PRESENT:
Councillors Mrs. J. Honisett Vice Chairman (and Acting Clerk)
Mrs. R. Creasey
J.L. Duggins
P.D. Ford
Mrs. H. Morrison
Mrs. R. Parker
A.M. Waddington
Mrs. A.F. Webb
Mrs. P. Bradwell County Council
G.W. Chambers District Council

1. Welcome by the Vice Chairman. Copies of the agenda were available for members of the public.

2. OPEN FORUM

2.1 Police report. In the absence of any Police Officers Councillor Mrs. Morrison reported there had been ten incidents since the end of August. These included the theft of a farm trailer, a smashed window, washing line cut, two thefts from cars, harassment in Alexander Close and four incidents on 9th September (possibly all connected) which were a fence broken at the Old Post Office, down-pipe broken at Co-op, burglary on Caroline Road, and an assault. A juvenile has been arrested. Councillor Mrs. Morrison pointed out that the village is still without a policeman, and the possibility of obtaining one is still ongoing.

2.2 Public Forum. Mrs. Dot Howes was very concerned about the two recent accidents involving school buses. Luckily no serious injuries had been sustained, but Mrs. Howes asked the Parish Council (PC) to write to Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) and to HM Government regarding the use of seat belts on buses, and also that First Aid kits carried on buses are fully stocked and checked regularly. Many Metheringham children travel on these double-decker buses. Councillor Mrs. Bradwell had been contacted by many parents on these subjects and agreed that a letter be sent to Dr. Cheryl Berry at LCC about the first aid kits and seat belts. Councillor Mrs. Bradwell is attending many meetings regarding these matters.

3. COUNCIL MEETING

3.1 Apologies for absence
Councillor Dr. M.J. Allen
Councillor G.V. Westall

3.2 To receive declarations of interest – none

3.3 Minutes of the meeting held on 30th August 2005
The Vice Chairman signed the minutes as being a correct record.

3.4 Matters arising not on the agenda – none

3.5 Matters outstanding
3.5.1 Police meeting – this is still to be arranged. It was agreed a letter be written to the Chief Constable regarding the lack of a village policeman. ACTION Cllr Mrs Honisett
3.5.2 Skateboard park – Councillor Mrs. Morrison reported on a good day on 2nd September despite a few injuries. £17 was raised, and Adam is preparing a poster, asking for support from adult volunteers.
3.5.3 Fayre and Feast – Councillor Mrs. Parker has sent out official invitations. At present there have been 37 applications for stalls, and £1,400 received. Letters are to be sent out to households on the High Street regarding decorating their premises for the day. Allan Burgin, former Warrant Officer Royal Navy, Sub-Mariner and Falklands Veteran had agreed to open the Fayre and Feast. The Football Club is organising volunteers for putting up and taking down stalls. There is another meeting on 28th September to finalise matters.
3.5.4 Fen Lane/Tanvats – ongoing
3.5.5 Chance to Share and related issues – Hyder Business Services (HBS) has acknowledged the PC claim that Land Registers are not correct, and are seeking clarification from their legal department.
3.5.6 Outside light on pavilion – Councillor Duggins reported it is on the way.
3.5.7 Village Hall management issues – waiting to have meeting.
3.5.8 Shiregate Play Park – diaries being distributed this week to households backing onto the play park.
3.5.9 New pavilion and changing rooms – meeting with architect in October.
3.5.10 Public conveniences – applicant had been interviewed and accepted the position, but has now backed out due to a back injury. Mr. Allen to carry on for the time being. Another person has shown interest and will be contacted but if not the position will be advertised again. Councillor Mrs. Bradwell is asking LCC to write to Brylaine (bus company) with reference to the use of the toilets.
3.5.11 Swimming Pool Association – Councillor Duggins is still waiting for a quotation from the school builders. It was agreed the Chairman is to contact the person who has already been approached to carry out the repairs. ACTION Chairman
3.5.12 Trees in Park Crescent – Councillor Mrs. Honisett had contacted North Kesteven District Council (NKDC) and was informed the 7 trees need to be removed for safety reasons, as NKDC owns the piece of land. Councillor Mrs. Parker offered to show NKDC what had been done successfully to her trees.
3.5.13 Village car park gardens – matter still ongoing. Weeds need to be removed, and mulch put down.
3.5.14 Overhead barrier – contractor has everything ready for this but is still waiting for an item for the play park. He will combine both jobs when item has arrived.
3.5.15 Highway lighting – Councillor Mrs. Bradwell reported LCC is increasing the budget for lighting, and hopefully over three years the situation on Lincoln Road will be improved. Councillor Duggins queried the connection between the speed limit and suitable lighting. Councillor Mrs. Creasey pointed out there are no lights on Fen Bridge.
3.5.16 Barbed wire on playing field fence – a letter had been sent to Mr. Renfrew regarding the removal of the wire, but no action or reply has been received. Councillor Ford now has a key to the gate for access.
3.5.17 Remembrance Sunday – Councillor Duggins has ordered the wreaths, and will check with Deacon Mary Neal regarding the service. The Youth Club will be involved in reading the Roll of Honour, and attending the short service at the cemetery. The police have been written to about closing the road for the two minutes silence, and Councillor Westall has contacted the bugler.
3.5.18 No cycling signs on footpath by church – these signs are out of date.
3.5.19 New notice-board – Councillor Mrs. Parker is to contact Allen Signs to look at problem. A letter had been received from Mr. Jack Wakefield congratulating the PC on the new notice-board, and the layout of posters, etc.
3.5.20 Post Office litter – Councillor Mrs. Morrison has contacted Mr. Brian Lamyman at Metheringham Post Office regarding the problem of rubber bands and other litter. He has received many complaints from the public and is taking up the matter with the Lincoln depot.

