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

OPEN FORUM:
From a request by Mr D Honisett, Village Caretaker, consideration to be given to providing a secure store for the road sweeping equipment.
Further to previous discussion it was AGREED for Councillor Duggins to liaise with the Star and Garter public house, Village Hall Management Committee and Mr Honisett over the storage of the Parish Council's waste bin.

POLICE MATTERS:
PC Parker presented a report relating to recent incidents of reported crime in the village. Thefts had occurred at the former flax factory in Heath Lane, a property in Lincoln Road and a mobile phone was stolen from the White Hart public house. An attempted burglary had taken place in Drury Street and an arrest made outside the Lincoln Co-op under a public order offence.
 
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES:

Anglian Water:
Following site visits by the Sub-committee on 15th November 2002 to view Combined Sewer Outflows (CSO's) at Potterhanworth and Waddington concern was expressed that untreated sewerage was being discharged into adjacent water courses. Consequently, a letter had been sent to Anglian Water expressing these concerns and again requesting that the foul water drainage along Station Road be upgraded rather than installing a C SO on Station Road.

Children's Playground:
The Chairman and Councillor Duggins to liaise over the installation of the new swings.

Playing Fields:
No matters were raised for discussion.

Village Hall and Car Park:
It was reported that the repairs to the stone wall and installation of new fencing should be completed in the near future.
It was AGREED for the Chairman to invite quotations for surfacing the car park for discussion at the next Meeting.

Freedom of Information Act 2000:
It was RESOLVED to adopt the Model Scheme in connection with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 for implementation in February 2003.

Racial Equality:
Matter to be left in abeyance until further information is received.

Notice Board and Seats:
It was reported that a new Notice Board had been ordered from Messrs Broxap Limited.
From a report by the Sub-committee it was AGREED to order 2 new seats for the Children's Playground and one for Lincoln Road at a total cost of £1,179.00 plus VAT and carriage. Councillor Mrs Webb to look into finding a suitable site for the seat in Lincoln Road.

Armistice Service:
It was reported that this year's Armistice Service had been very well attended and arrangements went according to plan. Special thanks were extended to Councillor Mrs Honisett and Mrs E Collins, who had conducted the Services at St Wilfrid's church and the War Memorial at short notice because the Reverend David Payne had taken ill.
It was AGREED to carry out repairs to the faulty power supply at the War Memorial.

Area Advisory Forum:
It was AGREED to discuss the matter at the next Meeting.

CORRESPONDENCE:
Letter from North Kesteven District Council enclosing an application to remove four trees to the rear of High Street for Mr J R Barker, to which there were no objections.
Letter from North Kesteven District Council enclosing an application to fell a diseased ash tree at Field Farm Lane for Mr and Mrs G Corlett, to which there were no objections.
Letter from North Kesteven District Council enclosing information on The Local Authorities (Alcohol Consumption in Designated Public Places) Regulations 2001.
Letter from Councillor J C Rose thanking the Parish Council for their hospitality at this year's Fayre and Feast.
Letter from The Orders of St John Care Trust thanking the Parish Council for inviting them to participate in this year's Fayre and Feast and raise much needed funds.
Letter from Butler Construction Limited seeking permission to re-site a street light column adjacent to the Lincoln Co-op store, which is being altered. It was AGREED for the pole to be re-located at the full expense of the contractor.
Letter from Mr J Sayers, Pullman Close, requesting on behalf of several residents for an additional street light to be installed in Pullman Close. It was AGREED for the Street Lighting Sub-committee to look into the request.
Letter from Sleaford and District Citizens Advice Bureau seeking financial support for their Advice Centre in Sleaford and Outreach Sessions provided at Metheringham, Ruskington, Heckington and Washingborough. After due consideration it was AGREED to donate the sum of £50.00.
Letter from the Lincolnshire Playing Fields Association advising that their Annual General Meeting is to be held in Ewerby Village Hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday 27th November 2002.

DISTRICT COUNCIL REPORT:
Councillor Chambers presented a model copy of Parish Council Standing Orders for reference.
Councillor Mrs Bradwell reported that although the Moor Lane level crossing was in Blankney parish she will, nevertheless, pursue the question of carrying out urgent repairs.
From a question raised by Councillor Duggins over reducing the speed limit adjacent to the school Councillor Mrs Bradwell advised that such a request should be put in writing by the school and sent to the Lincolnshire County Council.

MACLA:
The Chairman reported that he had attended a meeting with MACLA on Wednesday evening 6th November 2002 to learn of their proposals to construct a multi-functional sports hall on the Playing Field, owned by the Parish Council and under the Chance to Share Agreement, at an estimated cost of £1 million. MACLA, who are to explore the possibility of grant aid, were seeking permission from the Parish Council to proceed with the project. After due consideration it was AGREED to arrange a meeting between the Forward Planning Sub-committee and the Lincolnshire County Council, school head and Councillors Mrs Bradwell and Chambers.

SHIREGATE PLAY PARK:
Councillor Chambers advised that although North Kesteven District Council had decided to remove the equipment in Children's Play Park they had agreed to defer the final decision until after Parish Council, who wished the Play Park to remain, had been given opportunity to consider taking over responsibility themselves. After further discussion it was AGREED for the Chairman and Vice Chairman to attend a meeting with North Kesteven District Council in Sleaford at 2.00pm on Tuesday 3rd December 2002 to consider the matter further.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING:
The Chairman reported that Mr Chris Elkington, Witham First District Internal Drainage Board, had accepted an invitation to attend the next Annual Parish Meeting as Guest Speaker, which is to be held in the Village Hall in early April 2003. Arrangements to be made and confirmed.

SNOW CLEARING:
It was AGREED to contact the Metheringham Army Cadet Force with a view to providing a snow clearing corps as in previous years in the event of heavy snowfalls.

DOG WARDEN:
The Clerk reported that the Dog Warden for Canwick, Branston, Heighington and Washingborough had expressed interest in carrying out similar duties in Metheringham. After due consideration it was AGREED for the Chairman and Clerk to arrange a meeting with the Dog Warden to discuss the matter further.

Having received and considered the First Deposit Draft it was generally agreed that the proposals for Metheringham were acceptable, although it was felt that new housing developments should include a percentage of affordable homes. It was also noted that Sites of Nature Conservation Interest and Metheringham Delph Nature Reserve had not been included in the Draft.

ACCOUNTS:
It was PROPOSED by Councillor Duggins, SECONDED by Councillor Mrs Honisett that the following accounts be passed and paid. CARRIED.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Councillor Harrison reported that two sites had now been identified as possible locations for a skate board park and that he will be attending the next members meeting in the New Year.
From a report by Councillor Mrs Webb regarding the hedge along Station Road it was AGREED for the Vice Chairman to discuss the matter with the County Council.
From a report by Councillor Mrs Honisett it was AGREED to seek advice from North Kesteven District Council over legislation concerning the cleaning of footpaths outside commercial premises.
From her question Councillor Mrs Honisett was advised that information was still awaited in connection with the Disabled Discrimination Act 2000 and consequently it was not possible to estimate the amount of finance which may be required for implementing the legislation.
Councillor Mrs Honisett reported that St Wilfrid's Parochial Church Council had now received their quinquennial inspection report and that £3000.00 may have to be spent on repairing the stone boundary walls to the Close Churchyard. She was advised that North Kesteven District Council were now responsible for such repairs.
The Vice Chairman reported that problems had occurred to the street light in Church Walk and that another light was now functioning in Lincoln Road.

The next Meeting is to be held in the Village Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday 7th January 2003.