DEEPING ST JAMES PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on Thursday, 27 February 2003 at The Institute.

Councillor Fisk, Chairman, presided over Councillors Abel, Anderson, Bulmer-Jones, Chambers, Dilks, Lewis, Shinkins, Stevens, Warrick, Watkins and the clerk. Councillor Auger joined the meeting during Matters arising’ having been engaged at South Kesteven District Council.

Three members of the public were also in attendance.

108    MATTERS RAISED IN THE OPEN FORUM

.1 Re-cycling Service An invitation to visit the Shanks Recycling Centre at Peterborough to see how the new service in action was received and accepted.

.2 Church Street Traffic calming works It was reported that a representative of the Highways Department had said that the traffic calming works had been cancelled and also that the drains had not been attended to during the recent re-surfacing works. The clerk advised that the works were still going ahead and would investigate when the drains would be cleaned.

.3 Fly tipping/ Recycling rota/ Interactive speed trailer/
green waste contract An enquiry concerning the official response time of South Kesteven District Council to reports of fly tipping was received and will be investigated. It was reported that Locks Close had been missed off the recycling collection route and map, which will also be investigated, and that the interactive speed trailer had been wrongly located in the 40mph area. This had already been noted. Information concerning a green waste recycling service to be introduced to the area was disallowed as the contract-tendering period was still open and the member of the public bringing forward the matter had submitted a proposal.

109    RESIGNATION OF COUNCILLOR

Cllr Hill had tendered her resignation in view of increased work responsibilities. It was agreed to write to Cllr Hill thanking her for her contribution and to wish her good luck for the future. It was resolved that a casual vacancy for a councillor existed but in view of the next ordinary election being due within six months, further resolved not to offer the vacancy for co-option.

110    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

No apologies for absence were received.

111    DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

The following members notified interests in the following items, completed the Register accordingly and in the case of prejudicial interests, left the meeting whilst the item was debated thereby taking no part and having no influence in the outcome:

Cllr Auger Personal interest in minute 117.1 Tree works Nearby property owner.

Cllr Dilks Personal interest in minute 117.1 Future provision of play equipment Nearby property owner.

Cllr Lewis Personal interest in minute 117.1 Future provision of play equipment Nearby property owner.

Cllr Shinkins Personal interest in minute 115 ref. S03/0147
Prejudicial interest in minute 119.1 Summer Playschemes 2003 Known to applicants’ family.
Playscheme leader.

112    MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the meeting held on 30 January 2003, having previously been circulated, were approved as a true and correct record and signed by the Chairman.

113    MATTERS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES

.1 Grant Aid (101.9) Market Deeping Cricket Club acknowledged receipt of the recent award of grant aid and confirmed that the Committee would consider the suggestion to look into a change of name of the club to reflect membership from the wider area.

.2 Community Cleaning (101.12) The meeting with the Head of Business Services, South Kesteven District Council has been rearranged for Tuesday, 11 March 2003 at 7.30pm in The Institute.

.3 Planning Enforcement enquiry (102) The clerk reported that the Inspector had issued his decision and found in favour of South Kesteven District Council. The appellant now had one month to cease the unauthorised use and comply with the recommendations in the Inspector’s report.

.4 Alcohol Ban (103.3) The Chief Constable is looking into the Council’s concerns and will respond in due course. It appears that a letter from South Kesteven District Council further elaborating the position had not been passed to the Council and arrangements were being made for a duplicate to be sent.

.5 Bus services (103.5) Peterborough City Council has agreed to consider the Council’s request when it reviews its bus subsidies in April 2004.

.6 Regional Assemblies (103.6) It was reported that Lincolnshire County Council had taken the view that a referendum was not needed on the basis that residents of Lincolnshire are satisfied with the current system of government.

.7 Bus Shelters Committee (105.1) The clerk reported that the Committee had been unable to meet due to information pertaining to the location of the shelters still being outstanding.

.8 Allotments Committee (105.2) Cllr Anderson reported that initial responses were extremely positive and a further meeting of the Committee would be held after 11 March 2003.

.9 Tree Preservation Order (105.4 (1)) The clerk reported that this was still under consideration following the withdrawal of a planning application for the land in question.

.10 Jubilee Playing Field Project (105.4(4)) A report summarising the meeting between the clerk and the consultants acting on behalf of Sport England had been received and passed to the Sports Development Officers at South Kesteven District Council for consideration. The clerk will meet with the Officers before the end of March to discuss how to proceed.

.11 Road Safety Campaign (106.1) Councillor Warrick apologised that he had been unable to carry out an investigation due to work commitments but would present a report to a future meeting.

