1
DEEPING ST JAMES PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held at The Institute on Thursday, 8 January 2004 at 7.30pm. Councillor Anderson, Chairman, presided over Councillors Abel, Auger, Blades, Blessett, Chambers, Dilks, Fisk, Helyar, Redgrave, Shinkins, Stevens, Warrick and the clerk. The clerk designate and four members of the press were present. There were no members of the public present.

001/04    APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received and the reason accepted from Cllr Thomas due to illness. Cllr Warrick gave prior notice that he would be arriving late to due to attending an earlier meeting.

002/04        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 Abel Personal interest in Minute 006/04.17 D.S.J. United Charities Trustee.

Cllr Anderson Personal interest in Minute 006/04.17 D.S.J. United Charities Trustee.

Cllr Auger Personal interest in Minute 006/04.17 D.S.J. United Charities Trustee.

Cllr Shinkins Prejudicial interest in Minute 019/04 Relative is a member of U3A.

Cllr Warrick Personal interest in Minute 006/04.17 D.S.J. United Charities Trustee.

Personal interest in Minute 009/04 S03/1545 Applicant’s father is a former colleague of spouse.

Personal interest in Minute 011/04 Chair of the Parochial Church Council.

003/04        MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

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

004/04        CLERK’S REPORT ON THE CASUAL VACANCY FOR A PARISH COUNCILLOR

        The clerk reported the resignation of Cllr Griffiths, which occurred on the 16 December 2003, and that it had been confirmed by S.K.D.C. that a bye-election had not been claimed. It was proposed by Cllr Anderson and seconded by Cllr Dilks that the vacancy be filled by co-option following advertisement on the Council’s notice boards, website, school notice boards and at the library with letters of application to be received by 12 noon on 29 January 2004. This was unanimously agreed.

005/04        REPORT OF MATTERS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES THE PREVIOUS MEETING

.1 Heritage Information Board (128/03) It was noted that Cllr Thomas had investigated the cost of the signs and found them to be in the region of £900-£1000 each.

.2 Access to Health Centre (129/03) Cllr Blades reported that she had not undertaken the ward profile as parish statistics are due to be reviewed in January.

006/04        CORRESPONDENCE BEFORE THE COUNCIL

The Council considered its response to the following correspondence, a summary detailing the content having been previously circulated.



.1 Hereward Way play area The former landowners’ agent reported that the legal costs for a Deed of Variation in respect of the covenant were now expected to not exceed £1,000 (OSA 1906, s 10). It was proposed by Cllr Shinkins, seconded by Cllr Blades, and unanimously agreed that the Council should proceed.

.2 Bus services improvement campaign Lincolnshire County Council acknowledged Cllr Warrick’s report but regretted that financial support was not possible due to economic pressures. It did, however, offer to participate in discussions with Peterborough City and South Kesteven District Council if a Transport Grant is pursued. This will be referred to the Transport Committee.

.3 Parish Transport Grant The Countryside Agency provided information on the Parish Transport Grant and offered to visit the Council to discuss this further. It also suggested that S.K.D.C. be advised of the Council’s view on the bus services at the forthcoming Consultation Meeting. It was proposed by Cllr Chambers, seconded by Cllr Fisk and unanimously agreed the Council should accept this invitation and also lobby S.K.D.C.

.4 Consultation Meeting with S.K.D.C Notice was given of a meeting at the Deepings Community Centre on 3 February 2004 to hear the views of local councils and residents. It was proposed by Cllr Dilks, seconded by Cllr Chambers and unanimously agreed to hold an informal meeting open to all members in order to discuss the Parish Council’s representation on Thursday, 15 January at 7.30pm at The Institute in Deeping St James. A report on the meeting will be presented to Council for decision at the meeting on 29 January 2004.

.5 High Locks footbridge-sewer pipe Anglian Water responded to the Council’s request to relocate the existing pipe under the new bridge but regretted that although it was feasible to undertake the works, it could not do so from its own resources and that external funding would be required. It did, however, agree to undertake a health and safety review of the existing pipe. Members were unhappy that an opportunity to improve the area was being missed and it was proposed by Cllr Dilks, seconded by Cllr Shinkins and unanimously agreed to invite Anglian Water to attend the February Council meeting to discuss this further.

