DEEPING ST JAMES PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held at The Institute on Thursday, 27 March 2003 immediately after the Annual Parish Meeting.

Councillor Fisk, Chairman, presided over Councillors Abel, Anderson, Auger, Bulmer-Jones, Chambers, Lewis, Shinkins, Watkins and the clerk. Cllr Stevens joined the meeting at item 9.2 having sent earlier notice of planned late arrival due to a prior engagement. Two members of the public and P.C. Capp were also in attendance.

123    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received and accepted from Councillors Dilks, Thompson and Warrick.

124    DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

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 Auger Personal interest in minute 128.11 Deepings Community Partnership: Portfolio holder at South Kesteven District Council.

Cllr Lewis Personal interest in minute 132.3 Hereward Way play area: Nearby property owner.

Cllr Shinkins Prejudicial interest in minute 132.2 Summer Playscheme: Playscheme Leader.

125    MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETINGS

The minutes of the meetings held on 27 February 2003 and 11 March 2003 having previously been circulated, were approved as a true and correct record and signed by the Chairman.

126    MATTERS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES

.1 Traffic calming works (108.2) The clerk reported that the works were still going ahead as planned and that Lincolnshire County Council Highways did not have an Officer in the area on the day in question. It was presumed that the resident had spoken with a contractor working on the highway who was not in full possession of all the facts.

.2 Fly tipping/Re-
cycling rota (108.3) The clerk advised that South Kesteven District Council does not have a statutory response time but seeks to deal with all reports within ten working days. It was also confirmed that Locks Close is included on the collection rota.

.3 Alcohol Ban (113.4) The Head of Administration at South Kesteven District Council has provided a copy of the missing letter but it did not significantly add any new information see also 127.12.

.4 Electricity supply (113.12) The Managing Director of East Midlands Electricity has added his apologies for recent disruptions to supply in parts of the village.

.5 Claimed footpath (114.1) The Chairman informed members that there would be a short delay in getting gates and stiles in place on the new path and that the proposed walk would be better held in the summer in conjunction with the annual walking of the other footpaths. The clerk reported that the quotation previously accepted from R & W H Grooby in the sum of £43.50 for cutting the path still held good and arrangements would be made to include this work on the P3 schedule for 2003/04.

.6 Cemetery trees inspection (117.1) The clerk reported that the survey and report on the two trees had been received and that both trees were found to be in sound condition with little work required. The report will be considered in detail by the Cemetery Committee in due course.

127    CORRESPONDENCE

1.     Newsletter responses The clerk summarised responses to the latest edition as follows; desire for allotment gardens (7), concern about the time it is taking to get the Jubilee Field project started, concern about the difficulty of getting home insurance due to Flood Plain maps, clarification on bus services. The clerk was asked to reply to all respondents.

2.     Proposed 7.5cwt weight restriction Members were pleased to note that Public Notice for the proposed Traffic Regulation Order to restrict vehicles over this weight from entering Deeping St James and Market Deeping has been given. It was agreed to pursue the status of the re-routing of the B1166, which the Parish Council had requested be undertaken in conjunction with this Order.

3.     Proposed 30mph speed limit Members were pleased to note that Public Notice of consultation on proposals to reduce the speed limit to 30mph on Horsegate and Spalding Road has been given and welcomed the early introduction of the new limit.

4.     Tourist facility sign to heritage site The clerk reported that drawings and a quotation for supply and erection of the sign had been received but referred back to Lincolnshire County Council due to an apparent discrepancy. This will be brought back to the Parish Council once resolved.

5.     Bus services campaign Lincolnshire County Council’s position on improving services does not offer much hope for movement other than through the Parish Transport Grant facility. It was agreed to consider this when determining the Parish Council’s application for a P.T.G.

6.    * Municipal Waste Management Strategy Lincolnshire County Council provided an outline strategy report and publicity leaflet identifying proposals for the disposal of waste following Audit Commission report. It was agreed to request that a facility be provided for the residents of Deeping St James and Market Deeping to avoid the need to use the Peterborough site, which might in the future be closed to residents of Lincolnshire, and to request that the Spalding site is brought up to a satisfactory standard.