3.6 Reports from representatives on outside bodies
3.6.1 To receive a report from the County Councillor – Councillor Mrs. Bradwell reported that Bulk Waste collecting at the Metheringham depot on the first Saturday of each month will cease at the end of the year, because of Health and Safety issues. The PC had received a letter to this effect. It was suggested a notice be put up in the notice-board. ACTION Cllr Mrs Honisett
3.6.2 To receive a report from the District Councillor – Councillor Chambers supplied two sets of MACLA minutes. Two units on the Industrial Site are up for sale.
3.6.3 To receive reports from representatives on other outside bodies – on behalf of the Village Hall Management Committee, Councillor Mrs. Morrison mentioned payment by the PC of insurance, and asked if a gate could be erected between the Squash court, the Public Conveniences and the Village Hall to keep out the youngsters. This needs to be discussed further.

3.7 New business:
To consider accepting the Standing Orders as presented to members of the PC at the last meeting for their comments. Councillor Mrs. Morrison proposed the Standing Orders be accepted as written, and Councillor Mrs. Parker seconded the motion. All members were in favour. When the Chairman returns he will be working on the Financial Regulations.

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 LCC explaining the ending of Saturday supplementary household waste collection service. It was agreed to send a letter stating this facility is constantly in use and if stopped fears were stated that more fly tipping would be created. ACTION Cllr Mrs Honisett
b) from the Planning Inspectorate with details regarding the appeal by Chanceoption Developments Ltd. No development will be allowed until the foul water upgrading has been completed. Councillor Chambers asked that thanks be expressed to Mr. Brian Webb for his persistence over the last three years regarding the problems with sewage, for bringing the urgency of the matter to the attention of the various agencies involved, and for arranging meetings.
c) from SMP Playgrounds with invitation to a seminar at Wansford on 6th October 2005. No councillor was available to attend.
d) from North Kesteven Council for Voluntary Service Ltd with invitation to their AGM on 13th October 2005 at NKDC Offices. Councillor Duggins will be attending.
e) from LCC concerning the Revised Deposit (Re-deposit Draft) Lincolnshire Waste Local Plan. The Plan will be on deposit for six weeks between 16th September and 28th October 2005, and objections can be made.
f) from NKDC with a consultation paper on the Community Strategy, the Proposed Council Priorities, the Housing Strategy and the Housing Business Plan. Each Councillor present received a copy with the chance to feedback comments. A presentation for local councils has been arranged for 18th October 2005 at the Methodist Hall in Navenby.

