DEEPING ST JAMES PARISH COUNCIL

DEEPING ST JAMES PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held at The Institute on Thursday, 22 February 2001.

Chairman P M Dilks presided over Councillors D Abel, J B Anderson, R J Auger, A M Chambers, S W Fisk, J O Lewis, K P Shinkins, J D Stevens, A Thompson, G E Walker and the clerk.

6 members of the public were present.

1 OPEN FORUM

.1 Travel tokens	A complaint was heard that many qualifying residents had not been informed of the arrangements for the new scheme and that, in any event, it was of no use to people living in this area. This issue is dealt with under section 8.1.
.2 Open space adj. 11 Pendlebury Dv	The resident of this property asked the Council to explain why it had opposed his application to purchase a piece of the public open space next to his garden in order to prevent anti-social behaviour near to his boundary fence. The Council explained that whilst it had every sympathy for the problems he was currently encountering, it was policy to protect all such space as a matter of principle and felt that the resident’s proposals would not solve the problems. It was noted that the resident had now been offered a lease as an alternative.
.3 Countryside Stewardship Scheme	Mr Ward of Swine’s Meadow Farm expounded on his proposals to apply for part of his land to be included in the C.S.S., which would have the benefit of providing public access and bridleway areas freely open to the public and also provide a wildlife pond for educational visits. The values of the scheme ensure the protection and enhancement of local bio-diversity and need the support of local Councils and organisations. Members warmly welcomed the proposals – see section 8.2.

2 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Warrick and Watkins.

3 MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the meeting held on 25 January 2001, having previously been circulated, were approved as a true and correct record and signed by the Chairman.

4 MATTERS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES

.1 Railway Station		Ms Bush had cancelled attending this meeting and requested a re-arrangement for the April meeting, when she would be able to attend with Mr Day of the County Council. Members approved these revised arrangements.
.2 Cycle path Linchfield Rd		In respect of the proposed path, the Deepings School had also requested an extension of guard-rails at both road junctions with Spalding Road. Members had no objection to the proposals but felt that pupils should be reminded that they also have a duty of care and consideration to themselves and other road/path users.
.3 Dog fouling	The Dog Warden has confirmed that increased patrols with a view to the issue of fixed penalty will be undertaken.
.4 Recycling Centre	Mr Prentice has confirmed that he is intending to submit a planning application with respect to permanent living accommodation on the site, which he believes is essential to combat vandalism. Members agreed to take no further action at this time.
.5 30mph speed campaign.	The clerk reported on the various options for advertising the campaign. It was unanimously agreed to have The Advertiser deliver the car stickers at a cost of £36 + VAT and to take out a full page advert in the same issue for £75 +VAT.
.6 C.A.B.	The clerk confirmed that an application for grant aid had now been received and would be considered at the March meeting.
.7 Office services	The clerk advised members that a preliminary meeting had been arranged with the Head of Property Services at S.K.D.C. to discuss accommodation requirements and associated costs of using the Community Centre one morning per week to compliment their proposed ‘one stop shop’.
.8 Grant Aid	It was understood that the Council’s application for assistance to re-surface the Youth Centre playground would receive approval at the next meeting of L.C.C.
.9 Precept	The clerk reported a favourable comment from a resident of the parish concerning the proposals to replace the bus shelters on Broadgate Lane.

5 CORRESPONDENCE

.1 L.A.L.C Circular	It was agreed that Councillor Lewis should represent the Council at a seminar to discuss the Rural White Paper on 7 April 2001 at Leasingham, at a cost of £5.00.
.2 Land adj. 11 Pendlebury Dv.	Members considered the letter from the resident in respect of this issue but made no further comment in addition to that made directly in the Open Forum (section 1.2).
.3 Traffic parking Wade Park Avenue	Members heard a complaint concerning inconsiderate parking by parents accessing Linchfield School’s rear gate. Councillor Anderson reported recent police presence in the area and this, with a newsletter from the Head, had appeared to help the situation. The school was also investigating walking buses and had made arrangements to purchase cycle sheds to enable more journeys to school to be made without using a car. A site meeting has been arranged for all interested parties on 12 March 2001, which the clerk and Councillor Anderson will attend.
.4 Riverbank Footpath	The clerk confirmed that the Order adding this new path to the Definitive Map is now on deposit and would be confirmed, subject to no objections, at the end of March. This is a welcome result to the Council’s campaign of 11 years to have this path recognised. Councillor Abel requested that where practical, disabled and pushchair access was considered when designing gates and styles.
.5 De-trunking of A16 & B1525	Formal notice of intention has been received from the Highways Agency. Confirmation of the Orders, subject to no objections, will result in responsibility for the road transferring to L.C.C., which should make getting improvements easier.
.6 The Cross	English Heritage has given its approval to the erection of an Information Board. It is understood that planning approval is not needed. The wording for the board will be agreed at the next meeting.
.7 Future political arrangements for S.K.D.C.	It was agreed by 3 votes to 1 with 6 abstentions that the option of leader and cabinet was the most appropriate for this rural district. Councillor Lewis registered his strong concern that the existing committee system was no longer an option. It was agreed to raise the issue of how the new system will work at the next Deepings Councils’ Liaison Meeting, to be held on 6 March 2001.
.8 Deepings Fun Run	Permission was granted to allow the Deepings Rotary Club to use the Jubilee Playing Field as the start and finish point for this event, to be held on 13 May 2001, subject to the usual conditions.
.9 Winter road maintenance	The clerk will complete a best-value survey on winter gritting, with particular attention paid to having bus routes in the parish treated as a priority.
.10 Service of Thanksgiving	Councillor Anderson volunteered to represent the Council at a service in recognition of those who give time and service voluntarily in Lincolnshire, to be held at Lincoln Cathedral on 1 April
.11 The Rose Inn, Frognall	No objection was made to an application to change the licence to Jacqueline Elizabeth Dyer.
.12 Milton Estates	In view of confusion over whether proposals for developing land to the south of Market Deeping were included in the draft Peterborough Local Plan, the clerk was instructed to write to Peterborough City Council reasserting this Council’s strong objections.
.13 Other items noted	Action for Market Towns - notification of seminar. Association of Burial Authorities (A.B.A.) – newsletter. Deepings Management Partnership – Minutes of full meeting held on 7 February 2001.

