To notify the Chairman if you have an interest in the following items.

The following Councillors indicated that they would be declaring a personal and prejudicial interest in Item 5 - Local Improvement Programme - Application, Ox Close Community Garden Project.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on

10^th December 2007.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 10^th December 2007 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. (For copy see file of Minutes).

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

Inspector Bill Bentham, Community Inspector for Spennymoor and Ferryhill was present at the meeting to give a report on crime statistics, initiatives and road safety for the area.

The reported crime figures for December 2007 and January 2008 were as follows:

The Forum were asked to set three Neighbourhood priorities for Area 1. Sergeant Mark Hall put forward four suggestions of areas to be targeted.

• Central Drive, Middlestone Moor

-         Rowdy/Nuisance Behaviour

-         Youths congregating outside shop

• Craddock Street/Stratten Street/Drake Street

-         Criminal Damage

-         Vehicle Crime

• Criminal Damage

-         Graffiti in Town Centre

-         Broken windows

• Jubilee Park

-         Youths drinking

Members reported that Mount Pleasant Court was also an area of concern with increasing anti-social behaviour problems. Particular concerns were raised regarding youths drinking.

Consideration was given to all the suggested areas. Members of the Forum agreed the following as Neighbourhood priorities for Area 1.

1. Central Drive, Middlestone Moor
2. Drake Street
3. Mount Pleasant Court

It was noted that actions taken in respect of the priority areas would be reported at the next meeting of the Forum in March 2008.

Report of Assistant Chief Executive.

NB :   In accordance with Section 81 of the Local Government Act

2000 and the Members’ Code of Conduct, Councillors Mrs. A.M. Armstrong, Mrs. B. Graham and Mrs. E. Maddison declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the above item and left the meeting for the duration of discussion on the item.

Consideration was given to a report of the Assistant Chief Executive regarding the above.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

The Headteacher, Michelle Forbes along with two pupils James Shepherd and Jonathan Waugh,Oxclose School, Spennymoor were in attendance to present the application.       

The school was requesting funding to develop an underused section of land into a community garden. The garden would incorporate a community wildlife area, a community growing area, a community sensory and a community adventure area. An initial community consultation had been undertaken, which showed 96% were in support of the project.

The amount of funding requested for the project was £57,548.  The school would contribute £3,700. The revenue costs would be absorbed into the school’s annual budget.

The Forum agreed to support the project.

The Chairman will take questions from the floor.

A query was raised regarding County Durham PCT’s involvement in Area Forum Meetings. It was explained that any specific issues would be forwarded to the PCT and feedback would be given at future meetings.

A query was raised concerning the provision of a new Health Centre for Spennymoor. It was agreed that a representative of County Durham PCT be requested to attend a future meeting to provide an update.

Monday 31^st March 2008 at 6.30 p.m. at Middlestone Moor Community Centre

Monday 31^st March 2008 at 6.30 p.m. at Middlestone Moor Community Centre.

To consider any other business which, with the consent of the Chairman, may be submitted.  Representatives are respectfully requested to give the Chief Executive notice of items to be raised under this heading no later than 12 noon on the Friday preceding the meeting in order that consultation may take place with the Chairman who will determine whether the item will be accepted.