Minutes of the Council Meeting held on
Monday 29 November 2004 at Martin Village Hall at 7.30 p.m.

1. There were no apologies for absence. Present: County Councillor P Bradwell, District Councillor F Ambridge, Councillor H Ambridge, W Busby, M Corbett, J Evans, F Phillips, M Stephens, C Vickers and Z Scoley; Alan Aistrup, LCC Highways, Derek Johnstone, Lincoln Road Safety Partnership, PC Derek Daniels and parish clerk M Lockyer. There were no members of the public present.

2. There were no declarations of interest at this point in the meeting.

3. The minutes of the meeting held on 27 September 2004 were received and approved for accuracy. Cllr H Ambridge requested that Cllr F Ambridge should be listed as District Councillor in the list of those present. Amendment proposed Cllr H Ambridge, seconded Cllr Scoley. All in favour.

4. Road Safety. Cllr Evans welcomed Alan Aistrup and Derek Johnstone to the meeting.
Alan Aistrup
Footway leading from Kirkstead Bridge to Daleshead Dyke Junction
Mr Aistrup outlined the progress made. Work had started. The footway ran up the south side of the road to the garage, then on the north side to the junction.
The closure of B1191for resurfacing
Work would begin on 2 December. Work would be carried on 7 days a week, and should take 2 weeks. Arrangements had been made for school buses and service buses to get through. North Drove available but not signposted. Advance warning signs had been put up.
Closure from North Drove, along Daleshead Dyke
In early January, resurfacing work would take place on this section of road.
All this work was possible because of £5 million extra from drought damage funding. The section from Jackson’s to Martin Dales would cost £¼ million, a quarter of Mr Aistrup’s funding allocation. The funding information came in quite late so there had been no option but to do the work now, even though it is at quite an awkward time for people. While the road was closed, some general patching would also be done from the maintenance fund.
Questions: Cllr Vickers reported that after the work done on the Timberland – Thorpe road, it had been finished with soil on the side, which had already sunk down because of damage by lorries. Mr Aistrup agreed it would need building up with stones to create a more resilient surface.
Cllr Stephens queried whether the emergency services had been made aware of the road closure and was assured they had been.
Cllr Busby wondered whether the gritting routes had been altered because of the works. Mr Aistrup replied that they hadn’t because the vehicles had no extra capacity. If there were reports of heavy usage of North Drove during the diversion, he would reconsider.
Derek Johnstone: speed camera sites on B1191
Mr Johnstone addressed this issue, following concerns expressed by the Parish Council. He explained how camera sites were identified using accident and speed data, and perceived problems. One of the criteria was high personal injury rates. There had to have been 3 fatal, 3 serious and 5 slight accidents over a period of 3 years over a distance of 31/2 kilometers. Speed was an issue. There are permanent loops monitoring speed constantly. On 21 April 04, the average speed over the bridge was 55 mph. and on the straight between the 2 bends, the average speed was 66.8 mph, 10% over the limit. This was based on 150 vehicles in each direction.

Extending the speed limit to the garage
The Parish Council were concerned about the speed of traffic coming off the bridge. The junction out of Church Rd on to the B1191 was a difficult one, because of the speed of traffic over the bridge. Mr Johnstone explained that the area was not built up enough, and that the speed was not excessive. Because the criteria for extending the speed limit were not met, their hands were tied. The criteria to impose speed limits were 4 injury accidents in a 3 year period. There must be a history. Then they would look at what injury accidents were occurring and how. They aimed for low cost solutions. Mr Aistrup reiterated that they had looked at it from every angle, but couldn’t impose a speed limit because of the policy: the criteria were not being met. Cllr Bradwell pointed out that the County Council does waive the policy on occasion. Mr Aistrup replied that this was only when the situation was very close to meeting the criteria. Cllr Bradwell said that the presence of the river would skew the population density criteria. Cllr Stephen asked whether the fact that there would now be a crossing point with the new footpath would affect the decision. Cllr F Ambridge wondered whether it would be possible to have a bigger sign warning of a junction ahead as people came over the bridge.
Cllr Busby asked whether there was a link between gritting and accidents. One of the accidents was down to the ice issue. Mr Aistrup said that it was the policy to grit acting on information from the weather stations and the Met Office. They achieved 97% gritting, but there might be frost pockets where roads would be ungritted.
Cllr F Ambridge asked if a 20 mph scheme, such as was in place in North Kyme, could be considered for Martin. Mr Aistrup replied that it was an advisory scheme. Martin is on the list and highlighted as a potential scheme.

