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

Councillors Mrs. K. Conroy and A. Hodgson indicated that they would be declaring an interest in Item 6 - Application - Dean Bank and Ferryhill Literary Institute- Improvements to the Community Centre.  The interest was personal and prejudicial as Members of Sedgefield Borough Cabinet.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 11^th September 2007.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 11^th September were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

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

Inspector W. Bentham attended the meeting.

He explained that he was the newly appointed Inspector for the area having recently worked in Bishop Auckland and Newton Aycliffe areas.

It was reported that in relation to crime figures there had been a reduction of around 15% reported incidents.

The crime figures reported were as follows :-

It was noted that an operation had recently been held in relation to drug dealing in Dean Bank.  Arrests had been made and an amount of drugs had been seized.  More cases would be forthcoming as a result of that operation.

Discussion was held regarding incidents of anti-social behaviour in various locations throughout Area 2 and Inspector Bentham assured the Forum that the Police were taking steps to deal with the problem.  He explained that they were actively targeting a number of offenders to issue Behaviour Contracts and Anti-Social Behaviour Orders.  It was, however, recognised that the problem would never been totally eradicated.

Discussion was also held regarding the sale of alcohol to underage youths.  Inspector Bentham made reference to Operation Bottlewatch, a project which was being run in the West End of Newcastle.  He reported that funding was available to run such a project in the area, and within the next few weeks, following the publication of publicity material, etc., a similar project would be starting in the area.

Councillor Conroy that she had held discussions with County Durham PCT regarding attendance at Forum meetings.  The PCT had indicated that they were unable to send a representative to every meeting of every Forum.  However, if there was a specific problem or issue they would endeavour to send the appropriate person to the Forum meeting.  It was noted that there was to be a meeting with the PCT on 30^th November regarding the proposed Chilton Health Centre.

Report of Acting Building Control Manager.

Consideration was given to a report of the Acting Building Control Manager (for copy see file of Minutes) relating to the naming of the above- mentioned site.

It was suggested, that as the development was adjacent to St. Lukes Church, it be named St. Lukes Place.

To consider the attached report

         NB :    In accordance with Section 81 of the Local Government Act 2000 and the Member’s Code of Conduct Councillors Mrs. K. Conroy and A. Hodgson declared personal and prejudicial interests in this item and left the meeting for the duration of the discussion and voting thereon.

Consideration was given to a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (for copy see file of Minutes) regarding the above.

B. Sheppard, Dean Bank and Ferryhill Literary Institute, was in attendance to present the application.

The Forum was reminded that the Area 2 Forum had been allocated £836,000 of LIP Capital Resources between 2006 and 2009.  A total of £278,700 had been allocated for the year 2007/8.  A number of projects had been supported to the value of £249,855 and there was some additional underspend resulting from last year which would be available to the Area Forum for additional project activities.

It was explained that the project aimed to provide a two storey extension to provide a learning suite.  This would involve the re-alignment of the public/emergency staircase.  A total of 19.8 sq.mts. additional space would be provided.  The project would also create a raised stage in the main hall.

The Forum agreed to support the project.

Reference was made to a charity event which had been held to raise money for the above charity.  It was agreed that a letter of congratulations be sent to the organisers, Mr. and Mrs. D. Foster.