DEEPING ST JAMES PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on Thursday, 30 January 2003 at The Institute.

Councillor Fisk, Chairman, presided over Councillors Anderson, Chambers, Dilks, Shinkins, Thompson, Warrick, Watkins and the clerk. Five members of the public were also in attendance.

097    MATTERS RAISED IN THE OPEN FORUM

.1 Bridge Street traffic problems The resident who presented the Council with the results of a questionnaire he had undertaken with Bridge Street residents last year asked the Council for an update on progress. The clerk reported that the matter had been taken up with the police and the Highways Department and gave a summary response of the action to date. It was agreed that the clerk should itemise all the points discussed in a letter for the benefit of the resident.

.2 Development on Back Lane The applicant for two separate proposals addressed the Council on the background reasons for the applications. He was of the view that the proposals would improve the general environment of the area and felt that Back Lane could no longer be considered as a rural lane in the face of increased volumes of traffic generated by neighbouring properties. Members agreed to take these comments into consideration when deliberating on the plans later in the evening.

098    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received and accepted from Councillors Abel, Auger, Lewis and Stevens.

099    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 Anderson Personal interest in minute 102 ref. S02/1702 & S03/0040 Known to applicant took no part in debate or voting.

Cllr Shinkins Personal interest in minute 102 ref. S03/0061
Personal interest in minute 103.1
Prejudicial interest in minute 103.2 Known to applicant.

Playscheme leader.
Outside bar provider.

Cllr Warrick Personal interest in minute 102 ref. S02/1702 & S03/0040
Personal interest in minute 102 ref. S03/0061 Friend of applicant’s family took no part in debate or voting.
Known to applicant.

100    MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The minutes of the meeting held on 2 January 2003, having previously been circulated, were approved as a true and correct record and signed by the Chairman.

101    MATTERS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES

.1 Audit 2001/02 (088) The clerk reported that the requirements of the Audit Commission Act 1998 had been fulfilled and the auditors advised accordingly.

.2 Drugs Awareness (089.1) Cllr Shinkins provided a written report of a meeting held on 23 January 2003 which had sought to secure the re-opening of the Friday Night Disco at the Leisure Centre. Progress had been achieved and the matter was now awaiting comment from the police.

.3 Local Access Forum (090.6) Cllr Anderson gave a comprehensive report of the meeting held earlier in the day at Sleaford. He recommended that Forums should be centred on the Kesteven, Holland and Lindsay boundaries if it proved impossible to forge a link with Peterborough City Council. Cllr Anderson was thanked for attending on the Council’s behalf.

.4 Crime scene books (090.14) The clerk reported that the books were now available for loan.

.5 Speed Trailer (090.15) The clerk reported that the Interactive Speed Trailer would next be available when the mobile police station visited the parish on 27 February 2003. Cllrs Dilks and Shinkins volunteered to meet with the officers on 26 February 2003 to advise where to position the trailer on roads previously identified as suffering from speeding traffic.

.6 Sales Centre (091) S.K.D.C. confirmed that separate planning permission is not required for the sales centre as it is deemed to be part of the development.

.7 Local Plan (091) S.K.D.C. confirmed that there was no factual basis to recent press reports speculating that the outcome of the next Local Plan review would result in a further 400 houses being built in The Deepings area. No decisions had been taken in respect of possible numbers or their location within the district, and the Parish Council would be consulted, as on previous occasions, when the Draft Plan is placed on deposit some time in 2004.

.8 Precept 2003/04 (094.1) A resident requested that attention be paid to the area near the shops on Crowson Way out of the money set aside for community cleaning. This was noted.

.9 Grant aid (094.2) Acknowledgements were received from Deeping St James Community Primary School and Deeping Gang Show. Cllr Dilks expressed his concern about remarks made by two members of Market Deeping Town Council which had been reported in the press in connection with the Parish Council’s grant award to Market Deeping Cricket Club. He hoped that this would not damage the co-operative relationship built up between the two councils and members echoed these sentiments.

