.1

Travel vouchers

A resident complained that only two days notice had been given for the meeting held last Friday at the Church Hall, which had prevented many from attending. It was explained that this had been arranged by the M.P. and that a similar period of notice had been given to the Council. Further complaints concerning the introduction of vouchers in place of tokens and the omission of cross-border travel for those choosing the bus pass were also heard.

.2

Youth Shelter

Two residents of the Thackers Way/Crowson Way area registered their strong concerns about suggestions for a youth shelter on the public open space. It was felt that there are already problems with the behaviour of youths and to provide a permanent structure would not only exacerbate this but also be seen as a reward. The Chairman explained the background to the proposals and stated that, as the Council had not discussed the proposals yet, all observations would be considered carefully.

.3

Market Deeping Billiards Club

Two residents of Swift Close stated their objections to proposals to build a two-storey structure on the site of the existing club which, although on Bridge Street, is at the boundary of their properties. The objections related to the size of the structure and the problems with noise and other environmental factors. They drew the Council’s attention to the fact that although they had already sent these objections to the Planning Authority, there was nothing anywhere to inform them to also advise the Parish Council. The Council had discussed the application at the last meeting and, in the absence of known objections from neighbouring residents, had raised no objections. In light of this new information, the Council agreed to discuss the application further (see minute 007) and to consider how to improve the process at the next meeting.

.1

Railway station

A request to design a website on the potential for re-opening the station was agreed to in principle providing it was made clear that the Council was not connected with it and more information about the designer was received. It was further agreed to pursue a meeting with the County Council Rail Officer and Community Council Rail Development Officer during the day, as evening meetings were proving difficult to arrange.

.2

C.A.B.

A letter of acknowledgement for the recent grant assistance was read out.

.3

Travel Vouchers

The Chair reported that he had tabled a question at the Customer Services Committee meeting asking for a review of the policy under the scrutiny and best value procedures. Following the meeting at the Church Hall, it had become clear that change would be given for the vouchers and that the review to be undertaken in September would involve proper public consultation. Members explored the viability of canvassing all other parish councils in South Kesteven and whether it would be possible to hold a parish referendum on the issue. The clerk was instructed to make the necessary enquiries.

.4

Re-cycling

The clerk reported that no major progress had been achieved since the last meeting but County Councillor Robinson was actively pursuing the introduction of a weekly skip service in the meantime. Members reiterated their support for Mr Prentice’s kerbside collection and agreed that pressure should continue to be put on the relevant authorities.

.5

Post Office Users’ Council

A response received from the Department of Trade of Industry was read out. It seems that invitations to apply for positions on the new Consumer Council for Postal Services had been properly advertised and the Council accepted this response.

.6

Road Fund Licences

The M.P. has agreed to support the Council’s request for the sale of Road Fund Licences at Deeping St James Post Office.

.7

The Cross Information Board

Confirmation has been received from the Planning Authority that planning consent is not required for the proposed board. It was unanimously resolved to place the order with Signs Express at a total cost of £540 (earmarked in the 2000/01 accounts).

.8

Liaison Meeting

It was agreed to rearrange this meeting, which had been due to be held on 15 May 2001, for 12 June 2001.

.9

30mph speed campaign

A complaint was heard that there had been no signs on Millfield Road. The clerk explained that permission was given to erect signs only on roads that had previously been identified through the ‘Archer’ speed measurement system as having a problem.

.1

Burial plots

A complaint was heard that a burial plot had been used for the interment of ashes without the proper consent of the deed holder. The plot in question, and the adjoining plot, had been purchased over 30 years ago and upon investigation, the clerk found that although the Council had acted in good faith when consenting to the interment of ashes, the wishes of the owner had not been formally received. Without prejudice and any future liability, it was unanimously agreed to provide the complainant with two plots in the new cemetery in place of the remaining plot to avoid further distress.

.2

Parking – Hereward Way

Complaints concerning inconsiderate parking outside the school were heard. A number of suggestions to improve the situation were discussed and it was agreed to arrange a site meeting with all interested parties as soon as possible.

.3

Parking – verges

A complaint concerning parking on the verges in Thackers Way, resulting in difficulties for other road users and pedestrians will be referred to the police.

.4

Manor Way

A resident has complained about the number of youths that congregate near his property, particularly at weekends and gave examples of their behaviour. The alleyway which leads to Millfield Road is poorly maintained and the car park to the rear of the flats, which is open to public view, is in a disgraceful condition with abandoned cars. Members agreed with the comments and instructed the clerk to take up these matters with the various authorities.

.5

Grant aid applications

In view of their urgent nature, it was agreed to consider these at this meeting on this occasion only. Future applications from these bodies must be submitted in the usual manner. Deeping Swimming Club Annual Open Meet on 17 June: Proposed, seconded and unanimously resolved - £100. Deeping St James C.P School bid for Arts Performance: Proposed, seconded and unanimously resolved - £120. Councillor Shinkins declared an interest in this and took no part in the discussion or vote.

.6

Post box

Members welcomed Royal Mail’s proposals for a new collection box outside Benedict Court and suggested that it should be located next to the bus shelter.

