MINUTES:
From Any Other Business it was AGREED that Councillor Mrs Honisett advised that there were two faulty street lights along the Bypass. With this amendment the Chairman signed the Minutes of the last Meeting as being a true record.

OPEN FORUM:
No matters were raised for discussion.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES:
Medical Services:
The Chairman introduced and welcomed Mrs E Butterworth, Mrs L Goodman and Mrs D Smith from the West Lincolnshire NHS Primary Care Trust, who had been invited to the Meeting to discuss the provision of medical services in Metheringham. The Parish Council were informed that another surgery will be opened in the Clinic on 1st October 2002 under Dr P Mitchell and two full time practitioners. The facility will provide full medical care and will be open on five mornings and three afternoons per week. From her question Councillor Mrs Honisett was informed that patients within a three to four mile radius of Metheringham may be eligible to transfer to the surgery.

At this juncture the Meeting was interrupted by numerous questions from parishioners, who were in attendance and apparently under the impression the Meeting was open to the public through posters displayed around the village. The Chairman respectfully informed them that it was not a Public Meeting and that they were unable to participate. He also advised them such questions could have been raised in the Open Forum item on the Agenda. Following further discussion it was AGREED that the representatives from the Primary Care Trust would answer their questions outside the Meeting. It was established that Mrs Compton, High Street, had been responsible for displaying the notices and therefore AGREED to write and inform her of the embarrassment caused to the Parish Council.

Anglian Water:
Councillor Mrs Parker declared an interest and took no active part in the discussion. Following previous discussions a letter had been received from Anglian Water enclosing a list of similar schemes to the one proposed at Metheringham and confirming that the Parish Council would be welcome to visit some of the sites. Therefore, it was AGREED that site visits be arranged for schemes at Potterhanworth and Waddington and that the Chairman and Councillors Dr Allen, Mrs Honisett, Mrs Parker, Mrs Routledge and Mrs Webb attend.
It is understood that Anglian Water are looking into land ownership, particularly along the beck, but may have statutory powers to carry out the works even if riparian landowners object.

Children's Playground:
Councillor Duggins reported that he is still pursuing the question of installing the new swings in the Playground along with the provision of a safety surface.

Village Hall and Car Park:
The Chairman reported that the Village Hall Secretary, Mr B Crombie, wished to change the dates of future Parish Council Meetings to the third Wednesday of each month to accommodate a potential block booking request. After due consideration it was AGREED to retain the existing last Tuesday in each month for Parish Council Meetings but delay the commencement until 7.30pm for a trial period of three months.
It was reported that the building contractor was progressing with repairs to the stone walls.
Councillor Duggins reported that planning approval had now been granted by the District Council for the proposed extension. Following discussion it was AGREED for Councillor Duggins to negotiate with the project architects for improving the design of the entrance doors.
The Chairman reported that a large amount of rubbish had accumulated adjacent to the western boundary of the car park, which would cause problems in providing the new fence. It was AGREED for the contractors to remove the material at cost.
It was AGREED to look into the question of whether a right of way exists between the Village Hall and High Street.

Skate Board Park:
A report from Councillor Harrison was presented in his absence confirming that the project was being progressed and that a committee and constitution had been formulated. Although finance was also being look into Councillor Ford considered that part of the monies given under a Section 106 Agreement with North Kesteven District Council by Chanceoption Homes Limited should be allocated to the scheme. The question to be considered as the project proceeds. It was AGREED that the Sub-committee look into finding a suitable location for the apparatus.

Free Trees:
Following previous discussion it was AGREED to make arrangements for the Lincolnshire County Council to deliver the 25 free trees for planting in the parish with Councillor Mrs Parker.