.6 High Locks footbridge update L.C.C reported that the planning decision has been delayed due to difficulty in gaining approval from English Heritage. The scheme is still on target for March 2004 subject to planning approval. Members also noted that works to improve pedestrian safety at the bridge access point were planned and would be subject to consultation in due course.

Cllr Warrick joined the meeting at this point.

.7 Welland Way traffic calming A resident of Welland Way requested support to have the road closed to through traffic to prevent it being used as an unofficial bypass. Although members expressed sympathy with the resident and agreed the road could be very busy at certain times of the day, it was felt that this was mainly due to local traffic accessing other nearby village facilities. It was further felt that to close the road would place an increased strain on other roads in the vicinity, which are similarly affected. It was proposed by Cllr Chambers, seconded by Cllr Anderson and unanimously agreed to refer the matter to the Transport Committee to review alongside the 2004 Road Safety Campaign.

.8 Ornamental village signs A resident requested that the Council inspected the signs and considered undertaking any necessary work to enable them to stay in good condition. It was proposed by Cllr Anderson, seconded by Cllr Stevens and unanimously agreed that Mr Clare be asked to review and report upon their current condition.

.9 Consultation document Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils requested comments on proposals to tackle problems arising from the use of mechanically propelled vehicles on Rights of Way. It was proposed by Cllr Anderson, seconded by Cllr Dilks and unanimously agreed to delegate the Council’s response to Cllr Fisk and the clerk in view of the tight deadline.

.10 County Circular Issue 117 Members noted the content of the latest circular from the Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils. Comments concerning the proposed Charter for Lincolnshire Councils are to be submitted to the clerk by 30 January 2004. It was agreed to place the matter of Members’ Allowances on the agenda for a forthcoming meeting once the necessary information had been received from S.K.D.C.

.11 New Clerks’ Training event L.A.L.C is providing a training day at South Kyme Village Hall on Wednesday, 11 February 2004. It was proposed by Cllr Anderson, seconded by Cllr Chambers and unanimously agreed that the clerk designate should attend at a cost of £18 for the delegate fee and mileage expenses (LGA 1972, s112).

.12 L.A.L.C. Seminar It was noted that this event would be held on Thursday, 24 February 2004 at Market Rasen but no-one was available to attend.

.13 F.W.A.G. Ltd Members noted the Group’s report but declined to consider affiliation in view of the fee.

.14 PAYE Electronic filing It was proposed by Cllr Warrick, seconded by Cllr Anderson and unanimously agreed to commence electronic filing with effect from April 2005 in order to secure tax credits.

.15 New Riverbank footpath Photographs of the Opening Walk and a copy of the Lincolnshire Ramblers’ Association Newsletter containing an article about the path opening were received from the Ramblers’ Association. It was noted that permission to reproduce the article and the photographs had been secured. It was proposed by Cllr Fisk, seconded by Cllr Warrick and unanimously agreed that the Association should be thanked and these items used for display on notice boards, website and in the newsletter as appropriate. Preliminary evidence concerning walking the path as far as Crowland was also provided and it was noted that the Association would be discussing the matter further at its next meeting.

.16 Church Walk street lighting scheme S.K.D.C confirmed the order had been placed with a view to completion of the works by 31 March 2004. An invoice for the Parish Council’s contribution will not be issued until completion of works. It was proposed by Cllr Chambers, seconded by Cllr Redgrave and unanimously agreed to create an earmarked fund in the accounts if the works are not completed by the end of the financial year and to inform property owners backing on to Church Walk of the situation.

.17 Office Lease Deeping St James United Charities agreed to the lease of additional office but on an unfurnished basis. It was proposed by Cllr Warrick, seconded by Cllr Blades and unanimously agreed to request that the Trustees considered a furnished let at increased rent to cover its costs.