.10 Winter salting (095.2) L.C.C. Highways confirmed that the Hards Lane area is now included in the winter salting programme.

.11 Burnt out car (095.4) The clerk reported that the car had now been removed.

.12 Community Cleaning (096) The proposed meeting date of 6 February 2003 had proved inconvenient for many Councillors and would be re-arranged in due course.

It was resolved under Standing Order 23(d) to move change the order of business to permit Planning Matters’ to be dealt with before Correspondence’ in order to accommodate the members of public who had attended the meeting to hear the Council’s deliberations.

102    PLANNING MATTERS

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

Ref. Address Proposal

S02/1621 22 Towning Close Extension over garage & erection of porch (amended plans). In view of the time available for response, the Chair of the Planning Committee, in consultation with the clerk, had offered no objections to the revised plans. This action was confirmed.

S02/1702 House at Newlands Nursery, Back Lane Certificate of Lawfulness (non-compliance with occupancy condition). The Council noted the application and offered no observations or comments.

S03/0003 104 Eastgate Erection of dwelling (renewal) (Outline consent). The Parish Council notes that this consent was previously granted following appeal to the Secretary of State. Although the Parish Council feels unable to offer an objection to the renewal of the consent, it continues to be concerned that any development of the site as indicated on the plan would give a cramped effect between Hives Bank and Eastgate with little or no frontage to the road, which would not enhance the street scene

S03/0040 Newlands Nursery, Back Lane Erection of bungalow (Outline consent). Objection. Having reviewed its policy in the light of recent planning applications for this road, the Parish Council continues to object to residential development in this area, as it is contrary to the policies contained within the Local Plan.

S03/0061 3 St James’ Mews Erection of detached double garage. No objections.

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

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

S02/1349 17 Frognall Single-storey rear extension Granted.

S02/1437 39 Burchnall Close Two-storey side extension & erection of double garage Granted.

S02/1455 39 Cowslip Drive Single-storey front extension & porch Granted.

S02/1492 69 Lady Margaret’s Avenue Two-storey side extension Granted.

S02/1499 12 Linchfield Close Two-storey side extension & erection of double garage Granted.

S02/1517 Jct of Speedwell Ct & Lady Margaret’s Ave Erection of postal pouch box Granted.

S02/1561 45 Church Street Two-storey side extension Granted.

The clerk reported that Cllr Lewis has represented the Parish Council at the Planning Enforcement Enquiry on 8 January 2003 at Stamford Town Hall relating to the site at 153 Eastgate. It was expected that the decision would be issued in a matter of weeks rather than months.

103    CORRESPONDENCE

.1 Summer Playschemes South Kesteven District Council provided a report on how playschemes must be operated in future. It was noted that the Parish Council could no longer purely facilitate playscheme by awarding grant aid to scheme organisers, and that the Council or a recognised committee/organisation must take responsibility as the registered employer/provider. Notwithstanding the additional burden this responsibility would place upon the Council, it would not be possible for Cllr Shinkins, the DSJ (Hereward) Scheme organiser, to remain in post as Councils are prevented in law from employing members for financial gain. There are currently no scheme organisers for the Linchfield Scheme and previous attempts to encourage suitably qualified people have failed. Members were unhappy that bureaucracy was threatening the provision of playscheme and agreed to approach Jimmy D’s Outof-School Club to see if they would be able to take over as providers. This would not affect Cllr Shinkins’ position as Playscheme Leader as the Club would be the employer. It was resolved to arrange for representatives of the Council and SKDC to meet with the Club’s Management Committee to explore whether there was a way forward and report back to the next meeting.

.2 M.D.T.C. Civic Ball Permission was sought for visiting Mayors and other dignitaries to wear civic regalia at the event being held at the Deepings School on 8 March. The Council welcomed visitors to the parish and granted permission for the wearing of chains but pointed out that it did not have civic jewellery as it has chosen not to take up town status.

