To notify the Chairman of any items that appear later in the agenda in which you may have an interest.

Members had no interests to declare.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 21^st June 2005.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 21^st June, 2005 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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

Sergeant K. Vincent and Inspector A. Green were present at the meeting to give details of the crime figures and local initiatives for the area.

It was reported that the crime statistics for the area over the following months were: -

Sergeant Vincent reported to the Forum that two Anti-Social Behaviour Orders had been issued in the Ferryhill area, which he believed had led to a noticeable reduction in anti-social behaviour in the area. The mobile CCTV unit was also continuing to be used successfully as a deterrent.

It was pointed out that Confidential Reporting Boxes had been ordered and placement sites identified. It was therefore anticipated the scheme would be implemented in the near future.

It was explained that a Pub Watch Scheme had recently been formed within the boundaries of Area 2, which engaged the publicans, the police and Sedgefield Borough Council.

Concern was expressed at the number of youths that were causing annoyance throughout Chilton. It was pointed out that many incidents had been reported to the police, however the problems continued to persist.  Sergeant Vincent re-assured the Forum that the Police were aware of the problems and discussions had been held as to how to target them.  The Beat Officer was also receiving support to target the problem areas.

Members of the Forum finally congratulated all who took part in the Miners Banner Parades as they had been successfully conducted and well attended.  

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

Dr A. Learmonth, Director of Public Health and Health Improvement and

B. Parker, Project Manager for LIFT, were present at the meeting to provide an update on local health matters and performance figures. Copies of the Board papers for achieving patient access targets and baseline performance requirements were also distributed to the Forum. (For copy see file of Minutes).

Dr. Learmonth reported that the PCT had recently gained a three star rating from the Health Care Commission highlighting the progress made throughout the Trust.

Detailed discussion was held regarding the implementation of a ‘testing provider service,’ which would support Best Value within the Trust. It was hoped that a firm proposal would be made and a further report would be given to the Forum in the new year.

Reference was made to the Better Standards for Health document.  It was pointed out that the document included twenty four core standards which were required to be met by March, 2006. It was explained that the standards had been broken up into the following sections: -

Ø               Safety

Ø               Clinical and cost-effectiveness

Ø               Governance

Ø               Patient focus

Ø               Accessible and responsive care

Ø               Care environment and amenities, and

Ø               Public health

Members were informed that further information was available at the frequently held Patient and Public Involvement Forum.

B. Parker informed the Forum of the progress being made in respect of the development of a new Health Care Centre at Chilton. 

He explained that outside consultants had been engaged to carry out a site feasibility study. The proposed site adjacent to Chilton Workingmen’s Club was causing concern. It was pointed out that consideration was being given by the Club to selling the land to a developer. Members were informed that the land was still the preferred site and communication between the parties was ongoing, however, it was not the only site identified in the feasibility study. Members of the Forum were reassured that if the Club’s land was sold to another developer, it would not result in the collapse of the project.

It was explained that a number of expressions of interest had been received from all health organisations within the area to take up residency within the Health Care Centre.

Members questioned whether the Town Council had been consulted on the development. The Forum was informed that it had been consulted.

It was reported that the action plan for the next few months was to complete the Feasibility Study, produce a Business Case/Plan, meet with all parties and finally meet with the community to consult on how the project was to be developed.

To consider the attached report of the Head of Strategy and Regeneration, which addresses a number of problems that have been associated with the above car park.

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Strategy and Regeneration regarding the usage of the Church Lane Car Park.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

G. Wood explained that the purpose of his attendance was to consult with the local community and reach conclusions as to how to approach and rectify the problems associated with the car park.  He reassured the Forum that all points put forward would be taken back to enable the appropriate initiative to take place which all parties would be confident with.

Detailed discussion was held regarding the problems associated with the car park. With regard to methods of solving the problems the Members of the Forum made the following suggestions: -

Ø               To lower the wall surrounding Church Lane car park.

Ø               Implement a time limit on the market place car park.

Ø               Employ a car park attendant to monitor all car parks.

Ø               Implement long and short stay parking within the Market Place Car Park.

Ø               Introduce CCTV.

Ø               Leave the wall in its current state.

It was also suggested that police Architectural Liaison Officer should be consulted and invited to survey the area and make recommendations as to the most suitable approach to rectify the problem.

It was explained that all comments would be taken back to the Council and updates would be submitted to the Forum.

1^st November 2005 at 6.30 p.m. at Chilton and Windlestone Community College.

1^st November, 2005 at 6.30 p.m. at Chilton and Windlestone Community College.

Discussion was held regarding the change of venue. It was explained that as West Cornforth had missed its turn in the cycle, the meeting scheduled for 10^th January 2006 would be held at the Community Centre, West Cornforth.