7.     Church Walk lighting scheme The clerk advised that ABB Ltd had confirmed that the quotation provided in September 2001 in the sum of £10,611 + VAT still stood providing an order is placed by 30 April 2003. South Kesteven District Council has confirmed that it would meet 50% of the cost of installation and adopt the lighting providing that local residents are happy with the scheme. It was unanimously resolved that Cllr Auger and the clerk should liaise with the residents concerned in order to satisfy Section 17 of the Crime & Disorder Act 1998, and providing no adverse comment is received, the clerk to confirm to South Kesteven District Council that the Parish Council would meet its 50% (£5,306 + VAT). It was further agreed that while the Parish Council informally considers crime and disorder related issues in relation to all its activities the clerk should draft a formal policy statement relating to the Crime & Disorder Act 1998 for consideration and adoption at a future meeting.

8.     Yew Tree in cemetery Confirmation was received from South Kesteven District Council that the diseased tree could be felled. The clerk advised that the order had been given and this action was confirmed.

9.     Election of Councillors The clerk advised that nomination papers, guidance notes and the election timetable were now available for any qualifying member of the public to collect from the office.

10.     Tree Preservation Order It was noted that a Temporary Order for the poplar trees at 117 Spalding Road had been granted and that a consultation period had commenced to determine whether the Order should be permanently confirmed.

11.    * Deepings Community Partnership Notice of the inaugural meeting of the Partnership on 1 April 2003 was received. Cllr Shinkins was unanimously approved as the Council’s representative until the end of the Council year.

12.     Meeting with the Police It was confirmed that Chief Supt. Foley is to meet with Deeping St James Parish Council and Market Deeping Town Council on 2 April 2003 at The Institute to discuss the recent request for an alcohol ban and other policing issues.

13.     Radar operated speed reduction signs Confirmation was received from the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership that the Council has been entered on to the loan’ list, although there was no indication of when this might be due to many similar requests. Agreement that the parish calm signs can again be deployed in the parish was also received.

14.     Felling of tree Lincolnshire County Council advised that a tree near the junction with Hereward Way and Church Street had been felled for safety reasons and that a replacement tree would be planted in due course. Members were concerned about the lack of consultation as the tree was in the Conservation Area. The clerk was instructed to ensure that both Lincolnshire County Council and South Kesteven District Council consult with the Parish Council in future before any similar works are undertaken.

15.     Other items noted ·    Market Deeping Town Council - Concern expressed about press coverage relating to the name of the Cricket Club. Confirmation that the Town Council position is to leave the matter with the Club with no wish to see the councils’ relationship suffer as a result. Recognition that the two councils run independently of each other and co-operate, normally successfully, on joint ventures with a desire to see this continue.
·    L.C.C. Pension Fund Annual Return.
·    Rural Links/C.P.R.E - Volunteer needed to run the Best Kept Village competition in Lincolnshire. The Spring newsletter was also made available.
·    Environment Agency Notification that a second resident in Eastgate has volunteered to become a Warden on behalf of the Parish Council.
·    Horsegate Tavern - Transfer of licence.
·    Letter of acknowledgement from recipient of Deepings School prize.
·    N.A.L.C. Notice of new Bill to restrict sale of and ban certain fireworks.
·    N.A.L.C. Notice of consultation period on the review of PPG 21 (Tourism) to encourage tourism to contribute to sustainable development.
·    Local Council Review N.A.L.C. journal, The Clerk S.L.C.C. journal and Clerks & Councils Direct Independent journal.

128    PLANNING MATTERS

Having regard to probity in matters relating to planning Cllrs Auger and Bulmer-Jones, as members of S.K.D.C., took no part in the discussion and did not register a vote. The clerk confirmed that it was an error that the minutes of the previous meeting had not recorded this fact for that particular meeting. The Chair of the Planning Committee presented the Committee’s recommendations, which had been agreed at its meeting held before the Council meeting. It was unanimously resolved to accept the recommendations and submit the following observations to the applications before the Council:

Ref. Address Proposal

S03/0190 23 Eastgate Demolition of existing bungalow and erection of three dwellings (Outline). Objection. It is considered that this is over-development of the available area and would create a cramped effect detrimental to the amenity of the surrounding area.

S03/0215 184 Eastgate Single-storey front and rear extensions to bungalow. No objection.

S03/0221 81 Eastgate Single-storey rear extension. No objections.

S03/0257 35 Linchfield Road Two-storey side extension, single-storey rear extension and replacement of flat roof to front with pitched roof. No objections.

S03/0265 6 Park Estate Single-storey rear extension. No objections providing matching materials are used.

S03/0273 73 Thackers Way Two-storey side extension. No objections.

S03/0275 2 Kesteven Close Erection of conservatory. No objections providing none of the trees on the site are adversely affected by the proposals.