.3 Proposed alcohol ban Market Deeping Town Council, joint proposers of the ban, reported that South Kesteven District Council was not prepared to take the matter further in light of the lack of support from the police. Members shared the Town Council’s concerns and referred to recent alcohol-related incidents, which it was felt could only get worse when the better weather arrived. It was resolved to instruct the clerk to write to the Chief Constable for further background as to why the police did not feel able to support this initiative and to also advise South Kesteven District Council that the Parish Council did not want to let the matter rest.

.4 Flood Partnership The Partnership’s launch on 9 February 2003 in Skegness was noted but no one was able to attend. Members recognised the 50th anniversary of the East coast floods on 31 January 2003 and agreed to ask residents for their memories in order to print a selection in forthcoming editions of the newsletter.

.5 Bus services campaign Stagecoach East has completed its timetable review and reported that it is not possible for financial reasons to provide additional services at this time. Members acknowledged and respected this position. Cllr Warrick produced draft letters for Lincolnshire County Council and Peterborough City Council asking for those authorities to see whether there was an opportunity to work together to improve public transport on this important cross-boundary corridor. It was resolved to accept the wording and issue the letters.

.6 Regional Assemblies L.C.C. asked the Council for its views on whether a referendum was wanted. Members did not feel in a position to state the views of parishioners on this subject and felt that the best way to gauge public opinion would be to hold a referendum.

.7 Deeping St James maps It was resolved to allow a resident undertaking research on the history of the parish to have access to the fragile parish map providing suitable arrangements could be made to bring it down from the loft. It was further resolved to use the opportunity to take digital photographs, which could ultimately be placed on the website, to avoid future disturbance.

.8 Other items noted ·    LCC Treasurer’s Office Changes to LGA Pension Scheme.
·    SKDC Publicity material for the green box recycling scheme.
·    LCC Highways Confirmation that a cycle way will be provided west of Linchfield Road when the 30mph limit is introduced and that junction next to the School will be closely monitored.
·    LCC Highways Confirmation that the balance of the budget set aside for parish traffic calming projects has been carried forward to next financial year.
·    Notice of transfer of license at the Deepings Leisure Centre bar.
·    Information Commissioner Confirmation that the Council’s Publication Scheme has been approved and will be in force from 28.2.03 until 28.2.07.
·    N.A.L.C. Details of seminar to launch Quality Parish Council status in London on 18 March. Delegate fee £60 + VAT.
·    Audit Commission Briefing paper updating on new approach to auditing local Councils.
·    N.A.L.C. Notification of commencement of review into the balance of funding in local government between centrally provided and locally raised resources.
·    E.M.D.A. Invitation to Enterprising Communities conference on 25 February.

104    ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT

The financial summary to 20 January 2003 was received and approved without comment. 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)
767.21

Expenses: Parish/District Liaison meeting (LGA 1972, s 174)

23.20

Postage (LGA.1972, s 111)

46.00

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

Huddlestone Landscapes
Cemetery maintenance (LGA 1972, s 214)
Tree works in cemetery (LGA 1972, s 214)
120.00
20.00

Adcentre
Meetings advert (50% reimbursement due 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

Utd Charities
Room hire Meeting 6.2.03 (LGA 1972, s 133)
10.00

J O Lewis
Expenses: Planning Enforcement Enquiry 8.1.03 (LGA 1972, s 174)
15.66

E.S.P.O.
Office stationery (LGA 1972, s 111)
76.95

M Warrick
Expenses Bus timetable poster (LG & RA 1997, s 29)
1.60

TOTAL

1308.73

A quote from Robinson Construction (Deeping) Ltd to collect and install the replacement pedestrian barrier at the entrance to the Jubilee Playing Field for the sum of £130 + Vat was unanimously accepted. It was reported that damage had recently occurred to the adjoining fence and barrier and the clerk was authorised to arrange for repair works to be undertaken at the same time in the interests of health and safety.

