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

No declarations of interest were received.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 11^th February 2008.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 11^th February 2008 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

A representative from County Durham PCT will attend the meeting to give an update on the above.

David Gallagher, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Projects, County Durham PCT, attended the meeting to give an update regarding the position on Spennymoor Health Centre.

County Durham Primary Care Trust (PCT) was launched on 1 October 2006.  It replaced the five previous primary care trusts serving County Durham and it was to:

• Engage with local people to improve health and well-being, and reduce health inequalities
• Ensure that patients have access to and choice of a range of high quality health services by commissioning services, within allocated resources
• Directly provide high quality responsive and efficient services where this gives best value

Specific reference was made to the health challenges faced in County Durham.  In County Durham as a whole:

• Life expectancy was below the national average
• Death rates from coronary heart disease (CHD) and cancers were above the national average
• Levels of smoking were higher than the national average
• The percentages of adults who binge drink and were obese were significantly higher than the national average
• Teenage pregnancy rates were higher than for England

Reference was made to the major problem of Alcohol Misuse.  It was reported that an Alcohol Strategy was in place for the first time, however individuals should take responsibility for their own health.  Guidance would be given by the PCT to make people aware of the actions available to improve their health.  

County Durham PCT had developed a Five Year Plan.  The Plan included schemes that were in progress, schemes committed to and funding available and schemes approved ‘in principle’.

The Forum was informed that the committed and ‘in progress’ schemes were moving forward, however, Spennymoor Health Centre had only been approved in principle.  The scheme would be revisited and further business planning was needed, which would involve further consultation with GPs and the public to ascertain what services should be provided. 

It was agreed that the Forum would be kept informed on the progress being made. 

AGREED :         That the information be noted.

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

Inspector W. 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 February and March 2008 were as follows :-

With regard to road traffic accidents the figures were as follows :-

It was noted that March had been a good month with the smallest amount of reported incidents and a massive 33% drop in crime. 

Rowdy nuisance behaviour continued to decline.  Five magistrates search warrants had been executed in March and at three of the locations, drugs had been recovered and persons arrested.

It was explained that following the launch of Bottle Watch, reports on incidents of street drinking had decreased in February by 43% when compared with the previous month.  There had been another decrease in March - 13%.  Officers had identified and dealt with several adults supplying alcohol to minors and shops had been identified when alcohol had been seized on the streets. 

At the last meeting of the Forum Members had been asked to set three Neighbourhood priorities for Area 1.   The following areas were agreed:

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

Inspector Bentham reported that the actions taken in respect of the priority areas had proven to be successful. 

Extended patrols by police officers, PCSO’s and Neighbourhood Wardens had been used to tackle the ongoing problems in Central Drive, Middlestone Moor.  13 individuals had been identified, arrested and were awaiting a decision from the Crown Prosecution Service in relation to criminal proceedings.  There had also been a staggering 80% decline in reports of anti social behaviour.

There had been a significant decrease of reports in Drake Street with only one suspicious activity report over the past few months.  An Anti Social Behaviour Order had been granted for an individual who was the main cause of the problem.  Patrols around the area had been increased and a drugs warrant had been executed at a house on the junction of Drake/South Street. 

It was reported that the locks to the flats at Mount Pleasant Court had been changed to prevent youths gaining access.  One individual had been served with an Anti Social Behaviour Order, however he was currently on remand in prison for unrelated matter.  

AGREED :            1. That the information be noted.

                        2. That the neighbourhood policing priorities be reviewed at the

    next meeting.

Helen Dent, Anti-Social Behaviour Reduction Managerwill be present at the meeting to give a presentation on the Street Safe Initiative.

Helen Dent, Anti-social Behaviour Reduction Manager, attended the meeting to give an update on the forthcoming Streetsafe Operation.

Streetsafe Operations were aimed at tackling issues that impacted on the communities quality of life such as:

• Criminality
• Fear of crime
• Anti Social Behaviour
• Environmental issues
• Youth provision

It was reported that four joint operations were undertaken within the Borough each year.  The operations involved the Police, Fire and Rescue Service, DVLA, SBC Neighbourhood Wardens, Environmental Health, Street Scene, Licensing, Leisure Services, Youth Engagement Services and Durham County Council Education in the community. 

Members of the Forum were informed that on Monday 28^th April, 2008 a four week Streetsafe Operation would commence in Middlestone Moor.

It was explained that the Council’s analyst had identified Middlestone Moor as a key area.  The operation would involve the following :-

Ø              A ‘Have your Say’ Day

Ø              A Youth Day

Ø              Clean up the Area Day

Members were informed that the clean up in the area day would take place on Friday 16^th May.  Unwanted items would be taken away free of charge such as white goods and furniture. 

Specific reference was made to the successful Streetsafe Operation which had recently been completed in Dean Bank.

AGREED :         1. That the information be noted.

To be confirmed at the Annual Meeting of Council.

To be confirmed at the Annual Meeting of Council.