S02/1561 45 Church Street Two-storey side extension (amended plans). It was noted that the amended plans had not been received in time for inclusion on the agenda. However, as the amendment was minimal and there being no adverse comments to the original proposals it was resolved to continue to offer no objections in order to ensure that a response was made within the time limit allowed.

The following decisions were reported. Unless stated otherwise, these decisions were in accordance with the Parish Council’s previously recorded observations:

Ref. Address Proposal Outcome

S02/1006 72 Eastgate Erection of dwelling. Refused.

S02/1051 Adj. 117 Spalding Rd Erection of bungalow. Withdrawn.

S02/1540 Adj. 105 Eastgate Erection of house and garage. Granted.

S02/1583 Broadgate House, 72 Church Street Extension to factory (outline). Granted.

S02/1599 40 Bridge Street Replacement of tiled roof with thatched roof. Granted.

S02/1621 22 Towning Close Extension over garage & new porch. Granted.

S03/0040 Newlands Nursery, Back Lane Erection of bungalow (outline) Refused.

S03/0061 3 St James’ Mews Erection of garage. Granted.

S03/0142 157 Eastgate Extension to dwelling. Granted.

129    ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT

The clerk advised that work ordered from Robinson Construction (Deeping) Ltd for the cemetery and anticipated as being complete by 31 March 2003 would now be finished some time in April. It was resolved to remove these items from the list for submitted for payment and ensure that the value of the orders (£1,637.58) was earmarked in the accounts. 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

Mileage expenses Skate park meeting 24.3.03 (LGA 1972, s 174)

23.20

L.C.C.
Pension (LG Pension scheme Regs 1997)
183.42

Inland Revenue
Quarterly PAYE/NIC (LGA 1972, s 112)
575.50

Huddlestone Landscapes
Cemetery maintenance (LGA 1972, s 214)
120.00

Boundary & tree works in cemetery (LGA 1972, s 214)

350.00

Dr F Hope
Cemetery tree inspection survey & report (LGA 1972, s 214)
411.25

Adcentre
Printing & delivery of newsletter (LGA 1972, s 142(2))
206.80

Onyx UK Ltd
Litter picking Jubilee Playing Field (OSA 1906, s 10)
11.75

DSJ United Charities
Room hire Meeting 18.3.03 (LGA 1972, s 133)
10.00

ABB Ltd
Lights maintenance contract The Cross (PCA 1957 s3)
10.68

Powergen Plc
Power supply The Cross lights (PCA 1957 s3)
5.43

Castle Cleaners
Bus shelter cleaning (LG (MP)A 1953 s4)
60.00

Removal of posters (LG (MP)A 1953 s4)

30.00

L.C.C.
Traffic calming contribution Church Street & park Road schemes (LG & RA 1997 s30)
*2,946.35

Robinson Construction (Deeping) Ltd
Pedestrian barrier installation and repairs to gate post/fencing Jubilee Playing Field (OSA 1906, s 10)
319.85

Zetnet Ltd
Website annual fee & call deposit (LGA 1972, s142 (2))
147.50

Deeping St James PCC
Hall Meadow Estate portion of rent (Ch.A 1960)
52.50

Duplication/Photocopying (LGA 1972, s 111)

**11.92

A M Chambers
Mileage expenses Quality Parish Councils seminar 26.3.03 (LGA 1972, s 174)
**22.23

P M Dilks
Mileage expenses Vital Villages seminar 26.3.03 (LGA 1972, s 174)
**26.68

Mrs C Precey
Internal Audit fee 1.10.02 30.3.03 (A & AR 1996, s 5)
50.00

SKDC
Cemetery rates 2003/04 (LGA 1972, s 214)
44.12

TOTAL

6,386.39

* Resolved that the clerk should settle the invoice subject to the work being completed by 31 March 2003.
** Added to the list for payment at the meeting.

130    REPORTS

.1 Allotments Committee The minutes of the meeting held on 18 March 2003 were received and it was unanimously resolved to accept all the recommendations contained therein.

.2 Finance Committee The minutes of the meeting held on 18 March 2003 were received and it was unanimously resolved to accept all the recommendations contained therein. With regard to the replacement of the Council’s computer system, comparative quotes were studied:

1.    Apollo Computers, Deeping St James £776 + VAT plus £30 per hour for data
transfer and system set-up.
2.    Platinum Technology, Deeping St James £854 + VAT plus £25 per hour for data
transfer and system set-up.
3.    P.C. World, Peterborough £783 + VAT plus unspecified sum for data
transfer and system set-up.
4.    P.C. World, Peterborough £268.08 + VAT for Hewlett Packard d145
Printer/copier/scanner.
5. Office World, Peterborough £297.01 + VAT for Hewlett Packard d145
Printer/copier/scanner.