3.9 Planning:
To note a report from the Planning Committee:
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Ref: N/39/1148/05 – Proposal: Erection of conservatory at 23 Lime Tree Avenue, Metheringham. There were no comments or objections made.
Ref: N/39/1143/05 – Proposal: Erection of replacement dwelling at Drier Cottage, Metheringham Heath Lane, Nocton Heath. Councillor Mrs. Parker declared an interest. There were no comments or objections made.
Ref: N/39/1133/05 – Proposal: Display 2 advertisements at 45 Sleaford Road, Metheringham. It was agreed to comment on this application as follows: ‘It is felt the words “entrance” and “exit” are not easy to see, as the coloured display is distracting on this busy road, and could be seen as a hazard on the grounds of road safety. We suggest simpler signs for entrance and exit with a single word “IN” and “OUT” in larger print, black lettering on a plain background. We also suggest the boards advertising the nursery could form a V shape between the entrance and exit.’
Since this meeting a revised plan has been received by NKDC, which is in line with the above suggestion.
PLANNING APPLICATION DECISIONS
Planning permission has been granted for:
1) Erection of single storey side extension, 91 Prince’s Street, Metheringham
2) Erection of garage/carport/garden shed and new 2 metre high garden walling, 33 Middle Street, Metheringham
NKDC Community and Planning Services are changing planning application Site Notices. In future these will be printed in larger black text on a bright yellow background with a laminated matt finish. Applicants will be asked to remove their Site Notices after the date shown on them.
One further application needs attention before the next Planning Committee meeting. This is:
Ref: 39/1212/05 – Proposal: Erection of two storey rear extension at 24 Lincoln Road, Metheringham. There were no comments or objections made.
The Planning Committee meets next on Wednesday 12th October 2005 at 7.30pm in the Church Hall.

3.10 Financial matters:
3.10.1 To consider accounts for payment
Inland Revenue £400.00
Anglian Water £100.99
Peter Garrick £364.25
Zurich Insurance £183.75
ABB Ltd £782.61
NKDC (hire of mobile skateboard park) £141.00
Village Hall Management Committee £33.38
St.Wilfrid’s Church £6.00
Greenvale tree services £75.00
Serviceteam £67.56
RFO £30.45
Public Works loan £100.63
Village Hall (50% insurance) £661.02
Village Caretaker £190.90
Tax/NI £53.85
Acting Clerk expenses £26.64
Dog Warden services £257.83
John Allen (painting car park fence) £200.00
John Allen (public conveniences) £132.00

Councillor Mrs. Morrison proposed and Councillor Duggins seconded that the accounts should be paid, and all were in favour.

3.10.2 To receive a report from the RFO – Councillor Ford deferred making his report until the Press and Public had been excluded.

3.11 Any Other Business
3.11.1 Meals on Wheels supplied by WRVS finished on 23rd September 2005. Wiltshire Farm Foods are now the supplier and distributor.
3.11.2 The meeting agreed that a notice advertising the Playgroup could be displayed on the Public Notice-board.
3.11.3 Councillor Mrs. Morrison reported several litter bins are overflowing, and it was suggested a letter should be sent to Mark Taylor at NKDC. ACTION Cllr Mrs Honisett
3.11.4 Dog fouling is still a problem, especially on Church Walk.
3.11.5 The overgrown fuchsia bush in Drury Street needs to be reported to LCC Highways Department. ACTION Cllr Mrs Honisett
3.11.6 It was agreed that a notice regarding a lost Solitaire diamond engagement ring can be put in the Public Notice-board for a short time (or until the ring is found)
3.11.7 There is now a notice in Manor Lane regarding dog fouling.

3.12 Date and venue of next meeting - Tuesday 25th October 2005 in the Village Hall at 7.15pm

The meeting closed at 9.35pm