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

Councillor Mrs. K. Conroy indicated that she would be declaring a personal and prejudicial interest in Item No : 6 - Sedgefield Borough Local Improvement Programme - Application - Miners Welfare Masterplan - Chilton Town Council - as she was a Member of Sedgefield Borough Council Cabinet.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 6^th November 2007.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 6^th November 2007 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.

Sergeant Mark Hall was present at the meeting to give a report on crime statistics, initiatives and road safety in the area.

The reported crime figures for October and November 2007 were as follows:

OCTOBER 2007

NOVEMBER 2007

Traffic Related Incidents throughout the whole of the area over the two month period :-

With regard burglary (dwellings), it was noted that Sedgefield Borough Council’s Bin Wagons were helping to remind residents to keep their homes secure.  The message, “Like it or Lose it” could be seen on all the Council’s wagons.  The message aimed to highlight to the public the importance of indoor and outdoor security lighting to prevent homes being targeted. It was pointed out that an unlit home presented an attractive opportunity to thieves.

With regard to vehicle crime, the Forum was reminded not to leave items on display in parked vehicles.  Satellite navigation systems should be disconnected every time the car was left and not put in the glove box.

It was reported that it was intended to discuss and set the three neighbourhood priorities for Police action in Area 2 at the next meeting of the Forum on19^th February 2008.

Presentation by Community Safety Manager.

Allan Blakemore, Community Safety Manager, gave a presentation regarding the above.

It was explained that Sedgefield Community Safety Partnership was in the process of setting priorities for 2008/09 and was consulting residents on their local priorities.

It was explained that the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 as amended by the Police and Justice Act 2006 had imposed a duty on the Council to share data for the purpose of reducing crime and disorder and replaced the three year audit and strategy process with an annual strategic assessment. 

The presentation outlined the intelligence driven and national priorities, which were:

·             Domestic Abuse

This was identified as a national priority.  Two women die every week in Great Britain as a result of domestic violence. 

·  Domestic Burglary 

Domestic burglary was very low in Sedgefield Borough, however residents did have a high degree of fear of being a victim of this particular crime.  Borough average was 8.3 burglaries per 1,000 households in 2006/07 compared to the national average of 13 burglaries per 1000 households.

·             Substance misuse

Substance misuse related to Class A, B and C drugs, alcohol and smoking 

·  Vehicle Crime

Vehicle crime relates to the organised stealing of vehicles for resale after changing identification, taking vehicles without owners’ consent  (better known as “joyriding”), theft from vehicles and vehicle interference.

·             Criminal Damage

Criminal damage was the highest recorded crime across Sedgefield Borough, usually accounting for 40% of total recorded crime. It was linked to night time economy and anti-social behaviour.

·  Anti-Social Behaviour

The usual profile figures were follows:

·             Rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour                 -       73%

·             Nuisance neighbours                         -      10%

·             Vehicle nuisance/Inappropriate use                -       9%

·             Noise                                      -       3%

·             Street drinking                               -       2%

·             Animal related problems                   -       2%

·             Substance misuse                            -       1% 

Questionnaires were then circulated at the meeting for completion.  It was pointed out that by providing postcodes on the questionnaires, the Community Safety Partnership would be able to map localised priorities, whilst preserving anonymity.   It was noted that the information would be shared with Durham Constabulary to assist in the setting of neighbourhood priorities for action.

Report of Assistant Chief Executive.

NB :    In accordance with Section 81 of the Local Government Act 2000 and the Member’s Code of Conduct, Councillor Mrs. K. Conroy declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the above item and left the meeting.

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

Mr. P. Gray, Clerk to Chilton Town Council, was in attendance to present the application.

It was explained that the Miners Welfare Master Plan was the result of one element of the LIP part funded Chilton Environmental Improvements project, which highlighted work still to be carried out in the Welfare Park. The report identified six phases of work.  The application under consideration related to a project that would address the first three phases. 

The project included works to extend and refurbish the pavilion building, the creation of a mini golf area and a car park, replacement of trees and shrubs, provision of new lighting columns, seats and bins, signage, restoration of the gate piers and provision of new gates.  The total estimated cost was £319,471.00 and the amount of funding requested was £169,471 (53%) of the total cost.  Chilton Town Council would provide £150,000.  The total cost of the six phases was estimated at £450,000.   Revenue costs would be covered by the Town Council precept and hire charges. 

It was noted that the Strategy and Regeneration Division would work with the applicant to identify other opportunities for additional match funding.

The Forum agreed to support the project.

With regard to other applications under development, it was noted that West Cornforth Community Centre had been granted £104,000 from Northern Rock Foundation.

Tuesday 19^th February 2008 at 6.30 p.m. at Chilton and Windlestone Community College

Tuesday 19^th February 2008 at 6.30 p.m. at Chilton and Windlestone Community Centre.