It was unanimously resolved that the quotation from Apollo Computers be accepted and an order placed and that the clerk should make arrangements to obtain the printer/copier/
scanner at a cost of £268.08 + VAT.

.3 Youth Discos Cllr Shinkins presented a written report of the meeting held on 11 March 2003 and advised that steady progress was being made towards the re-opening of the Friday night disco.

.4 Vital Villages Seminar Cllr Dilks provided a written report of the seminar held the previous day and proposed that the new Council be asked to give early consideration to making applications for all three grants available. The clerk confirmed that a Community Services Grant was under consideration for the Jubilee Playing Field project and that a sum had been set aside in the budget for the Parish Transport Grant. It was resolved that the Vital Villages grant schemes should be considered in detail by the new Council at an early date.

.5 Quality Parish Status Seminar Cllrs Auger and Chambers gave a verbal report of the seminar held the previous evening and felt that Deeping St James Parish Council was in a strong position to be an early candidate for Quality Parish Status. The clerk was given the draft application form in readiness for completion.

.6 Clerk’s Report The clerk advised that the application to the South Kesteven Young People’s Facilities Fund had been unsuccessful and went on to report on the meeting held on 24 March 2003 with the Sports Development Officers at South Kesteven District Council to discuss how to approach a Sport England lotto application. Three options had emerged together with further information about the re-organisation of Sport England into a regional grant-aiding body. Cllr Shinkins felt that this required greater debate and she proposed to table a resolution as to how to take the project forward at the April meeting, thus allowing more time for deliberation. It was agreed that this was the best way forward.

131    NOTICES OF RESOLUTION/RECOMMENDATION

It was resolved under Standing Order 23(d) to change the order of business to permit agenda item 9.1 to be dealt with after items 9.2 and 9.3 in order to allow time for the member giving notice of resolution to join the meeting.

.1 Summer Playscheme

Cllr Chambers, in the absence of Cllr Stevens, requested that the Council considered an application from Jimmy D’s Out of School Club for grant assistance towards the cost of running a summer Playscheme in 2003. The clerk confirmed that the Club was registered by Ofsted and that arrangements were in place for the registration to be extended to cover the two-week Playscheme period. The budget of £4,731.50 was reviewed and accepted and it was unanimously resolved that the Parish Council would meet 50% of the cost.

.2 Applications for Grant Aid

Cllr Fisk tabled a resolution that the Council considered the next round of applications for grant aid assistance which was unanimously agreed. It was noted that two applications had been received and resolved that the remaining budget available of £92.03 should be increased by £175 to £267.03 in view of the earlier commitment to a Youth Coffee Bar not being taken up or being likely to get off the ground.

·    Deeping Tennis Club Contribution towards the cost of establishing a junior programme (LG (MP) A 1976 s 19). Proposed and seconded - £100. Amendment proposed and seconded - £150. The amendment received 6 votes to 4 against. The substantive motion that the Club be awarded £150 was proposed, seconded and carried by 6 votes to 4 and therefore carried.

·    Lincolnshire Playing Fields Association Contribution towards general administrative costs (LG (MP) A 1976 s 19). Proposed, seconded and carried unanimously - £50.

.3 Hereward Way Play Area Cllr Stevens tabled a resolution that the Council continued to support the provision of children’s play equipment on the unused portion of land adjacent to the cemetery subject to the former landowner relaxing the covenant placed on the land at the time of acquisition. It was clarified that the land in question referred to the portion remaining after the planned cemetery extension had taken place and confirmed that future cemetery extensions would eventually see the closure of the play area at this location. The clerk reported that South Kesteven District Council was prepared to consider installing new play equipment and arranging a formal agreement for their use of the land in this interim period providing the covenant could be relaxed. Some concern was registered about the positioning of new equipment so that it did not interfere with ball games or cause neighbouring properties undue interference and it was agreed that should new equipment be provided there should be a site meeting with South Kesteven District Council to discuss the exact location. It was also confirmed that the Parish Council did not have any funds to contribute towards this equipment or safety surfacing.

It was proposed, seconded and unanimously resolved that the Council supported, in principle, the resolution tabled and the clerk was instructed to liaise with South Kesteven District Council and the former landowner.