105    REPORTS

.1 Bus Shelters Committee The minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2003, having previously been circulated, were received. In view of a letter from a resident questioning the proposed location of one of the shelters, it was agreed to refer the entire matter back to the Committee for consideration and report. The minutes were formally entered into the record without discussion and decision upon recommendations contained within the minutes was deferred until such time as the Committee submitted its additional report.

.2 Allotments Committee The Minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2003, having previously been circulated, were received. It was resolved that:

1.    Under the provisions of the Small Holdings & Allotments Act 1908, the land held in the Hall Meadow Estate Charity is deemed suitable for the provision of allotment gardens for the benefit of the residents of Deeping St James, subject to the annual income derived from such allotment gardens mirroring that currently received and the current tenant being given first refusal to lease the land for agricultural purposes should the scheme at any time fail.
2.    In view of the considerable work and expense which would be incurred in the preparation of the land, before any further action is taken the clerk shall write to all those who had previously shown an interest to gauge the level of interest and likewise place a second article in the next edition of the newsletter in order to satisfy the Council that there would be sufficient uptake of allotment gardens at this location.

.3 Parish/District Liaison The written report produced by Cllr Chambers, having previously been circulated, was noted. Topics covered at this meeting included the election timetable, review of parish special expense areas, an update on the Local Government Act 2000 Members’ Code of Conduct and parish websites.

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

1.    To confirm the Chairman’s action in respect of the emergency tree order requested for the remaining poplar trees at 117 Spalding Road, following the recent removal of the majority of the trees in the line.
2.    To defer the issue of the next edition of the newsletter to the beginning of March to take advantage of promoting the forthcoming elections.
3.    To appoint Cllr Shinkins as the Council’s spokesperson on the Jubilee Playing Field Project and accept invitations to speak at meetings of the Raft Race Committee and the Deepings Lions.
4.    In connection with the Jubilee Playing Field Project, the clerk be authorised to meet with the Sports Officers at South Kesteven District Council to see whether it would be possible to design a Sports Development Plan which would meet the criteria for the Sport England lottery application.

106    NOTICES OF MOTION/RECOMMENDATION

.1 Road Safety campaign Cllr Dilks tabled a motion that the Council considered how it would update the road safety campaign undertaken in April 2001. It was confirmed that an allocation of £500 had been made in the budget for the forthcoming financial year and members agreed that the time was right to update the earlier campaign, which had proved very successful. Cllr Warrick volunteered to investigate the cost of producing posters and car stickers and report back.

.2 Disruptions to power supply Cllr Fisk tabled a motion that the Council noted the recent unexplained interruptions to power supply in parts of the parish and requested an explanation from the electricity distributor. Members agreed that there had been several breaks to the supply which could not be attributed to weather conditions and resolved that the clerk should write to the Chief Executive of Powergen Plc seeking an explanation.

107    PARISH-PUMP

.1 Bridge Street road closure The clerk reported that the road would be closed from its intersection with the B1525 to the bridge for 3-4 days during the period 10 24 February for resurfacing works.

The meeting closed at 10.10pm.

Signed ………………………..
Chairman

Date: 27 February 2003

.1	Bridge Street traffic problems	The resident who presented the Council with the results of a questionnaire he had undertaken with Bridge Street residents last year asked the Council for an update on progress. The clerk reported that the matter had been taken up with the police and the Highways Department and gave a summary response of the action to date. It was agreed that the clerk should itemise all the points discussed in a letter for the benefit of the resident.

.2	Development on Back Lane	The applicant for two separate proposals addressed the Council on the background reasons for the applications. He was of the view that the proposals would improve the general environment of the area and felt that Back Lane could no longer be considered as a rural lane in the face of increased volumes of traffic generated by neighbouring properties. Members agreed to take these comments into consideration when deliberating on the plans later in the evening.