.18 Other items noted ·    L.C.C. Treasury: Notification of the interim actuarial valuation of the Local Government Pension Scheme with advice that employer contributions may be raised significantly with effect from 1 April 2005. Notification of a seminar to discuss the implications on 2 February 2004 at County Hall, Lincoln at 2pm no-one is available to attend.

·    S.K.D.C.: Precept submission details.

·    Deeping St James United Charities: Grant application for the allotment gardens preparation works unsuccessful.

·    D.S.J. United Charities: Footpath 4 Compliance. Confirmation that the situation will be kept under close review.

·    L.C.C. Highways: Street lighting review for Bridge Street.

·    L.C.C. Highways: Notification that the 7.5t weight limit will be introduced shortly, a 30mph limit cannot be introduced on Stowgate Road and parking problems at the Bridge Street bus stop and the Horsegate/Spalding Road cycle lane request to be investigated.

·    S.K.D.C. Planning: Confirmation that the tree audit is still in hand with a request that any tree thought to be in urgent danger is reported immediately.

·    S.K.D.C. Standards Committee: Meeting agenda for 19 December 2003 incorporating the procedure to be followed for Local Standards Hearings to determine alleged breaches of the Code. This will be retained on file.

·    S.K.D.C. Recycling: Confirmation that the Deepings Recycling Centre will be investigated as a potential extra bring’ site.

·    D.E.F.R.A. Minister for the Horse: Equine Issues update including Ragwort Control Act.

·    D.C.P: Report of Community Partnership meeting held on 4 December 2003.

·    Deepings Youth Council: Agenda & Minutes.

·    S.K.D.C. Electoral Services: Electoral Roll 2004.

·    Lincolnshire Police Authority: Local Police Forum on 8 January 2004 at Corby Glen.

·    Lincolnshire Police: Mobile Police Station visit on 8 January 2004.

·    Deepings School: Annual Presentation Award acknowledgement.

·    L.C.C. Highways: Travel & Transport Briefing Issue 10 - topical information.

·    Charity Commission: Newsletter Issue 19 - topical information.

·    Association of Burial Authorities: Newsletter Issue 24 - topical information.

·    Labour M.E.P.’s: Annual Report 2004 - newsletter and contact details.

·    The Clerk: Journal- Volume 33 No. 4 - topical information.

007/04        PLANNING RELATED ISSUES

Having regard to probity in matters relating to planning Cllrs Auger and Helyar, as members of S.K.D.C., took no part on matters relating to planning and did not register a vote.
008/04    MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON 18 DECEMBER 2003

The minutes of the meeting were presented by Cllr Warrick, Chairman of the Committee. It was proposed by Cllr Anderson, seconded by Cllr Warrick and unanimously agreed to accept the recommendations contained therein:

Minute 054 Ref: S03/1543 Unanimous. The Council supports the proposals subject to an additional pedestrian access adjacent to the boundary with Red Roof’s’ and the provision of a bus shelter on the B1525 near the Frognall junction, both felt essential to enable easier access to the main part of the village, and a review of the proposed junction layout by the Highways Authority for road safety reasons. It is considered that the proposals will (a) provide employment opportunities at a facility not otherwise available in the village and (b) a good mix of housing types on a brown field site that has become an eyesore at the entrance to the village, attracting dumping and other anti-social behaviour.

Minute 054 Ref: S03/1545 The Council had concerns regarding the roof line and intensification of development at this part of the site however it was advised that the Planning Authority had already approved the application. Therefore the Council offered no observations.

Cllr Redgrave left the meeting at this point.

009/04    PLANNING APPLICATIONS BEFORE THE COUNCIL AT THIS MEETING

It was proposed by Cllr Anderson, seconded by Cllr Warrick and unanimously agreed to offer no objections to the proposed erection of a conservatory at Primrose Cottage, Frognall (reference S03/1677).

