Metheringham Parish Council

Metheringham Parish Council Minutes

Parish Council

Minutes 03/2007 of Metheringham Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 31st July 2007 at 7.15pm in the Village Hall

PRESENT:
Councillors Dr M J Allen Chairman
Mrs R Creasey
P D Ford
Mrs J Honisett
Mrs R Parker
Mrs S Peek
G H Roland
A M Waddington
Mrs A F Webb
G W Chambers District Council
Mrs P Bradwell County Council
Clerk Ms S N Wetherall

1. The Chairman welcomed everyone to the Parish Council Meeting. Copies of the agenda were available for members of the public (7 present).

2. OPEN FORUM

2.1 Police report

Unfortunately neither Community Beat Manager PC Gordon or PCSO’s Duckworth and Flannigan were present. The Clerk gave the Police report – a summary of incidents occurring in Metheringham between 26/06/07 to 31/07/07 are 3 damage to property, 1 garage burglary, 1 arson, 1 damage to motor vehicle and 1 theft. The clerk requested details of where the offences have taken place, but the Police have stated no further details are available due to data protection constraints.

At 7.17pm Cllr Mrs Parker joined the meeting.

2.2 Public Forum

2.2.1 Mr Glossop stated the level crossing in Metheringham was in a very poor state and asked what was being done about it. Cllr Waddington informed the Council that repairs are to be carried out on 18th and 19th August 2007. Felicity Felton gave her views on the willful damage to the Spring garden in Drury Street. The Chairman stated the incident had been reported to the Police, it is therefore a Police Investigation and the matter could not be discussed.

At 7.24pm Cllr Mrs Bradwell joined the meeting.

2.3 Reports from representatives on outside bodies

2.3.1 Nothing to report from the County Councillor.

2.3.2 Cllr Chambers reported the government is undertaking a survey of polling districts and stations.

2.3.3 To receive reports from other outside bodies – Cllr Mrs Honisett gave a report from the VHMC executive meeting, the issue of Knot weed in the Village Car Park has been dealt with. The new boilers have been fitted. The VHMC have £5000 in the bank. Clerk to send letter to Anne & John Harrison thanking them for the excellent work they are doing.

3. COUNCIL MEETING

3.1 Apologies for absence and reasons given

Councillor Mrs Morrison
Councillor J C Rose

Reasons for absence accepted by the Council.

3.2 To receive declarations of interest

Cllr Mrs Honisett declared a personal interest for item 3.6.4 because she is the Chairman of the Village Hall Management Committee.
Cllr Mrs Honisett declared a personal interest for item 3.9.1, because her husband is receiving a salary.

3.3 Notes of the last meeting held on 26 th June 2007, to be approved as the minutes – The signing of the minutes were proposed by Cllr Mrs Creasey and seconded by Cllr Mrs Webb, (1 abstention – Cllr Waddington) and 6 were in favour.

3.4 Clerks Report – The Parish Council Drop in Surgery continues on Saturday 4th August at the INFO-LINKS Office from 10.30am – 12.00pm.
Complaint received about overgrown hedge on footpath at 14 Saxon Close, contacted LCC Highways, letter sent 26/04/07 – Occupants have now cut hedge.
Visit to the Lincoln CCTV Control Room, took place on Tuesday 19th June Councillors who attended were Mrs Creasey and Dr Allen, Clerk sent letter of thanks to Shane Harrison for conducting tour.
Complaint received about overgrown hedge on footpath at 35 Sleaford Road, contacted LCC Highways - hedge has now been cut.
Signs to be erected stating No Ball Games by order of Metheringham Parish Council, at the rear of the Village Hall/ Village Car park.
Spoken to Metheringham Co-op regarding erection of sign stating Car Parking at rear of building.
Contacted Mick Backshall regarding planting scheme for Fen Bridge, waiting for information as to what plants/shrubs are acceptable.
Letter sent to MADSPA, informing them Cllr Mrs Peek is the PC representative. Request to arrange a meeting to discuss future gas bills. The PC have also requested copies of all minutes, and a monthly breakdown of income and expenditure
Contacted Paul Scholey re: overgrown gardens in village car park.
Letter sent to City Designs re: Mr Miah Mowgli restaurant boundary query.
Letter sent to Planning Inspectorate in support of Mr Powell of the Scarf & Goggles in his appeal against the decision of NKDC to refuse planning permission for the removal of the condition restricting occupancy.
Replacement Litter bin for Fen Road has been erected.
The following items have been reported to LCC Highways: - uneven footway, north side of Caroline Road from shops eastwards. Overgrown trees and nettles, north side of Station Road. Drain on Drury Street/Church Walk near to Doctors Surgery has been cleared.
Street sign at Mordern Close has protruding bolts, reported to NKDC 30/04/07 – NKDC stated they had problems in erecting the sign, and had to have brackets made etc.
E-mail sent to Tanya Vaughan at LCC ref bus shelter for High Street – Photographs received of Coningsby shelter, draft details to be supplied soon for Metheringham project.
Co-option notice has been placed in the PC notice board – closing date for applications has passed there has been one applicant.
Freedom of Information Publication Scheme – sent 05/07/07 to the Information Commissioner for approval – Case Ref FPA0169793 – Information Commissioner has accepted that this is an appropriate scheme for us.
Letter sent to LCC – requesting information on the Pension Scheme.
Meeting took place on 27th June with new dog warden, Clerk and Vice Chair.
Damage to Spring Garden in Drury Street, Police are investigating.
Letter sent to Mr Woodhead re: request for footpath on north side of Lincoln Road from Cherry Tree Way.

