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 1^st

September 2008.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 1^st September,  2008 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 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.

It was noted that Sergeant Warren Edwards and PCSO Nicola Peacock were new officers within the Neighbourhood Policing Team.

The reported crime figures for September and October, 2008 were as follows :-

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

It was noted that vehicle crime incidents remained fairly static, three arrests had been made during September.  The majority of the offences reported in October involved the theft of property left on display.

Burglary dwelling incidents in September had involved a bogus Water Board and Police official who had targeted residents.  The Forum were informed that all Police officers carried warrant cards and residents were encouraged to ask to see warrant cards if approached by Police officers.

Two burglaries in October took place whilst the occupants were away.   Members of the Forum were informed of Operation Darc which was a Durham Constabulary initiative aimed at reducing house break-ins.

It was reported that criminal damage incidents had reduced significantly , whilst rowdy nuisance remained the same as August.

PC J. Rielly reported that the actions taken in respect of Neighbourhood Priorities for Area 1 had proven to be successful.

Members were informed that since the last meeting no incidents had been reported relating to the play area at Dene Valley.   One incident had been reported to the Chinese takeaway in Deneside.  The area had been very quiet with minor calls and no calls relating to alcohol.

It was noted that reports had been received relating to the pipe in the Dene Valley woods area.  The area showed evidence of alcohol and the pipe was reported to be covered in graffiti.   Arrangements had been made to clean up the area.  PC Rielly suggested that the area should continue to be a priority and be reviewed at the next meeting of the Forum.

With regard to Kirk Merrington, a consultation had taken place with regard to the increased number of traffic problems.  It had been identified that the offenders exceeding the speed limit were mostly residents living in the area.

It was noted that rowdy nuisance and crime based incidents at Tweed Road had reduced and it was suggested that Kirk Merrington and Tweed Road be no longer classed as priority areas. 

Concerns were raised regarding off-road motor cycles.  Members were informed that individuals had been stopped in the Parkside area and were thought to be residents of the Whitworth Park Estate.  It was explained that the Estate had been distributed with leaflets to discourage parents buying motor cycles as Christmas presents.

I. Lessiter informed the Forum that he had been considering a new scheme regarding off-road motor cycles involving a workshop to raise awareness and a legal track. 

Members of the Forum agreed the following as a Neighbourhood Priority for Area 1:-

Dene Valley

It was noted that actions taken in respect of the priority area would be reported at the next meeting of the Forum in January, 2009.

AGREED :              1.      That the information be noted.

2.            That the Neighbourhood Policing Priority for Area 1 be as follows :

Dene Valley.

Report of Assistant Chief Executive.

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

Members were informed that Cabinet had considered the project applications received from the Area 1 Forum on 23^rd October, 2008.  It was reported that three applications had been approved by Cabinet and two had been considered as reserve projects.

The projects approved by Cabinet were :-

·      St. Pauls Parish Hall - £200,000

·      Kirk Merrington MUGA - £40,324

·      Spennymoor Boxing Club - £150,000

The reserve projects were :-

·      Tudhoe Moor Play Area - £106,615

·      Jubilee Park Improvements - £210,897

Further discussions had been planned with Spennymoor Town Council - applicant for the two identified reserve schemes to consider the components of the schemes and assess opportunities to lever in Section 106 monies towards the proposals.

It was noted that the two reserve projects would be considered by Cabinet at a later date.

A query was raised regarding Section 106 monies and whether any had been received from Barratts for the Jubilee Park Improvements project.  In response Members were informed that the relevant department would be contacted to identify whether match funding had been received.

AGREED :     That the information be noted.

Monday 19^th January 2009 at 6.30 p.m. at Spennymoor Town Hall, Memorial Room.

Monday 19^th January, 2009 at 6.30 p.m. at Spennymoor Town Hall Memorial Room.