132    PARISH-PUMP

.1 Police Community Support Officers The clerk read out communications from Inspector Howells and Cllr Dilks concerning a Home Office scheme to provide PCSO’s in communities where the local Council was able to make a contribution towards the cost. The Home Office would meet 50% of the cost and it was understood that Lincolnshire County Council had a limited budget to meet a further 25%. This would entail a commitment of 25% from the Parish Council over the three year period of the scheme, effectively £5,000 in year 1, £5,250 in year 2 and £5,500 in year 3. All members were delighted to hear of the scheme. In view of the extreme urgency of the need to make an application, it was unanimously agreed that the Parish Council should strongly support the scheme in principle and that the clerk should make application to Lincolnshire County Council for Deeping St James to be included. Cllr Lewis informed members that he would table a resolution for the April meeting to confirm this action and to also approve the financial contribution needed.

.2 Millennium Wood Cllr Fisk advised that one of the benches donated by a local charity had been completely destroyed by vandalism.

.3 Daffodil bulbs Linchfield Road Cllr Anderson reported that none of the bulbs had grown due to the pipe works by the developers and asked the clerk to take the matter up with them.

.4 HGV Parking Cllr Anderson reported that a HGV was parking within the curtilage of a property on Broadgate Lane and asked the clerk to refer the matter to the Enforcement Officer.

The meeting closed at 9.30pm.

Signed ………………………..
Chairman

Date: 24 April 2003

Cllr Auger	Personal interest in minute 128.11 Deepings Community Partnership: Portfolio holder at South Kesteven District Council.
Cllr Lewis	Personal interest in minute 132.3 Hereward Way play area: Nearby property owner.
Cllr Shinkins	Prejudicial interest in minute 132.2 Summer Playscheme: Playscheme Leader.

.1	Traffic calming works (108.2)	The clerk reported that the works were still going ahead as planned and that Lincolnshire County Council Highways did not have an Officer in the area on the day in question. It was presumed that the resident had spoken with a contractor working on the highway who was not in full possession of all the facts.

.2	Fly tipping/Re- cycling rota (108.3)	The clerk advised that South Kesteven District Council does not have a statutory response time but seeks to deal with all reports within ten working days. It was also confirmed that Locks Close is included on the collection rota.

.3	Alcohol Ban (113.4)	The Head of Administration at South Kesteven District Council has provided a copy of the missing letter but it did not significantly add any new information see also 127.12.

.4	Electricity supply (113.12)	The Managing Director of East Midlands Electricity has added his apologies for recent disruptions to supply in parts of the village.

.5	Claimed footpath (114.1)	The Chairman informed members that there would be a short delay in getting gates and stiles in place on the new path and that the proposed walk would be better held in the summer in conjunction with the annual walking of the other footpaths. The clerk reported that the quotation previously accepted from R & W H Grooby in the sum of £43.50 for cutting the path still held good and arrangements would be made to include this work on the P3 schedule for 2003/04.

.6	Cemetery trees inspection (117.1)	The clerk reported that the survey and report on the two trees had been received and that both trees were found to be in sound condition with little work required. The report will be considered in detail by the Cemetery Committee in due course.

1.	Newsletter responses	The clerk summarised responses to the latest edition as follows; desire for allotment gardens (7), concern about the time it is taking to get the Jubilee Field project started, concern about the difficulty of getting home insurance due to Flood Plain maps, clarification on bus services. The clerk was asked to reply to all respondents.

2.	Proposed 7.5cwt weight restriction	Members were pleased to note that Public Notice for the proposed Traffic Regulation Order to restrict vehicles over this weight from entering Deeping St James and Market Deeping has been given. It was agreed to pursue the status of the re-routing of the B1166, which the Parish Council had requested be undertaken in conjunction with this Order.

3.	Proposed 30mph speed limit	Members were pleased to note that Public Notice of consultation on proposals to reduce the speed limit to 30mph on Horsegate and Spalding Road has been given and welcomed the early introduction of the new limit.

4.	Tourist facility sign to heritage site	The clerk reported that drawings and a quotation for supply and erection of the sign had been received but referred back to Lincolnshire County Council due to an apparent discrepancy. This will be brought back to the Parish Council once resolved.

5.	Bus services campaign	Lincolnshire County Council’s position on improving services does not offer much hope for movement other than through the Parish Transport Grant facility. It was agreed to consider this when determining the Parish Council’s application for a P.T.G.