010/04     ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT

It was proposed by Cllr Dilks, seconded by Cllr Anderson and unanimously agreed to pay the following accounts:

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

Clerk
Salary inc. 28.25 hrs overtime (November) (LGA 1972, s 112)
915.19

Postage (LGA 1972, s 111)

48.00

Refreshments Allotments meeting (LGA 1972, s 111)

5.64

L.C.C.
Pension (LG Pension scheme Regs 1997)
279.89

Inland Revenue
Quarter NIC/PAYE (LGA 1972, s 112)
959.43

Society of Local Council Clerks
Membership fee (LGA 1972, s 143)
103.00

DSJ United Charities
Meeting room hire: 9.12.03 & 13.12.03 (LGA 1972, s 133)
20.00

Adcentre
Meetings advert (subject to 50% reimbursement from M.D.T.C.) (LGA 1972, s 232)
32.90

Litter abatement leaflet (Litter Act 1983)

94.61

Late nights’ leaflet (LG & RA 1997, s 31) (Subject to 100% re-imbursement from South Kesteven Crime & Disorder Partnership).

129.72

ABB Ltd
Lights Maintenance Contract The Cross (PCA 1957, s 3)
10.68

Powergen Energy Plc
Lights power supply The Cross (PCA 1957, s 3)
5.43

L.A.L.C.
New Clerk’s Training Course (LGA 1972, s 112)
18.00

Membership fee Assoc. of Burial Authorities (LGA 1972, s 214)

35.00

Woodland Engineering Ltd
Works to cemetery railings and gates (LGA 1972, s 214)
552.25

Robinson Construction
Memorial safety works (LACO 1977, s 16 Sch. 3)
1,213.64

(Deeping) Ltd
Bus shelter bases & Bus stop installations (LG(MP)A 1953, s4)
2,574.46

M Warrick
Bus shelter timetables (LG(MP)A 1953, s4)
5.00

Autocross
Bus shelters (3) (LG(MP)A 1953, s4)
9,012.25

Allianz Cornhill
Insurance premium Bus shelters (LGA 1972, s111)
46.86

Absolute Arboriculture
Tree surgery in cemetery (LGA 1972, s214)
505.25

Castle Cleaners
Bus shelter cleaning and inspection (LG (MP)A 1953, s4)
119.85

TOTAL

16,687.05

011/04            HALL MEADOW ESTATE

The clerk requested that payment of the rent due to the D.S.J. Parochial Church Council in respect of the Hall Meadow Estate be made earlier than usual as part of the hand-over process to the clerk designate. It was proposed by Cllr Anderson, seconded by Cllr Chambers and unanimously agreed that the payment of £52.50 be made in January instead of February for this year only (Ch A 1960).

                REPORTS

012/04            CEMETERY COMMITTEE

The minutes of the meeting held 13 December 2003 were presented by Cllr Fisk, Chair of the Committee. It was proposed by Cllr Fisk, seconded by Cllr Warrick and unanimously agreed to accept the recommendation contained therein.

013/04            PLAYING FIELD COMMITTEE

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 December 2003 were presented by Cllr Shinkins, Chair of the Committee. It was proposed by Cllr Shinkins, seconded by Cllr Dilks and agreed by 12 votes to 0 against with 1 abstention to accept the recommendations contained therein.

014/04            FINANCE COMMITTEE

The minutes of the meeting held 18 December 2003 were presented by Cllr Chambers, Chair of the Committee. It was proposed by Cllr Chambers, seconded by Cllr Fisk and unanimously agreed to accept the recommendations contained therein.

015/04            MEETING WITH PROSPECTIVE ALLOTMENT TENANTS

            Cllr Anderson reported that the informal meeting held on 1 December 2003 had been extremely well-attended and that the prospective tenants had made it clear that a water supply was essential for the success of the project. It had further been suggested that water dip tanks would be more practical than taps and this had been noted by the Committee.

016/04            MEETING OF LICENSEES WORKING PARTY

Cllr Stevens reported on a meeting of the Working Party on held 2 December 2003 where the introduction of I.D. cards and the use of two-way radios had been discussed. A further meeting has been arranged. Cllr Anderson advised that he had visited all the licensed premises which had been represented at the initial meeting and reported that it had been noted by the licensees that there was an increased police presence on Friday and Saturday nights.

