To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 6^th June 2005.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 6^th June, 2005 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. 

A representative of Spennymoor Police will attend the meeting to give a report on crime statistics and initiatives in the area.

Inspector A. Green was present at the meeting to give details of crime figures for the area.  The crime statistics in relation to reported crime were as follows :-

It was pointed out that there had been an increase in recorded crimes of 13.9% with a detection rate of 25%.  The number of recorded incidents of violent crime had increased by 48.9% and had a detection rate of 42.4%.  The cases of youths causing annoyance had risen by 12.3% and recorded criminal damage had risen by 4.3%.  Burglary of dwellings had fallen by 2% and burglary of other had fallen by 32.1%.

During discussion the following issues were raised :-

·               Graffiti and in particular the length of time taken for its removal

·               Anti-social behaviour with particular reference to response times

·               The problem of drug abuse in the Spennymoor area

·               The problem of under-age drinking particularly at the rear of St. Pauls Church.    

In respect of graffiti, Inspector Green agreed to raise this issue with the Borough Council in relation to the Service Level Agreement which existed for its removal.

With regard to anti-social behaviour and the difficulties often experienced in contacting the Police to report incidents, it was explained that the Constabulary was in the process of recruiting approximately 30 extra people to be employed in the Control Room, with a view to achieving quicker response times.   

Regarding the issue of drug abuse and drug dealing it was suggested that more detailed statistics should be provided to the Forum in relation to the number of drug users and drug related crimes.  It was explained that it was extremely difficult to identify and detect drug offenders and obtain evidence.

In relation to under-age drinking, it was reported that the Police were trying to resolve the situation by seizing alcohol being consumed in public places by anyone under-age.  It was queried whether that action was sufficient deterrent.  More stringent measures needed to be taken.  In terms of the sale of alcohol, reference was made to the difficulty in assessing the age of young people purchasing alcohol.  It was considered that the most effective way to deal with the issue was by highlighting the dangers etc., of alcohol abuse to young people.

A query was raised regarding a police operation which had been undertaken with regard to a flat in Spennymoor.  It was explained that detailed information in relation to the operation would not be able to be divulged. 

Minutes of the meeting held on 14^th July 2005.

Consideration was given to the Minutes of the meeting held on 14^th July, 2005 (for copy see file of Minutes).

Specific reference was made to the issue of nuisance caused by motorbikes.  It was noted that the Police were monitoring the situation. 

In relation to the speed limit on the road to the rear of Durham Road this issue had been raised with the County Council.

Reference was also made to the car park to the rear of Spennymoor Town Hall and people accessing it via No Entry car park exit points.  This issue had also been raised with the County Council.

AGREED :         That the Minutes be noted.

Letter from Southern Area Traffic Office attached for information.

Consideration was given to a letter which had been received from Durham County Council in response to issues which had been raised with regard to Spennymoor Town Centre.(For copy see fileof Minutes)

It was noted that the County Council had agreed to provide tactile paving at the two raised crossing points within the High Street and also provide an additional crossing point on Carr Lane to the west of High Street roundabout.   Tactile paving would also be installed at each individual junction on the length of Whitworth Terrace/Clyde Terrace and Grayson Road.

These works were to be carried out in September this year.

AGREED :         That the information be received.

A representative of Sedgefield Primary Care Trust will attend the meeting to give an update on local health matters and performance figures.

Mrs. M. Fordham, Sedgefield PCT., attended the meeting to give an update on local health matters and performance figures.

It was explained that since the last meeting the star rating for the PCT had been received. Sedgefield PCT had achieved 3 star status. 

Reference was made to a document - Commissioning A Patient Led NHS - which dealt with proposed re-organisation in the Health Service.  This was, however, at a consultation stage and the aim would be to ensure that any changes which had to be made would be as smooth as possible.

The Forum was informed of details of achieving patient access targets which had been submitted to the Board Meeting in August.

It was pointed out that the target with regard to Access to a GP in 2 working days and a Healthcare Professional in 1 Working Day continued to be met.

In relation to patients through Accident and Emergency within 4 Hours, this  target continued to be achieved. However, the Ambulance Service was having difficulty meeting the target response time of 8 minutes.

During discussion a query was raised regarding hospital provision for residents of Spennymoor and whether new housing developments were taken into account when assessing provision.

Reference was also made to the Ambulance Service and the issue of lunchtime cover and response times.

Discussion was also held regarding patients travelling by ambulance for aftercare and the need to ensure that the ambulance journeys were better co-ordinated.  It was explained that the new electronic booking system should deal with this issue.

Members of the Forum also discussed the proposed closure of two wards in Bishop Auckland General Hospital.  It was suggested that a representative from the Acute NHS Trust should be invited to attend a future meeting to discuss provision. 

Discussion also needed to be held in relation to the LIFT (Local Improvement Finance Trust) initiative. It was suggested that a presentation be given in relation to progress on the initiative at a future meeting.

Monday 24^th October 2005