DEEPING ST JAMES PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held at The Institute on Thursday, 25 April 2002. Councillor Fisk, Vice-Chairman, presided over Councillors Abel, Anderson, Auger, Bulmer-Jones, Chambers, Hill, Lewis, Shinkins, Stevens, Thompson, Walker, Warrick and the clerk. P.C. Postance was also in attendance.

134    MATTERS RAISED IN THE OPEN FORUM None.

135    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Councillors Dilks and Watkins.

136    DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Members notified interests in the following items and completed the Register accordingly:

Cllr Auger: personal interest in minute 138.2 - Removal of cemetery shed.
Cllrs Stevens and Warrick: personal interest in minute 140 - Planning application at 45 Frognall.
Cllr Shinkins: prejudicial interest in minute 141 - Playscheme float.
Cllr Warrick: personal interest in minute 143 Directional road sign to the Priory Church.

137    MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the meeting held on 28 March 2002 were approved as a true and correct record and signed by the Chairman following the addition of a sentence at the end of Minute 132.2 It was agreed that all references to the masculine in the Code also referred to the feminine’.

138    MATTERS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES

.1 Bus shelters (127.1) The clerk reported that the event to mark the opening had received excellent press coverage and that the cleaner had been successful in removing most of the graffiti on the Thackers Way shelter. Arrangements will be made to paint over the remaining marks on the fibre glass roof.

.2 Cemetery maintenance (127.5) The clerk reported that the police had paid extra attention to the area as requested and recommended that the cemetery hut be relocated to prevent further problems in that area of the cemetery. As no maintenance equipment or tools are now stored in it, it was unanimously agreed to dispose of the hut and replace with a smaller locker to store the accoutrements for grave digging. The clerk was asked to advertise the hut’s availability and research alternative lockers.

.3 Deepings Recycling Centre (128.2) Lincolnshire County Council has reported that there are issues concerning highway requirements still outstanding in relation to the conditions of planning permission granted for this site.

.4 Planning application 181 Spalding Road (128.5) The clerk reported that a further letter had been received requesting that the Parish Council accepts suggestions as to its future activities when dealing with planning applications. The Chairman had instructed the clerk to acknowledge the letter stating that the contents had been noted and this action was unanimously approved.

.5 Data Protection (128.7) The clerk confirmed that it was a requirement for the Parish Council to notify the Information Commissioner that it was a data processor within the terms of the Data Protection Act 1998. This formal notification had been made and the action approved. It was unanimously agreed to purchase a shredder for the office. Members were asked to give their written consent for their personal details to appear on the Council’s notice boards, newsletter and website.

.6 Liaison Group (131.1) The next meeting will be held on 30 April 2002 at Market Deeping Town Hall at 7.30pm.

.7 Grant aid (132.1) Acknowledgements were received from Deeping St James Community Primary School and the Deepings Raft Race Committee.

.8 Code of Conduct (132.2) The clerk reported that all members had now signed to accept the Code.

.9 Finance Committee (132.4) The clerk advised that further information was now available on the new accounting regulations. This will be passed to the Finance Committee.

139    CORRESPONDENCE

.1 Community News A further eight responses were noted. Members discussed a request for a coffee bar for teenagers in general terms and it was felt that there might be some scope for this at the Community Centre. It was proposed by Cllr Stevens, seconded by Cllr Hill that a working party should investigate this in conjunction with other interested parities in the community. Cllrs Hill, Stevens and Stevens volunteered to join this working party.

.2 Leisure Centre The Head of Leisure & Cultural Services at South Kesteven District Council has confirmed that the suggestion to provide one super’ centre in place of the existing three centres is being taken no further and that the Parish Council would in future be consulted on any proposals concerning the Leisure Centre.

.3 Railway station Lincolnshire County Council has suggested that the Parish Council should contact Central Trains, the current franchise holder, to ascertain its view on the potential for a station in the parish. It was proposed by Cllr Lewis, seconded by Cllr Chambers and carried by 10 votes to 1 with 1 abstention to accept this advice.

.4 Dog Warden Service The clerk was asked to complete a survey questionnaire on the Council’s behalf.

.5 CCTV Control Room Cllr Auger advised that an invitation had been extended to members to visit the Control Room at Grantham and offered a variety of dates. Members were asked to contact Cllr Auger with their preference as soon as possible.