017/04            MEETING OF THE DEEPINGS COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

            Cllr Shinkins reported she had not been able to stay until the end of the meeting on 4 December 2003 due to the lengthy Health Check presentation at the start of the meeting. Minutes were now available,

018/04            LINCHFIELD ROAD TRAFFIC PROBLEMS

            The clerk’s report of the meeting held on 9 December 2003, having previously been circulated, was received. Cllr Dilks, seconded by Cllr Anderson proposed that the recommendations contained therein be accepted but that they should only be seen as a temporary solution and that the Parish Council, in conjunction with South Kesteven District Council, Lincolnshire County Council and the Deepings Rugby Union Football Club, should seek in future years to move forward the main problem relating to the provision of a suitably sized on-site car park. This was unanimously agreed. It was further proposed by Cllr Dilks, seconded by Cllr Chambers and unanimously agreed that Cllr Anderson should observe at the affected area on Sunday, 11 January 2004.

NOTICES OF RESOLUTION/RECOMMENDATION

019/04            GRANT AID APPLICATIONS

Cllr Anderson, having given notice of recommendation that the Council considered the next round of applications for grant aid assistance in accordance with the Council’s procedures on grant aid, requested that the following application received by the closure date be debated:

§    The Deepings U3A (University of the Third Age) - Contribution requested towards the cost of a portable display system to facilitate meetings of the Group, which exists to provide educational and recreational opportunities for retired and semi-retired people of the area. Proposed by Cllr Chambers, seconded by Cllr Auger and unanimously agreed to award £200 (LG (MP) A 1972, s 19).

It was proposed by Cllr Anderson, seconded by Cllr Chambers and unanimously agreed to consider a further application which had been received after the closure date in view of its urgent nature on a strictly one-off basis:

§    The Deepings Gang Show Contribution towards the expenses of staging the Show in February 2004. Proposed by Cllr Warrick, seconded by Cllr Dilks and unanimously agreed to award £100 (LG (MP) A 1972, s 19).

020/04        BUDGET AND PRECEPT 2004-05

Cllr Chambers, having given notice of recommendation that the Council considered the Finance Committee’s recommendations for the budget and precept for 2004/2005 (see Finance Committee minute 026 dated 18 December 2003), answered members questions concerning the formulation of the figures. It was proposed by Cllr Anderson, seconded by Cllr Warrick and unanimously agreed to accept the Committee’s recommendations and approve the net budget for 2004/05 at £104,610 and to set a precept of £67,790. Members were pleased to note that this was a 2.9% increase over 2003/04 and therefore within inflation, and that the increase on the Band D’ cost would be £0.82 per annum.

021/04    COMMUNITY NEWS

Cllr Stevens, having given notice of recommendation that the Council confirmed the timetable and content for the next edition of Community News, outlined the various articles which had been agreed at earlier meetings. It was proposed by Cllr Stevens, seconded by Cllr Dilks and unanimously agreed that these items together with information concerning the precept, new clerk and councillor and an article on walking to school be included in the next edition of Community News for delivery over the weekend of 14/15 February 2004.

022/04    PARISH PUMP

.1 Market Deeping Health check The clerk reported that a meeting would be held on 15 January 2004 at 7.30pm at the Deepings Community Centre.

.2 S.K.D.C. Standards Committee Cllr Anderson reported that he had attended the meeting on 19 December 2003 as the parish representative and that minor breaches of the code by parish and town councillors will be heard by this committee with effect from February 2004.

.3 Summer Playscheme Cllr Shinkins requested that this be an item for discussion at a future meeting once details of funding were available from S.K.D.C.

The meeting closed at 10.00 pm.

Signed: ……………………………………… Chairman

Date: 29 January 2004

Cllr Abel	Personal interest in Minute 006/04.17	D.S.J. United Charities Trustee.
Cllr Anderson	Personal interest in Minute 006/04.17	D.S.J. United Charities Trustee.
Cllr Auger	Personal interest in Minute 006/04.17	D.S.J. United Charities Trustee.
Cllr Shinkins	Prejudicial interest in Minute 019/04	Relative is a member of U3A.
Cllr Warrick	Personal interest in Minute 006/04.17	D.S.J. United Charities Trustee.
	Personal interest in Minute 009/04 S03/1545	Applicant’s father is a former colleague of spouse.
	Personal interest in Minute 011/04	Chair of the Parochial Church Council.

