DEEPING ST JAMES PARISH COUNCIL

DEEPING ST JAMES PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held at 7.30pm in The Institute on Thursday, 31 January 2002.

Councillor Dilks, Chairman, presided over Councillors Abel, Anderson, Auger, Bulmer-Jones, Chambers, Fisk, Lewis, Shinkins, Stevens, Thompson, Walker, Watkins and the clerk. 21 members of the public were in attendance.

097 DISCUSSION CONCERNING THE WELLDOC OUT-OF-HOURS- DOCTOR SERVICE

Dr Stephen Hughes and Mrs Jane Hill, Practice Manager, representing the Deepings Practice, and Mrs Lyn Waterhouse, Manager of the WellDoc Service were welcomed to the meeting. The Deepings Practice was unhappy with the manner in which the previous meeting had been reported and had been unable to identify either the patients or circumstances in the examples given. Dr Hughes gave a brief resume of the background to the introduction of the service and how it worked. The service was there to provide GP cover for those who needed it but sadly, only 25% of calls fell into this category. Many calls actually could wait until the next day or could have been dealt with by NHS Direct and others needed hospital attention rather than a GP. Home visits were available and carried out according to medical need and whilst the difficulties of attending Stamford Hospital late at night or at weekends were acknowledged, this was regarded as a social problem rather than a medical one. The previous system where the Deepings Practice had doctors-on-call had been unsatisfactory and received more complaints than the new service does. It was not felt to be acceptable to have tired doctors undertaking night calls followed by usual surgeries the next day, and this was one of the reasons why co-operatives such as WellDoc had been encouraged. It was no longer possible to recruit GP’s to work in the former circumstances and even with WellDoc, it was proving extremely difficult to recruit new doctors to the Deepings Practice. Dr Hughes confirmed that all the doctors in WellDoc are serving GP’s in the sponsor practices and that locums and trainees were not used. Mrs Waterhouse advised that since starting in April 1997, 73,700 patients had used the service resulting in 26 complaints. In 2001, 16,500 patients were seen with 3 complaints being registered. The service automatically generates a random questionnaire to the 20^th patient seen and the satisfaction rating obtained is very high. The ‘very satisfied’ rating is currently achieving a response rate in excess of 75%. Mrs Waterhouse urged anyone with a complaint to make it directly to her, as the service cannot be improved otherwise.

A member of the public challenged the service and gave details of the treatment received by her late husband. There was a difference of opinion on how medical information was transferred to records and Mrs Hill agreed to meet with this lady separately to discuss the matter further. Several members of the Council also expressed their concerns, particularly in respect of the wide geographical area covered by the service when previously, the doctors of this practice were much more accessible. Dr Hughes, supported by other members, re-iterated the points made earlier. The discussion closed following an invitation for members to visit the Health Centre and view ‘behind the scenes’ and a request that a line of communication be kept open on this subject. Dr Hughes, Mrs Hill and Mrs Waterhouse were thanked for attending and left the meeting.

098 MATTERS RAISED IN THE OPEN FORUM

.1	Planning application – 153 Eastgate	Fifteen residents of Eastgate attended the meeting to raise their concerns about the application to site six static caravans and erect a toilet/shower/laundry block on the site of this former garden centre. Members were told that people, mainly foreigners, were already living on site in a number of touring caravans and in the former greenhouses. These people were not working on the site as they were bussed out each day, returning in the evening. This involved a great deal of vehicle noise very early in the morning and it was understood locally that these people were employed as mobile agricultural workers. The site is rapidly becoming an eyesore with evidence of tipping and abandoned vehicles and to create a permanent living area was not in keeping with the surrounding residential neighbourhood. As there was no evidence of agricultural use on the site, there was no need to create living accommodation in this area. A variety of complaints were made, many of which were not related to the planning application, and the Council’s support was sought to have the application refused. The residents were thanked for their comments and advised that they would be taken into account when the matter was discussed later in the meeting.
.2	Bus shelters	Five residents of Crowson Way addressed the Council on their concerns regarding the proposal to install a bus shelter at the stop immediately outside 13 & 15 Crowson Way. Referring to the recent meeting of the Bus Shelters Committee held to address these concerns, they were unhappy that the Committee was recommending that the installation go ahead as planned and wished to re-iterate the points raised at this earlier meeting. In accepting that the Council had obtained the necessary approvals, they were unhappy about vehicle access to and from their properties due to reduced visibility, causing concern for pedestrian safety. The need for a shelter at this location was also questioned as it was felt that it would be better sited at the stop on the opposite side of the carriageway. Litter and noise pollution would also increase and there was potential for vandalism and groups of youths generally loitering in the area. Referring to the recent Deepings Survey, they noted that although 70.9% had requested bus shelters only 9.5% actually used buses. The residents were thanked for their comments and advised that they would be taken into account when the matter was discussed later in the meeting.

