MINUTES:
Councillor Chambers advised that where Members declare an interest it should be recorded as being either personal or prejudicial, which was accepted. The Chairman then signed the Minutes of the last Meeting as being a true record.

OPEN FORUM:
Mr Garner, Cavalry Court, expressed concern over the proposed fencing around the Shiregate Play Park, which he considered would be ineffective against vandals. The Chairman explained that the District Council had agreed to construct the new fence prior to passing over responsibility of the Play Park to the Parish Council. Once the land had been transferred it was hoped to form a residents group to oversee the site.
Mr G M Hewitt, The Grange, expressed his concern over dog fouling and litter in Fen Lane, damage to grass verges caused by large vehicles turning into Fen Lane and a spate of vandalism around his property. Mr Hewitt was informed that a Parish Dog Warden had now been appointed and that they would be instructed to patrol Fen Lane. Eros Laboratories would be asked to advise their employees not to deposit litter. Councillor Mrs Bradwell AGREED to ask the County Council to consider installing kerbstones to protect the grass verges in Fen Lane. On the question of vandalism Councillor Mrs Bradwell advised that Special Constables had now been appointed for Sleaford and Ruskington and are to be trained in the near future. The Police Inspector at Sleaford to be asked if they could provide cover in Metheringham.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES:
Children's Playground:
Councillor Duggins reported that arrangements had now been made for installing the additional swings in the Playground.
Playing Fields:
A letter of complaint had been received from the Primary School Head over how the Pavilion had apparently been left in a deplorable state following a recent football match and damage to toilet seats. Councillor Ford reported that although difficulties had occurred through not having a Pavilion caretaker since July 2002 the Football Club had endeavoured to clean the building after matches. He also considered that evening art classes did not tidy up properly and that large quantities of litter, perhaps discarded by school children, was constantly being removed from the Playing Field by the Football Club. After further discussion it was AGREED that the JMC discuss the matters at their next meeting.
Village Hall and Car Park:
Letters had been received from the Village Hall Management Committee thanking the Parish Council for supporting them in their grant application to WREN for the proposed extension and inviting Members to attend the official opening of the newly refurbished kitchens at 9.30am on Saturday 15th February 2003. Councillor Mrs Honisett, on questioning the ownership of the Village Hall and why the kitchens had to be refurbished, was informed that the Parish Council are the Trustees and the work in the kitchens was necessary to meet the Disabled Discrimination Act.
The Village Hall Management Committee confirmed that discussions were taking place with the architects to improve the visual appearance of the entrance doors to the proposed extension, an issue previously raised by the Parish Council.
The Chairman presented a budget cost received from RMC Surfacing Limited for surfacing the car park for the sum of £7198.80 plus VAT. After due consideration it was AGREED not to carry out the work until after the Village Hall extension had been completed, when a minimum of three quotations will be invited.
Area Advisory Forum:
Following previous discussions it was AGREED for the Vice Chairman and Councillor Duggins to attend the meeting in the District Council offices at 7.30pm on Monday 10th March 2003. No questions were put forward for inclusion on the agenda.
Dog Warden:
It was confirmed that an appointment has been made for the  Parish Dog Warden for 5 hours a week and would be commencing their duties on Monday 3rd February 2003.
Access Forum:
Councillor Mrs Honisett expressed disappointment that the planned Access Forum on 3rd January 2003 had been over subscribed and had consequently an alternative date in Louth had been offered, which she was unable to attend.
Rubbish Bins:
Following previous discussions it was AGREED for Councillor Duggins to pursue the problem of siting the Village Caretaker's rubbish bins.
 
CORRESPONDENCE:
Letter from Lincolnshire Council enclosing a copy of a notice to implement a 7.5 tonnes weight restriction on Fen Road railway bridge. Following discussion, where concern was expressed over such a restriction and the likely difficulties of heavy vehicles travelling in and out of Metheringham Fen, it was AGREED for Councillor Mrs Bradwell to pursue the question of providing a relief road between Fen Road and Moor Lane with the County Council.
Letter from Lincolnshire County Council enclosing a Temporary Road Closure on Station Road between 2200 hours on Monday 3rd February to 0600 hours on Tuesday 4th February 2003 to carry out an inspection of the level crossing.
Letter from North Kesteven District Council enclosing information on their Community Service Award 2002/2003.
Letter from North Kesteven District Council enclosing a copy of a draft Cultural Strategy for North Kesteven.
Letter from Mr C A Cartwright, Dunston, expressing concern over the apparent poor state of the highway and footways along Dunston Road. Lincolnshire County Council to be requested to include a scheme within their capital expenditure programme.
Letter from Sleaford Citizens Advice Bureau thanking the Parish Council for the recent donation towards their funds.
Letter from Metheringham Swimming Pool Association advising of their Annual General Meeting to be held in the Star and Garter at 8.00pm on Tuesday 11th February 2003.
Letter from Frearsons Solicitors, Skegness, seeking whether the Parish Council had made any decision regarding support to include land between Sleaford Road and Dunston Road under the ownership of Messrs P and D Creasey into the village curtilage of the proposed North Kesteven Local Plan. The Vice Chairman and Councillor Chambers declared personal interest and vacated the room whilst the matter was discussed. After due consideration it was AGREED to leave the question in abeyance until the Second Draft of the Local Plan has been put out to consultation.
Letter from the Environment Agency enclosing details of an Awareness Exhibition and Launch of the Lincolnshire Flood Action Partnership at the Embassy Centre, Skegness on Sunday 9th February 2003.

DISTRICT COUNCIL REPORT:
Councillor Chambers had no matters to raise.
Councillor Mrs Bradwell reported that following a complaint by Councillor Rose repairs had been carried out by the County Council at the Caroline Road/Station Road junction. From a request by Councillor Ford it was AGREED for Councillor Mrs Bradwell to ask the County Council to expedite repairs at the Paddock Road/Fen Road junction.
SHIREGATE PLAY PARK:
It was reported that Wilkin, Chapman, Epton and Blades Solicitors had agreed to act on behalf of the Parish Council in the transfer of the Shiregate Play Park from North Kesteven District Council.
2002-2003 PRECEPT:
The Clerk presented a detailed financial report and projected expenditure to 31st March 2004 and after due consideration it was RESOLVED by 6 votes to 4 (1 abstention) to increase the next precept by 5%.
PLANNING:
The following application was considered:

ACCOUNTS:
It was PROPOSED by Councillor Duggins SECONDED by Councillor Mrs Parker that the accounts be passed and paid. CARRIED
 
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
From a report by Councillor Ford over advertising signs being displayed at the Fen Lane junction Councillor Chambers advised that the District Council were already looking into the matter. From a report by Councillor Duggins the District Council to also look into roadside sales from a private dwelling in Lincoln Road.
From a report by Councillor Mrs Webb it was AGREED to request the County Council to remove an abandoned signpost at Manor Road/Drury Street junction.
From a report by Councillor Mrs Parker it was AGREED for the Vice Chairman to make arrangements for a faulty street light to be repaired in Manor Road.
Councillor Mrs Parker reported that obnoxious smells were apparently emanating from Eros Laboratories in Fen Lane. Such incidents to be reported to North Kesteven District Council when they occur. From a report by Councillor Mrs Honisett over a collapsed wall in the Closed Churchyard it was confirmed that the District Council are responsible for carrying out repairs and maintenance. The Clerk had already liaised with the District Council and Reverend David Payne over the matter.


The Meeting closed at 9.45pm