Metheringham Parish Council

Metheringham Parish Council Minutes

Parish Council

Minutes 06/2007 of Metheringham Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 30th October 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 H Morrison
Mrs R Parker
Mrs S Peek
A M Waddington
Mrs A F Webb
J C Rose District 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 (2 present).

2. OPEN FORUM

2.1 Police report

PCSO Paul Flannigan gave the Police report – a summary of incidents occurring in Metheringham between 25/09/07 to 30/10/07 are 2 criminal damage, 4 theft, 1 theft from motor vehicle, 1 theft of motor vehicle,1 arson, 3 damage to motor vehicle, 1 burglary of dwelling and 1 assault. PCSO Lisa Duckworth asked whether any further progress had been made with the erection of a youth shelter in the village. She stated youth shelters in other villages had been very successful.

2.2 Public Forum

2.2.1 There were no questions or statements from the public.

2.3 Reports from representatives on outside bodies

2.3.1 Nothing to report from the County Councillor.

2.3.2 Cllr Rose informed the Council rogue traders had been operating in Londesborough Way, the vehicle registration had been given to the Police. Cllr Rose has written a letter of complaint about the re-occurring cancellation of the 0903 train from Sleaford to Lincoln. The Grange Road street sign has been removed by NKDC for cleaning.

2.3.3 To receive reports from other outside bodies – A meeting of the JMC and the school took place on 11/10/07 there are still major concerns about the maintenance of the pavilion and changing rooms. Cllr Waddington provided a report of the Parish Partnership Cluster meeting held on 11/10/07, it would appear NKDC are more advanced than most districts. Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils AGM was attended by Cllr Dr Allen and Cllr Waddington – the Chairman stated there was a lot of information available. Cllr Mrs Honisett stated the Village Hall Management Committee urgently requires a Secretary. Every village organization should have a representative on the committee. A diary is available in the library for local organizations to advertise their events. Three quotations have been received for the disabled access improvement work.

3. COUNCIL MEETING

3.1 Apologies for absence and reasons given to be approved by the Council.
Councillor Mrs Bradwell
Councillor G W Chambers
Councillor J Partington
Councillor G H Roland
It was resolved to accept the above apologies and reasons, this was proposed by the Chairman seconded by Cllr Waddington and all were in favour.

3.2 To receive declarations of interest
Cllr Mrs Parker declared a personal interest for item 3.5.11 because of her involvement with Blankney Estates.
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 25 th September 2007, to be approved as the minutes – The signing of the minutes was proposed by Cllr Mrs Webb and seconded by Cllr Mrs Honisett, 1 abstention (Cllr Mrs Morrison) and 6 were in favour.