.7

Jubilee Playing Field

The clerk reported that damage had occurred to the field as a result of children building impromptu BMX type bumps. Advice had been sought concerning safety aspects and as a result, it was necessary to have them removed as soon as possible. S.K.D.C. has undertaken to carry out the necessary works on the Council’s behalf.

.8

Flood defences

The Environment Agency has confirmed that it has agreed to improve the flood defence bank at the lower end of Eastgate during the summer.

.9

Road closure

It will be necessary to close the eastern end of Main Street in Frognall for 5 days in early June for essential road maintenance. Diversions will be in place.

.10

Photograph exhibition

Deeping St James Family & Local History Group invited members to the exhibition at the Church Hall on 26 – 28 May 2001.

.11

Fun Run

The Rotary Fun Run has been re-arranged for 3 June 2001.

.12

Grant aid

Information was received from the Lincolnshire Police Authority and the County Council concerning their respective grant aid programmes.

.13

Police Forum

The next Local Policing Forum will be held at Long Bennington Village Hall on 10 July 2001.

.14

D.M.P.

Minutes of meetings of the Deepings Management Partnership held on 25 April, 2 May and 8 May 2001 were made available.

.15

Assembly

Information concerning the Larger Local Councils Assembly 2001 was noted.

.16

E.M.D.A.

The Development Agency’s latest newsletter was made available.

Ref.

Address

Proposal

S01/0503

8 Knight Close.

Two-storey front extension to dwelling.

S01/0518

130 Eastgate.

Alterations, extensions & erection of garage.

S01/0530

1 Park Estate.

Two-storey side and single-storey rear extensions. * Subject to extreme care being taken with regard to the choice of materials in order to conserve the distinctive appearance of this estate.

S01/0568

47 Frognall.

Erection of conservatory to front of dwelling.

S01/0587

26 Campion Drive.

Two-storey rear extension to dwelling.

Ref.

Address

Address

Proposal

Outcome of application

S01/0207

34 Church Street.

Two-storey dwelling & replacement kitchen.

Refused.

S01/0263

62 Towning Close.

Two-storey extension to dwelling.

Granted.

S01/0293

31 Hereward Way.

Single and rear single-storey extension

Granted.

S01/0312

R/o 5 New Row.

Erection of dwelling * P.C. did not object.

Refused.

S01/0332

1 Linchfield Close.

Single-storey side extension.

Granted.

S01/0335

33 Frognall.

Extension to dwelling.

Granted.

S01/0346

50 Horsegate.

Extension to bungalow.

Granted.

S01/0365

24 Horsegate.

Extension to dwelling & replacement garage.

Granted.

S01/0391

67 Broadgate Ln.

Extension to bungalow.

Granted.

S01/0415

93 Swift Close.

Single-storey extension to dwelling.

Granted.

Payee

Service/Item of Expenditure

Amount

S W Fisk

Weedkiller & Petrol for Millennium Wood

48.01

J Kemp

Salary

533.14

Stationery

13.98

L.C.C.

Pension Fund

116.67

Welland & Deepings Internal Drainage Board

Rates – Hall Meadow Estate

14.76

Onyx UK Ltd

Playing Field litter picking (April & May)

23.50

B.T.

Quarterly account

121.75

Deepings Community Trust *

Room hire for Memorial Committee (2 dates)

50.00

Adcentre Ltd *

Joint Councils Advert – June

30.55

Garden Groomers

Cemetery maintenance – May

564.00

.1

Rural White Paper Seminar

Councillor Lewis gave a verbal report of the meeting held on 7 April 2001. It was noted that the Paper gave rise to greater degrees of community participation and that there was strong Government support for local democracy at the grass roots. Those councils meeting ‘Quality Parish’ criteria will have the opportunity to bid directly for Government funds in future and be able to arrange services at a more local level. Three new funds have been introduced to help local communities develop, particularly in terms of transport, and the clerk has already submitted a request for application forms. It was agreed that the Council meets the published criteria to be considered for ‘Quality’ status and will apply for this when able to do so. Councillor Auger, a member of the Lincolnshire Rural Transport Board, reported that grants available under the transport initiative could be combined with those awarded to other parishes and up to £1,000 could be used for assessment purposes.

.2

Memorial Committee

Reports of meetings held on 10 April 2001 and 14 May 2001, which had previously been circulated, were accepted. Copies are attached to the official Minutes.

.3

Tourism in the Deepings

Members considered the initial report produced by this new Group and generally welcomed the initiatives suggested. Councillor Fisk will report back to the Group.

.4

L.I.V.E.S.First Responder Scheme

Councillor Shinkins reported that 15 volunteers had come forward for training so far. Due to the geographical size of the Deepings and the need for a speedy response to distress calls, the Group would start by introducing a Deeping St James team and then expand. Councillor Auger reported that Deeping St James United Charities had donated £1,000 to the scheme.

.1

Parking – Rycroft Avenue

Councillor Walker reported problems caused by long term parking in the lay-by outside the shops despite sufficient parking being available for residents at the rear. It was agreed to pursue a parking restriction of a maximum of one or two hours.

.2

Manor Way Shops

Councillor Auger requested that this be an agenda item for the next meeting.