6. *	Municipal Waste Management Strategy	Lincolnshire County Council provided an outline strategy report and publicity leaflet identifying proposals for the disposal of waste following Audit Commission report. It was agreed to request that a facility be provided for the residents of Deeping St James and Market Deeping to avoid the need to use the Peterborough site, which might in the future be closed to residents of Lincolnshire, and to request that the Spalding site is brought up to a satisfactory standard.

7.	Church Walk lighting scheme	The clerk advised that ABB Ltd had confirmed that the quotation provided in September 2001 in the sum of £10,611 + VAT still stood providing an order is placed by 30 April 2003. South Kesteven District Council has confirmed that it would meet 50% of the cost of installation and adopt the lighting providing that local residents are happy with the scheme. It was unanimously resolved that Cllr Auger and the clerk should liaise with the residents concerned in order to satisfy Section 17 of the Crime & Disorder Act 1998, and providing no adverse comment is received, the clerk to confirm to South Kesteven District Council that the Parish Council would meet its 50% (£5,306 + VAT). It was further agreed that while the Parish Council informally considers crime and disorder related issues in relation to all its activities the clerk should draft a formal policy statement relating to the Crime & Disorder Act 1998 for consideration and adoption at a future meeting.

8.	Yew Tree in cemetery	Confirmation was received from South Kesteven District Council that the diseased tree could be felled. The clerk advised that the order had been given and this action was confirmed.

9.	Election of Councillors	The clerk advised that nomination papers, guidance notes and the election timetable were now available for any qualifying member of the public to collect from the office.

10.	Tree Preservation Order	It was noted that a Temporary Order for the poplar trees at 117 Spalding Road had been granted and that a consultation period had commenced to determine whether the Order should be permanently confirmed.

11. *	Deepings Community Partnership	Notice of the inaugural meeting of the Partnership on 1 April 2003 was received. Cllr Shinkins was unanimously approved as the Council’s representative until the end of the Council year.

12.	Meeting with the Police	It was confirmed that Chief Supt. Foley is to meet with Deeping St James Parish Council and Market Deeping Town Council on 2 April 2003 at The Institute to discuss the recent request for an alcohol ban and other policing issues.

13.	Radar operated speed reduction signs	Confirmation was received from the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership that the Council has been entered on to the loan’ list, although there was no indication of when this might be due to many similar requests. Agreement that the parish calm signs can again be deployed in the parish was also received.

14.	Felling of tree	Lincolnshire County Council advised that a tree near the junction with Hereward Way and Church Street had been felled for safety reasons and that a replacement tree would be planted in due course. Members were concerned about the lack of consultation as the tree was in the Conservation Area. The clerk was instructed to ensure that both Lincolnshire County Council and South Kesteven District Council consult with the Parish Council in future before any similar works are undertaken.

15.	Other items noted	· Market Deeping Town Council - Concern expressed about press coverage relating to the name of the Cricket Club. Confirmation that the Town Council position is to leave the matter with the Club with no wish to see the councils’ relationship suffer as a result. Recognition that the two councils run independently of each other and co-operate, normally successfully, on joint ventures with a desire to see this continue. · L.C.C. Pension Fund Annual Return. · Rural Links/C.P.R.E - Volunteer needed to run the Best Kept Village competition in Lincolnshire. The Spring newsletter was also made available. · Environment Agency Notification that a second resident in Eastgate has volunteered to become a Warden on behalf of the Parish Council. · Horsegate Tavern - Transfer of licence. · Letter of acknowledgement from recipient of Deepings School prize. · N.A.L.C. Notice of new Bill to restrict sale of and ban certain fireworks. · N.A.L.C. Notice of consultation period on the review of PPG 21 (Tourism) to encourage tourism to contribute to sustainable development. · Local Council Review N.A.L.C. journal, The Clerk S.L.C.C. journal and Clerks & Councils Direct Independent journal.

Ref.	Address	Proposal

S03/0190	23 Eastgate	Demolition of existing bungalow and erection of three dwellings (Outline). Objection. It is considered that this is over-development of the available area and would create a cramped effect detrimental to the amenity of the surrounding area.
S03/0215	184 Eastgate	Single-storey front and rear extensions to bungalow. No objection.
S03/0221	81 Eastgate	Single-storey rear extension. No objections.
S03/0257	35 Linchfield Road	Two-storey side extension, single-storey rear extension and replacement of flat roof to front with pitched roof. No objections.
S03/0265	6 Park Estate	Single-storey rear extension. No objections providing matching materials are used.
S03/0273	73 Thackers Way	Two-storey side extension. No objections.
S03/0275	2 Kesteven Close	Erection of conservatory. No objections providing none of the trees on the site are adversely affected by the proposals.
S02/1561	45 Church Street	Two-storey side extension (amended plans). It was noted that the amended plans had not been received in time for inclusion on the agenda. However, as the amendment was minimal and there being no adverse comments to the original proposals it was resolved to continue to offer no objections in order to ensure that a response was made within the time limit allowed.