.6 Alcohol bylaws Market Deeping Town Council is investigating the feasibility of introducing an alcohol ban on public open spaces and has asked if the Parish Council would like be involved. It was unanimously agreed to accept this invitation and put forward Jubilee Playing Field, the cemeteries and churchyard, play areas off Hereward Way and Crowson Way/Thackers Way and the open space outside the Manor Way shops. It was further resolved to the write to Trading Standards requesting a clamp down on the sale of alcohol to under-age people.

.7 Other items noted ·    Lincolnshire Police Authority Grant aid schemes for 2002.
·    Environment Agency Request for information concerning potential flood risk due to infilling of ditches, blocked culverts etc. The clerk was asked to report Park Road.
·    SKDC copy of request to landowner to release land for burial purposes.
·    Cemetery Letter of thanks for works to remove seat and bin near a grave.
·    Police Mobile unit to visit on 18 July 2002.
·    NALC Invitation to national conference in Preston in June.
·    L.C.C. Summary Best Value Performance and Budget Plan 2002 05.
·    Postwatch How to make complaints about mail delivery.
·    Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 Legal update.

140    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 agreed to submit the following observations on the planning applications before the Council:

Ref. Address Proposal

S02/0379 51 Horsegate Extensions to bungalow to form two-storey dwelling. No objection unanimous.

S02/0404 34 Bridge Street Two-storey rear extension. No objection - unanimous.

S02/0424 Adj. 66 Eastgate Erection of dwelling (outline). Objection intensification of land use 8 votes for, 3 against.

S02/0432 23 Crowson Way Two-storey side extension. No objection - unanimous.

S02/0433 21 Pawlett Close First floor extension over garage. No objection 6 votes for, 4 against

S02/0490 45 Frognall Extensions to bungalow to form two-storey dwelling. No objection 9 votes for, 2 against.

S02/0509 177 Swift Close Single-storey side and two-storey rear extensions. No objection unanimous.

The following applications have been determined by the Planning Authority (S.K.D.C.) since the last Council meeting. Unless indicated, these decisions are in accordance with the Council’s previously recorded observations:

Ref. Address Proposal Outcome

S02/0059 34 Frognall Extensions to bungalow to form two-storey dwelling. Approved * P.C. objected.

S02/0146 R/o 36-38 Church Street Siting of storage units. Approved * P.C. objected.

S02/0151 Adj. 147 Station Road Erection of dwelling. Refused * P.C. did not object.

S02/0232 141 Swift Close Side extension, conservatory & alterations to porch. Approved.

S02/0262 39 Park Road Single-storey rear extension. Approved.

S02/0327 28 Hereward Way Extensions. Approved.

Members were reminded that the presentation by the Head of Land Use Planning Services, SKDC had been rearranged for Wednesday, 1 May 2002 at 7.30pm in the Town Hall, Market Deeping.

141    ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT

It was unanimously resolved to pay the following accounts:

Payee Service/Item of Expenditure
Amount

Clerk
Salary including 26 hours overtime March/April
781.28

Postage

46.00

Printer cartridge

25.99

L.C.C.
Pension
137.18

W Huddlestone
Cemetery maintenance
240.00

Onyx UK Ltd
Litter picking Jubilee Playing Field
11.75

Adcentre Ltd
Meetings advert (subject to 50% reimbursement from MDTC)
30.55

United Charities
Office hire:1.4 30.9.02
500.00

Room hire: monthly meetings 1.4 30.9.02

60.00

Room hire: Annual Parish meeting 18.4.02

10.00

Electricity to office: 1.10.99 31.3.02

225.00

L.A.L.C.
Annual subscription/Local Council Review
383.97

J R Reedman
Labour, timber & padlocks for burial boards housing
37.00

Powergen Plc
Electricity Supply- The Cross lights
5.43

SKDC
Planning application fee: Jubilee Playing Field
110.00

DSJ Playscheme
Playleaders’ float
750.00

Information Commissioner
Data Protection annual notification fee
35.00

Castle Cleaners
Bus shelter cleaning
60.00

Total

3449.15

142    REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2002

    The clerk presented the income and expenditure account and balance sheet for the financial year 2001/02. Members noted that the precept for the year had been fully utilised and it was unanimously agreed to adopt the accounts.