Cllr Anderson	Personal interest in minute 102 ref. S02/1702 & S03/0040	Known to applicant took no part in debate or voting.
Cllr Shinkins	Personal interest in minute 102 ref. S03/0061 Personal interest in minute 103.1 Prejudicial interest in minute 103.2	Known to applicant. Playscheme leader. Outside bar provider.
Cllr Warrick	Personal interest in minute 102 ref. S02/1702 & S03/0040 Personal interest in minute 102 ref. S03/0061	Friend of applicant’s family took no part in debate or voting. Known to applicant.

.1	Audit 2001/02 (088)	The clerk reported that the requirements of the Audit Commission Act 1998 had been fulfilled and the auditors advised accordingly.

.2	Drugs Awareness (089.1)	Cllr Shinkins provided a written report of a meeting held on 23 January 2003 which had sought to secure the re-opening of the Friday Night Disco at the Leisure Centre. Progress had been achieved and the matter was now awaiting comment from the police.

.3	Local Access Forum (090.6)	Cllr Anderson gave a comprehensive report of the meeting held earlier in the day at Sleaford. He recommended that Forums should be centred on the Kesteven, Holland and Lindsay boundaries if it proved impossible to forge a link with Peterborough City Council. Cllr Anderson was thanked for attending on the Council’s behalf.

.4	Crime scene books (090.14)	The clerk reported that the books were now available for loan.

.5	Speed Trailer (090.15)	The clerk reported that the Interactive Speed Trailer would next be available when the mobile police station visited the parish on 27 February 2003. Cllrs Dilks and Shinkins volunteered to meet with the officers on 26 February 2003 to advise where to position the trailer on roads previously identified as suffering from speeding traffic.

.6	Sales Centre (091)	S.K.D.C. confirmed that separate planning permission is not required for the sales centre as it is deemed to be part of the development.

.7	Local Plan (091)	S.K.D.C. confirmed that there was no factual basis to recent press reports speculating that the outcome of the next Local Plan review would result in a further 400 houses being built in The Deepings area. No decisions had been taken in respect of possible numbers or their location within the district, and the Parish Council would be consulted, as on previous occasions, when the Draft Plan is placed on deposit some time in 2004.

.8	Precept 2003/04 (094.1)	A resident requested that attention be paid to the area near the shops on Crowson Way out of the money set aside for community cleaning. This was noted.

.9	Grant aid (094.2)	Acknowledgements were received from Deeping St James Community Primary School and Deeping Gang Show. Cllr Dilks expressed his concern about remarks made by two members of Market Deeping Town Council which had been reported in the press in connection with the Parish Council’s grant award to Market Deeping Cricket Club. He hoped that this would not damage the co-operative relationship built up between the two councils and members echoed these sentiments.

.10	Winter salting (095.2)	L.C.C. Highways confirmed that the Hards Lane area is now included in the winter salting programme.

.11	Burnt out car (095.4)	The clerk reported that the car had now been removed.

.12	Community Cleaning (096)	The proposed meeting date of 6 February 2003 had proved inconvenient for many Councillors and would be re-arranged in due course.

Ref.	Address	Proposal

S02/1621	22 Towning Close	Extension over garage & erection of porch (amended plans). In view of the time available for response, the Chair of the Planning Committee, in consultation with the clerk, had offered no objections to the revised plans. This action was confirmed.
S02/1702	House at Newlands Nursery, Back Lane	Certificate of Lawfulness (non-compliance with occupancy condition). The Council noted the application and offered no observations or comments.
S03/0003	104 Eastgate	Erection of dwelling (renewal) (Outline consent). The Parish Council notes that this consent was previously granted following appeal to the Secretary of State. Although the Parish Council feels unable to offer an objection to the renewal of the consent, it continues to be concerned that any development of the site as indicated on the plan would give a cramped effect between Hives Bank and Eastgate with little or no frontage to the road, which would not enhance the street scene
S03/0040	Newlands Nursery, Back Lane	Erection of bungalow (Outline consent). Objection. Having reviewed its policy in the light of recent planning applications for this road, the Parish Council continues to object to residential development in this area, as it is contrary to the policies contained within the Local Plan.
S03/0061	3 St James’ Mews	Erection of detached double garage. No objections.