.12 Disruptions to electricity supply (106.2) East Midlands Electricity apologised and provided an explanation, with video, as to why there has been several unexplained power interruptions. One particular fault had been identified and repaired but the company regretted that some brief interruptions would still occur from time to time for safety reasons.

114    CORRESPONDENCE

Councillor Watkins left the meeting at this point.

.1 Claimed footpath north bank of River Welland It was reported that arrangements were in place to add this important path to the Definitive Map once the final stage of consultation was completed on 28 March 2003. Cllr Fisk was congratulated for his persistence in pursuing this over a period of twelve years and it was agreed to arrange a public walk to mark the opening. The clerk was asked to obtain updated quotes for mowing under the P3 agreement.

.2 Play Leadership 2003 Confirmation was received that South Kesteven District Council would meet 50% of the cost of summer playschemes providing they were run by either a Parish Council or a recognised and competent third party organisation.

.3 Traffic problems Stone bridge Concern raised about the volume and type of traffic using the stone bridge was noted. Members expressed sympathy with the problem of congestion at peak times but felt that the Highways Authority had the management of the bridge under proper control and there was no action the Parish Council could take. Reports of vehicles exceeding the 7.5cwt limit using the bridge were received with some caution but will be passed on to the police with a request for attention to be paid.

.4 Charity collection bags A resident expressed concern about an ambiguous charity collection bag recently delivered to homes in the parish. Members agreed that this was not within their province and suggested that any similar concerns be directed to the police.

.5 L.A.L.C. Circular The contents of the circular were noted. It was agreed to reimburse the clerk for the additional insurance premium incurred for using a private car for council business. It was further agreed that Cllrs Chambers and Auger would represent the Council at a seminar on Quality Parish Status at Billingborough on 26 March 2003 and that Cllr Dilks would attend the Vital Villages seminar which would be covering the Parish Transport Grant at Leasingham on the same day.

.6 Rotary Fun Run Permission was granted for the start and finish of this annual event to be held on 11 May 2003, subject to the usual conditions relating to insurance, health & safety issues and clearing the land afterwards.

.7 The Civic Trust Information concerning membership was received but not felt to be applicable.

.8 Crowson Way/ Thackers Way junction L.C.C. Highways advised that the results of the survey had indicated that road traffic regulations were not appropriate at this location as their were no significant problems to warrant such action. Although it was still felt that a problem did exist, it was agreed that no further action could be taken in this respect.

.9 Other items noted ·    Lincolnshire Police Authority Next Local Policing Forum to be held at Folkingham Village Hall at 7.30pm on 15 April 2003.
·    D.E.F.R.A. Clarification that Village and Community Halls will be exempt from the new Licensing Bill.
·    N.A.L.C. Employment law bulletin on new flexible working regulations.
·    N.A.L.C. Vacancy for lead markers for various counties in relation to the new AQA Certificate in Local Council Administration.
·    Lincolnshire Police /Police Authority Joint Annual Report 2001/02.
·    Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership Strategic Road Safety Plan (Nov 2002).
·    Association of Burial Authorities Newsletter number 21.
·    SKDC/LCC Publicity and information on Dial-a-Ride’ scheme launch.

115    PLANNING MATTERS

The Planning Committee’s report containing recommendations that had been agreed at its meeting held before the Council meeting was presented to the Council. It was unanimously resolved to submit the following observations to the applications before the Council:

Ref. Address Proposal

S03/0105 16 Locks Close First floor extension & pitched roof to porch. No objections.

S03/0135 5 Blackthorn Close Single-storey side extension. No objections.

S03/0142 157 Eastgate Rear extension to bungalow & erection of conservatory. No objections.

S03/0147 108 Eastgate Two-storey side extension. No objections.

S03/0155 Land rear of 112 Bridge Street Erection of bungalow. No objections.

The clerk reported that three further planning applications had been received since the agenda was published. It was agreed that the clerk should request a time-extension for the Council’s response to these applications to enable them to be considered at the next meeting.

The following applications have been determined by the Planning Authority (S.K.D.C.) since the last Council meeting. The decisions are in accordance with the Council’s previously notified observations unless stated otherwise:

Ref. Address Proposal Outcome

S02/1299 153 Eastgate Use of glasshouses for fish farming Granted.

S02/1374 Hards Lane, Frognall Extension to warehouse Granted.

S02/1585 36 Eastgate Single-storey rear extension Granted.

S02/1621 22 Towning Close Extension above garage & porch Granted.

