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

Councillor A. Hodgson indicated that he would be declaring a prejudicial interest in Item 6 Local Improvement Programme - Cabinet Member.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 18^th April 2006.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 18^th April 2006 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    A. Learmonth and B. Parker were present at the meeting to update Members on local health matters.

A. Learmonth pointed out that the Primary Care Trusts (PCT) projected deficit of £5.2m had been reduced to £3.7m.  The PCT had worked closely with the Strategic Health Authority, which had enabled the savings to be made.

Members of the Forum were also updated on the flu pandemic.  It was explained that although it was still a low risk in the UK it was suggested that households had paracetamols and thermometers available to target symptoms.               

B. Parker attended the meeting to update Members of the Forum on the progress of the Chilton Health Centre. 

Members of the Forum were reminded that the LIFT Company had been commissioned to develop the Health Centre and Accent had been requested to carry out the Feasibility Study the results of which were received at the end of May 2006. It was explained that the findings had been discussed by Sedgefield Primary Care Trust (SPCT), Durham County Council and Sedgefield Borough Council and a number of sites had been identified, however, further consideration needed to be given before final decisions were made. 

B. Parker informed the Members of the Forum that once a further study had been completed it was anticipated that an exhibition would be held over the summer months of 2006 to consult with the community.

With regard to the current facilities it was explained that rooms were being re-organised and the GP appointment system was being revised to ensure that service continued to be delivered as efficiently as possible.

Concerns and disappointment were expressed regarding the length of time the development was taking.  It was pointed out that it was expected that the centre would have been completed or at least in full development at this time.

B. Parker explained that there had been a number of problems, however, they had been identified and now solved.  It was pointed out that as it was such a large project they needed to ensure that the site was the correct one and that the whole development was carried out correctly.

Members of the Chilton Partnership invited B. Parker and extended their invitation to other relevant officers from SPCT to attend one of their meetings to discuss the current Health Centre together with a new development. 

Finally, A. Learmonth informed the Forum that the target for ambulance Category A response times had been exceeded and had reached 78%. Copies of the Performance Management Report were circulated for information.

To consider the attached reports outlining the propose projects: -

• LIP05 - Chilton Environmental Improvements Programme
• LIP08 - Duncombe Cemetery

Consideration was given to a report detailing applications submitted to be appraised by the Strategy and Regeneration Section for funding from the Local Improvement Programme (LiP).  (For copy see file of Minutes).

Members of the Forum were reminded that the Local Area Improvement Programme was allocated for the purpose of regeneration of the community and each Area Forum had been allocated a sum of money.  Area 2 had been allocated £836,000.

The funding was to be used for capital works such as bringing buildings back into use. 

It was noted that applications would be submitted to the Forum as they were received by the Regeneration Section and Sedgefield Borough Cabinet would have the final approval.

The projects needed to be owned by members of the community and it was important that they were sustainable.  A team had been created in the Strategy and Regeneration Section to support applicants.

The following projects were then outlined: -

Chilton Environmental Improvement Programme

P. Gray, Chilton Town Council Clerk, was present to outline the application, which was received from Groundworks East Durham on behalf of the Town Council and was aimed at improving the physical landscape and the quality and number of facilities available for use by the local community.

It was explained that the amount of funding requested from the Local Improvement Programme had reduced and was now £102,181.  £115,000 had been secured and there was only remaining cost of £9,000 to be confirmed from the Police.

Duncombe Cemetery Development

J. Corrigan, Ferryhill Town Council Clerk, was present to give a brief outline of the project, which had been applied for by the Town Council.

It was explained that the project aimed to provide a footpath link from the cemetery to the Carrs Nature Reserve together with adequate car parking facilities and a toilet block with storage. The need for a heritage centre had also been identified and would be developed within the old Chapel.

It was pointed out that further consideration outside of the meeting needed to be given to the match funding.

Concerns were expressed as to the footpath and the problems that could occur, as it would pass through the cemetery. It was felt that it would entice youths to congregate in the area and encourage anti social behaviour.

J. Corrigan explained that there would be a five-foot mesh fence surrounded by foliage to separate the footpath from the cemetery.  There would also be a gate at either end that could be locked whenever necessary.

AGREED:            That Cabinet be recommended to support the following projects: -

                        1.   Chilton Environmental Improvement Programme.

                        2.   Duncombe Cemetery Development.

5^th September 2006 at Chilton and Windlestone Community Centre at

6.30 p.m.

5^th September, 2006 at Chilton and Windlestone Community Centre at 6.30 p.m.