.1	Heritage Information Board (128/03)	It was noted that Cllr Thomas had investigated the cost of the signs and found them to be in the region of £900-£1000 each.

.2	Access to Health Centre (129/03)	Cllr Blades reported that she had not undertaken the ward profile as parish statistics are due to be reviewed in January.

.1	Hereward Way play area	The former landowners’ agent reported that the legal costs for a Deed of Variation in respect of the covenant were now expected to not exceed £1,000 (OSA 1906, s 10). It was proposed by Cllr Shinkins, seconded by Cllr Blades, and unanimously agreed that the Council should proceed.

.2	Bus services improvement campaign	Lincolnshire County Council acknowledged Cllr Warrick’s report but regretted that financial support was not possible due to economic pressures. It did, however, offer to participate in discussions with Peterborough City and South Kesteven District Council if a Transport Grant is pursued. This will be referred to the Transport Committee.

.3	Parish Transport Grant	The Countryside Agency provided information on the Parish Transport Grant and offered to visit the Council to discuss this further. It also suggested that S.K.D.C. be advised of the Council’s view on the bus services at the forthcoming Consultation Meeting. It was proposed by Cllr Chambers, seconded by Cllr Fisk and unanimously agreed the Council should accept this invitation and also lobby S.K.D.C.

.4	Consultation Meeting with S.K.D.C	Notice was given of a meeting at the Deepings Community Centre on 3 February 2004 to hear the views of local councils and residents. It was proposed by Cllr Dilks, seconded by Cllr Chambers and unanimously agreed to hold an informal meeting open to all members in order to discuss the Parish Council’s representation on Thursday, 15 January at 7.30pm at The Institute in Deeping St James. A report on the meeting will be presented to Council for decision at the meeting on 29 January 2004.

.5	High Locks footbridge-sewer pipe	Anglian Water responded to the Council’s request to relocate the existing pipe under the new bridge but regretted that although it was feasible to undertake the works, it could not do so from its own resources and that external funding would be required. It did, however, agree to undertake a health and safety review of the existing pipe. Members were unhappy that an opportunity to improve the area was being missed and it was proposed by Cllr Dilks, seconded by Cllr Shinkins and unanimously agreed to invite Anglian Water to attend the February Council meeting to discuss this further.

.6	High Locks footbridge update	L.C.C reported that the planning decision has been delayed due to difficulty in gaining approval from English Heritage. The scheme is still on target for March 2004 subject to planning approval. Members also noted that works to improve pedestrian safety at the bridge access point were planned and would be subject to consultation in due course.

		Cllr Warrick joined the meeting at this point.

.7	Welland Way traffic calming	A resident of Welland Way requested support to have the road closed to through traffic to prevent it being used as an unofficial bypass. Although members expressed sympathy with the resident and agreed the road could be very busy at certain times of the day, it was felt that this was mainly due to local traffic accessing other nearby village facilities. It was further felt that to close the road would place an increased strain on other roads in the vicinity, which are similarly affected. It was proposed by Cllr Chambers, seconded by Cllr Anderson and unanimously agreed to refer the matter to the Transport Committee to review alongside the 2004 Road Safety Campaign.

.8	Ornamental village signs	A resident requested that the Council inspected the signs and considered undertaking any necessary work to enable them to stay in good condition. It was proposed by Cllr Anderson, seconded by Cllr Stevens and unanimously agreed that Mr Clare be asked to review and report upon their current condition.

.9	Consultation document	Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils requested comments on proposals to tackle problems arising from the use of mechanically propelled vehicles on Rights of Way. It was proposed by Cllr Anderson, seconded by Cllr Dilks and unanimously agreed to delegate the Council’s response to Cllr Fisk and the clerk in view of the tight deadline.