3.5 Matters Outstanding

3.5.1 Fayre & Feast – Working group meeting has taken place a list of actions have been drawn up. Vanessa Mawer would like a meeting on 14th or 15th August date to be confirmed. The next meeting of the working group is to be held on 29th August 2007 at 7.30pm in the Star & Garter Dining Room, all Councillor’s are welcome. ACTION: Cllr Ford/Working Group

3.5.2 Chance to Share and related issues – The Chairman discussed the minutes from the meeting held on 19th July 2007. Cllr Mrs Parker stated the Charity Commission issue should be resolved before any decisions are made. To consider the following motion proposed by the Chairman; Metheringham Parish Council mindful of the needs of the School in relation to safety and security will enter into discussions with Lincolnshire County Council for the Sale of the Star and Garter Field. This will be on the condition that the current lease of the chance to share field will be relinquished, together with all assets within the leased area. Any sale would also be subject to the following conditions;

It was agreed that additional conditions may need to be considered. Following a discussion it was resolved to accept the above motion this was proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Cllr Ford and all were in favour. Cllr Mrs Bradwell to contact Ruth Crouch Prinicpal Lawyer at LCC. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Bradwell

3.5.3 Village play parks & Youths Recreation Area – Cllr Waddington has viewed several Youth Shelters in the area and taken photographs. Working group to decide on type of shelter and location. Cllr Roland has concerns about the amount of rubbish in both play parks, Clerk to obtain quotations for a litter bin for the Shiregate Play Park. ACTION: Clerk/Working group

3.5.4 New pavilion and changing rooms – Chairman to contact architect. ACTION: Chairman

3.5.5 Public Conveniences – The hot water boiler has not yet been installed Clerk to contact Tony Fox again. No Smoking signs have been erected at the entrance to the public toilets. ACTION: Clerk

3.5.6 Gate/Fence between Squash Court, Public Conveniences and Village Hall – The erection of an 8ft door and fence is to be completed within 2-3 weeks. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Parker

3.5.7 Parish Plan – This item is ongoing.

3.5.8 Charity Commission – The recreation ground at Metheringham - Charity 521855 was registered in May 1964 by Kesteven County Council. Parish Councillors are the trustees of the recreation ground. Both LCC and NKDC have declined to give any legal advice on this issue.

Cllr Chambers suggested the PC contact LALC for legal advice. The forward planning group are to discuss the latest letter from the Charity Commission and put a proposal forward at the next Parish Council Meeting. ACTION: Forward Planning group/Clerk/Cllr Mrs Bradwell

3.5.9 Village Centre Regeneration Project - The Chairman has collated all returned questionnaires, a full evaluation of the results will be published shortly. At the meeting held on 17th July 2007, with LCC Highways, DC and PC, the PC were informed funds for village centre regeneration projects cannot be used on general road improvements. LCC highways then stated there are no funds available. Following a discussion it was agreed the PC would like the cross to be of the original pre war design. Cllr Ford has produced a street design, a meeting is to be arranged with Peter Fender to discuss these possibilities. ACTION: Councillors/Clerk

At 8.43pm the Chairman adjourned the meeting for refreshments.
At 8.45pm Cllrs Mrs Bradwell and Cllr Chambers left the meeting.
At 9.03pm the Chairman reconvened the meeting.

3.6 New Business

3.6.1 Metheringham Bowls Club request for assistance in paying £1500 approximately for re-wiring of electrics – The following quotations have been received C A Fox - £1835, ARC - £1800 and TRS - £1580, it was resolved C A Fox would carry out the work at a cost of £1835, this was proposed by Cllr Ford, seconded by Cllr Mrs Parker and all were in favour. ACTION: Clerk

3.6.2 To consider Councillors and Parish Council Employees undertake a CRB check – Following a discussion it was decided not to pursue this at the moment.

3.6.3 To consider and approve photographs and telephone numbers of Councillors to be displayed on PC notice board and MACLA website – Following a discussion Councillors felt it was not appropriate to have photographs displayed.