099 CHANGES TO THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA

The Chairman, upon formally opening the Council Meeting, sought agreement to bring forward items 7 -Planning Matters and 9.4 - Bus Shelters Committee Report in view of the foregoing Open Forum. It was unanimously agreed to deal with these matters after agenda item 5 - Matters arising.

100 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Councillor Warrick, who was attending a Governing Body meeting as the Parish Council’s representative.

101 MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the meetings held on 3 January and 24 January 2002, having previously been circulated, were approved as a true and correct record and signed by the Chairman.

102 MATTERS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES

.1	Rural Transport	The clerk confirmed that the informal meeting with Messrs Delaine-Smith of Delaine Buses Ltd had taken place and had produced a useful exchange of information.
.2	Parish Newsletter	It was reported that the first issue had been delayed for editorial reasons and delivery was now expected in mid-February. Members were asked to consider whether they would prefer their telephone number or address to be entered as point of contact.

103 PLANNING MATTERS

Having regard to S.K.D.C.’s probity in matters relating to planning, Councillors Auger and Bulmer-Jones took no part in the discussion and did not register a vote. It was unanimously agreed to submit objections to the following applications:

Ref.	Address	Proposal
S01/1491	Land off Knights Close	To erect four detached dwellings. Site is considered too cramped for the number of dwellings proposed with poor access off Knights Close.
S02/0059	34 Frognall	Front, side and rear extensions to bungalow to form two-storey dwelling. Proposed development is of such a size that it is out of scale for the village of Frognall and neighbouring properties. Development in front of the existing building line is detrimental to the visual character of the existing street scene. Proposals appear to be utilising highway land.
S02/0071	Land to rear of 153 Eastgate	Positioning of six static mobile homes and erection of toilet/shower block on land formerly used as garden centre. Proposals are out of character with surrounding residential neighbourhood and are an inappropriate form of development in the heart of the residential area. There is no evidence of any agricultural use on the site.

It was unanimously agreed to submit no objections to the following applications:

S02/0065	15 Frognall	Erection of conservatory to rear and addition of a pitched roof to the existing rear extension.
S02/0072	84 Eastgate	Erection of detached garage.

The following applications have been approved by the Planning Authority (S.K.D.C.). Unless stated otherwise, these decisions are in accordance with the Council’s previously notified observations:

Ref.	Address	Proposal
S01/0962	47 Cowslip Drive	Two-storey side extension.
S01/1252	100 Bridge Street	Conversion of residence to day care centre for children.
S01/1289	78 Lady Margaret’s Avenue	Erection of fence * P.C. objected.
S01/1347	16 Swift Close	Two storey extension and porch
S01/1372	57 Manor Way	Change of use from retail to laundrette
S01/1377	5 Linchfield Road	First floor extension
S01/1431	77 Manor way	Store extension to restaurant
S01/1457	57 Broadgate Lane	Extensions to dwelling
S01/1475	50 Horsegate	Erection of conservatory

Refused:

S01/1234

4 Teasles

Two-storey rear extension * P.C. did not object.

104 BUS SHELTERS COMMITTEE REPORT

The report of the meeting held on 21 January 2002 was discussed and a copy is attached to the official minutes. Councillor Lewis, Chair of the Committee, took members through the report dealing with the Committee’s response to the issues raised by the residents and concluding that the location of the shelter was correct and should be installed as planned. Following a lengthy discussion, during which there were speakers both for and against providing a shelter on Crowson Way, it was proposed by Councillor Anderson and seconded by Councillor Auger that the Council does not provide a shelter at this location. This was carried by 9 votes to 2 with one abstention. The clerk reminded members that the shelter had already been ordered as part of a bulk purchase scheme and must be installed by the end of February to secure the grant aid from Lincolnshire County Council. It was unanimously agreed to promote the bus stop near the post office, subject to approvals and relocating the stop nearer to the Vicarage and failing this, the stop on Horsegate near the junction with New Row as both these sites had been identified for the next stage of the project.

