PRESENT: Councillors B E Creasey Chairman
Mrs R Creasey Vice Chairman
Dr M J Allen
S L Duggins
P D Ford
R P Harrison
Mrs J Honisett
Mrs R Parker
Clerk M Credland
Councillors Mrs P Bradwell County Council, J C Rose District Council

APOLOGIES: Councillors G V Westall, G W Chambers District Council

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

OPEN FORUM:

No matters were raised for discussion.

Pc R Parker reported that minor damage had been caused at the school and someone was being interviewed for indecent exposure. Concern was expressed of youths congregating on Fen Road railway bridge, although no official complaints had been received.

On traffic matters Pc Parker reported that a survev had shown that the majority of motorists adhered to the speed limit along Lincoln Road.

On the question of providing a shelters on the children's playgrounds Pc Parker reported that sites in Lincoln and Gainsborough had been chosen as an experiment and he would therefore keep the Parish Council informed on progress.

Although Councillor Duggins had received complaints of noise and disturbance in the early hours of 27th October 2001 outside the Lincolnshire Poacher he was informed by Pc Parker that the incident had not been reported to the police.

Councillor Rose reported that whilst incidents of misbehaviour on the Shiregate play park had improved of late he had received complaints over a large group of youths gathering there recently, although no damage had been caused.

It was reported that the Lease Agreement had now been signed and that the public conveniences were now the responsibility of the Parish Council. Therefore, it was AGREED for the Sub-committee to consider redecoration and appointing a caretaker. Matter to be discussed at the next Meeting.

Councillor Duggins reported that although he had met Mr G Wright, North Kesteven District Council, over the question of security cameras the installation and running costs would be expensive, unless duinmy cameras were installed to act as a deterrent. Mr Wright also advised that the provision of a shelter may create further problems, particularly with drug abuse. Matter to be left in abeyance for the time being.

Councillor Duggins also reported that the new swing seats had now been received.

Since planning permission had now been granted for extending the car park it was AGREED for the Forward Planning Sub-committee to give further consideration to progressing the scheme.

The Clerk to expedite the delivery of the new litter bin.

Councillor Ford reported that although arrangements had been made for cuffing the boundary hedges the work was still to be carried out, which he was pursuing.

A letter had been received from Metheringham Football Club over problems with dog fouling in the Star and Garter Paddock and as a consequence they had locked the entrance gate in the hope of improving the situation. The Football Club to continue monitoring the problem and a report to be presented at the next Meeting.

It was reported that an application for Lottery Funding was being prepared for renovating the building. The Vice Chairman reported that a window had again been broken and that Lincoln Co-operative Society Limited asked to consider boarding up the windows.

Councillor Mrs Bradwell was pursuing the question of school warning signs with Lincolnshire County Council.

On the question of a relief road for the Fen Road railway bridge it was AGREED that Mr D Walton, County Council, be invited to the next Meeting to give a report on the matter.

Councillor Mrs Bradwell also reported that because of a lack of finance the County Council were only going to carry out minor highway repairs in Metheringham Fen even though the Chairman and Vice Chairman had been informed that major works would be carried out. Letter to be sent to the County Councillor Hedgington imploring major works are carried out, particularly since the Fen Lane has deteriorated over the last twelve months.

Councillor Mrs Bradwell was still pursuing the question of introducing a one-way traffic system in the village with the County Council.

A letter had been received from Mrs K Bulled, Pen Lane, over the possibility of introducing suitable road markings at the new junction at Fen Lane/Paddock Lane. Letter to be sent with support to the Lincolnshire County Council.

The Chairman thanked everyone involved with this years event, which was adjudged to have been an extremely successful and enjoyable day in the village with organisations and businesses benefiting financially.

Letters of thanks and congratulations had been received from Councillors Mrs M H Brighton OBE, G W Chambers and J C Rose, the Reverend David Payne and The Hospitaller Order of Malta Volunteer Trust. After due consideration it was AGREED that the Parish Council organise a similar event next year and that the Sub-committee meet in the near future.
 
Bus Shelter:

Following previous discussion further details had been received regarding the possibility of providing a bus shelter in the village. Since the cost would be in the region of £4000.00, with the Parish Council being responsibility for securing a site, acquiring permissions and future maintenance, it was AGREED not to pursue the matter further.

Councillor Ford reported that since a quorum could not be formed at a recent JMC meeting a general discussion took place. Mr Lowry, school head, had presented plans for refurbishing the changing rooms and a unisex disabled toilet but said the school would not allow him to finance the project, estimated at £25,000.00. The Chairman had spoken to the school head, who informed him that he was still awaiting the County Council to replace the seating in the changing rooms. After further discussion it was AGREED to discuss the Chance to Share Agreement with the Lincolnshire County Council.