S02/1624 Part OS 1162, Linchfield Road Use of land as builders storage compound (temporary) Granted.

S02/1639 6 Welland Way Single-storey rear extension Granted.

116    ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT

It was unanimously resolved to pay the following accounts:

Payee Service/Item of Expenditure (Relevant power to incur)
Amount

Clerk
Salary (LGA 1972, s 112)
Reimbursement - insurance premium for use of private car on Council business 1.3.03 28.2.04 (LG (FP)A 1963, s 5)
766.99
21.44

L.C.C.
Pension (LG Pension scheme Regs 1997)
183.46

Lincolnshire County Training Partnership
Accreditation Fee: AQA Certificate in Local Council Administration (LGA 1972, s 112)
55.00

Huddlestone Landscapes
Cemetery maintenance (LGA 1972, s 214)
120.00

Anglian Water
Cemetery water supply (LGA 1972, s 214)
21.34

Adcentre
Meetings advert (subject to 50% reimbursement from M.D.T.C.).
(LGA 1972, s 232)
32.90

Onyx UK Ltd
Litter picking Jubilee Playing Field (OSA 1906, s 10)
11.75

BT Plc
Quarter telephone account (LGA 1972, s 111)
126.31

Impact Software
Accounts software update (LGA 1972, s 111)
35.00

Total

1374.19

117    REPORTS

.1 Cemetery Committee The Minutes of the meeting held on 8 February 2003 were received. The clerk reported that a quote of £350 + VAT had been received from Dr F Hope, an expert Arboriculturist, in respect of the proposed tree inspections and report. It was proposed and seconded that this quote and all the other recommendations contained in the report be approved. An amendment to approve all recommendations except that relating to the replacement of the cemetery tap was tabled but did not receive a second. The original motion was carried by 8 votes to 1 with 2 abstentions.

Cllr Stevens requested that a motion concerning the continued provision of children’s play equipment on surplus land not currently needed for the cemetery extension be put on the agenda for the next Council meeting.

.2 Clerk’s report The clerk’s report, which had been previously circulated, was noted. It was resolved to:

·    Accept legal advice and cease publishing minutes until after their adoption.
·    Hold the Annual Parish Meeting on Thursday, 27 March 2003 at 7.30pm, immediately before the March Council meeting.
·    In view of the parish council elections and legislation relating thereto to hold the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council on 15 May 2003 at 7.30pm instead of on 30 May 2003.

118    NOTICES OF MOTION/RECOMMENDATION

.1 Summer Playscheme 2003 Cllr Stevens tabled a motion that the Council continued to support, by way of grant funding, up to 50% of the cost of providing summer playschemes in the parish and welcomed applications which included a budget of expenditure from competent third party organisations with experience in this field. Following a discussion regarding the new requirements imposed by Ofsted the motion was carried unanimously with the hope that playscheme could continue to be offered to the primary-aged children of Deeping St James.

119    PARISH-PUMP

.1 Fly posting on bus shelters Cllr Warrick reported that anti-vivisection posters had been stuck to the shelters. The clerk reported that an order had been made for their removal and that the name and address of the organisation concerned had been obtained with a view to passing on the cost incurred.

.2 Funding local schools Cllr Dilks drew attention to a campaign to address the imbalance of funding per pupil between some schools in the area.

.3 Mobile Police Station Cllr Abel advised that the vehicle had been parked across the Church gates, blocking access. The police will be asked to revert to their usual location next to The Cross.

The meeting closed at 9.45pm.

Signed ………………………..
Chairman

Date: 27 March 2003

.1	Re-cycling Service	An invitation to visit the Shanks Recycling Centre at Peterborough to see how the new service in action was received and accepted.

.2	Church Street Traffic calming works	It was reported that a representative of the Highways Department had said that the traffic calming works had been cancelled and also that the drains had not been attended to during the recent re-surfacing works. The clerk advised that the works were still going ahead and would investigate when the drains would be cleaned.

.3	Fly tipping/ Recycling rota/ Interactive speed trailer/ green waste contract	An enquiry concerning the official response time of South Kesteven District Council to reports of fly tipping was received and will be investigated. It was reported that Locks Close had been missed off the recycling collection route and map, which will also be investigated, and that the interactive speed trailer had been wrongly located in the 40mph area. This had already been noted. Information concerning a green waste recycling service to be introduced to the area was disallowed as the contract-tendering period was still open and the member of the public bringing forward the matter had submitted a proposal.


