To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 4^th November 2003

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 4^th November 2003 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.  (For copy see file of Minutes)

A report will be given at the meeting by Ferryhill Police

Sergeant K. Vincent and Inspector S. Winship were present at the meeting to give details of crime figures for the Chilton, Ferryhill, West Cornforth and Bishop Middleham areas.

Inspector Winship informed members of the Forum that Durham Police had always been successful at reducing key crimes. However a recent crime survey found that they were poor in giving the community a sense security and safety. He explained that he had been appointed as Community Inspector and would be responsible for a team of beat officers and sergeants who would work with a number of public and private organisations to tackle problems that have an impact on the community as a whole, such as vandalism, children causing nuisance and anti-social behaviour. The role of the officers was to achieve vision, accessibility and familiarity.

Members noted that crime statistics were as follows:

It was noted that a number of arrests had been made in relation to dwelling burglary

Reference was made to the problem of youths causing annoyance and the effect this had on Criminal Damage.  It was noted that the Antisocial Behaviour Unit alongside Police Community Support Officers were being used throughout the area to help reduce such problems.  The Rural Beat Team had also been used in the area to support the work of the beat officers. 

Details of recent operations were provided.  It was noted that in relation to Operation Darc, which targeted dwelling house burglaries, two arrests had been made and two persons had been charged with a total of ten burglaries. 

With regard to Operation Ballade, which targeted racial problems within the Chilton area, two persons had appeared at Crown Court and been convicted and another two persons were to appear at Court in March/April. Inquiries were ongoing regarding two other arrests.

Discussion took place in relation to motorcycles, electric scooters and quad bikes being driven off road.  It was noted that these were motor vehicles and driving licences and insurance were a legal requirement.

The Police explained that good intelligence was required to curb the problem and requested that members of the public report incidents to ensure that resources were allocated to problem areas.  The Forum suggested that the Police provide details of the total number of reported incidents at the next meeting of Area 2 Forum.

Update on local health matters

P. Irving and Mrs. S. Slaughter were present at the meeting to provide an up-date on local health matters. 

It was noted that performance had improved in relation to services provided and it was hoped that the Trust would receive a two star as opposed to a one star rating.

Reference was made to new legislation, which was to take effect from April 2004. This included the implementation of a new GP Contract and Choice Initiative.

It was explained that the PCT would be working closely with GPs, local communities and groups to identify what new local services needed to be developed. It was anticipated that more services would be provided at local health centres reducing the need for patients to travel to hospitals.

The Forum expressed concern that the standard of treatment would not be maintained. It was, however, explained that consultants would work in line with local GPs to ensure that patients would receive the correct treatment at the appropriate time. 

It was also noted that from October 2004, GP’s would have the opportunity to opt out of providing out of hours services. The responsibility would then be with the PCT to provide thisservice.  The PCT assessing what service was required.

It was noted that the Choice Initiative would offer patients who had waited over six months for their treatment, a number of choices of where services could be delivered to them. The PCT with their partners were aiming to reduce all waiting times to less than six months.

Discussion took place in relation to the development of Integrated Service Teams, comprising community based health, social services and housing staff in the five sub areas of the Borough. The teams would have shared information systems to remove duplications and improve assessment processes. The first team, based at Tremeduna Grange, Trimdon Village, should be operational in April 2004.

Reference was made to the problems that Chilton residents encountered in trying to see a GP at their local surgery.  It was pointed out that to see a doctor urgently, patients often had to travel to the Ferryhill surgery, which was more costly and inconvenient, especially for those relying on public transport.

A presentation will be given by the Vehicle Action Co-ordinator

Ian Bestford was present at the meeting to inform the Forum of his new role as Vehicle Action Co-ordinator.  He had been in post since August 2003. Prior to that he was employed as Road Traffic Officer by Durham Constabulary.  He explained that his role was to remove abandoned vehicles, vehicles parking on and causing damage to Borough land, untaxed vehicles and abandoned caravans from Council land.  Complaints regarding vehicles creating a nuisance through noise, driving and obstructions, should still be reported to the Police. 

The Vehicle Action Co-ordinator provided the Area Forum with details of the procedure that must be followed when removing vehicles.  He explained that contractors would be employed to remove vehicles, and would charge the Council £50.  It would cost the owner of the vehicle £105 for the Council to take the vehicle away. The vehicle would then be stored for a period of seven days at a cost of £12 per day.  If, after the seven days, the vehicle was unwanted, £50 would be charged for its disposal.  Any unpaid fees would be dealt with through the Small Claims Court or debt-collecting agency.

It was reported that burnt out cars would be removed immediately in view of the risk of leaking chemicals.  The above costs would be incurred. 

It was reported that overall in the Ferryhill, West Cornforth, and Chilton areas there had been notices served on 53 vehicles, and the Council had removed 22.  150 notices had been issued throughout the Borough, with 62 vehicles having to be forcibly removed. 

Discussion took place in relation to vehicles that were not registered to the owner.  It was explained that such vehicles would be classed as abandoned and forcibly removed. 

With regard to wagons parking in residential areas, it was requested that the public report incidents to the Vehicle Action Co-ordinator, providing the name of the company and the location of the vehicle.  Appropriate transport managers would then be informed.

Tuesday 24^th February at West Cornforth Community Centre

Tuesday, 24 February 2004, at 6.30 p.m., at West Cornforth     Community Centre.