-Councils-Partnership-launches-new-Arts-in-Heritage-initiative

Community volunteer opportunity to join the Mayor's Fundraising Committee

The Worshipful the Mayor of Boston, Cllr Barrie Pierpoint, is offering a new volunteer opportunity for people across the Borough to join him on his fundraising committee.

The committee will help organise fundraising events to support the local good causes, community projects and charities the Mayor is supporting during his year.

The Mayor's Fundraising Committee will be planning, organising and managing event activities throughout the year to raise funds for much needed good causes, charities and community projects which have been nominated.

Anyone who wants a career or to gain more experience in event management would certainly learn and benefit from the experience that this opportunity provides.

The Mayor is also inviting local schools, businesses and other community groups within the borough to contribute to his projects with their own fundraising events. The Mayor's fundraising committee are happy to assist with anyone organising an event to raise funds for his nominated causes.

If you are interested in the volunteer opportunity, please contact Cllr Barrie Pierpoint direct on 07720 406806 or by email to barrie.pierpoint@boston.gov.uk

If you represent a local charity, good cause or community project and wish to be considered by the Mayor's Fundraising Committee, please send your details to barrie.pierpoint@boston.gov.uk

Line-up and activities announced for Boston's first ever Pride event

The countdown is on to Boston's first ever Pride event - and details have now been released of what can be expected at the inclusive, family-friendly celebration for all.

Boston Pride, which aims to bring the Borough's entire community together in a vibrant, inclusive and joyful way, will take place at Central Park on Saturday, July 26.

From a line-up of more than 20 acts on the main stage to family activities and a wide range of food vendors, there will be something for everyone at the free event.

Find out about the acts involved: www.boston.gov.uk/article/28503/Line-up-and-activities-announced-for-Boston-s-first-ever-Pride-event

More updates are available on the Boston Pride Facebook page.

New CCTV cameras go live in Pescod Square

Boston Borough Council has announced that 12 new security cameras are now fully operational in the heart of Boston at the Pescod Square Shopping Centre.

£150,000 of funding was secured from the Boston Town Board and work has taken place over the last four weeks, with contractor Videcom leading on the installation of the new cameras.

Boston Borough Council provides an extensive network of now more than 200 CCTV cameras covering the town centre and other public spaces.

The cameras will run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to provide maximum coverage of Pescod from the council's CCTV control room with specialist operators on hand to help keep local residents and visitors safe.

To learn more about the CCTV provision in Boston, please visit: https://www.boston.gov.uk/article/21203/CCTV

The Mayor of Boston goes green in sponsored electric car

The Worshipful the Mayor of Boston is making his mayoral journeys green by using an electric vehicle during his 12-month term.

Cllr Barrie Pierpont has been sponsored by Drayton Motors with a new Kia EV3.

It is specifically for use only while he is on Mayoral duties representing Boston Borough Council and comes with no additional expense to the Council.

The Mayor was invited to attend the official opening of the Drayton Motors state of the art near net-zero showroom on The Quadrant on Thursday 5 June.

Following the opening, Cllr Pierpoint collected the keys to his mayoral car and is now using it.

He said: "Through this great civic honour as The Worshipful the Mayor of Boston, I am invited to attend many events, give talks, formally open new businesses and services and to meet community organisations and groups. It is a busy role and one that involves a lot of travel across the Borough and wider region".

He went on to say: "It's great to know that through securing a sponsored electric car for my term as Mayor thanks to the generosity of Drayton Motors, all those journeys will be green and reducing the carbon emissions for cleaner travel."

Raising of the Armed Forces Day flag

The Worshipful the Mayor of Boston, Cllr Barrie Pierpoint, raised the Armed Forces Day flag on Monday 23 June at 10.30am, in the War Memorial Garden on Wide Bargate.

Local authorities took part in the simultaneous hoisting of the Armed Forces Day Flag, which was flown in the lead up to Armed Forces Day on Saturday 28 June.

The Mayor raised the flag in recognition of the achievements and contributions of the men and women of the Armed Forces, past, present and future.

Over 100 Boston businesses helped to thrive through the Boston Town Board

Over 100 businesses in Boston have been helped to thrive and achieve their business goals thanks to the Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics programme.