143    ITEMS TABLED FOR DISCUSSION

.1 Provision of allotment gardens The clerk reported that fourteen firm expressions of interest had now been received and advised that under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908, the Council had a duty to consider whether there was an unsatisfied demand in the parish. It was proposed by Cllr Lewis, seconded by Cllr Anderson and carried by 11 votes to 0 with 1 abstention that there existed an unsatisfied demand and that the Council should seek land to meet this need. The clerk was asked to commence investigations into possible land availability within the parish.

Cllr Hill, who had another engagement, left the meeting at this point.

.2 Provision of flagpole Cllr Shinkins reported requests received from residents that the Parish Council should provide a flagpole to enable the Union Flag to be flown on occasions of national importance such as the recent death of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Members discussed the desirability of this, potential locations and the protocol surrounding civic flag flying. It was proposed by Cllr Shinkins and seconded by Cllr Abel that a flagpole be provided. The motion received 4 votes for, 5 against and 3 abstentions and therefore failed.

.3 Future use of gravel site Cllr Anderson reported that the extraction works on Station Road had now finished and that the contractor had reinstated the land in accordance with the planning conditions. He further reported that the landowner had agreed to the Lincolnshire & Humberside Nature Trust taking over management of the site as a nature reserve, which would permit some school and general public access, but this was being held up while Lincolnshire County Council gave its agreement that the planning conditions had been met. The landowner and the Trust had indicated that it would like a member of the Parish Council to serve on the Management Committee for the reserve. Members were delighted to hear this and it was resolved that the clerk should write to L.C.C. urging a speedy completion of the matter. It was also resolved that Cllr Anderson should be nominated as the Council’s representative when the Management Committee is formed. Concern was registered about a proposal being considered to divert the claimed footpath on the riverbank in this area in order to meet the requirements of an objector. Members reiterated that it had taken twelve years to get this path considered for inclusion on the Definitive Map and that the suggested route in place of that put forward over the years was unacceptable. It was resolved that the clerk should write a letter of objection to this proposed diversion to L.C.C. and seek the support of the County Councillor in this matter.

.4 Evening bus services Cllr Warrick sought members’ support to commence a campaign to encourage Stagecoach Eastern to extend bus services into the evening, particularly at weekends. He advised that this would need the support of both Lincolnshire County Council and Peterborough City Council in order to secure subsidies under their Bus Grant schemes. Members unanimously supported this idea and Cllr Warrick agreed to bring proposals as to how this might be achieved to the next meeting

.5 Road sign on Spalding Road Cllr Warrick pointed out that the directional road sign near the junction with Broadgate Lane advising that Deeping St James was to be found to the left was no longer accurate following the expansion of the parish over the last 30 years. It was unanimously agreed to ask the Highways Authority to replace this sign with a brown tourist sign indicating the location of the historic centre of the village i.e. the Priory Church and The Cross. It was further unanimously agreed to ask the Deepings Town Centre Management Partnership to consider a contribution to the cost of this.

144    PARISH-PUMP

.1 Road markings Cllr Shinkins reported that the road markings by the bridge have become very worn. The clerk will refer this to the Highways Surveyor.

.2 Deepings online Cllr Walker reported that his offer to undertake the role of moderator on behalf of Deeping St James on this website had not been taken up. Concern was registered about how Deeping St James was being represented and Cllr Stevens requested that this be an item for the next agenda.

.3 Gravel extraction Cllr Anderson requested that this be an item for the next agenda.

.4 Bus stops Cllr Chambers requested that a meeting of the Bus Shelters Committee be convened to discuss the marking of those bus stops without flags or shelters. This will be arranged.

The meeting closed at 9.47pm.

.1	Bus shelters (127.1)	The clerk reported that the event to mark the opening had received excellent press coverage and that the cleaner had been successful in removing most of the graffiti on the Thackers Way shelter. Arrangements will be made to paint over the remaining marks on the fibre glass roof.

.2	Cemetery maintenance (127.5)	The clerk reported that the police had paid extra attention to the area as requested and recommended that the cemetery hut be relocated to prevent further problems in that area of the cemetery. As no maintenance equipment or tools are now stored in it, it was unanimously agreed to dispose of the hut and replace with a smaller locker to store the accoutrements for grave digging. The clerk was asked to advertise the hut’s availability and research alternative lockers.

.3	Deepings Recycling Centre (128.2)	Lincolnshire County Council has reported that there are issues concerning highway requirements still outstanding in relation to the conditions of planning permission granted for this site.