.1	Summer Playschemes	South Kesteven District Council provided a report on how playschemes must be operated in future. It was noted that the Parish Council could no longer purely facilitate playscheme by awarding grant aid to scheme organisers, and that the Council or a recognised committee/organisation must take responsibility as the registered employer/provider. Notwithstanding the additional burden this responsibility would place upon the Council, it would not be possible for Cllr Shinkins, the DSJ (Hereward) Scheme organiser, to remain in post as Councils are prevented in law from employing members for financial gain. There are currently no scheme organisers for the Linchfield Scheme and previous attempts to encourage suitably qualified people have failed. Members were unhappy that bureaucracy was threatening the provision of playscheme and agreed to approach Jimmy D’s Outof-School Club to see if they would be able to take over as providers. This would not affect Cllr Shinkins’ position as Playscheme Leader as the Club would be the employer. It was resolved to arrange for representatives of the Council and SKDC to meet with the Club’s Management Committee to explore whether there was a way forward and report back to the next meeting.

.2	M.D.T.C. Civic Ball	Permission was sought for visiting Mayors and other dignitaries to wear civic regalia at the event being held at the Deepings School on 8 March. The Council welcomed visitors to the parish and granted permission for the wearing of chains but pointed out that it did not have civic jewellery as it has chosen not to take up town status.

.3	Proposed alcohol ban	Market Deeping Town Council, joint proposers of the ban, reported that South Kesteven District Council was not prepared to take the matter further in light of the lack of support from the police. Members shared the Town Council’s concerns and referred to recent alcohol-related incidents, which it was felt could only get worse when the better weather arrived. It was resolved to instruct the clerk to write to the Chief Constable for further background as to why the police did not feel able to support this initiative and to also advise South Kesteven District Council that the Parish Council did not want to let the matter rest.

.4	Flood Partnership	The Partnership’s launch on 9 February 2003 in Skegness was noted but no one was able to attend. Members recognised the 50th anniversary of the East coast floods on 31 January 2003 and agreed to ask residents for their memories in order to print a selection in forthcoming editions of the newsletter.

.5	Bus services campaign	Stagecoach East has completed its timetable review and reported that it is not possible for financial reasons to provide additional services at this time. Members acknowledged and respected this position. Cllr Warrick produced draft letters for Lincolnshire County Council and Peterborough City Council asking for those authorities to see whether there was an opportunity to work together to improve public transport on this important cross-boundary corridor. It was resolved to accept the wording and issue the letters.

.6	Regional Assemblies	L.C.C. asked the Council for its views on whether a referendum was wanted. Members did not feel in a position to state the views of parishioners on this subject and felt that the best way to gauge public opinion would be to hold a referendum.

.7	Deeping St James maps	It was resolved to allow a resident undertaking research on the history of the parish to have access to the fragile parish map providing suitable arrangements could be made to bring it down from the loft. It was further resolved to use the opportunity to take digital photographs, which could ultimately be placed on the website, to avoid future disturbance.

.8	Other items noted	· LCC Treasurer’s Office Changes to LGA Pension Scheme. · SKDC Publicity material for the green box recycling scheme. · LCC Highways Confirmation that a cycle way will be provided west of Linchfield Road when the 30mph limit is introduced and that junction next to the School will be closely monitored. · LCC Highways Confirmation that the balance of the budget set aside for parish traffic calming projects has been carried forward to next financial year. · Notice of transfer of license at the Deepings Leisure Centre bar. · Information Commissioner Confirmation that the Council’s Publication Scheme has been approved and will be in force from 28.2.03 until 28.2.07. · N.A.L.C. Details of seminar to launch Quality Parish Council status in London on 18 March. Delegate fee £60 + VAT. · Audit Commission Briefing paper updating on new approach to auditing local Councils. · N.A.L.C. Notification of commencement of review into the balance of funding in local government between centrally provided and locally raised resources. · E.M.D.A. Invitation to Enterprising Communities conference on 25 February.