Delivered by University of Lincoln, Boston College and funded by the Towns Fund through Boston Town Board, the project has supported businesses of varying sizes, including sole traders, SMEs, and an employer with a workforce of 800+ employees.

The Boston Town Board Chair, Jo Brigham, said: “The legacy of the Centre for Food and Fresh Produce Logistics will continue to be felt within the town for years to come as a result of the support and funding that has been provided for the businesses enrolled onto this unique and important programme.”

Boston Town Centre is blooming again

For the second year running, Boston’s town centre is bursting with colour thanks to the return of vibrant floral hanging baskets and refreshed planters.

This beautiful transformation is a joint effort between Boston Borough Council, Lincolnshire Police, and HMP North Sea Camp, building on last year’s success to enhance public spaces and boost community pride.

Prisoners from HMP North Sea Camp have once again played a key role—designing and assembling eight large planters and hanging baskets as part of a meaningful rehabilitation programme that supports both personal growth and the local community.

This summer, 80 hanging baskets filled with fresh, colourful blooms are being delivered to brighten the streets for residents and visitors alike.

Love Your Neighbourhood gardens competition

Are you proud of your garden, balcony, or community green space?

The Love Your Neighbourhood 2025 competition is now open to all Boston Borough residents!

Categories include Best Courtyard/Balcony, Best Front/Back Garden, Best Community or Communal Garden, and Best Village. Prizes up to £100 can be won, along with special plaques for community categories.

Enter by Monday 4 August 2025 by emailing your name, address, and phone number to LYN@boston.gov.uk.

The Worshipful the Mayor of Boston and Mayoress show their support for local foodbanks

The Worshipful the Mayor of Boston, Councillor Barrie Pierpoint and the Mayoress Pamela Love, supported Asda when it joined forces with volunteers from Boston Food Bank to hold an in-store collection drive in its store entrance between Friday 13 June and Sunday 15 June, asking for food and essential toiletries, with volunteers in the Trussell network encouraging anyone who can afford it to donate an extra item or two.
The initiative aimed to raise awareness and collect donations to support individuals experiencing hunger.
Shoppers were able to pick up branded shopping lists helping to signpost them to which items are needed the most to support local people in need.
The Mayor and Mayoress met foodbank volunteers, chatted to shoppers as they entered the store and gave information out to them on what groceries the Boston Food Bank required donating. They also met the store manager and many staff too.
The Mayor and Mayoress bought personally £50 worth of essential groceries from Asda and donated them to the Boston Foodbank as their community contribution.

Safety Advisory Group reminder

If you’ve planned or helped organise events in the past, you may have come across SAG. The Safety Advisory Group (SAG) is a nationally recognised coming-together of multiple agencies to help and support organisers in planning, running, and reviewing events. There are two SAGs which cover the Partnership, East Lindsey and Boston/South Holland, and access to this group for help with planning your event is free.

At this sensitive time, it is becoming more and more important to ensure that the below agencies are aware if you are planning an event, and for the police, it is essential they are aware if your event has a military aspect to them.

Events of this nature include parades, Armed Forces Day events, Remembrance, VE and VJ Day, and anything else where members of the military may be present.

From a police perspective, these types of events require a different level of scrutiny, focusing more on counter-terrorism. Whilst the military should inform the police of any planned events in the area, the Councillor(s) inviting them should also make them aware. This can be done via communication with the SAG.

The current members of the Safety Advisory Group include the following, and more:

Environmental Health
Licensing
Building Control
Police
Fire and Rescue
the Ambulance Service
Highways
Emergency Planning

These agencies are there to help advise, support and direct you in the organising of your event for free.

To help the Police carry out an informed assessment of risk, they need to know the event is happening, what is planned, who has been invited and the approximate attendance. This information defines what level of action the Police will need to take, and earlier notification is better so they can ensure your event has the correct staffing/controls in place.

Further information about Counter Terrorism can be found on the following link: Getting training and advice on counter-terrorism - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Further information on Safety Advisory Groups can be found on the following Council webpage: Boston's Safety Advisory Group (SAG) - Boston Borough Council

Boston Market fees have been reduced and new offers are available

Boston Market has reduced its Market fees and is looking for new traders! Regular and casual pitches are now available from just £15, with gazebos being available for a further £2 (subject to availability).