.10	County Circular Issue 117	Members noted the content of the latest circular from the Lincolnshire Association of Local Councils. Comments concerning the proposed Charter for Lincolnshire Councils are to be submitted to the clerk by 30 January 2004. It was agreed to place the matter of Members’ Allowances on the agenda for a forthcoming meeting once the necessary information had been received from S.K.D.C.

.11	New Clerks’ Training event	L.A.L.C is providing a training day at South Kyme Village Hall on Wednesday, 11 February 2004. It was proposed by Cllr Anderson, seconded by Cllr Chambers and unanimously agreed that the clerk designate should attend at a cost of £18 for the delegate fee and mileage expenses (LGA 1972, s112).

.12	L.A.L.C. Seminar	It was noted that this event would be held on Thursday, 24 February 2004 at Market Rasen but no-one was available to attend.

.13	F.W.A.G. Ltd	Members noted the Group’s report but declined to consider affiliation in view of the fee.

.14	PAYE Electronic filing	It was proposed by Cllr Warrick, seconded by Cllr Anderson and unanimously agreed to commence electronic filing with effect from April 2005 in order to secure tax credits.
.15	New Riverbank footpath	Photographs of the Opening Walk and a copy of the Lincolnshire Ramblers’ Association Newsletter containing an article about the path opening were received from the Ramblers’ Association. It was noted that permission to reproduce the article and the photographs had been secured. It was proposed by Cllr Fisk, seconded by Cllr Warrick and unanimously agreed that the Association should be thanked and these items used for display on notice boards, website and in the newsletter as appropriate. Preliminary evidence concerning walking the path as far as Crowland was also provided and it was noted that the Association would be discussing the matter further at its next meeting.

.16	Church Walk street lighting scheme	S.K.D.C confirmed the order had been placed with a view to completion of the works by 31 March 2004. An invoice for the Parish Council’s contribution will not be issued until completion of works. It was proposed by Cllr Chambers, seconded by Cllr Redgrave and unanimously agreed to create an earmarked fund in the accounts if the works are not completed by the end of the financial year and to inform property owners backing on to Church Walk of the situation.

.17	Office Lease	Deeping St James United Charities agreed to the lease of additional office but on an unfurnished basis. It was proposed by Cllr Warrick, seconded by Cllr Blades and unanimously agreed to request that the Trustees considered a furnished let at increased rent to cover its costs.

.18	Other items noted	· L.C.C. Treasury: Notification of the interim actuarial valuation of the Local Government Pension Scheme with advice that employer contributions may be raised significantly with effect from 1 April 2005. Notification of a seminar to discuss the implications on 2 February 2004 at County Hall, Lincoln at 2pm no-one is available to attend.
		· S.K.D.C.: Precept submission details.
		· Deeping St James United Charities: Grant application for the allotment gardens preparation works unsuccessful.
		· D.S.J. United Charities: Footpath 4 Compliance. Confirmation that the situation will be kept under close review.
		· L.C.C. Highways: Street lighting review for Bridge Street.
		· L.C.C. Highways: Notification that the 7.5t weight limit will be introduced shortly, a 30mph limit cannot be introduced on Stowgate Road and parking problems at the Bridge Street bus stop and the Horsegate/Spalding Road cycle lane request to be investigated.
		· S.K.D.C. Planning: Confirmation that the tree audit is still in hand with a request that any tree thought to be in urgent danger is reported immediately.
		· S.K.D.C. Standards Committee: Meeting agenda for 19 December 2003 incorporating the procedure to be followed for Local Standards Hearings to determine alleged breaches of the Code. This will be retained on file.
		· S.K.D.C. Recycling: Confirmation that the Deepings Recycling Centre will be investigated as a potential extra bring’ site.
		· D.E.F.R.A. Minister for the Horse: Equine Issues update including Ragwort Control Act.
		· D.C.P: Report of Community Partnership meeting held on 4 December 2003.
		· Deepings Youth Council: Agenda & Minutes.
		· S.K.D.C. Electoral Services: Electoral Roll 2004.
		· Lincolnshire Police Authority: Local Police Forum on 8 January 2004 at Corby Glen.
		· Lincolnshire Police: Mobile Police Station visit on 8 January 2004.
		· Deepings School: Annual Presentation Award acknowledgement.
		· L.C.C. Highways: Travel & Transport Briefing Issue 10 - topical information.
		· Charity Commission: Newsletter Issue 19 - topical information.
		· Association of Burial Authorities: Newsletter Issue 24 - topical information.
		· Labour M.E.P.’s: Annual Report 2004 - newsletter and contact details.
		· The Clerk: Journal- Volume 33 No. 4 - topical information.

