A minutes silence was observed as a mark of respect for Councillor J. Chaplin who recently passed away.

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

The following Members declared an interest in Item 7 - Sedgefield Borough Local Improvement Programme :-

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 31^st October 2006.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 31^st October, 2006 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Specific reference was made to AF(2)15/06 - Police Report - it was pointed out that rather than two PCSOs being based in West Cornforth there would be one PCSO and one Constable in that area.

To consider the attached report outlining the proposed project: -

• Bishop Middleham Play Area Renewal Scheme

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

The report details information for Area 2 Forum for their consideration and comment, which would be used to formulate a report and recommendations which would be submitted to Sedgefield Borough Council Cabinet.

Bishop Middleham Play Area Renewal Scheme

Councillor T. Sheehan, Bishop Middleham Parish Council and A. Willis, Bishop Middleham Play Area Group attended the meeting to give a presentation on the proposed project, which would provide new play equipment and safety surfacing to a supervised toddlers play area at the rear of the village hall and a series of enhancements to the main childrens play area at the leisure park within the village.

It was pointed out that a village appraisal had been carried out were it was found that improvements to the play area was a high priority. Pictures of the proposed equipment for the sites were also produced.

It was pointed out that the total cost of the project was £116,903 with a request of £69,320 from the Local Improvement Programme.

AGREED:   That Cabinet be recommended to support the Bishop Middleham Play Area Renewal Scheme.

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

Acting Sergeant J. Burdess attended the meeting to give details of the crime figures and local initiatives for the area.

It was reported that the crime figures for the area were as follows: -

Members were informed that the Community Beat Team now included four PCSO officers, four Police Constables with another PCSO due to complete their training in 3 to 4 weeks.

Members of the Forum were updated on Operation Maximino, which targeted crime in Ferryhill Town and Operation Dark, which was aimed at highlighting safety measures to properties during the dark winter months.

With regard to anti-social behaviour, it was explained that the Broom area and Ferryhill Market Place had been identified as hotspot areas. Patrols had therefore been targeting the area and a reduction in reports had been noted. An amount of alcohol had also been seized from those under aged.

Detailed discussion was held regarding the nature of crimes highlighted in the statistics table and whether the statistics could be broken down further into Ward areas and into a league table to identify where the crimes were taking place. It was agreed that the suggestion be looked into. 

With regard to anti-social behaviour discussion was held as to ways of combating the problems. The development of Multi Use Games Areas (MUGA), youth clubs and supervised activities were all considered. It was suggested that contact be made with Durham County Council or Sedgefield Borough Council’s Strategy and Regeneration Section.

Concerns were raised regarding the Police Station at Ferryhill and limited services provided from the reception. It was explained that the station was unmanned as all officers would usually be on patrol. Spennymoor and Newton Aycliffe were the only stations with manned receptions. Any reports could be made via the Police Communications Centre. Questions were also raised regarding the post box at the station and how often it was emptied. It was explained that post was usually collected from Spennymoor Police Station, however, Acting Sergeant Burgess agreed to check with other staff as to whether the post box was still used.

Members of Cornforth Parish Council had been approached to make a financial contribution to a computer system purchased by the Police to identify hot spot areas and areas were those convicted had taken up residence to monitor behaviour. Since that time no further information had been provided, Acting Sergeant Burdess agreed to look into the matter.

Concern was finally raised with regard to Police attendance at public meetings. It was explained that the public raised concerns at recent Town and Parish Council meetings where the Police had decided to stop attending. It was pointed out that the Police had felt that Area Forums were the most

effective way of receiving public views and would continue to attend those.

A representative from necA, High Street Project will attend the Forum to give a presentation to provide information on their role.

Ann Dunning had attended the meeting to give a presentation regarding Sedgefield necA High Street project.

It was explained that necA (North East Council of Addictions) was the largest regional charity working in the area for substance use/misuse. It’s remit included all forms of substance dependency including illicit drugs, alcohol, prescribed medication, over the counter preparations, nicotine, solvents, gases and gambling. Its Counsellors worked as part of a multi-disciplinary team with other agencies such as DISC, Probation Service, Health and Social Care, GPs, Prisons, Independent Service Providers, Schools, Colleges and Voluntary organisations.

Services provided by necA included complementary services such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, reflexology which were proven to be effective in enhancing treatment programmes for drug users and supported housing to clients experiencing misuse problems. 

It was noted that the biggest addiction problem related to alcohol.

The High Street project offered free confidential one-to-one appointments with professional qualified counsellors and referral to other agencies if required.

The Chairman will take questions from the floor.

Local Improvement Programme

It was questioned whether the Forum could be updated once Local Improvement Programme applications had been considered by Cabinet and were successful. It was agreed to take back to the relevant officer to produce a feedback report for a future meeting.

20^th February 2007 at West Cornforth Community Centre at 6.30 p.m.

20^th February, 2007 at West Cornforth Community Centre at 6.30 p.m.