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 : 5 - Sedgefield Borough Local Improvement Programme - Bishop Middleham Village Hall - as she was a Member of Sedgefield Borough Cabinet.

E. A. Martin, Ferryhill Town Council declared an interest in the Ferryhill Sports Facility - Technical Study mentioned in the report in respect of Item 5 as she was the portfolio holder for Dean Bank Park, Ferryhill Town Council.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 18^th December 2007.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 18^th December 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.

Community Inspector Bill Bentham and Sergeant A. Sampson were present at the meeting to give a report on crime statistics, initiatives and road safety in the area.

The reported crime figures for December 2007 and January 2008 were as follows :

DECEMBER 2007

JANUARY 2008

Traffic related accidents throughout the whole of the area during the two month period:

It was reported that the number of burglaries had remained fairly static, which was unusual as January was generally the worst month of the year.  The decrease could be attributable to Operation Darc.  The number for burglaries in December was 33% lower than in 2007 and in January the figure was 70% lower.  There had been a number of arrests for the offences and four people had been charged and were waiting to appear at Court. 

Rowdy nuisance behaviour had increased throughout the whole area in January, with the exception of Dean Bank where the partnership operation Snowlake Town was continuing.   It was noted that Snowlake Town Operation had already resulted in drugs valued at £10,000 being seized and 20 people arrested for various offences.

Specific reference was made to the Bottlewatch Scheme, which was now up and running.  The scheme, which would hopefully lead to a reduction of anti-social behaviour, involved the marking of the labels of bottles of alcohol to identify the place of purchase.  It was noted that it was a voluntary scheme, however, no off-licence had refused to take part.

The Forum was asked to set three neighbourhood priorities for Area 2 for the next six months.  The following suggestions were put forward:

Ø               Darlington Road /Dean Bank  - problem with parked vehicles.

Ø               Storehouse Allotments - youths congregating and consuming alcohol.

Ø               Allotments - burglaries

Ø               Dean Bank - substance misuse

Ø               Dean Bank Bowls Pavilion - vandalism

Ø               Black Path - congregation of youths.

Ø               Bishop Middleham Nature Reserve - indecent behaviour, dumping of cars, needle finds.

Ø               Motorists speeding in Chilton.

Ø               Problem of motorbikes, Chilton.

Ø               Problem with motorbikes - The Carrs

Consideration was given to all the suggested areas. 

Members of the Forum agreed the following as neighbourhood priorities for Area 2 for the next six months:

Ø               Bishop Middleham Nature Reserve - indecent behaviour dumping of cars, needle finds.

Ø               Darlington Road and Dean Bank - problem with parked cars

Ø               Problem with motorbikes in Chilton.

It was noted that all the areas put forward would be given attention, however, priority would be given to the above three.

With regard to the problem of burglaries in allotments, it was noted that an Allotment Watch Initiative would probably be launched over the whole area in the spring.

Report of Assistant Chief Executive.

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

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

Alison Willis, Nicola Dexter and Joanie Sheehan, from Middleham Village Hall User Committee were in attendance to present the application. 

It was reported that LIP funding was being requested to replace the flooring in the main hall and on the stage, the roof and heating system.  The applicant would also like to provide new stage lighting and curtains. 

It was noted that the project would improve the hall and the safety of all users, which would result in the provision of additional activities for young people.

The amount of funding requested was £39,391 which was 92% of the total project cost.  The applicant aimed to secure £3,300 from other sources.

The Forum agreed to support the project.

With regard to Ferryhill Sports Facility Technical Study, it was noted that the study was nearing completion.  The scheme design had be chosen and agreed with all parties.  The project would include pitches/pavilion/ improved drainage and redevelopment of pitches on the Ferryhill Athletic Ground.  Visits had been made to similar projects in West Yorkshire. 

It was reported that no LIP application had yet been submitted to the Council for the full project proposal.

Tuesday 8^th April 2008 at 6.30 p.m.

Tuesday 8^th April, at 6.30 p.m. at West Cornforth Community Centre