PRESENT: Councillors Dr M J Allen Chairman
Mrs J Honisett Vice Chairman (and Acting Clerk)
Mrs R Creasey
K C Finter
P D Ford
Mrs H Morrison
Mrs R Parker
A M Waddington
Mrs A F Webb
G V Westall
G W Chambers District Council
Clerk Mrs S N Wetherall

1. The Chairman welcomed everyone. A special welcome was extended to Police Constable Pond the new Community Police Officer for Metheringham and to Sharon Wetherall the new Clerk. Copies of the agenda were available for members of the public.

2. OPEN FORUM

2.1 Police report. PC Pond stated there had been 28 crimes reported in December, namely 6 burglaries, 3 assaults, 9 damages, 6 theft, 1 arson, 1 theft from a vehicle, 1 theft of a vehicle and 1 miscellaneous. In January to date there have been 9 reported crimes, namely 3 burglaries, 3 damage, 1 assault, 1 theft and 1 theft from a vehicle. He is responsible for 9 Parish Councils and covers an area from Waddington to Wellingore, and Potterhanworth to Metheringham. A Community Support Officer has been employed and starts her position on 13th February 2006. PC Pond’s aim is to make Metheringham a safe place to live and work. Staff at all the shops and the general public need to give support to the police, and names are needed for the anti-social behaviour team.
Councillor Ford would like to get a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme going, but to date there are only 7 names on the list, it was suggested that the shops should be included and this would be discussed at a Neighbourhood Watch meeting. An article is to be included in the next Metheringham Area Community Leisure Association (MACLA) magazine closing date 8th March 2006. The telephone number to ring to report any crime is Lincoln 01522 882222 or Bracebridge Heath 01522 805718. ACTION: Cllr Ford

2.2 Public Forum

2.2.1 Mrs S Peake commented on the youths playing football on the Co-op car park and thought some people may find them intimidating. It was then suggested by 3 youths if they could use the football pitch, they would be willing to pay for the lighting by way of a meter. Councillor Ford as secretary to the football club will approach them to see if this can be instigated. Other suggestions that could alleviate the problems around the Co-op were a Youth Shelter and a multi use surface with basketball nets. Councillor Morrison would still like to take the Skateboard project further but cannot form a committee, without the assistance of some parents. ACTION: Cllr Ford/MACLA Project Team

2.2.2 Mr Johnson of Dunston Road objected to a new seat being placed on the South side of Kings Road and Dunston Road a previous bench was removed because youths were causing a disturbance late at night. It was therefore decided not to place a seat in this location.

2.3 Reports from representatives on outside bodies

2.3.1 Nothing to report from the County Councillor.

2.3.2 The District Councillor reported that a North Kesteven District Council (NKDC) meeting will be held on Tuesday 7th February 2006 at 7.00pm in the Village Hall, where parishioners are invited to attend to find out where their Council tax is being spent.

2.3.3 To receive reports from other outside bodies – minutes of latest MACLA meeting to hand.

3. COUNCIL MEETING

3.1 Apologies for absence

Councillor J C Rose

3.2 To receive declarations of interest

Councillor Waddington for item 3.6.13 and 3.6.15 and Councillor Finter for item 3.6.12

3.3 Minutes of the meeting held on 3rd January 2006 – after 2 amendments, namely under item 2.1 Councillor Ford (remove) “offered” (insert) “volunteered to be the Co-ordinator for the village’s Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators” and under item 2.2.1 insert “Councillor Ford reported that salt deposited in Hall Yard had been misused and thrown onto cars. There is no salt bin at this location”, the minutes were signed as a true record.

3.4 Matters arising not on the agenda – none.

3.5 Acting Clerks report – following a complaint from Mrs Peake and one at an earlier PC meeting about rubbish around the Co-op shop and the Post Office, a meeting took place with Mr Steve Pickwell, local manager for the Lincoln Royal Mail sorting office and Mr Brian Lamyman, manager at Metheringham Post Office. Mr Pickwell will try to change the type of labels used, and will remind staff not to drop rubber bands, etc when on their rounds. The Area Manager for the Lincoln Co-op had telephoned to apologise for any rubbish, and will give instructions to Tuesday person to suck up rubbish, rather than blow it. With regard to the gravel on the pavement at 43 High Street, Malcolm Greenfield has written to the owner.