In reply to a question from Cllr Busby, Mr Johnstone explained that the mobile speed cameras were operated from the back of vans equipped with laser technology, which could measure speeds in both directions, up to half a mile away. They could take still photos or video footage. The vans were very conspicuous and there would be signing throughout the route. The signs and vans should be in place in March. Clrr Bradwell asked how often the vans would be there. Mr Johnstone explained that this was not part of his remit, but he thought at least once a quarter. There was permanent monitoring equipment in place, with constant monitoring, so that if there seemed to be an issue with speeding, the van could be sent there quite quickly.

In conclusion, Mr Aistrup said he would sound out the planners as to whether the river information could be taken into account when looking at the criteria for imposing a speed limit.
Cllr Evans thanked both Mr Aistrup and Mr Johnstone for all the information and for coming to the meeting.

5. Reports from Outside Bodies
• Cllr Evans welcomed P C Daniels who reported that there had been 2 major incidents in the village. He couldn’t comment on them as inquiries were ongoing. No vandalism reported. The police have been checking speeds in the village. 3 caught in 15 minutes on one evening in the centre of the village. There was no drugs problem in Martin (although there was in villages not far away). Hare coursing: the police have been doing well with this, although it has been frustrating dealing with some landowners. 4 people were fined £750 each at Sleaford magistrates court. He reported that seizing hare coursers’ cars is not an easy process.
• County Cllr Bradwell had nothing else to report apart from reflecting on the speed issue
• District Cllr F Ambridge reported on the playing field issue. The company who had done the bore holes could not find them, despite the field having been mown. If necessary, the company will have to bore again.

6. Matters Arising
a. Crime/disorder grant: Cllrs Scoley and Phillips to meet and prepare grant application
b. Village Improvement Officer: no response to website notice, or noticeboard. Clerk to put notice in village shop
c. Speed notices: already dealt with under item 4
d. Website donation; no further information had been received from Chris Brook in Timberland
e. LCC Capital Grant Aid: sports field The application for funding to re-seed the sports field will need supporting evidence. Cllr Stephens to look at the paperwork and report back.
f. Pound Rd Field: Cllr Ambridge reported that because NKDC cannot find out who owns the land, they are considering claiming it. They are considering buying the house on the corner, which is on the market, and taking part of the garden to widen access to the field, and possibly selling the house.
g. Allotments survey: the clerk had contacted the survey organisers, who had agreed that our allotments did not fit into their criteria, so the survey was not appropriate for us to fill in.
h. Playing field Dyke: the Parish Council owns part of the field and dyke. Cllr Scoley had received an estimate from Mr D Woolerton for the necessary work. After discussion as to how much of the dyke was owned by the Parish Council, it was proposed by Cllr Busby and seconded by Cllr H Ambridge that Cllrs Busby and Stephens should measure the dyke to decide on what work should be done, and the proportion of it that was on Council land. The Council would pay for their proportion of the bill. Cllr Scoley, on behalf of Mrs Mary King’s School, to authorise D Woolerton to do the work. All in favour. Cllrs Scoley, F Ambridge and Corbett declared an interest. All declared an interest as parish councillors. Cllr F Ambridge proposed that the declaration of interest be waived, as all councillors have an interest. Seconded Cllr Stephens. All in favour.