3.4 Clerks Report – The Parish Council Drop in Surgery continues on Saturday 3 rd November at the INFO-LINKS Office from 10.30am – 12.00pm. At the last surgery there were 3 visitors.
Contacted Paul Scholey re: overgrown gardens in village car park, this has now been cleared.
New flag pole has been erected in the War Memorial garden.
” No Cycling sign” at Church Walk has now been re-erected.
E-mail sent to LCC - Ellie Baker requesting details of cost etc. to replace the zebra crossing with a panda crossing (traffic lights) on Lincoln Road.
Clerk contacted Lincolnshire Archives to establish what Parish Council documents are being held there. I have requested a copy of a drawing of the cross dated 1911.
Letter of thanks received from LIVES for the donation of £500.00.
Spring issue – All correspondence to and from Mrs Felton is available for Councillors to view upon request to the Clerk.
Letter sent to Mrs Felton and Mr & Mrs Andrews 05/10/07 re: Spring.
Letter of Acknowledgment sent to Mrs Felton & Mr Gardner 22/10/07 re: Spring
The next Parish Partnerships Cluster meeting is to take place at Scopwick Village Hall on Thursday 10 th January 2008 at 7pm – 9pm. Please see copy of minutes from the last meeting in Correspondence to note, if anyone would like a copy please contact me.
If any Councillors would like to see any correspondence or letters please contact me.
Clerk contacted bus company, Brylaine to request alternate buses run a slightly different route up Lincoln Road, along Sleaford Road and Princes Street waiting for reply.
Contacted Shirley Barlow at NKDC re: property 2 Shiregate as they have moved their, fence beyond their boundary. NKDC seem to think it is now in the correct position. Clerk has met on site with Shirley Barlow; she is to request the owners of the property remove the fence.
Keith Finter has passed the anti-graffiti paint back to the Parish Council.
Request made to NKDC 08/10/07 for grit bins to be located at Caroline Road and Hall Yard.
Application form sent to Eastern Shires Purchasing Organization to open an account.
Waiting for details from NKDC of locations of litter bins.
Applied to “O2 It’s your Community” on 12/10/07 for a Grant of £800 towards improvements to the Spring.
Letter sent to Planning Inspectorate on 16/10/07 re: 42-28 High Street.
Request to the Co-op for a community grant application form for funding towards the historical notice boards.
Letter sent to owners of Pizza Plus requesting they erect a more suitable fence between their property and the Village Hall, also requesting a litter bin is provided by them.
Clerk contacted MACLA to add details relating to the Allotments stating there are NO Allotments available at the present time and a waiting list of 6 people.
If any Councillors have recently got access to e-mail could you please let me have your details?
Erection of Bus Shelter – High Street, The engineer has met with the Co-op representative re: land ownership – project should be complete by March 2008.
Meeting arranged for Friday 2 nd November with dog warden.
Clerk has spoken to Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership to enquire about funding for 3M Speed Signs. LCC are currently undertaking a trial to establish the positioning and how effective they are. Parish Link have mobile speed reduction signs available to the Parish Council, Free of Charge however when the signs are in use they must be supervised.
Cigarette bins have been delivered by NKDC for the Village Hall.

3.5 Matters Outstanding

3.5.1 Fayre & Feast – The Chairman congratulated the working group and all volunteers for their efforts in making the day a great success. A de-briefing meeting has been organized for all Parish Councillors and stewards on Tuesday 20 th November 2007 at 7.30pm in the Star & Garter Lounge. ACTION: Working Group

3.5.2 Chance to Share and related issues – The Parish Council met with Lincolnshire County Council to discuss the ongoing issues. Ruth Crouch of LCC stated in a letter that the Department for Children, Schools and Families Regulations had changed. LCC requested a copy of the PC Business Plan and Planning permission. The Chairman stated the Business Plan was a working draft and had not been approved by the PC. The next meeting with the PC and LCC will take place on Monday 19 th November 2007. ACTION: Working Group

3.5.3 Village play parks & Youths Recreation Area – Two seats and a litter bin for Shiregate Play Park have been delivered. The Clerk to arrange an on site meeting to discuss possible locations for a youth shelter. ACTION: Clerk/Working Group

3.5.4 New pavilion and changing rooms – This should be a joint project between the PC and School. The project should be environmentally friendly. ACTION: Chairman

3.5.5 Parish Plan – This item is ongoing, a steering group is to be formed to consist of volunteers from local business, community, shops, pubs, church and other organizations. A representative from the Parish Council is also required. ACTION: Councillors

3.5.6 Charity Commission – In 1927/28 the Parish Council had 2 plots of land know as the Recreation ground. In 1964 Kesteven County Council registered the land with the Charity Commission – Charity 521855. In 1967 the PC sold the land to developers for a sum of £4,100, with the permission of the Secretary of State. There was a requirement to purchase replacement land and maintain this for recreational use. The PC Solicitor has written to the Charity Commission with the above information. A letter has been received from the Charity Commission stating Charity 521855 no longer exists and has been removed from the Charity Commission register.