CORRESPONDENCE:
Letter from North Kesteven District Council enclosing details of the new postal addresses for Townsend Way.
Letter from North Kesteven District Council seeking local maps of special interest to create a historical journey through the district for a display at Whisby Natural World.
Letter from North Kesteven District Council with an invitation to attend a presentation on grants at their offices in Sleaford at 7.00pm on Wednesday 9th October 2002, which the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Councillor Mrs Routledge AGREED to attend.
Copy of letter for information sent by North Kesteven District Council to the Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils in connection with the Model Code of Conduct.
Letter from Lincolnshire County Council acknowledging the Parish Council's letter in connection with the proposed zebra crossing and weight limit on Fen Lane.
Letter from Lincolnshire County Council enclosing a copy of their Interpretation Strategy for the Lincolnshire Wolds.
Copy of a letter for information sent by Mr E F Clee, Field Farm House, to the Lincolnshire Police in connection with incidents of nuisance on Shiregate.
Letter from the Information Commissioner in connection with the Freedom of Information Act 2000, which was passed to Councillor Dr Allen for perusal for discussing at the next Meeting.
Letter and enclosures from Commission for Racial Equality, which is to be discussed at the next Meeting.
Letter and enclosures from Bullens Consultants in connection with the Witham Flood Relief scheme. The Chairman to attend a meeting in connection with the proposals on Thursday 26th September 2002.
Letter from Lincolnshire Police enclosing a list of dates for the next Local Policing Forums. The next for North Kesteven is to be held at Bracebridge Heath Village Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday 29th October 2002.

DISTRICT COUNCIL REPORT:
No matters were raised for discussion.

2002 FAYRE AND FEAST:
It was reported that arrangements were now being finalised for this year's event, which is to be opened at 2.30pm near the Village Cross by the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mrs Bridget Cracroft-Eley. Some 70 market stalls are to be placed along the High Street and Village Hall and a programme of entertainment has been planned for the day. A VIP reception will be held in the Scout Group Headquarters for the invited guests, including Parish Councillors and their spouses.

ARMISTICE SERVICE:
This year's service is to be held in St Wilfrid's church at 10.00am on Sunday 10th November and a wreath laying ceremony at the War Memorial at 11.00am. It was AGREED to purchase wreaths for the War Memorial and two Great War soldiers at rest in the cemetery. The Village Caretaker to organise the floodlighting at the War Memorial and Union flag to be displayed on the day.

2003 ANNUAL PARISH MEETING:
Consideration to be given at the next Meeting for inviting a Guest Speaker to attend the Annual Parish Meeting, which is to be held in April 2003.

METHERINGHAM YOUTH CLUB:
It was reported that the newly formed Youth Club had recently received a grant and were hoping to be able to open once a week in the Church Hall in the near future, once the necessary clearance checks for youth leaders had been carried out. It was AGREED for an update to be presented in three months time.

PLANNING:

The following applications were considered;

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

ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
From a report by Councillor Mrs Honisett a letter to be sent to Metheringham Swimming Association saying that the Parish Council are responsible for the future maintenance at the swimming pool and that the facility will be available to the school and general public for at least the next five years. From a report by Councillor Mrs Honisett it was AGREED to inform North Kesteven District Council that the standard of grass cutting in the closed churchyard was poor.
From a report by Councillor Mrs Routledge it was AGREED for the Vice Chairman to investigate a faulty street light in Church Walk.
Councillor Mrs Routledge expressed concern over an apparent increase in the speed of traffic along Drury Street. County Council to be asked to improve the signage.
From a request by Councillor Mrs Parker it was AGREED to present plans for the new Notice Board at the next Meeting.
Councillor Mrs Webb reported that the dog waste bin on Westfield Close had not been emptied. North Kesteven District Council to be informed accordingly.
From a request by Councillor Mrs Webb it was AGREED to present seat catalogues at the next Meeting for consideration.
A police report was presented outlining recent incidents of crime in the village, which included wilful damage to the seats in the cemetery, burglaries in Fen Lane, Lincoln Road and Tennyson Close and damage at the public conveniences.
The Vice Chairman reported that the hedge along Fen Lane is to be cut back by the County Council.
The Vice Chairman expressed thanks to Mr J Allen for opening and cleaning the public conveniences while Mr Saunders was on leave.

The Meeting closed at 8.40pm