7. Clerk’s report
a. Sports Field: access had been needed through the gate on North Moor Lane so that the field could be mown to locate the bore holes. The keys had been with Cllr Stephens. The clerk now has 2 keys to the padlock, and Cllr Stephens has a key.
b. Churchyard: the clerk had contacted Nina Camm about the state of the churchyard after a number of complaints. Mr Norton had come from NKDC and looked it. He was appalled by the state of it and would report back. Cllr F Ambridge warned that there was a possibility that the costs of the grass cutting could be devolved back to the Parish Council.
c. Filing cabinet has now been removed by Martin Youth Bikers.
d. Clock winding: nothing had been paid so far this year. Proposed by Cllr Evans that the payment should rise from £50 to £75. Seconded Cllr Scoley. All in favour.
e. Dog waste bin: Mrs Topham from West Grove had contacted the clerk. She felt there was a need for a bin near West Grove. She had suggested moving the bin from higher up the road down towards West Grove. Cllr Stephens offered to monitor the use of the bin before any decision could be taken to move it. Proposed Sllr Evans, seconded Cllr Vickers. All in favour.
f. Clerk’s salary: Average hours worked have been approximately 6 hours a week.
8. Correspondence for information
a. NKDC : Code of Conduct – Freemasonry
b. The Local Channel
c. LCC: Winter Salting Leaflets
d. LALC ‘Guide to Becoming a Quality Council’, Publication Scheme guidelines, Annual Report
e. Office of the Deputy Prime Minister: New Ethical Framework Regulations
f. Lincs Police: Funding
g. Standards Committee: agenda, minutes and reports
h. Privy Council Office: Churchyard
i. emda: annual report
j. Standards Board: Lobby groups, dual-hatted members and the Code of Conduct
k. NKDC: Register of Electors
l. Standards Board
m. LCC: Library Routes/Times It was agreed this information should go in the newsletter
n. NKDC: Linkline
Correspondence for decision/action
a. Lincs County Training Partnership: budgeting for training: to be taken into account when deciding precept request
b. LCC: Fire Authority Integrated Risk Management Plan Yr2 Action Plan – Cllr Scoley to read and respond
c. LCC: Free Trees collection – Cllr Stephens to collect
d. Shaw Trust: volunteers for Patient and Public Involvement Forum – clerk to write and invite them to send a speaker to our Annual Meeting
e. Environment Agency: Safety and Security Fair – 13 February, Embassy Centre, Skegness. Cllrs Scoley and Evans to attend.
f. NK Local Plan Inquiry: Objection to land at Martin (refs 33-07-H1 and 33-01-C1) (Cllr Scoley had not been able to send a response by the deadline)
g. NKDC: Licensing Policy Consultation Document – Cllr F Ambridge had responded. He had raised a concern about their concern over supervising children’s activities: no answer as yet.
h. LALC: Quality Council questionnaire

9. Planning Applications - to receive details of any applications received since the last planning meeting on 11 November
a. Cllr F Ambridge raised the issue of building work taking place in the back garden of Fairfield House on the High St. He had reported this to NKDC. Apparently an indoor swimming pool, separate from the house, is being built. It is not a habitable building and probably won’t need planning permission, but will need building regs.
b. Erection of grain drying and storage building, Simbooth Farm, Martin Dales: no objections
c. Erection of dwelling and garage (outline application), 37 Moor Lane, Martin – objections on the grounds of road safety, in view of the accident the previous week, Cars would either have to back in or back out, both of which are dangerous manoeuvres on the rise of the hill with limited vision,
d. Land to the rear of 33 Moor Lane: no objections
e. Tree lopping: 63a High St Concern expressed about this. Cllr Evans proposed that the Council should recommend that there should be an independent arboreal report. Cllr Scoley seconded. All agreed. The clerk to check in the files whether there was a tree preservation order in place.
Permission has been granted on:
a. Change of use from outbuilding to holiday accommodation at Drove Farm, Sth Drove, Martin Dales
b. Conversion of display area to additional living accommodation, Jacksons, Sth Drove, Martin
c. Display Advertisement Sign, Chaplin House, 92 High St, Martin
d. Retain extension to dwelling at 74 High St, Martin
e. Outline planning permission, 16 Mill Lane

10. Financial Matters - approval of accounts
Balance at 20 November 2004: Current a/c £1837.94 Reserve a/c £7678.56
£ 1000 has been transferred from current a/c to reserve a/c after allotment payments

Cllrs Scoley, F Ambridge and H Ambridge all declared an interest as members of the Village Hall Committee.
Cllr Busby proposed approval of accounts. Seconded Cllr Corbett. All in favour.

• Budget for 2005/6 and precept request
The clerk presented figures to support the precept request for 2005/6. After discussion, Cllr Corbett proposed a precept request of £2,800. Seconded by Cllr Stephens. All in favour.

11. Items for Discussion and Information –
Newsletter: the clerk had received dates from Cllr Scoley. Cllr F Ambridge will send dates very shortly. Information to be included from the Parish Council: library routes, date of next meeting, attendance of Mark Taylor at the next meeting.

12. Date of next meeting: Monday 24 January 2005

Meeting closed at 10.00 pm