Cllr Auger	Personal interest in minute 117.1 Tree works	Nearby property owner.
Cllr Dilks	Personal interest in minute 117.1 Future provision of play equipment	Nearby property owner.
Cllr Lewis	Personal interest in minute 117.1 Future provision of play equipment	Nearby property owner.
Cllr Shinkins	Personal interest in minute 115 ref. S03/0147 Prejudicial interest in minute 119.1 Summer Playschemes 2003	Known to applicants’ family. Playscheme leader.

.1	Grant Aid (101.9)	Market Deeping Cricket Club acknowledged receipt of the recent award of grant aid and confirmed that the Committee would consider the suggestion to look into a change of name of the club to reflect membership from the wider area.

.2	Community Cleaning (101.12)	The meeting with the Head of Business Services, South Kesteven District Council has been rearranged for Tuesday, 11 March 2003 at 7.30pm in The Institute.

.3	Planning Enforcement enquiry (102)	The clerk reported that the Inspector had issued his decision and found in favour of South Kesteven District Council. The appellant now had one month to cease the unauthorised use and comply with the recommendations in the Inspector’s report.

.4	Alcohol Ban (103.3)	The Chief Constable is looking into the Council’s concerns and will respond in due course. It appears that a letter from South Kesteven District Council further elaborating the position had not been passed to the Council and arrangements were being made for a duplicate to be sent.

.5	Bus services (103.5)	Peterborough City Council has agreed to consider the Council’s request when it reviews its bus subsidies in April 2004.

.6	Regional Assemblies (103.6)	It was reported that Lincolnshire County Council had taken the view that a referendum was not needed on the basis that residents of Lincolnshire are satisfied with the current system of government.

.7	Bus Shelters Committee (105.1)	The clerk reported that the Committee had been unable to meet due to information pertaining to the location of the shelters still being outstanding.

.8	Allotments Committee (105.2)	Cllr Anderson reported that initial responses were extremely positive and a further meeting of the Committee would be held after 11 March 2003.

.9	Tree Preservation Order (105.4 (1))	The clerk reported that this was still under consideration following the withdrawal of a planning application for the land in question.

.10	Jubilee Playing Field Project (105.4(4))	A report summarising the meeting between the clerk and the consultants acting on behalf of Sport England had been received and passed to the Sports Development Officers at South Kesteven District Council for consideration. The clerk will meet with the Officers before the end of March to discuss how to proceed.

.11	Road Safety Campaign (106.1)	Councillor Warrick apologised that he had been unable to carry out an investigation due to work commitments but would present a report to a future meeting.

.12	Disruptions to electricity supply (106.2)	East Midlands Electricity apologised and provided an explanation, with video, as to why there has been several unexplained power interruptions. One particular fault had been identified and repaired but the company regretted that some brief interruptions would still occur from time to time for safety reasons.

.1	Claimed footpath north bank of River Welland	It was reported that arrangements were in place to add this important path to the Definitive Map once the final stage of consultation was completed on 28 March 2003. Cllr Fisk was congratulated for his persistence in pursuing this over a period of twelve years and it was agreed to arrange a public walk to mark the opening. The clerk was asked to obtain updated quotes for mowing under the P3 agreement.

.2	Play Leadership 2003	Confirmation was received that South Kesteven District Council would meet 50% of the cost of summer playschemes providing they were run by either a Parish Council or a recognised and competent third party organisation.

.3	Traffic problems Stone bridge	Concern raised about the volume and type of traffic using the stone bridge was noted. Members expressed sympathy with the problem of congestion at peak times but felt that the Highways Authority had the management of the bridge under proper control and there was no action the Parish Council could take. Reports of vehicles exceeding the 7.5cwt limit using the bridge were received with some caution but will be passed on to the police with a request for attention to be paid.

.4	Charity collection bags	A resident expressed concern about an ambiguous charity collection bag recently delivered to homes in the parish. Members agreed that this was not within their province and suggested that any similar concerns be directed to the police.

.5	L.A.L.C. Circular	The contents of the circular were noted. It was agreed to reimburse the clerk for the additional insurance premium incurred for using a private car for council business. It was further agreed that Cllrs Chambers and Auger would represent the Council at a seminar on Quality Parish Status at Billingborough on 26 March 2003 and that Cllr Dilks would attend the Vital Villages seminar which would be covering the Parish Transport Grant at Leasingham on the same day.

.6	Rotary Fun Run	Permission was granted for the start and finish of this annual event to be held on 11 May 2003, subject to the usual conditions relating to insurance, health & safety issues and clearing the land afterwards.

.7	The Civic Trust	Information concerning membership was received but not felt to be applicable.

