PRESENT:	Councillors	Dr M J Allen	Chairman
		Mrs J Honisett	Vice Chairman
		J L Duggins
		P D Ford
		R P Harrison
		Mrs R Parker
		Mrs H H B Routledge
		A M Waddington
		Mrs A. F. Webb
		G V Westall
	Clerk	M Credland
		Mrs P Bradwell	County Council
		J C Rose	District Council
	Police	WPC Nixon
1. APOLOGIES:	Councillors	Mrs R Creasey
		G W Chambers	District Council

Following previous meetings and discussions Mr Nick Jones, artsNK, was invited by the Chairman to discuss before the Meeting the possibility of replacing the Village Cross. Mr Jones presented a brief for the scheme, commencing with Stage 1 to invite a list of local and national artists interested in the project and then selecting four to submit their conceptual designs, each to be paid £500.00. These designs would then be put out to consultation in the village for a final selection to be made. Lottery and Arts Council funding may be available. Matter to be further discussed under Sub-committee Reports. The Chairman thanked Mr Jones for his report and assistance.

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

3. POLICE REPORT:
It was reported that 11 crimes had been reported including thefts of garden ornaments, motor cycle and bicycles and vandalism in Park Crescent.
Anyone interested in setting up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme should contact the police, who encourage such projects.

4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES:
a) Neighbourhood Watch:
Councillor Ford confirmed that an article on Neighbourhood Watch Schemes had been included in the last issue of the MACLA magazine.
b) Street Lighting:
Councillor Westall to pursue matter of a quotation with ABB Limited. ACTION: ScSL
c) Notice Board:
Councillor Mrs Parker reported that Allen Signs are to install the new Notice Board in the near future.
d) Public Conveniences:
Three tenders had been received for providing a Unisex Disabled Toilet facility and after due consideration it was RESOLVED to accept the lowest submitted by Messrs F Steadman and Sons Limited, Horncastle for the sum of £7,792.00 plus VAT. The contractor to be asked to provide a works programme for the project.
e) Floodlighting at the War Memorial:
Councillor Mrs Parker reported that quotations were still awaited for providing new floodlighting. ACTION: ScWMOS
f) Spring:
Councillor Mrs Parker reported that the solicitors were still looking into the question of boundary ownership. ACTTON: ScWMOS
g) Litter Bins:
Following information from North Kesteven District Council the Sub-committee to review the provision of litter bins, particularly along the High Street, for a report at the next Meeting. ACTTON: ScFP
h) Forward Planning Sub-committee:
It was reported that the plans and planning application for the proposed changing rooms and pavilion had been prepared for submission to the District Council. Following discussion on land ownership the Chairman AGREED to discuss the project with Lincolnshire County Council. In view of reservations from Councillors Waddington and Mrs Parker, particularly over the cost of project estimated at £450,000 to £500,000, it was AGREED to discuss the matter again at the next Meeting. The Subcommittee to also arrange a meeting with MACLA. ACTION: ScFP
i) Leylandii Trees in Park Crescent:
It was reported that the matter was still being looked into. ACTION: ScWMOS
j) Police Forum:
It was reported that the matter was still being looked into. ACTION: Councillor Mrs Routledge
k) Correspondence:
i) Councillor Waddington reported that he had attended the consultation meeting on crime and disorder on 25th August 2004 where parish councils considered priority should be given to vandalism and criminal damage, speeding, drunk and disorderly conduct and burglary and theft.
ii) It was reported that the Clerk had answered Mrs Wiseman's letters regarding her request for a dog waste bin to be sited along the footpath leading into Alfred Avenue.
1) Any Other Business:
i) Councillor Waddington reported that the Youth Club had now closed through a lack of interest.
ii) It was reported that the Parish Dog Warden Services have been asked to look into dog fouling along Church Walk. ACTION: ScWMOS
iii) Councillor Rose reported that although staff sickness had recently created problems the village litter bins will, nevertheless, be emptied on a weekly basis.
iv) It was reported that Lincolnshire County Council had been asked to look into providing directional signs to the Village Hall car park

5. OPEN FORUM:
a) Mr D Honisett, Middle Street, raised a question over public access to a recently fenced-off area of land adjacent to the school. The area is included within the Chance to Share Agreement and Mr Honisett felt the public should able to access the land outside school hours. The Chairman AGREED to look into the question. ACTION: Chairman
b) Two residents from Shiregate expressed concern over problems with youths congregating in the Shiregate Play Park, particularly concerning late night rowdism, underage drinking and drug abuse. After due discussion the residents felt the Play Park should be removed and the area returned to an open space. Matter to be considered under Item 9 of the Agenda.

6. SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS:
a) Forward Planning:
The Chairman reported that the Sub-committee were looking into the Chance to Share Agreement and also appointing a Parish Council financial officer. They were also considering the possibility of involving the community at the next Annual Parish Meeting, especially all the village clubs and organisations.
b) Joint Management Committee:
It was reported that the position of Pavilion Cleaner had been advertised.
c) Skate Board Park:
Councillor Harrison gave a report on the cost of providing tarmacadam surfacing, estimated £9,500-10,000 and that an alternative site for the park was being considered, possibly on mounded area in the additional Playing Field. Following further discussion it was AGREED to look at the possibility of utilising this alternative site, which could be landscaped with trees and hedging. ACTION: All Members
d) New Village Cross:
Following discussions with Mr N Jones, artsNK, it was AGREED to consider the question of progressing the project further at the next Meeting.