105 CORRESPONDENCE

.1	Flood risk awareness	The Environment Agency has invited the Council to set up a volunteer Flood Watch Warden Scheme. It was agreed to advertise this in the next issue of the Newsletter to see whether there would be sufficient interest from residents.
.2	Summer Playschemes – grant assistance	Councillor Shinkins declared a pecuniary interest and took no part in the discussion or voting. South Kesteven District Council has agreed to fund up to 50% of the cost of summer playschemes as in previous years. Councillor Anderson reported that it was unlikely that anyone from Linchfield School would be able to take over the role of Playleader but he would continue to make enquiries. Other options were considered including advertising through the Newsletter and Deepings Advertiser and asking the Leaders of the Hereward Way scheme if they would consider expanding their scheme to cater for the children from Linchfield School. The clerk was asked to make further enquiries concerning acceptable qualifications.
.3	Code of Conduct – training	It was agreed that Councillor Warrick and the clerk should represent the Council at the training session to be held on 5 February 2002. The clerk was asked to bring back as much information as possible for other members.
.4	Other items noted	L.C.C. – Support in principle within the overall context of its rail policy for the re-opening of the railway station. Rural Transport Fund – Grant of £1,000 towards bus shelters project. English Heritage - instructions to repair The Cross door rather than replace. Notice of transfer of off-licence at 110 Church Street. Deepings Rotary Fun Run – request for permission to use Jubilee Playing Field for start and finish of race as in previous years. Granted with usual conditions. Stamford Volunteer Bureau – Newsletter. L.E.A.P. – Community Development Initiative newsletter. S.K.D.C. Crime & Disorder Audit – Consultation document. S.K.D.C. Land Use Planning Services Best Value Review – Summary report. BBC Radio Cambridgeshire – Notice of expanded news service. Local reporter to be added to the Council’s press list for meeting papers distribution. S.K.D.C. – Notice of first meeting of the Standards Committee on 1.2.02. Councillor Warrick is one of eight parish council representatives on this committee. S.K.D.C. Forward Plan issued on 16.1.02. D.M.P. – Minutes of meeting held on 16.1.02. Acknowledgements of grant aid from Deepings in Bloom, C.A.B., Deepings School and L.P.F.A. Henley Oak – Jubilee commemorative products in wood. Market Deeping Town Council – invitation to purchase tickets for the Civic Ball.

106 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT

It was unanimously resolved to pay the following accounts:

Payee	Service/Item of Expenditure	Amount
Clerk	Salary	605.91
L.C.C.	Pension	139.36
Garden Groomers	Cemetery maintenance	282.00
Onyx UK Ltd	Litter picking – Jubilee Playing Field	11.75
Adcentre Ltd	Meetings advert (subject to 50% reimbursement from MDTC).	30.55
	Cemetery Maintenance tender advert	30.55
DSJ United Charities	Room hire – 21.1 & 24.1.02	20.00
Deepings Community Trust Ltd	Room hire – 14.1.02	25.00
Powergen	Power supply – The Cross lights	5.43
Environment Agency	Application fee: Memorial project	50.00
W Huddlestone	Cemetery maintenance works	24.00

107 REPORTS

.1	Liaison Group	The report of the meeting held on 8 January 2002 was noted as requiring no action.
.2	Memorial Group	The report of the meeting held on 14 January 2002 was unanimously approved. It was noted that consent in principle was required from Market Deeping Town Council, South Kesteven District Council and the Environment Agency to site the memorial in the centre of the bank on Riverside Park. A site meeting will be held to determine the exact layout of the main structure and benches once these consents are in place.
.3	Deepings Management Partnership	Councillor Shinkins circulated a written report prior to the meeting regarding her concerns about the manner in which Partnership meetings were being recorded. It was noted that the name of the Partnership had been changed to the Deepings Town Centre Management Partnership and would now focus on town centre and related projects. Councillor Shinkins provided a breakdown of the projects and expenditure to date and confirmed that she was still waiting for the criteria used to support applications for funding
.4	Leisure & Amenities Committee	The report of the meeting held on 29 January 2002 was circulated and discussed. It was noted that the anticipated costs of the project were in the region of £98,100 but were likely to rise through pending price increases expected before the project could be completed. Drawings and illustrations of layouts from SMP Playgrounds were displayed and it was agreed to accept this company as the preferred equipment supplier. The clerk was asked to commence the fund-raising and planning application processes and to invite members of the Youth Centre who have been working on this project to the next meeting to give a brief presentation of progress to date. A copy of the report is attached to the official minutes.

108 ITEMS TABLED FOR DISCUSSION

.1	Deposit Draft Local Plan	The report of the Planning Committee meeting held on 24 January 2002 to discuss the First Stage Draft was circulated and discussed. It was unanimously agreed that the points raised should form the basis of the Parish Council’s response. A copy of the report is attached to the official minutes.
.2	Quality Parish status	The draft response of the Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils to the consultation paper was circulated prior to the meeting. It was unanimously agreed that this fully represented the Parish Council’s stance and should be used as the basis of the Council’s response. The meeting scheduled for 5 February 2002 to deal specifically with this issue was therefore cancelled.
.3	Out-of-hours doctor service	It was agreed to accept the Practice Manager’s offer of an escorted tour of the Health Centre. The clerk will liase with Mrs Hill and interested members to set a date.

109 PARISH-PUMP

No matters were raised.

The meeting closed at 10.17pm.