6 PLANNING MATTERS

The following applications were considered by the Planning Committee at their meeting immediately preceding this Council meeting. The Committee’s observations and recommendations were discussed and it was unanimously agreed, unless otherwise recorded, to submit the following observations:

Ref.	Name & address	Proposal	S01/0091	Mr Perkins, 19 Allen Close.	Change of use of open space adj. to Allen Close to domestic garden.	Objection. This land is public open space and should remain so. The proposals do not respect open plan layout of this estate.
S01/0128	Mr Paris, Chestnut Farm, Crowland Rd.	Erection of garage.	No objections.
S01/0138	Mr D Cohen, Deeping Osteopathy Practice, Stowgate Rd.	Single storey rear extension to form staff rest room accommodation.	No objections providing use is only in connection with practice and not used as living accommodation.
S01/0165	Mr R Smith, 177 Eastgate.	Erection of dwelling on plot adj. to 177 Eastgate.	No objections – 6 votes to 4 against.

The following applications have been determined by the Planning Authority (S.K.D.C.) or the Secretary of State for the Environment, where indicated, since the last Council meeting. Unless stated otherwise, the decisions are in accordance with the Council’s previously notified observations:

Ref.	Name & address	Proposal	Outcome
S00/1033	Mr S Ransom, Ampy Automation Digilog Ltd, Frognall.	Change of use of land from residential to car parking (business) and use of dwelling for office/workshop.	Approved.
S00/1218	Mr & Mrs Walne, 108 Eastgate.	Two storey side extension.	Approved.
S00/1290	Mr H Fry, 4 Swift Close.	Change of use of open space to domestic garden.	Withdrawn.
S00/1310	Baxter & King Ltd, Hards Lane, Frognall.	Erection of industrial unit on land to south of existing site on Hards Lane, Frognall.	Approved.
S00/1313	Mr P Sismey, 52 Wade Park Ave.	Single storey extension to dwelling.	Approved.

7 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT

It was resolved to pay the following accounts:

Payee	Service/Item of expenditure	Amount
Mrs J Kemp	Postage	19.20
	Salary (adjusted for absence: Jury service)	469.58
The Advertiser	Advert – 2.2.01	30.55
ABB Ltd	The Cross lights – maintenance contract	6.79
L.A.L.C.	Membership fee – A.B.A. (2001)	10.00
L.C.C.	Pension fund	116.67
B.T.	Quarterly account	92.82
Audit Commission	Audit fee 99/00	257.68
Garden Groomers	Cemetery paths improvements	866.56
Cllr M Warrick	Mileage expenses – Rural Support conference	30.07
Total

8 ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

8.1 BUS PASS SCHEME

Councillor Shinkins, having arranged for the circulation of copies of correspondence received from a resident before the meeting, brought to members’ attention the considerable distress and anger felt by local elderly and disabled people following the District Council’s decision to scrap tokens in favour of a half price bus pass. The District Council had advised, through the press, that they had no option but to introduce this scheme, at an estimated cost of £600,000, due to a Government directive. The Chairman reported that he was so concerned about this that he had taken up the matter directly with the Deputy Prime Minister’s office in order to make a complaint. As a result, he had been directed to the Guidelines for Local Authorities, which clearly stated that, providing a half-price travel bus pass was offered free of charge as a minimum, it could be signed away in favour of tokens. This fact caused members great concern, as it appeared that the District Council had either not seen the guidelines or chosen to ignore them.