3.6 Matters Outstanding

3.6.1 Dog Waste Bins - have now been received and are in the process of being put up. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Honisett
3.6.2 Church/Cemetery Footpath – Councillor Mrs Honisett reported the resurfacing will not take place until next year as there are no funds. Ownership of the east/west footpath south of the church is not known, and NKDC need to be written to about this. ACTION: Clerk
3.6.3 White Lining in Car Park – Councillor Mrs Honisett has received 2 quotes one verbal quote for £350 for up to 60 bays and one written quote of £400 for 40 bays. It was suggested there should be a disabled parking bay at each end of the car park, and the detailed plan of the layout of bays needs to be found. ACTION: Clerk
3.6.4 Parish Dog Warden Services – Meeting to be arranged ACTION: Cllr Mrs Honisett
3.6.5 Grit Bins – This is ongoing. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Webb
3.6.6 Police Meeting – the Chairman will send a letter to the Assistant Chief Constable, as the village would like to hear his views. ACTION: Chairman
3.6.7 Skateboard Park – the mobile equipment will be coming, but Councillor Mrs Morrison needs dates and number of visits. The Star and Garter will be approached for use of their car park. It would be helpful to have a skateboard representative on MACLA. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Morrison
3.6.8 Fayre & Feast – Working group has now met, it was agreed the last fayre and feast day was a success with a small financial loss. It has been suggested that the earlier part of the day be more family orientated and for the older generation. It was agreed there would be an increase in charge for the traveling showmen (fair rides). Also the stalls should have more content possibly crafts etc. Councillor Mrs Parker is to address this at the next meeting in 2 months. It was acknowledged that Mr Michael Credland has done a very good job in keeping the Fayre and Feast going, and hopefully would be willing to co-ordinate it this year. To confirm the Fayre and Feast should take place in 2006 - this was proposed by Councillor Ford and seconded by Councillor Finter, with all in favour. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Parker/Working Group
3.6.9 Fen Lane/Tanvats – a meeting has been arranged with Alan Brown, the new Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) Area Highways Manager, on 3rd February when several matters will be discussed. ACTION: Chairman
3.6.10 Chance to Share and related issues – The Chairman has met with Neville Posnett, who is preparing a variance to the lease. The playing field should have no restrictions on it, so the pavilion can be sited in the best location. As the Chance to Share scheme does not include the swimming pool, the Chairman hopes to ask the PC to take it over in its entirety. It is hoped to have the discussion document ready as soon as possible, and this will be circulated to Councillors. ACTION: Chairman
3.6.11 Village Hall management issues – Committee meeting on 20th February 2006 at 7.30pm in the Church Hall, to discuss a funding strategy. ACTION: Forward Planning Group
3.6.12 Shiregate play park – Councillor Mrs Honisett is still waiting for a reply from EKM ref letter dated 18th January 2006. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Honisett
3.6.13 New pavilion and changing rooms – A meeting has taken place with Clive Wickes a revised plan has been received. The architect needs feedback fairly quickly so detailed drawings can go out for costing. At the MACLA meeting on Tuesday copies were given to the Swimming Pool Association and the Football Club. The Football Club has no problem with the plans, although the lay out is not clear with reference to the playing field. The Chairman would like to know if the Swimming Pool Association think the lay-out of the building is correct. Upon being pressed Councillor Waddington stated Mrs Sisley is writing to John Wood about the plans, and when asked what about, Councillor Waddington would not comment. The Chairman will call a meeting with Clive Wickes if there are any objections to the plans. To achieve funding, there must be a business plan, and the Chairman has set a deadline of the end of February to produce the necessary documentation. Councillor Ford can be e-mailed with comments. If a business plan and agreement on the plans is not forthcoming, this project might as well be abandoned. ACTION: Chairman
3.6.14 Public Conveniences – two quotations have been received for redecorating the toilets one for £572.56 (no VAT) and the other £310 + VAT. Councillor Westall is to request quotations for hand driers and suitable paint. ACTION: Cllr Westall/Mrs Honisett
3.6.15 Swimming Pool Association – the Chairman is still trying to organise a meeting, as all his suggested dates have been turned down. ACTION: Chairman
3.6.16 Village car park gardens – Councillor Mrs Morrison hopes to do this when the weather is warmer. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Morrison/Mrs Parker
3.6.17 Barbed wire on playing field fence – A letter has been received from J F Dawson, solicitor. The barbed wire needs to be removed. This will be resolved by the Football Club.
3.6.18 Remembrance Sunday – this is ongoing. ACTION: Chairman
3.6.19 New noticeboard – Councillor Mrs Parker will contact Allen Signs again, as nobody has been to collect keys from either Councillors Mrs Morrison or Mrs Honisett. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Parker
3.6.20 Gate between Squash Court, Public Conveniences and Village Hall – this is still outstanding. ACTION: Chairman
3.6.21 Additional Seats – A quotation has now been received at an estimated cost of £1,056.00 for each seat plus costs of fitting them, Councillor Honisett is to request quotations from Peter Garrick. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Honisett
3.6.22 Litter Bins – Councillor Mrs Honisett is in the process of finding out from whom permission is needed to erect litter bins on bus stop posts. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Honisett
3.6.23 Village Centre Developments – It was requested Peter Fender attends the next MACLA meeting, he has unfortunately declined this offer as it is in half-term. The Chairman has suggested a children’s/community competition for the design of the Village Cross. The PC would donate a small prize for the winner. An article is to be issued in MACLA. ACTION: Chairman
3.6.24 Questions for South Area Advisory Forum – none suggested.