.4	Planning application 181 Spalding Road (128.5)	The clerk reported that a further letter had been received requesting that the Parish Council accepts suggestions as to its future activities when dealing with planning applications. The Chairman had instructed the clerk to acknowledge the letter stating that the contents had been noted and this action was unanimously approved.

.5	Data Protection (128.7)	The clerk confirmed that it was a requirement for the Parish Council to notify the Information Commissioner that it was a data processor within the terms of the Data Protection Act 1998. This formal notification had been made and the action approved. It was unanimously agreed to purchase a shredder for the office. Members were asked to give their written consent for their personal details to appear on the Council’s notice boards, newsletter and website.

.6	Liaison Group (131.1)	The next meeting will be held on 30 April 2002 at Market Deeping Town Hall at 7.30pm.

.7	Grant aid (132.1)	Acknowledgements were received from Deeping St James Community Primary School and the Deepings Raft Race Committee.

.8	Code of Conduct (132.2)	The clerk reported that all members had now signed to accept the Code.

.9	Finance Committee (132.4)	The clerk advised that further information was now available on the new accounting regulations. This will be passed to the Finance Committee.

.1	Community News	A further eight responses were noted. Members discussed a request for a coffee bar for teenagers in general terms and it was felt that there might be some scope for this at the Community Centre. It was proposed by Cllr Stevens, seconded by Cllr Hill that a working party should investigate this in conjunction with other interested parities in the community. Cllrs Hill, Stevens and Stevens volunteered to join this working party.

.2	Leisure Centre	The Head of Leisure & Cultural Services at South Kesteven District Council has confirmed that the suggestion to provide one super’ centre in place of the existing three centres is being taken no further and that the Parish Council would in future be consulted on any proposals concerning the Leisure Centre.

.3	Railway station	Lincolnshire County Council has suggested that the Parish Council should contact Central Trains, the current franchise holder, to ascertain its view on the potential for a station in the parish. It was proposed by Cllr Lewis, seconded by Cllr Chambers and carried by 10 votes to 1 with 1 abstention to accept this advice.

.4	Dog Warden Service	The clerk was asked to complete a survey questionnaire on the Council’s behalf.

.5	CCTV Control Room	Cllr Auger advised that an invitation had been extended to members to visit the Control Room at Grantham and offered a variety of dates. Members were asked to contact Cllr Auger with their preference as soon as possible.

.6	Alcohol bylaws	Market Deeping Town Council is investigating the feasibility of introducing an alcohol ban on public open spaces and has asked if the Parish Council would like be involved. It was unanimously agreed to accept this invitation and put forward Jubilee Playing Field, the cemeteries and churchyard, play areas off Hereward Way and Crowson Way/Thackers Way and the open space outside the Manor Way shops. It was further resolved to the write to Trading Standards requesting a clamp down on the sale of alcohol to under-age people.

.7	Other items noted	· Lincolnshire Police Authority Grant aid schemes for 2002. · Environment Agency Request for information concerning potential flood risk due to infilling of ditches, blocked culverts etc. The clerk was asked to report Park Road. · SKDC copy of request to landowner to release land for burial purposes. · Cemetery Letter of thanks for works to remove seat and bin near a grave. · Police Mobile unit to visit on 18 July 2002. · NALC Invitation to national conference in Preston in June. · L.C.C. Summary Best Value Performance and Budget Plan 2002 05. · Postwatch How to make complaints about mail delivery. · Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 Legal update.


Ref.	Address	Proposal
S02/0379	51 Horsegate	Extensions to bungalow to form two-storey dwelling. No objection unanimous.
S02/0404	34 Bridge Street	Two-storey rear extension. No objection - unanimous.
S02/0424	Adj. 66 Eastgate	Erection of dwelling (outline). Objection intensification of land use 8 votes for, 3 against.
S02/0432	23 Crowson Way	Two-storey side extension. No objection - unanimous.
S02/0433	21 Pawlett Close	First floor extension over garage. No objection 6 votes for, 4 against
S02/0490	45 Frognall	Extensions to bungalow to form two-storey dwelling. No objection 9 votes for, 2 against.
S02/0509	177 Swift Close	Single-storey side and two-storey rear extensions. No objection unanimous.