The current offers list is as follows:

Any new regular trader that stands for eight consecutive markets gets the next two markets free of charge
Any new casual trader that stands at least four times in four weeks gets the next two markets free of charge
Any trader who has previously traded at Boston Market but hasn’t done so in the last 12 months is also entitled to the offers above.

For full details of the above, see the Boston Market Policy 2025: ce70fb_56ce4543c91548a7b89a402887743730.pdf

Boston Market traders benefit from being part of one of the largest outdoor markets in Lincolnshire, a dedicated Markets manager and new gazebos introduced in April 2025.

Boston Market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday in Boston Market Place, PE21 6NF.

Enquiries can be directed to Markets@Boston.gov.uk.

To apply for a pitch, visit our website: www.boston.gov.uk/Boston-Market

Consultation on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects

Grimsby to Walpole - The Project involves the construction of approximately 140 km of new overhead transmission lines from Grimsby to Walpole, associated new substations in the vicinity of Grimsby, Mablethorpe, Spalding Tee-Point in South Holland District and Walpole, and other associated required works. National Grids Statutory Consultation started on Wednesday 11 June and closes at 11.59pm on Wednesday 6 August 2025. The consultation material and details of consultation events are available on National Grid’s website at Grimsby to Walpole | National Grid.

Five-star food premises in Boston Borough

The following food premises in Boston Borough earned a 5-star hygiene rating during their assessments in May:

L & C Foodmarkets 2
Boston Sausage
London Road Bakery
Railway Hotel
The Minstrels
The Spirit of Endeavour
The Sportsman
Peter Paine Sports Centre
Pilgrim CPU and Pilgrim Restaurant
Swineshead Fish and Chips
Kev's Kitchen 2
Starbucks Drive Thru
Savoy
Lincolnshire Co-op Woodville Road Food Store
National Events Caterers Ltd

Bra Banks are now at Lincolnshire Libraries

Got bras you no longer wear? Lincolnshire County Council has introduced Bra Banks, now available at selected Lincolnshire Libraries, to support the charity Against Breast Cancer.

Donations help to support breast cancer research and help women in developing countries with affordable underwear.

They accept gently worn, washed bras in all sizes and styles (no damaged items, please).

You can find Bra Banks across Lincolnshire in Boston, Gainsborough, Grantham, Horncastle, Keelby, Lincoln, Long Sutton, Mablethorpe, Skegness, Sleaford, Spalding and Stamford - just look for the pink bin on your next library visit.

Healthwatch Lincolnshire wants to hear from carers

Do you provide unpaid care? It could be for a family member, partner, friend or neighbour who depends on you because of illness, disability, a mental health condition, or frailty.

If so, Healthwatch Lincolnshire wants to hear your views in the Carer Survey 2025.

Carers play a vital but often invisible role in society, helping people to live safely and independently.

But many carers face challenges in getting the support they need - both for themselves and for the person they care for.

Unpaid carers across Lincolnshire filling out this short survey will help us to better understand:

The real-life experiences and challenges that carers face daily
Barriers to support and services, including social care
What support works well, and where improvements could be made
Your experiences of accessing care for the person you support

Whether you care for a few hours a week or full time, your voice is essential in shaping better support for carers in Lincolnshire.

The survey takes approximately 5–15 minutes to complete
Your responses are confidential and will be made anonymous when we share results
You will help improve local health and social care services

Survey closes Monday 30 June 2025.

Home Energy Advice and Retrofit Team

The Home Energy Advice and Retrofit Team will be at Boston Centenary Church with ERIC (Energy and Retrofit Information Clinic), offering in-person energy advice and support.

If you would like to suggest a future location to the team, please email: heart@e-lindsey.gov.uk.

You can find the team at the Church on the following days:

Friday 18 July – 10am to 1pm
Wednesday 23 July – 10am to 1pm
Friday 25 July – 10am to 1pm

Lifesaving skills taught at the Geoff Moulder Leisure Complex

As part of Drowning Prevention Week, the swimming teachers at Geoff Moulder Leisure Complex have been promoting the importance of staying safe in and around water, along with teaching swimmers essential survival and life-saving skills.

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in children, which is why the Complex is proud to support Drowning Prevention week

You can enrol your child into their swimming lessons today, so they too can become a Water Safety Hero:

Call 01205 363483 or visit their website - www.leisurecentre.com/geoff.../swimming-lessons

Published: Tuesday, 22nd July 2025