At this point the meeting was adjourned for tea and coffee.

3.7 New Business

3.7.1 To nominate Councillors Allen and Ford to the Project Management Team - this was proposed by Councillor Mrs Creasey and seconded by Councillor Westall, with 1 abstention and 9 in favour.

3.7.2 To adopt a complaints procedure – Model complaints procedure received from NKDC The Chairman has modified this for PC. A request will be made to the District Council to send future information by e-mail. This was proposed by Councillor Mrs Webb and seconded by Councillor Mrs Creasey with all in favour. ACTION: Clerk

3.7.3 To consider proposal for making the Council more accessible to the public – the Chairman had drawn up a comprehensive list of equipment and suggestions, and it was generally agreed that the money must be spent to make the Clerk’s job easier and up to date. Councillor Mrs Creasey proposed the motion, with Councillor Mrs Morrison seconding, and all in favour. ACTION: Chairman/Clerk

3.8 Correspondence

3.8.1 To note general correspondence – duly noted.

3.8.2 To consider correspondence requiring action by the Council

a) from Lincolnshire Playing Fields Association requesting financial support. Councillor Mrs Creasey, seconded by Councillor Mrs Morrison, proposed that a donation of £75.00 should be sent, and all were in favour. ACTION: Cllr Ford
b) from LCC Highways and Planning plans for a new bus stop at Metheringham Primary School in Princes Street. It was agreed that the PC should object to this application as it will aggravate the problem the PC has already solved. It was also suggested that more information is required. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Honisett
c) from NKDC Planning services asking for an email address to send out notification when an appeal is lodged with their department. It was agreed Councillor Mrs Honisett’s email address be given for the time being. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Honisett
d) from LCC Trading Standards Service with an invitation to a Lincolnshire Doorstep Crime Seminar on Thursday 23rd March 2006 at the De Vere Belton Woods Hotel, Belton near Grantham. Pending: awaiting names of delegates
e) from Brian Baines, Salaam Cottage, Drury Street request for street light to have filter cover fitted as it causes annoyance at night. Councillor Westall will investigate. ACTION: Cllr Westall/Mrs Honisett
f) Letter received from Mr Handley regarding speeding on Lincoln Road. Permanent speed reduction scheme is required. Possibly traffic lights at Dunston Cross Roads. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Honisett
g) INFO-Links have agreed that Planning Proposals will be available for inspection at their office.

