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 20^th February 2007.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 20^th February, 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 :-

Members of the Forum were updated on the continued success of Operation Maximino. They were also informed of the progression of the surgeries at Ferryhill. It was explained that they would continue with monitoring as attendance was still poor. 

Questions were raised regarding crime and whether there was a high number of re-offenders in the area. Inspector Green explained that there was a number of specific individuals contributing to crime in the area. It was also pointed out that there was a problem with people moving into the area after recently being released from prison through renting properties from private landlords.  Discussion was held regarding the introduction of the Private Landlord Licence, which would be piloted in the Dean Bank and Chilton West area.

Reference was given to public response to enquiries and the best way to contact the Police with information.

Concerns were finally raised regarding the use of motorbikes and the problems that were ongoing.  It was explained that there was now legislation regarding the use of motorbikes. They were aware of the problems and were taking steps to target them.

A representative from County Durham PCT will attend the meeting to update on local health matters.

P. Irving, County Durham Primary Care Trust, attended the meeting to provide an update on health matters in the area.

With regard to the reconfiguration of the PCT, he explained that several Directors had now been appointed with the post of Director of Nursing and Therapies still to be appointed.  The recruitment stage was now looking at Assistant Director levels of appointments and all posts were expected to be filled by the end of May.

It was pointed out that the structure would be based on a provider/commissioner split with the PC T commissioning appropriate services for the benefit of the communities of Durham and Darlington whilst Durham would manage the provision of services.

With regard to performance the PCT was not yet in a position to report performance on a County basis, however, the financial recovery plans had been successful with budgets on 2006/07 expected to balance.

With regard to the Chilton Health Centre, the Forum was informed that a number of steps had been taken. Funding had been identified to facilitate the Centre throughout its development. A Strategic Business Case including a Feasibility Study of the preferred site was being developed as although the site had been identified it had not been approved by the PCT.  It was anticipated that the report would be submitted in the next two months to the PCT for their consideration. LIFT was still involved in the development and would be joining the project with a development at Easington. A local project group involving stakeholders in the project had been meeting to monitor its progress.

Members of the Forum pointed out that during initial meetings regarding the development interest had been received from St. Johns Ambulance, to use the centre as their base, however, there had been no further discussions. P. Irving agreed to look into the matter.

Questions and concerns were finally raised regarding the lack of provision of cancer drugs as the PCT would not fund certain types. P. Irving again agreed to look into the matter.

Arrangements have been made for an officer from the Councils Environmental Services to give a presentation regarding the above.

V. Jackson-Hopps, Senior Environmental Health Officer, Sedgefield Borough Council, attended the meeting to inform the Forum of the new smoke free legislation. 

A copy of the fact sheet was distributed for Members information, which could be found on www.smokefreeengland.co.uk.

Discussion was held regarding the enforcement of the legislation, what properties and premises would be effected, signage and any exemptions included in the legislation.

To be agreed at the annual meeting of Council to be held on 18^th May 2007.

To be agreed at the annual meeting of Council to be held on 18^th May, 2007.