Payee	Service/Item of Expenditure	Amount
Clerk	Salary including 26 hours overtime March/April	781.28
	Postage	46.00
	Printer cartridge	25.99
L.C.C.	Pension	137.18
W Huddlestone	Cemetery maintenance	240.00
Onyx UK Ltd	Litter picking Jubilee Playing Field	11.75
Adcentre Ltd	Meetings advert (subject to 50% reimbursement from MDTC)	30.55
United Charities	Office hire:1.4 30.9.02	500.00
	Room hire: monthly meetings 1.4 30.9.02	60.00
	Room hire: Annual Parish meeting 18.4.02	10.00
	Electricity to office: 1.10.99 31.3.02	225.00
L.A.L.C.	Annual subscription/Local Council Review	383.97
J R Reedman	Labour, timber & padlocks for burial boards housing	37.00
Powergen Plc	Electricity Supply- The Cross lights	5.43
SKDC	Planning application fee: Jubilee Playing Field	110.00
DSJ Playscheme	Playleaders’ float	750.00
Information Commissioner	Data Protection annual notification fee	35.00
Castle Cleaners	Bus shelter cleaning	60.00
Total		3449.15

.1	Provision of allotment gardens	The clerk reported that fourteen firm expressions of interest had now been received and advised that under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908, the Council had a duty to consider whether there was an unsatisfied demand in the parish. It was proposed by Cllr Lewis, seconded by Cllr Anderson and carried by 11 votes to 0 with 1 abstention that there existed an unsatisfied demand and that the Council should seek land to meet this need. The clerk was asked to commence investigations into possible land availability within the parish.

.2	Provision of flagpole	Cllr Shinkins reported requests received from residents that the Parish Council should provide a flagpole to enable the Union Flag to be flown on occasions of national importance such as the recent death of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Members discussed the desirability of this, potential locations and the protocol surrounding civic flag flying. It was proposed by Cllr Shinkins and seconded by Cllr Abel that a flagpole be provided. The motion received 4 votes for, 5 against and 3 abstentions and therefore failed.

.3	Future use of gravel site	Cllr Anderson reported that the extraction works on Station Road had now finished and that the contractor had reinstated the land in accordance with the planning conditions. He further reported that the landowner had agreed to the Lincolnshire & Humberside Nature Trust taking over management of the site as a nature reserve, which would permit some school and general public access, but this was being held up while Lincolnshire County Council gave its agreement that the planning conditions had been met. The landowner and the Trust had indicated that it would like a member of the Parish Council to serve on the Management Committee for the reserve. Members were delighted to hear this and it was resolved that the clerk should write to L.C.C. urging a speedy completion of the matter. It was also resolved that Cllr Anderson should be nominated as the Council’s representative when the Management Committee is formed. Concern was registered about a proposal being considered to divert the claimed footpath on the riverbank in this area in order to meet the requirements of an objector. Members reiterated that it had taken twelve years to get this path considered for inclusion on the Definitive Map and that the suggested route in place of that put forward over the years was unacceptable. It was resolved that the clerk should write a letter of objection to this proposed diversion to L.C.C. and seek the support of the County Councillor in this matter.

.4	Evening bus services	Cllr Warrick sought members’ support to commence a campaign to encourage Stagecoach Eastern to extend bus services into the evening, particularly at weekends. He advised that this would need the support of both Lincolnshire County Council and Peterborough City Council in order to secure subsidies under their Bus Grant schemes. Members unanimously supported this idea and Cllr Warrick agreed to bring proposals as to how this might be achieved to the next meeting

.5	Road sign on Spalding Road	Cllr Warrick pointed out that the directional road sign near the junction with Broadgate Lane advising that Deeping St James was to be found to the left was no longer accurate following the expansion of the parish over the last 30 years. It was unanimously agreed to ask the Highways Authority to replace this sign with a brown tourist sign indicating the location of the historic centre of the village i.e. the Priory Church and The Cross. It was further unanimously agreed to ask the Deepings Town Centre Management Partnership to consider a contribution to the cost of this.

.1	Road markings	Cllr Shinkins reported that the road markings by the bridge have become very worn. The clerk will refer this to the Highways Surveyor.

.2	Deepings online	Cllr Walker reported that his offer to undertake the role of moderator on behalf of Deeping St James on this website had not been taken up. Concern was registered about how Deeping St James was being represented and Cllr Stevens requested that this be an item for the next agenda.

.3	Gravel extraction	Cllr Anderson requested that this be an item for the next agenda.

.4	Bus stops	Cllr Chambers requested that a meeting of the Bus Shelters Committee be convened to discuss the marking of those bus stops without flags or shelters. This will be arranged.