3.5.7 Village Centre Regeneration Project - The Clerk has written to Peter Fender informing him of the decisions that were made at the last PC meeting relating to the new cross. PC are now waiting for LCC. ACTION: Peter Fender - LCC

3.5.8 Evaluation of PC Street Lights – Cllr Roland and Cllr Waddington are conducting the survey. Since 2002 the PC have incurred costs of £33,678 for general lighting and £9,298 for repairs. Cllr Rose stated it may be beneficial for the PC to be part of the District Council Scheme. Cllr Ford had concerns that the PC would lose control over any new lighting schemes. Cllr Rose to provide PC with details. ACTION: Working Group/Cllr Rose

3.5.9 Remembrance Day Service – The service is being held at the Methodist Chapel on Sunday 11 th November 2007 at 10.00am, Memorial Service to be held at the War Memorial Garden, High Street, followed by a short prayer at the war graves. ACTION: Clerk/Councillors

3.5.10 Re-design and maintenance of War Memorial Garden - Councillors are to consider ways of improving the garden. This item is ongoing. ACTION: Councillors/Clerk

3.5.11 Spring Garden Drury Street – Proposed motions relating to the Spring:-

1.1 To resolve that this Council formally take ownership of the area known as the Spring, as an historical Village site. Due regard being taken of the costs involved, e.g. legal, repairs and maintenance, etc.

1.2 To form a new working group known as The Spring to oversee future development and maintenance of the area. Members to consist of Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Clerk and Cllr Mrs Morrison.

1.3 To agree that Hill Holt Wood carryout regular maintenance of the Spring area and Cllr Mrs Morrison to provide ongoing reports of this work.

1.4 To carry out repairs to the spring retaining walls, provide a fence around the spring and move seat from the War Memorial Garden into the Spring area.

1.5 To erect an historical notice board giving details of 'springs' in this area of the Village and to promote the area as a stopping point on the walks publicized by the District Council.

1.6 To agree that the Spring area will be locked during evening hours.

OR

2 To resolve that this Council rejects ownership of the area known as the Spring.

Following a short debate it was resolved to accept motions
to 1.6 inclusive, this was proposed by Cllr Waddington,
seconded by Cllr Ford, 3 abstentions (Cllrs Mrs Parker, Mrs Peek and Mrs Webb) and 4 in favour.

At 9.38pm the Chairman adjourned the meeting for refreshments.
At 9.42pm Cllr Mrs Morrison and Cllr Rose left the meeting.
 At 9.51pm the Chairman reconvened the meeting.

3.6 New Business

3.6.1 To agree that all Parish Council records are to be held at the Lincolnshire Archives – Following a short discussion it was decided to investigate this further, the Clerk to arrange a visit. This item has been deferred until the next meeting. ACTION: Clerk/Chairman/Cllr Ford

3.6.2 To agree “historical notice boards” are erected at the following locations:- Spring, the War Memorial, Village Hall, Bowling Green, Sports field – It was agreed to progress this item the Clerk to obtain quotations. This item has been deferred until the next meeting. ACTION: Clerk

3.6.3 To record a vote of thanks to Mr Brian Webb for the tremendous effort he made on behalf of local residents who suffered problems with drains, sewerage and flooding. His efforts were a major contribution leading to work to resolve this situation – Cllr Mrs Webb on behalf of her husband also thanked Richard Parker and the Environment Agency for their assistance. It was resolved the Clerk would write a letter of thanks to Mr Webb, this was proposed by Cllr Mrs Honisett, seconded by Cllr Mrs Parker 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 10 th October 2007. The following applications were discussed:

Ref: N39/1101/07 – Proposal: Raise roof height to accommodate loft conversion at 8 Manor Close, Metheringham. Mrs Webb declared an interest. The following objection was made: “Metheringham Parish Council objects to this application on the grounds that it is felt the increase in roof height is inappropriate and unacceptable by reason of the scale and the resultant adverse visual impact on the existing dwelling. It does not reinforce the local identity, which is a bungalow estate, and therefore adversely affects the character and appearance of its surroundings.”
Ref: N39/1142/07 – Proposal: Erection of two-storey side extension at 8 Rossington Close, Metheringham. There were no comments or objections.
Ref: N39/1070/07 – Proposal: Erection of dwelling and detached garage (larger garage to that previously approved) at Plot 2, Tanvats, Metheringham. The following comment was made: “Metheringham Parish Council wish to comment that the proposed garage appears over-large for the site.”