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

Clerk	Salary (LGA 1972, s 112)	767.21
	Expenses: Parish/District Liaison meeting (LGA 1972, s 174)	23.20
	Postage (LGA.1972, s 111)	46.00
L.C.C.	Pension (LG Pension scheme Regs 1997)	183.46
Huddlestone Landscapes	Cemetery maintenance (LGA 1972, s 214) Tree works in cemetery (LGA 1972, s 214)	120.00 20.00
Adcentre	Meetings advert (50% reimbursement due 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
Utd Charities	Room hire Meeting 6.2.03 (LGA 1972, s 133)	10.00
J O Lewis	Expenses: Planning Enforcement Enquiry 8.1.03 (LGA 1972, s 174)	15.66
E.S.P.O.	Office stationery (LGA 1972, s 111)	76.95
M Warrick	Expenses Bus timetable poster (LG & RA 1997, s 29)	1.60
TOTAL		1308.73

.1	Bus Shelters Committee	The minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2003, having previously been circulated, were received. In view of a letter from a resident questioning the proposed location of one of the shelters, it was agreed to refer the entire matter back to the Committee for consideration and report. The minutes were formally entered into the record without discussion and decision upon recommendations contained within the minutes was deferred until such time as the Committee submitted its additional report.

.2	Allotments Committee	The Minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2003, having previously been circulated, were received. It was resolved that: 1. Under the provisions of the Small Holdings & Allotments Act 1908, the land held in the Hall Meadow Estate Charity is deemed suitable for the provision of allotment gardens for the benefit of the residents of Deeping St James, subject to the annual income derived from such allotment gardens mirroring that currently received and the current tenant being given first refusal to lease the land for agricultural purposes should the scheme at any time fail. 2. In view of the considerable work and expense which would be incurred in the preparation of the land, before any further action is taken the clerk shall write to all those who had previously shown an interest to gauge the level of interest and likewise place a second article in the next edition of the newsletter in order to satisfy the Council that there would be sufficient uptake of allotment gardens at this location.

.3	Parish/District Liaison	The written report produced by Cllr Chambers, having previously been circulated, was noted. Topics covered at this meeting included the election timetable, review of parish special expense areas, an update on the Local Government Act 2000 Members’ Code of Conduct and parish websites.

.4	Clerk’s report	The clerk’s report, which had been previously circulated, was noted. It was resolved: 1. To confirm the Chairman’s action in respect of the emergency tree order requested for the remaining poplar trees at 117 Spalding Road, following the recent removal of the majority of the trees in the line. 2. To defer the issue of the next edition of the newsletter to the beginning of March to take advantage of promoting the forthcoming elections. 3. To appoint Cllr Shinkins as the Council’s spokesperson on the Jubilee Playing Field Project and accept invitations to speak at meetings of the Raft Race Committee and the Deepings Lions. 4. In connection with the Jubilee Playing Field Project, the clerk be authorised to meet with the Sports Officers at South Kesteven District Council to see whether it would be possible to design a Sports Development Plan which would meet the criteria for the Sport England lottery application.

.1	Road Safety campaign	Cllr Dilks tabled a motion that the Council considered how it would update the road safety campaign undertaken in April 2001. It was confirmed that an allocation of £500 had been made in the budget for the forthcoming financial year and members agreed that the time was right to update the earlier campaign, which had proved very successful. Cllr Warrick volunteered to investigate the cost of producing posters and car stickers and report back.

.2	Disruptions to power supply	Cllr Fisk tabled a motion that the Council noted the recent unexplained interruptions to power supply in parts of the parish and requested an explanation from the electricity distributor. Members agreed that there had been several breaks to the supply which could not be attributed to weather conditions and resolved that the clerk should write to the Chief Executive of Powergen Plc seeking an explanation.