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

Councillor Mrs. K. Conroy declared a prejudicial interest in Item No : 6 - Sedgefield Borough Local Improvement Programme and left the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 26^th June 2007.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 26^th June, 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.

Acting Sergeant J. Burgess attended the meeting.

She explained that Inspector A. Green had left the Spennymoor area of Durham Constabulary and had taken up a post as Detective Inspector within the Darlington area of Durham Constabulary.  The new Inspector was William Bentham. 

There were no crime figures to report as a result of the staff changes.

Concern was raised regarding the parking of cars, which were causing an obstruction at the junction at Grasmere Road and Darlington Road.  It was pointed out that the issue had been reported to the Police in the past who targeted the problem by issuing warnings to the owners of the vehicles, however, the issue had become a concern again.  Acting Sergeant Burgess explained that she would look into the matter and raise concerns with the officers in that area.

Discussion was held regarding Police attendance at the Area Forums and Town and Parish Council meetings. 

A. Blakemore, Community Safety Manager, Sedgefield Borough Council, informed members of the Forum of the development of Neighbourhood Policing, where through discussions with all partners involved agreed that a Neighbourhood Inspector would attend all future Area Forums.  It was also pointed out that regular updates on each ward across the Borough were available on the Council’s website.

A representative from County Durham Primary Care Trust will attend the meeting to provide an update on local health matters.

There was no representative from the County Durham Primary Care Trust in attendance at the Forum.

With regard to Chilton Health Centre the Chairman of the Forum explained that a meeting had been held to discuss progress on the development. All partners involved in the development, who aired their concerns at the lack of progress, attended the meeting. I. Rooney, County Durham Primary Care Trust, was in attendance and assured attendees that their concerns would be taken to Y. Chaudry, Chief Executive, County Durham Primary Care Trust. A further meeting had been scheduled for 28^th October 2007 to discuss the situation.

As a result of concerns by the Ward Members of Area 2 a meeting had also been held with P. Wilson, MP, who had also agreed to attend the meeting on 28^th October.

Discussion was finally held regarding the provision of cancer drugs, where it was pointed out that a patient who had not been able to receive a specific drug as a result of cost and lack of funding from the NHS had won an appeal and would now be prescribed the drug via the NHS.

To consider the attached report outlining the proposed project: -

• Mainsforth Community Centre Improvements

NB :      In accordance with Section 81 of the Local Government Act 2000 and Members Code of Conduct, Councillor Mrs. K. Conroy 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).

An update was provided of projects received from Area 2.  It was explained that the Chilton Environmental Improvements was nearing completion, while work on the West Cornforth Community Centre application was ongoing, as part of the funding had been requested from Northern Rock who had not yet confirmed their grant.  The Ferryhill LADDER Centre Technical Study was still to claim the grant and officers were continuing to work on the application.  Finally, consultants, S. Wells Associates had commissioned the Ferryhill Sports Facility Technical Study who were preparing a report, which would be completed in November, 2007.

Improvements to Mainsforth and District Community Association

A. Megginson informed the Forum of the proposals to renew the boiler and heating system within the Community Centre and Boxing Club.  The improvements would enable the Centre to be more energy efficient and have selective heating.  It would allow expansion and further use of the Centre to more community groups.  The Forum welcomed the project and supported its submission to Cabinet.

AGREED:      That Cabinet be recommended to support the improvements to Mainsforth and District Community Association.

The Chairman will take questions from the floor

Applying for LIP Grants

Questions were raised as to who could apply for the Local Improvement Programme grants and whether they had to be applied for via the Town and Parish Councils.  It was explained that it was not the case and that any community group association, residents association etc., could apply.

DuncombeHeritage Centre

An update on Duncombe Heritage Centre development was requested.  It was explained that a more detailed project proposal was required for the £100,000 applied for. 

Dean Bank Park

Discussion was held regarding play equipment at Dean Bank Park.  Confusion was expressed as to whether work on the Park could be carried out at the same time as the Ferryhill Sports facility and whether a technical study would need to be carried out.  It was suggested that contact be made again with the Town Council to clarify the proposals of introducing the play equipment.

6^th November 2007 at 6.30 p.m. at West Cornforth Community Centre.

6^th November, 2007 at 6.30 p.m. at West Cornforth Community Centre.