MINUTES:
The Minutes of the last Meeting were signed by the Chairman as being a true record.

OPEN FORUM:
From a report by the Village Caretaker it was AGREED for the Vice Chairman to notify Powergen over a faulty street light in Roman Close.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES:
Playing Fields:
Councillor Ford reported that quotations were still awaited for providing a ramped footpath link from the Pavilion to the Playing Field.
Village Hall and Car Park:
It was reported that a decision from WREN relating to the grant application for extending the Village Hall was expected by the end of May 2003.
Mrs Munday, in attendance at the Meeting, advised that the Management Committee may have a shortfall of between £5,000-6^000 for the project^ but they were hi negotiation with the contractor. It was anticipated the work will take twelve weeks to complete.
Following previous discussion over the proposed rear entrance door Mrs Munday advised that because of the Disabled Discrimination Act and safety reasons the location would have to be at the side of the extension. However, they were looking to improve the visual appearance.
Annual Parish Meetings
It was AGREED that the Meeting had been reasonably attended and the talk and slide presentation by the Guest Speaker, Mr C Elkington, was interesting and informative.
Zebra Crossing:
A letter had been received from Lincolnshire County Council advising that the cost of providing the proposed zebra crossing over the Bypass was some £10,000.00 more expansive than originally calculated. Consequently, they were seeking a further financial contribution from the Parish Council. After due consideration it was AGREED that the Parish Council were unable, because of their financial commitments, to make any further contribution above the previously agreed sum of £7,900.00.
Anglian Water:
Councillor Mrs Parker declared an interest and took no part in the discussion.
The Chairman presented a report from a meeting he and the Clerk had attended with Water Voice, Anglian Water and the Environment Agency over proposals by Anglian Water to install a Sewerage Discharge Outfall (SDO) hi Station Road which the Parish Council had objected to. Anglian Water intimated that they were unable to carry out any other scheme to alleviate the problem of surface water infiltration creating flooding problems since they could not justify the high costs involved. Consequently, the authority were seeking permission to install the SDO from the owners of the beck, who were also opposed to the scheme.
Dog Warden:
Councillor Mrs Honisett reported that the Reverend Payne had expressed concern over the amount of dog fouling around the church and cemetery,
The Dog Warden sent in a report showing that regular patrols are being made around the village and
warnings issued to offending dog owners. She also recommended the provision of a new sign for the
Playing Field, which was AGREED.
2003 District and Parish Council Elections:
North Kesteven District Council had written to advise that District Councillors G W Chambers and J C
Rose had been returned unopposed and that ten nominations had been received for the eleven seats on the Parish Council. Therefore, the Parish Council were given instructions to co-opt someone for the vacancy, which was AGREED
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
Letter from Lincolnshire County Council advising that they are to carry out works to Metheringham level
crossing on 3rd/4th May and 11th May 2003.
Letter from Lincolnshire County Council in response to the Parish Council's request to refix the signpost
adjacent to the Library and remove an old signpost in Manor Road, which they agreed to carry out. In
respect to resurfacing an area of roadway in Church Walk the County Council advised this was not
included on their records as highway maintainable and therefore the repairs are the responsibility of the frontagers. Permission was also granted for providing a seat in Lincoln Road, subject to the exact position being agreed on site. The speed limit signs along the B1189 are to be provided with yellow backplates once they have been received from their suppliers.
Letter from Lincolnshire County Council advising that they are to carry out improvements to the footway along Dunston Road during April 2003 and, subject to funding, further work undertaken later in the year.
From a report by Councillor Mrs Honisett it was AGREED for Mr J E Allen to trim back the overgrown
hedge along Dunston Road.
Copy of a letter sent by Mr A D Cragg, Lincoln Road, to the Lincolnshire County Council expressing
concern over flooding outside his property.
Letter from Lincolnshire County Council enclosing details and a brochure on their Renewable Energy
Strategy for Lincolnshire.
Letter from Lincolnshire County Council in connection with their Wildlincs project, a scheme to create a
network of new Local Nature Reserves (LNR's) across the County, and seeking any land under Parish or
District Council ownership that may be suitable. After due discussion no such area could be identified in Metheringham.
Letter from Sleaford and District Citizens Advice Bureau advising that they are not able to secure funding from the Community Fund for providing their village outreach facilities, including Metheringham, after September 2003.
 
DISTRICT COUNCIL REPORT:
Councillor Rose had no matters to raise for discussion.
 
SHIREGATE PLAY PARK:
It was reported that the District Council are to replace a chain-link fence they had installed recently,
which had been vandalised, with a galvanised metal security fence and also repair any damaged
playground equipment.
 
2003 METHERINGHAM FAYRE AND FEAST:
The Sub-committee to meet at the Vice Chairman's house at 7.00pm on Tuesday 5th May 2003 to discuss arrangements for this year's event, which is to be held on Saturday 18th October. The theme is to Commemorate the 60th Anniversary of RAF Metheringham, which opened as the base of No. 106
Squadron in October 1943.

PLANNING:
The following applications were considered;

ACCOUNTS:
It was PROPOSED by Councillor Mrs Honisett SECONDED by Councillor Harrison that the accounts be passed and paid. CARRIED
 
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Following previous discussion it was AGREED to request Lincolnshire County Council to relocate a bus stop sign which had recently been installed next to the former Station Master's house in Station Road, which was creating concern to the occupier. It was considered a site adjacent to the end of Park Crescent would be more suitable.
Following a report by Councillor Mrs Routledge it was AGREED for the Sub-committee meet at the Spring to consider repairs to the stone wall.
Councillor Mrs Routledge had now received application forms from English Heritage in respect of renewing the Village Cross, the site being Scheduled as an Ancient Monument.
Councillor Ford reported that the County Council had carried out some repairs to the boundary fencing in the Playing Fields, but the work was not satisfactory. Situation to be monitored.
Councillor Mrs Webb was informed that the new Notice Board was expected in the near future. It was AGREED for Councillor Mrs Honisett to remove outdated notices.
The Vice Chairman paid tribute to the Chairman, Councillor B E Creasey, who was retiring from the Parish Council and twenty-seven years continual service. She thanked him for his hard work and efforts over the years and wished him a long and happy retirement. Members responded by a round of applause. Councillor Creasey returned his thanks, wished the Parish Council well and expressed his gratitude to the two District Councillors, County Councillor and the Clerk, whom he presented with a plaque which had been made for the first Annual Fayre and Feast in October 1988.
 
The Meeting closed at 9.15pm

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