Planning permission has been granted for:

Ref: N39/1012/07 – Extensions to dwelling at 1 Princess Margaret Avenue, Metheringham.
Ref: N39/0986/07 – Demolition of existing bungalow and erection of 4 dormer bungalows with garages, including one new vehicular access (outline application) at 69 Lincoln Road, Metheringham and land to the rear.
Ref: N39/0863/07 – Erection of single storey garage at 15 Lime Tree Avenue, Metheringham.
Ref: N/39/0775/07 – Erection of a chalet bungalow, 1 Field Farm Lane, Metheringham.
Ref: N/39/0898/07 – Erection of two-storey extension, 14 Shiregate, Metheringham.

Tree Work:

Ref: N15/14 – application to carry out works to trees at the Manor House, Metheringham. Tree work granted.
The Affordable Housing Scheme team are to host a Housing Needs Survey on 13 th November 2007 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

3.8.2 To consider planning application: N39/1205/07 – Proposal: conversion of flat roof to pitch with addition of solar panels. Extension to sun room at 22 Middle Street, Metheringham. There were no comments or objections.

The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet next on Wednesday 14 th November 2007 at 7.30pm in the Church Hall.

3.9 Financial matters

3.9.1 To consider accounts for payment

Payment to Amount £
British Legion - Wreaths 75.00
Screwfix – Lock & Chain 13.97
ESPO – MADSPA Gas bill 2.67
ESPO – MADSPA Gas bill 2016.49
Village Caretaker 219.38
Public Toilet Caretaker 192.50
Clerk Salary + Expenses 1193.60
Parish Dog Warden 464.10
Inland Revenue 331.49
G Allbones – Erect flag pole 105.00
G Allbones – Erect No Cycling sign 25.00
G Allbones – Erect sign at Play Park 20.00
Veolia Ltd – Grass Cutting 42.59
Hill Holt Wood 235.00
Solicitors 766.75
Hampshire Flag Co – New flag pole 115.80
Village Hall Hire 52.00
St Wilfrid’s – Hire of Hall 7.00
Wybone – litter bin replacement cheque -[451.63]
H Morrison F & F postage & stationery 21.50
K Finter – Diesel F & F vehicle 10.00
Mrs Creasey – F & F 11.99
County Cups – F & F Jackets & Vests 170.61
Scarf & Goggles buffet 351.35
A Plant – hire of signs 37.37
Kesteven Morris – F & F 160.00
W Johnson – F & F 140.00
T Stubbings – F & F 50.00
Lincoln Hospital Radio - F & F 150.00
Starlite Twirlers - F & F 75.00
The Angels - F & F 75.00
Lindum Accordion Club - F & F 75.00
MAD - F & F 75.00
John Betts – F & F 75.00
The Silver Sound Band – F & F 75.00
Earth Bound Misfits - F & F 200.00
M Credland – F & F Expenses 50.00
H Morrison – F & F Expenses 40.00
Mitier Communications – Radios - F & F 75.00
TOTAL 7796.16

Cllr Dr Allen proposed payment of accounts, Cllr Waddington seconded, with 1 abstention (Cllr Mrs Honisett) and 5 were in favour.

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

PC Income October 2007 Amount £
Interest from Premier Account 320.80
Interest from Deposit Account 5.07
MADSPA towards gas bill 300.00
Fayre & Feast Stall holders 255.00
Travelling showmen rent F & F 350.00
TOTAL 1230.87

3.10 Date and venue of next meeting – Tuesday 27th November 2007 at 7.15pm in the Village Hall.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 10.33pm.

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