Minute 054 Ref: S03/1543	Unanimous. The Council supports the proposals subject to an additional pedestrian access adjacent to the boundary with Red Roof’s’ and the provision of a bus shelter on the B1525 near the Frognall junction, both felt essential to enable easier access to the main part of the village, and a review of the proposed junction layout by the Highways Authority for road safety reasons. It is considered that the proposals will (a) provide employment opportunities at a facility not otherwise available in the village and (b) a good mix of housing types on a brown field site that has become an eyesore at the entrance to the village, attracting dumping and other anti-social behaviour.

Minute 054 Ref: S03/1545	The Council had concerns regarding the roof line and intensification of development at this part of the site however it was advised that the Planning Authority had already approved the application. Therefore the Council offered no observations.

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

Clerk	Salary inc. 28.25 hrs overtime (November) (LGA 1972, s 112)	915.19
	Postage (LGA 1972, s 111)	48.00
	Refreshments Allotments meeting (LGA 1972, s 111)	5.64
L.C.C.	Pension (LG Pension scheme Regs 1997)	279.89
Inland Revenue	Quarter NIC/PAYE (LGA 1972, s 112)	959.43
Society of Local Council Clerks	Membership fee (LGA 1972, s 143)	103.00
DSJ United Charities	Meeting room hire: 9.12.03 & 13.12.03 (LGA 1972, s 133)	20.00
Adcentre	Meetings advert (subject to 50% reimbursement from M.D.T.C.) (LGA 1972, s 232)	32.90
	Litter abatement leaflet (Litter Act 1983)	94.61
	Late nights’ leaflet (LG & RA 1997, s 31) (Subject to 100% re-imbursement from South Kesteven Crime & Disorder Partnership).	129.72
ABB Ltd	Lights Maintenance Contract The Cross (PCA 1957, s 3)	10.68
Powergen Energy Plc	Lights power supply The Cross (PCA 1957, s 3)	5.43
L.A.L.C.	New Clerk’s Training Course (LGA 1972, s 112)	18.00
	Membership fee Assoc. of Burial Authorities (LGA 1972, s 214)	35.00
Woodland Engineering Ltd	Works to cemetery railings and gates (LGA 1972, s 214)	552.25
Robinson Construction	Memorial safety works (LACO 1977, s 16 Sch. 3)	1,213.64
(Deeping) Ltd	Bus shelter bases & Bus stop installations (LG(MP)A 1953, s4)	2,574.46
M Warrick	Bus shelter timetables (LG(MP)A 1953, s4)	5.00
Autocross	Bus shelters (3) (LG(MP)A 1953, s4)	9,012.25
Allianz Cornhill	Insurance premium Bus shelters (LGA 1972, s111)	46.86
Absolute Arboriculture	Tree surgery in cemetery (LGA 1972, s214)	505.25
Castle Cleaners	Bus shelter cleaning and inspection (LG (MP)A 1953, s4)	119.85

TOTAL		16,687.05

.1	Market Deeping Health check	The clerk reported that a meeting would be held on 15 January 2004 at 7.30pm at the Deepings Community Centre.

.2	S.K.D.C. Standards Committee	Cllr Anderson reported that he had attended the meeting on 19 December 2003 as the parish representative and that minor breaches of the code by parish and town councillors will be heard by this committee with effect from February 2004.

.3	Summer Playscheme	Cllr Shinkins requested that this be an item for discussion at a future meeting once details of funding were available from S.K.D.C.