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

Clerk	Salary (LGA 1972, s 112)	767.21
	Mileage expenses Skate park meeting 24.3.03 (LGA 1972, s 174)	23.20
L.C.C.	Pension (LG Pension scheme Regs 1997)	183.42
Inland Revenue	Quarterly PAYE/NIC (LGA 1972, s 112)	575.50
Huddlestone Landscapes	Cemetery maintenance (LGA 1972, s 214)	120.00
	Boundary & tree works in cemetery (LGA 1972, s 214)	350.00
Dr F Hope	Cemetery tree inspection survey & report (LGA 1972, s 214)	411.25
Adcentre	Printing & delivery of newsletter (LGA 1972, s 142(2))	206.80
Onyx UK Ltd	Litter picking Jubilee Playing Field (OSA 1906, s 10)	11.75
DSJ United Charities	Room hire Meeting 18.3.03 (LGA 1972, s 133)	10.00
ABB Ltd	Lights maintenance contract The Cross (PCA 1957 s3)	10.68
Powergen Plc	Power supply The Cross lights (PCA 1957 s3)	5.43
Castle Cleaners	Bus shelter cleaning (LG (MP)A 1953 s4)	60.00
	Removal of posters (LG (MP)A 1953 s4)	30.00
L.C.C.	Traffic calming contribution Church Street & park Road schemes (LG & RA 1997 s30)	*2,946.35
Robinson Construction (Deeping) Ltd	Pedestrian barrier installation and repairs to gate post/fencing Jubilee Playing Field (OSA 1906, s 10)	319.85
Zetnet Ltd	Website annual fee & call deposit (LGA 1972, s142 (2))	147.50
Deeping St James PCC	Hall Meadow Estate portion of rent (Ch.A 1960)	52.50
	Duplication/Photocopying (LGA 1972, s 111)	**11.92
A M Chambers	Mileage expenses Quality Parish Councils seminar 26.3.03 (LGA 1972, s 174)	**22.23
P M Dilks	Mileage expenses Vital Villages seminar 26.3.03 (LGA 1972, s 174)	**26.68
Mrs C Precey	Internal Audit fee 1.10.02 30.3.03 (A & AR 1996, s 5)	50.00
SKDC	Cemetery rates 2003/04 (LGA 1972, s 214)	44.12

TOTAL		6,386.39

.1	Allotments Committee	The minutes of the meeting held on 18 March 2003 were received and it was unanimously resolved to accept all the recommendations contained therein.

.2	Finance Committee	The minutes of the meeting held on 18 March 2003 were received and it was unanimously resolved to accept all the recommendations contained therein. With regard to the replacement of the Council’s computer system, comparative quotes were studied: 1. Apollo Computers, Deeping St James £776 + VAT plus £30 per hour for data transfer and system set-up. 2. Platinum Technology, Deeping St James £854 + VAT plus £25 per hour for data transfer and system set-up. 3. P.C. World, Peterborough £783 + VAT plus unspecified sum for data transfer and system set-up. 4. P.C. World, Peterborough £268.08 + VAT for Hewlett Packard d145 Printer/copier/scanner. 5. Office World, Peterborough £297.01 + VAT for Hewlett Packard d145 Printer/copier/scanner. It was unanimously resolved that the quotation from Apollo Computers be accepted and an order placed and that the clerk should make arrangements to obtain the printer/copier/ scanner at a cost of £268.08 + VAT.

.3	Youth Discos	Cllr Shinkins presented a written report of the meeting held on 11 March 2003 and advised that steady progress was being made towards the re-opening of the Friday night disco.

.4	Vital Villages Seminar	Cllr Dilks provided a written report of the seminar held the previous day and proposed that the new Council be asked to give early consideration to making applications for all three grants available. The clerk confirmed that a Community Services Grant was under consideration for the Jubilee Playing Field project and that a sum had been set aside in the budget for the Parish Transport Grant. It was resolved that the Vital Villages grant schemes should be considered in detail by the new Council at an early date.