3.6.4 Village Hall Management Committee request for a loan from the Parish Council of £1760, for two new boilers and installation – Cllr Mrs Webb suggested the loan be repaid over a period of two years, but it could be repaid earlier if they wished. It was resolved to loan the sum of £1760, this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Creasey, seconded by Cllr Waddington (1 abstention – Cllr Mrs Honisett) and 6 in favour. ACTION: RFO

3.6.5 To approve replacement of PC Street lighting column adjacent to 1 Kings Road at a cost of approximately £667.00 – Concerns were expressed at the rising costs of maintenance to the PC Street Light. A full evaluation of PC street lights to be carried out by the working group. Clerk to contact G Westall to obtain map showing location and details. It was resolved to replace the street light at a cost of £667.00 this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Honisett, seconded by Cllr Mrs Webb and all were in favour. ACTION: Clerk

3.7 Correspondence

3.7.1 To note general correspondence – Please see Appendix 1.

3.7.2 To consider correspondence requiring action by the Council

3.8 Planning

3.8.1 To note a report from the planning committee

The Planning Committee met on Wednesday 11 th July 2007 and the following were discussed:

Planning Applications:-

Ref: N39/0711/07 – Proposal: Alterations to existing garage and erection of new garage at The Old Farmhouse, Metheringham Fen, Metheringham. Councillor Dr Allen expressed a personal interest. There were no comments or objections.
Ref: N39/0727/07 – Proposal: Two storey side & single storey rear extension at 3 Townsend Way, Metheringham. There were no comments or objections.
Ref: N39/0513/07 – Proposal: Erection of 3 light industrial units on plot adjacent to 24 Moorlands Trading Estate, The Moorlands, Metheringham. The following comments were made: “The proposed site plan shows no parking for workforce or visitors, only unloading zones and disabled parking bays. The access into the site is narrow, and could present problems for any emergency vehicles. There are no details of any landscaping inside the site, as the trees shown are outside the fence line.”
Ref: N39/0775/07 – Proposal: Erection of chalet bungalow at 1 Field Farm Lane, Metheringham. The following comments were made: “The overall impression is that this development will be too large for the site. There is no indication as to the height of the proposed building. It will be out of keeping and affect the character of the neighbouring property, 1 Field Farm Lane, and most of the surrounding properties. There is no indication on the plans as to where the foul water runs, and how this impacts on the property adjoining 1 Field Farm Lane, namely 1 Fen Lane. Problems have occurred in this area, and extra foul water could worsen the situation. There is still a lot of concern about foul water in the village. There is no indication as to where the existing and new soakaways are or will be located. With this lack of detailed information it has been difficult for the Parish Council to deal wholly objectively with this application.”

Planning permission has been granted for:

Ref: N39/0592/07 – Erection of car port at 7 Londesborough Way, Metheringham.
Ref: N39/0461/07 – Erection of extension at 28 Paddock Lane, Metheringham.

Planning permission has been refused for:

Ref: N39/0536/07 – Two storey side extension at 8 Rossington Close, Metheringham.

3.8.2 To consider planning application Ref: N39/0821/07 –

Proposal: Single storey front extension incorporating pitched roof over existing garage and part re-cladding in stone at 41 Drury Street, Metheringham. There were no comments or objections.


The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet next on Wednesday 8 th August 2007 at 7.30pm in the Church Hall.

3.9 Financial matters

3.9.1 To consider accounts for payment

Payment to Amount £
ABB Ltd – Repair to SL o/s Co-op 36.74
NKDC – No Smoking signs 14.10
SLCC – Annual Subscription 105.00
Village Hall Hire 39.00
Village Caretaker 289.13
Cllr Ford Expenses> 31.35
Public Toilet Caretaker 192.50
Clerk Salary + Expenses 1094.23
Dog Warden 476.00
Inland Revenue 227.32
Veolia – Grass Cutting – sports field 85.19
St Wilfrid’s – Hire of Hall 14.00
G Allbones – erect Litter Bin Fen Road 52.88
G Allbones – fit direction signs 47.00
TOTAL 2704.44

It was resolved to make payment of the above, this was proposed by Cllrs Mrs Creasey, seconded by Cllr Mrs Webb with 1 abstention (Cllr Mrs Honisett) and 6 were in favour.

3.9.2 To receive a report from the RFO on the PC finances

PC Income July 2007 Amount £
Interest from Premier Account 257.71
Interest from Deposit Account 2.25
MADSPA ½ payment towards gas bill 900.00
MADSPA payment made for June (gas) 250.00
TOTAL 1409.96

The RFO stated the Audit Return had been retuned to him due to an anomaly of £1.00, RFO has rectified this and sent it back to the Auditor.

3.10 Date and venue of next meeting – Tuesday 28 th August 2007 at 7.15pm in the Village Hall.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 10.17pm.

top

Site maintained on behalf of macla - (c) the weaver 2001, 2008.