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 6 - Local Improvement Programme:

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 10^th April 2007.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 10^th April, 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 crime figures for the area were as follows :

Discussion was held regarding staffing within the area. Members of the Forum were informed that there would be five Police Officers employed for the Ferryhill area.  There were, however, to be a number of changes as the officer for Dean Bank would leave in July 07.  New sergeants were scheduled to be interviewed, whilst Inspector Green explained that he was attending an interview next week.

Concerns were raised regarding youths congregating outside the Bell Store at Chilton and under age drinking.  It was explained that the Police were aware of the issue and discussions had taken place with officers at the Council to remove some of the seating to deter the problem.  With regard to under age drinking there were problems with proxy sales, with parents purchasing alcohol for their children. It was explained that it was a big problem, however, the issue was being targeted.

Finally, questions were raised regarding the No Smoking Policy and what role the Police would have during its introduction.  It was explained that it was the Council’s responsibility, however, the Police would be monitoring adherence to the policy.  Landlords would be required to have a designated area, allowing customers to stand at the doorway would not be tolerated.  Also if a person became aggressive when asked to put a cigarette out or leave the premises, the Police would be called as usual.

A representative from County Durham Primary Care Trust will attend the meeting to discuss 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 Health Centre at Chilton it was explained that the County Durham Capital Programme, which included the development of the Health Centre, would be submitted to the PCT in the near future. 

Members of the Forum were reassured that the development was part of a County-wide Plan and a priority of the PCT.

Concern was raised that a Committee had been set up to monitor the development with no representation from local residents.  P. Irving explained that the Committee had been set up a while ago and had not met for some time.  The Forum was re-assured that there would be representation from the community when it was re-organised and scheduled to meet.

Discussion was finally held regarding the provision of cancer drugs. It was questioned why in other parts of the country such cancer drugs were available through the NHS and not in others. All concerns would be taken back and the relevant officer from Public Health be invited to a future meeting of the Forum.

To consider the attached report outlining the proposed project for: -

• Modernisation of West Cornforth Community Centre

NB :   In accordance with Section 81 of the Local Government Act 2000 and the Members Code of Conduct Councillors Mrs. K. Conroy and D.A. Newell declared a prejudicial interest in the following item and left the meeting.

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).

A. Megginson updated the Forum of its role within the Local Improvement Programme. 

An update was also provided on Bishop Middleham Play Area where work had already commenced. It was explained that funding had been released from Leisure Services to carry the work out as part of its Play Strategy. The requested funding from the Local Improvement Programme had therefore been put back into the allocated funding for Area 2.

Discussion was held regarding funding that was available via Leisure Services.  Clarification was sought as to whether the amount of £70,000 had been ringposted.

Modernisation of West Cornforth Community Centre

H. Drew, West Cornforth Community Association, attended the Forum to inform Members of the proposals to modernise and refurbish the Centre. The proposals aim to expand the available use of the centre to more community organisations as its current state was out of date.

It was pointed out that the estimated cost of the project was high with match funding requested from a number of other agencies together with the LIP funding. It was noted that if the full amount was not available work would be carried out as and when with the use funding available.

Discussion was held regarding the provision of changing rooms for the newly developed football facilities. It was pointed out that consideration between the Association and Sedgefield Borough Council had been given to using porta cabins.

The Forum welcomed the project and supported its submission to Cabinet.

AGREED :   That Cabinet be recommended to support the modernisation of West Cornforth Community Centre.

Land east of Barratt Way, West Cornforth - GLADEDALE (Newcastle) Ltd

Report of the Building Control Manager.

Land East of Barratt Way, West Cornforth

Consideration was given to a report of the Building Control Manager regarding a request received from Gladedale Homes to officially name and number the above development comprising 47 dwellings.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

Members of the Forum proposed, with strong preference the name of “Howard” and secondly “The Lane”.

11^th September 2007, West Cornforth Community Centre, 6.30 p.m.

11^th September, 2007 at Chilton and Windlestone Community College at

6.30 p.m.