.5	Quality Parish Status Seminar	Cllrs Auger and Chambers gave a verbal report of the seminar held the previous evening and felt that Deeping St James Parish Council was in a strong position to be an early candidate for Quality Parish Status. The clerk was given the draft application form in readiness for completion.

.6	Clerk’s Report	The clerk advised that the application to the South Kesteven Young People’s Facilities Fund had been unsuccessful and went on to report on the meeting held on 24 March 2003 with the Sports Development Officers at South Kesteven District Council to discuss how to approach a Sport England lotto application. Three options had emerged together with further information about the re-organisation of Sport England into a regional grant-aiding body. Cllr Shinkins felt that this required greater debate and she proposed to table a resolution as to how to take the project forward at the April meeting, thus allowing more time for deliberation. It was agreed that this was the best way forward.

.1	Summer Playscheme	Cllr Chambers, in the absence of Cllr Stevens, requested that the Council considered an application from Jimmy D’s Out of School Club for grant assistance towards the cost of running a summer Playscheme in 2003. The clerk confirmed that the Club was registered by Ofsted and that arrangements were in place for the registration to be extended to cover the two-week Playscheme period. The budget of £4,731.50 was reviewed and accepted and it was unanimously resolved that the Parish Council would meet 50% of the cost.

.2	Applications for Grant Aid	Cllr Fisk tabled a resolution that the Council considered the next round of applications for grant aid assistance which was unanimously agreed. It was noted that two applications had been received and resolved that the remaining budget available of £92.03 should be increased by £175 to £267.03 in view of the earlier commitment to a Youth Coffee Bar not being taken up or being likely to get off the ground. · Deeping Tennis Club Contribution towards the cost of establishing a junior programme (LG (MP) A 1976 s 19). Proposed and seconded - £100. Amendment proposed and seconded - £150. The amendment received 6 votes to 4 against. The substantive motion that the Club be awarded £150 was proposed, seconded and carried by 6 votes to 4 and therefore carried. · Lincolnshire Playing Fields Association Contribution towards general administrative costs (LG (MP) A 1976 s 19). Proposed, seconded and carried unanimously - £50.

.3	Hereward Way Play Area	Cllr Stevens tabled a resolution that the Council continued to support the provision of children’s play equipment on the unused portion of land adjacent to the cemetery subject to the former landowner relaxing the covenant placed on the land at the time of acquisition. It was clarified that the land in question referred to the portion remaining after the planned cemetery extension had taken place and confirmed that future cemetery extensions would eventually see the closure of the play area at this location. The clerk reported that South Kesteven District Council was prepared to consider installing new play equipment and arranging a formal agreement for their use of the land in this interim period providing the covenant could be relaxed. Some concern was registered about the positioning of new equipment so that it did not interfere with ball games or cause neighbouring properties undue interference and it was agreed that should new equipment be provided there should be a site meeting with South Kesteven District Council to discuss the exact location. It was also confirmed that the Parish Council did not have any funds to contribute towards this equipment or safety surfacing. It was proposed, seconded and unanimously resolved that the Council supported, in principle, the resolution tabled and the clerk was instructed to liaise with South Kesteven District Council and the former landowner.

.1	Police Community Support Officers	The clerk read out communications from Inspector Howells and Cllr Dilks concerning a Home Office scheme to provide PCSO’s in communities where the local Council was able to make a contribution towards the cost. The Home Office would meet 50% of the cost and it was understood that Lincolnshire County Council had a limited budget to meet a further 25%. This would entail a commitment of 25% from the Parish Council over the three year period of the scheme, effectively £5,000 in year 1, £5,250 in year 2 and £5,500 in year 3. All members were delighted to hear of the scheme. In view of the extreme urgency of the need to make an application, it was unanimously agreed that the Parish Council should strongly support the scheme in principle and that the clerk should make application to Lincolnshire County Council for Deeping St James to be included. Cllr Lewis informed members that he would table a resolution for the April meeting to confirm this action and to also approve the financial contribution needed.

.2	Millennium Wood	Cllr Fisk advised that one of the benches donated by a local charity had been completely destroyed by vandalism.

.3	Daffodil bulbs Linchfield Road	Cllr Anderson reported that none of the bulbs had grown due to the pipe works by the developers and asked the clerk to take the matter up with them.

.4	HGV Parking	Cllr Anderson reported that a HGV was parking within the curtilage of a property on Broadgate Lane and asked the clerk to refer the matter to the Enforcement Officer.