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 5 - Sedgefield Borough Local Improvement Programme :-

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 9^th January 2007.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 9^th January, 2007 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.

Inspector A. Green attended the meeting to give details of the crime figures and local initiatives in the area.

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

The above figures were also broken down for the specific wards: -

Members of the Forum were updated on Operation Maximimo, which had resulted in 30 arrests and 8 search warrants being executed in the area. An update on the number of PCSOs for each ward was also given.

Questions were raised regarding the new surgeries that were held in Ferryhill Police Station and whether they were well attended. It was pointed out that the surgeries had been introduced as a result of comments and interest shown at the previous Area 2 Forum, however, attendance had been low. The surgeries would however carry on and be monitored in the future. Other ways of informing Police were also discussed.

With regard to the working hours of PCSOs and the hours spent on patrol it was pointed out that although seen throughout the day it was rare to see them patrol on an evening. Inspector Green explained that the PCSOs only patrol areas on an evening for a specific reason. It was pointed out that it was on an evening when the patrols were most needed to tackle problems such as underage drinking, which had become a problem within the Chilton Primary School playground and the Ferryhill Carrs area. Inspector Green explained that they were aware of the problem and had been liasing with the headteacher and Sedgefield Borough Neighbourhood Wardens. He would raise both issues with all involved and monitor the areas. 

Discussion was finally held regarding the misuse of motorcycles. Details of the powers available to the police to target the problem were explained. It was also pointed out that the Crown Prosecution Service had recently published a piece of literature to further define the law concerning the use of motorcycles.

A. Learmonth was present to update the Forum on health matters within the area. 

The Forum was updated on the progress of the restructure of the Primary Care Trust where a commitment had been made by County Durham Primary Care Trust to work with a range of stakeholders and continue to liase with the Area Forums.

With regard it Chilton Health Centre it was explained that a letter had been sent by P. Irving, Interim Associate Director - Procurement, on 16^th February 2007 to those with an interest in the Centre to explain that a liaison link had been developed to define the proposals for the health centre with the establishment of a working group to monitor its progress and push the development forward. A business case would also be produced to submit to County Durham Primary Care Trust. The Forum was reassured that the health centre was still a priority and progress would continue to be brought to the Forum.

Questions were raised regarding the increase of allergies and whether air quality testing was still carried out.  It was explained that Sedgefield Borough Council Environmental Health Section carried out testing and more information could be sought from them.

To consider the attached reports outlining the proposed projects: -

• Ferryhill LADDER Centre - Future Expansion
• Ferryhill Sport Facility Technical Study

NB.  In accordance with Section 81 of the Local Government Act 2000 and the Members’ Code of Practice of Conduct, Councillors A. Hodgson, D.A. Newell and R.A. Patchett declared a personal interest in the above item and remained in the meeting as an observer.

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.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

The report detailed 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.

It was explained that Sedgefield Borough Council Cabinet had revised the policy relating to the Local Improvement Programme to include initial feasibility and cost studies prior to the submission of a full project for consideration. 

The Forum was also updated on current projects that were ongoing within Area 2.  It was explained that Cornforth Partnership’s project, No. 66 Drop-in Centre had now been completed. Other projects, Chilton’s request for the multi-use games area, Bishop Middleham’s play area and Ferryhill’s Duncombe Heritage Centre were all still in discussion and going through their appraisal stage. 

Ferryhill Ladder Centre - Future Expansion

J. Birchall, Ladder Centre was present to inform Members of the proposals, which at the current stage was to undertake a technical study to consider options for expansion to the Ladder Centre to establish an accurate project cost.

The study, at a cost of £5,000 was supported by the Area 2 Forum, as the Ladder Centre had been a huge success with its current facilities. It was pointed out that a further report detailing the results of the study, if agreed by Sedgefield Borough Cabinet would be submitted to Area 2 for further consideration of the final project.

Ferryhill Sports Facility - Technical Study

J. Corrigan, Clerk to Ferryhill Town Council, attended the meeting to inform Members of the proposals to conduct a technical study to fully investigate the options of constructing a sports facility at Dean Bank Park.  It would establish an accurate project cost together with identifying the site constraints and planning issues associated with the Park. 

The Forum was shown a map identifying the piece of land that would be affected by the development.  It was also explained that further details were available on the Town Council website.

Concern was raised regarding the impact the development would have on Bridge House Estate and the neighbouring allotments. It was explained that consultation had been carried out with residents and other parties who would be involved and affected by the development, were they had been reassured all concerns would be taken into account during the study.

With regard to the allotments concern was raised at the prospect of them being ‘sold off’ as part of the development. It was explained the Forums role was to consider the initial Technical Study and that any issue surrounding the allotments was the responsibility of the Town Council and concerns should be raised with them.

AGREED :   That Cabinet be recommended to support: -

·        Ferryhill Ladder Centre future expansion

·        Ferryhill Sports Facility Technical Study

The Chairman will take questions from the floor

Thrislington Quarry

Discussion was held regarding the proposed extension to the above quarry. It was explained that the application was a Durham County Council matter, which had not yet been considered as part of the consultation process by the Borough Council. Concerns would be taken back to the Borough Council’s Planning Department.

26^th March 2007 at Chilton and Windlestone Community College at 6.30 p.m.

10^th April, 2007 at Chilton and Windlestone Community College at 6.30 p.m.