.8	Crowson Way/ Thackers Way junction	L.C.C. Highways advised that the results of the survey had indicated that road traffic regulations were not appropriate at this location as their were no significant problems to warrant such action. Although it was still felt that a problem did exist, it was agreed that no further action could be taken in this respect.

.9	Other items noted	· Lincolnshire Police Authority Next Local Policing Forum to be held at Folkingham Village Hall at 7.30pm on 15 April 2003. · D.E.F.R.A. Clarification that Village and Community Halls will be exempt from the new Licensing Bill. · N.A.L.C. Employment law bulletin on new flexible working regulations. · N.A.L.C. Vacancy for lead markers for various counties in relation to the new AQA Certificate in Local Council Administration. · Lincolnshire Police /Police Authority Joint Annual Report 2001/02. · Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership Strategic Road Safety Plan (Nov 2002). · Association of Burial Authorities Newsletter number 21. · SKDC/LCC Publicity and information on Dial-a-Ride’ scheme launch.

Ref.	Address	Proposal

S03/0105	16 Locks Close	First floor extension & pitched roof to porch. No objections.
S03/0135	5 Blackthorn Close	Single-storey side extension. No objections.
S03/0142	157 Eastgate	Rear extension to bungalow & erection of conservatory. No objections.
S03/0147	108 Eastgate	Two-storey side extension. No objections.
S03/0155	Land rear of 112 Bridge Street	Erection of bungalow. No objections.


Payee	Service/Item of Expenditure (Relevant power to incur)	Amount

Clerk	Salary (LGA 1972, s 112) Reimbursement - insurance premium for use of private car on Council business 1.3.03 28.2.04 (LG (FP)A 1963, s 5)	766.99 21.44
L.C.C.	Pension (LG Pension scheme Regs 1997)	183.46
Lincolnshire County Training Partnership	Accreditation Fee: AQA Certificate in Local Council Administration (LGA 1972, s 112)	55.00
Huddlestone Landscapes	Cemetery maintenance (LGA 1972, s 214)	120.00
Anglian Water	Cemetery water supply (LGA 1972, s 214)	21.34
Adcentre	Meetings advert (subject to 50% reimbursement from M.D.T.C.). (LGA 1972, s 232)	32.90
Onyx UK Ltd	Litter picking Jubilee Playing Field (OSA 1906, s 10)	11.75
BT Plc	Quarter telephone account (LGA 1972, s 111)	126.31
Impact Software	Accounts software update (LGA 1972, s 111)	35.00
Total		1374.19

.1	Cemetery Committee	The Minutes of the meeting held on 8 February 2003 were received. The clerk reported that a quote of £350 + VAT had been received from Dr F Hope, an expert Arboriculturist, in respect of the proposed tree inspections and report. It was proposed and seconded that this quote and all the other recommendations contained in the report be approved. An amendment to approve all recommendations except that relating to the replacement of the cemetery tap was tabled but did not receive a second. The original motion was carried by 8 votes to 1 with 2 abstentions. Cllr Stevens requested that a motion concerning the continued provision of children’s play equipment on surplus land not currently needed for the cemetery extension be put on the agenda for the next Council meeting.

.2	Clerk’s report	The clerk’s report, which had been previously circulated, was noted. It was resolved to: · Accept legal advice and cease publishing minutes until after their adoption. · Hold the Annual Parish Meeting on Thursday, 27 March 2003 at 7.30pm, immediately before the March Council meeting. · In view of the parish council elections and legislation relating thereto to hold the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council on 15 May 2003 at 7.30pm instead of on 30 May 2003.

.1	Summer Playscheme 2003	Cllr Stevens tabled a motion that the Council continued to support, by way of grant funding, up to 50% of the cost of providing summer playschemes in the parish and welcomed applications which included a budget of expenditure from competent third party organisations with experience in this field. Following a discussion regarding the new requirements imposed by Ofsted the motion was carried unanimously with the hope that playscheme could continue to be offered to the primary-aged children of Deeping St James.

.1	Fly posting on bus shelters	Cllr Warrick reported that anti-vivisection posters had been stuck to the shelters. The clerk reported that an order had been made for their removal and that the name and address of the organisation concerned had been obtained with a view to passing on the cost incurred.

.2	Funding local schools	Cllr Dilks drew attention to a campaign to address the imbalance of funding per pupil between some schools in the area.

.3	Mobile Police Station	Cllr Abel advised that the vehicle had been parked across the Church gates, blocking access. The police will be asked to revert to their usual location next to The Cross.