3.9 Planning

To note a report from the planning committee
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Ref: N/39/159/05 – Proposal: Erection of single storey extension to 19 Londesborough Way, Metheringham. There were no objections to this application.

A letter has been received from Mr Berrie, giving reasons why planning permission was given for Plot 21, Lincoln Road, Metheringham.

PLANNING APPLICATION DECISIONS

A copy of letter from NKDC to Chris Gothard has been received about the planning application for 42-48 High Street, Metheringham, confirming that “no further action will be taken on your application for planning permission and it will be treated as having been withdrawn.”

The Planning Committee meets next on Wednesday 8th February 2006 at 7.30pm in the Church Hall if any plans are submitted.

3.10 Financial matters

3.10.1 To consider accounts for payment

LALC 100.00
St Wilfrid’s 12.50
NKDC 43.06
Wybone 712.47
MVHMC 42.38
Bonnets Ltd 97.06
Parish Dog Warden Services 265.42
Service Team 33.78
Village Caretaker 171.60
Acting Clerk’s Expenses 36.27
Public Toilet Cleaner 159.50
Inland Revenue 48.40
Pavillion Cleaner 87.75
RFO Expenses 18.35
Powergen 905.42
Lincoln Flat Roofing 1,586.25
Darwood Builders 35.25
Powergen 17.68

It was agreed to hold payment to Lincoln Flat Roofing until written confirmation has been received from the Swimming Pool Association that the work is satisfactory.

Councillor Mrs Morrison proposed and Councillor Mrs Parker seconded the accounts be paid, except for the one specified, and all were in favour. ACTION: Cllr Waddington

3.11 Any Other Business

3.11.1 Councillor Ford suggested a quotation be received for the purchase of land at Tan Vats. ACTION: Chairman
3.11.2 Complaints have been made by parents in relation to the state of the School car park it has large pot holes. Councillor Westall is looking into this. ACTION: Cllr Westall
3.11.3 A message had been posted on the website asking why couldn’t the stumps of trees taken down in Park Crescent have been made into seats.
3.11.4 Councillor Ford has produced a list of PC assets these need to be checked and updated for the next audit. ACTION: Councillors
3.11.5 Councillor Mrs Morrison reported a manhole cover near the Star and Garter has caused a lady to fall. However LCC Highways state it is within limits, this is to be mentioned at the Highways meeting. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Honisett
3.11.6 Mrs Ann De-Vries, churchwarden, was given permission to write asking for the reinstatement of the £250 formerly given by the PC to the Parochial Church Council towards maintenance of the cemetery. ACTION: Cllr Mrs Honisett
3.11.7 It has been reported that galloping horses are causing a problem with dog owners in the vicinity of the glebe fields, but it could possibly be the other way round. Councillor Mrs Parker declared an interest in this matter.
3.11.8 Councillor Waddington reported a private sewage pipe had collapsed on Viking Way. Seven properties have been affected, but the situation is being resolved.
3.11.9 Councillor Mrs Creasey reported the widening of the footpath on Dunston bridge could cause accidents. This will be discussed with Alan Brown. ACTION: Chairman/Cllr Mrs Honisett
3.11.10 Councillor Westall reported a letter had been received regarding funding for new lights. LCC street lighting – S Hall ABB Ltd. ACTION: Cllr Westall
3.11.11 Councillor Mrs Honisett drew attention to a vehicle parked on the footway outside the new house in Drury Street. It was suggested Councillor Rose be contacted about the reinstatement of the stone wall alongside the footpath on the north side of this property. ACTION: Clerk

3.12 Date and venue of next meeting – Tuesday 28th February 2006 in the Village Hall.

The meeting closed at 10.45pm