The JMC to convene another meeting in the near future.

Letter from Lincolnshire County Council in connection with the Parish Paths Partnership advising that a grant of £50.00 will be forwarded in due course for work completed.

Letter from North Kesteven District Council in connection with a Lottery Surgery for Golden Jubilee funding at Sleaford on Thursday 29th November 2001, which Councillor Duggins agreed to attend.

Letter from North Kesteven District Council giving advice on public fireworks displays and bonfires.

Letter from North Kesteven District Council in connection with the play park on Shiregate. Councillor Rose reported that the Sub-committee considered that some of the larger equipment should be relocated and that he would contact the Chairman regarding next week's District Council planning meeting.

Letter from North Kesteven District Council giving details of a book recently published on their Solstice to Solstice photography and literature project, which is on sale for £4.99.

Letter from North Kesteven District Council with an invitation to attend a meeting in Sleaford at 7.30pm on Wednesday 7th November 2001 to discuss their Best Value Review of Environmental Services, which was declined.

Letter from Chapple and Co enclosing a copy of an application for the transfer of the Off Licence at 18 Hi8h Street to Mr and Mrs C O Mansfield.

Letter from Sleaford and Citizens Advice Bureau seeking financial support. Since the Parish Council's policy is to only support local organisations their request was declined.

Letter from Metheringham Guiding Movement seeking financial support towards the cost of providing a 55 seater coach to transport them to the Imperial College, London on 1st December 2001 to be presented with three national awards organised by the Blakefield Trust in connection with nature and conservation. After due consideration it was UNANIMOUSLY AGREED to donate the sum of £200.00,

Councillor Rose reported that the District Council had agreed to provide a dog waste bin along the public footpath adjacent to Westfield Close on condition the Parish Council would pay the annual emptying costs, which was AGREED.

MACLA:

It was reported that the Forward Planning Sub-committee had held a meeting with MACLA to discuss future plans for the playing fields. Subsequently, MACLA had prepared an outline scheme for providing a new sports hall, changing rooms, tennis courts and new swimming pool. After lengthy discussion it was AGREED to meet the Lincolnshire County Council to discuss the Chance to Share Agreement. Councillor Mrs Bradwell AGREED to arrange for such a meeting.
The question of Lottery applications was then discussed and the role MACLA should take. The Parish Council and Councillor Rose were of the opinion that MACLA were initially formed by North Kesteven District Council for this very purpose and were somewhat disappointed that they were reluctant to take on the responsibility. Councillor Harrison felt that individual groups should make their own such applications. After further discussion it was AGREED that an application pack requested by MACLA for additional playing fields, which was passed on to the Parish Council, should be completed by MACLA.

It was reported that a By Election is to take place on Thursday 1st November 2001 for the two Parish Council vacancies.
Following the decision at the last Meeting for the non-issue of polling cards to the electorate it was reported that through discussions with the District Council the Parish Council may be reimbursed the cost, estimated at £400.00. Consequently, it had been agreed that the District Council issue poll cards, although the Parish Council will still have to pay for the cost of the By Election, estimated at £800.00.

Arrangements for this year's Armistice Service, to be held in the Methodist Chapel at 10.00am on Sunday 11th November, had now been finalised.
Councillor Dr M J Allen, who will be unable to attend, tendered his apologies.

Parish Councillors to give consideration for a suitable speaker at the next Annual Parish Meeting Matter to be discussed at the next Meeting.

The following application was considered;
39/1088/01 Proposed en-suite and garage extension at De Wint Close for Mr and Mrs N Petch
SUPPORT APPLICATION

It was PROPOSED by Councillor Duggins SECONDED by Councillor Ford that the accounts be passed and paid. CARRIED

It was reported by Councillor Mrs Honisett that a street light in Church Walk was on continually. Matter to be reported to ABB Service and Solutions.
Councillor Mrs Parker was still receiving complaints over the poor state of the Railway Station. Because of the demise of Railtrack plc it was now uncertain when or by whom remedial work will be carried out.
Since the allotments were now vacant it was considered that the trees from the County Council could be planted in this area to help screen-off the new housing development on Shiregate. Question of legal restrictions to be looked into.
Councillor Duggins reported that the Playground Sub-committee were now rmaking periodic inspections of the equipment.
Councillor Ford advised that Dr Fearnley was no longer taking on new patients.

The Meeting closed at 9.35pm

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