7. CORRESPONDENCE:
Letter from North Kesteven District Council advising that the cost of emptying dog waste bins is to rise from £50.00 to £60.00 per bin with effect from April 2005.
Letter from North Kesteven District Council in connection with the initiative to appoint additional Police Community Support Officers (PCSO's) and an invitation to attend a workshop in Washingborough Community Centre on Thursday 30th September 2004.
Letter from North Kesteven District Council giving information on a Business Advice Fair to be held in their Council Chamber on Wednesday 29th September 2004.
Letter from Lincolnshire Police advising that their Mobile Police Station will be next sited in Metheringham on Wednesday 3rd November 2004.
Letter from Lincolnshire County Council enclosing a copy of the Traffic Regulation Order for extending the 40mph speed limit along Moor Lane.
Copy of a letter sent by Councillor Rose to British Telecommunications objecting to their proposals to remove a telephone kiosk at Sots Hole. Although the Parish Council had not received any notification of the proposal it was also AGREED to object. ACTION: Clerk

8. 2004 METHERINGHAM FAYRE AND FEAST:
It was reported that arrangements were being finalised for this year's event and that a programme of entertainment and displays had been planned.
The Sub-committee to meet again at 7.00pm on Monday 4th October 2004. ACTION: ScFF

9. SHIREGATE PLAY PARK:
The Chairman gave a report on problems occurring in the Play park over the summer and the decision of the Sub-committee to appoint a security firm to patrol and lock/unlock the entrance gate. Although an expensive excercise it was AGREED to continue with this procedure until the problems are resolved. In the meantime, it was further AGREED to arrange a Sub-committee meeting along with the District Council with a view to relocating the Play Park and to make arrangements for repairing a damaged section offence. ACTION: ScCP and Clerk

10. PLANNING
The following applications were considered;
39/1197/04 Stationing of mobile home The Quarry, Heath Lane for Mr D Johnstone OBJECTION TO APPLICATION
Concern expressed of development in the open countryside, foul and storm water drainage disposal and location being identified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
39/1263/04 Alterations and extensions at Nocton Heath Truck Stop, Sleaford Road for Mr D Mather SUPPORT APPLICATION
39/1313/04 Extension of existing dwelling and part change of use for childminding at 2 Townsend Way for Mrs A Smith OBJECTION TO APPLICATION
Concern expressed over location in residential area, additional traffic generation, lack of parking and noise and disturbance to adjoining properties.

11. ACCOUNTS:
It was PROPOSED by Councillor Duggins SECONDED by Councillor Harrison that the following accounts be passed and paid

August 2004

Parish Dog Warden Services	£ 197.16
Public Conveniences Caretaker's salary	160.50
Village Caretaker Salary	228.50
Clerk's salary	288.03
Inland Revenue Tax and Nl	189.13
Metheringham Village Hall Hire of room	27.38
Metheringham Village Hall 50% Insurance Premium	524.95
ABB Limited New Light column and repairs	782.54
Powergen Public Conveniences	152.39
Serviceteam Limited Playing Fields Maintenance	65.44
Grayfox Swimming Pools Limited Chemicals for pool	591.50

September 2004

Public Conveniences Caretaker's salary	175.00
Village Caretaker Salary	410.28
Clerk's salary and expenses	441.82
Inland Revenue Tax and Nl	244.35
JMC Correspondence 50% Honorarium	75.00
Public Works Loan Board Loan Repayment	103.52
ABB Limited Street Lights maintenance	696.95
Mr J Garrick Landscaping wok in Playing Fields	460.00
Serviceteam Limited Playing Fields Maintenance	65.44
Metheringham Swimming Pool Association Chemicals for pool	371.58
ARMs Personnel Patrolling Shiregate Play Park	522.00
ABB Limited Street Lights repair	26.26
Wilkin Chapman Epton Blades Solicitors fees Play Park	686.75

CARRIED

12. DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCIL REPORTS:
No matters were raised for discussion.

13. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
From a report by Councillor Harrison it was AGREED to inform the Lincolnshire County Council of a faulty zebra crossing light.
Councillor Mrs Webb reported that the Station Road bus stop sign had now been relocated.
From a report by Councillor Mrs Webb arrangements to be made for trimming back the hedge along Station Road. ACTION: ScHF
From a report by Councillor Mrs Webb the Sub-committee to make recommendation for siting a new seat in Lincoln Road. ACTION: ScHF
Councillor Waddington reported that some potholes had been filled on the Railway Station car park, a seat required attention in Princess Margaret Avenue and the Swimming Pool Association are to spend some £2,595.00 on a new filter for the pool.
From reports by Councillor Mrs Routledge the Sub-committee to look at the kerbing around the junction of Drury Street/High Street, overgrown state of Fen Road railway bridge and potential dangerous steel spike on a grass verge in Lincoln Road. ACTION: ScHF

14. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING:
In the Village Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday 26th October 2004.

The Meeting closed at 10.05pm