It was agreed that there were two different issues here. Firstly, travel tokens provide flexibility in terms of mode of transport (bus, train, and taxi) and choice of destination, as not everyone who lives near a bus stop is able to use a bus. In any event, the bus service network in the parish does not adequately meet the needs of this community. By removing tokens, a great number of qualifying residents will now have no form of transport available to them. Secondly, South Kesteven District Council has chosen not to enter into a reciprocal agreement with neighbouring authorities, which means that a half-price bus pass is of very little recompense as travel south of Market Deeping bridge will be charged at full rate. This decision takes no account of the fact that, for Deeping St James, the natural centre is Peterborough with its hospital services, shops and other amenities. Stamford and Bourne do not offer this range of facilities and Grantham is just too far away, even if an adequate bus service existed. To add to this feeling of isolation, it was understood that other local district councils had felt able to enter into a reciprocal cross-border agreement on behalf of their residents, including Peterborough City Council who would permit its pass-holders to travel to Deeping St James at half price.

Councillor Auger advised that District Councillors were unhappy with situation and aware that the issue was highly contentious, especially for those living south of Bourne. He said that the decision was made on the understanding that the Government would not allow tokens to be offered as an alternative to a bus pass. The anticipated costs of the bus pass scheme were much higher than that for tokens and the Government was only supporting a small proportion of this. Cross-border travel was a big issue for South Kesteven, due to its unique population distribution on boundary edges, and could result in an exceptionally high bill. He requested that as many people as possible made their views known to their MP’s in order to get the scheme changed. Councillor Auger was unaware of the Guidelines referred to. He thanked the Chairman for providing a copy and promised to raise it with District Council colleagues.

Members felt very strongly that the best interests of elderly and disabled residents had not been served and as the guidelines allowed for a deferred implementation date of 1 June, there was sufficient time to review the matter. It was unanimously agreed therefore that the Council should start an immediate campaign to obtain the option to choose either travel tokens or a bus pass, and to secure cross-border concessionary travel for those residents able to use a bus, particularly to local shops and hospitals in Peterborough. The Chairman agreed to co-ordinate this campaign.

8.2 COUNTRYSIDE STEWARDSHIP SCHEME

Members re-iterated their welcome for this initiative and unanimously agreed that the clerk should write in strong support of Mr Ward’s application. It was felt that this scheme would bring an attractive and welcome addition to access to the countryside.

8.3 CYCLING ON PROHIBITED AREAS

In view of Councillor Warrick’s absence, this item was deferred to the next meeting. Councillor Anderson reported that the Order near the rear entrance gate to Linchfield School was in the process of being rescinded. This was to create a combined path/cycle way and enable pupils to come to school by bicycle.

8.4 BREAKTHROUGH BREAST CANCER – SPONSORED WALK

Due to exceptional work commitments, Councillor Stevens regretted that she had not been able to pursue this in time for the meeting. It was agreed to defer this item to the next meeting.

8.5 CEMETERY GRASS CUTTING CONTRACT

The clerk reminded members that this contract had been awarded to Garden Groomers for the 2000 season with an option regarding extension to 2001, subject to satisfactory work in the initial period. It was unanimously agreed to confirm this extension, subject to approval of any adjustment in price.

9 REPORTS

9.1 RURAL WHITE PAPER

The Chairman reported that the meeting to deal specifically with this issue had been very worthwhile and that the Council’s response to the D.E.T.R. was being drafted.

9.2 RURAL SUPPORT CONFERENCE

In the absence of Councillor Warrick, the Council’s representative at the conference, this item was deferred.

9.3 TOURISM IN THE DEEPINGS

Councillor Fisk gave a verbal report on the inaugural meeting of this Group, which had been held earlier in the day. Although the report was warmly received, there remained much confusion and concern as to why and how the meeting had been convened, and noted that it had not previously been a matter for discussion at the Deepings Councils’ Liaison Group. Members felt there was a danger of yet another group of people causing a duplication of effort against the remit of existing, recognised authorities and if there is a perceived problem concerning tourism issues, these should be directed to those accountable. It was also noted that future meetings would be held at lunchtime on the day of the full Council meeting which made attendance awkward. It was unanimously agreed to take no further action in respect of this Group at this time but to leave the matter ‘on the table’. Councillor Fisk was thanked for attending.

10 PARISH-PUMP

.1 Shaw’s Coaches	Coaches are using the stone bridge on a daily basis. Although this does not contravene the weight limit, the clerk was instructed to ask the company to seek an alternative route in order to preserve the stonework.
.2 Car parked on footpath	It was reported that a car is parked across the footpath outside 38 Thackers Way, which is close to the bus stop. The clerk was instructed to refer this to the police.
.3 Cyber café	This café, funded by the prize money from the BT Better Towns Competition, is about to open. Members urge the community to make full use of this superb new facility and any volunteers to help man the café will be most welcome.
.4 Anglian Water sewerage works	It was reported that HGV’s and tankers wishing to access the Station Road works were using Eastgate instead of Hards Lane. The company will be asked to remind drivers of the ‘gentlemen’s agreement’.

11 ANY OTHER BUSINESS

There being no further business deemed urgent by the Chairman, the meeting was closed.