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

No declarations of interest were received.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 16^th December 2008.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 16^th December 2008 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.

There was no representative from the Police available to attend the meeting.  This was a result of an emergency situation involving the execution of a warrant.

To consider the attached report of the Assistant Chief Executive.

Consideration was given to a report of the Assistant Chief Executive which provided an update on project activity as part of Sedgefield Borough Council’s Local Improvement Programme.   (For copy see file of Minutes)

With regard to the football facility at Dean Bank Park, in January 2009 Ferryhill Town Council had received clarification that a grant of £705,839 had been awarded from the Football Foundation.  Combined with LIP funding this would result in a £1m proposal in Dean Bank Park.  Subject to a tender exercise, it was hoped that work would start on the project in early summer.

The Number 66 Cornforth Partnership, Chilton Environmental Improvement Programme, Mainsforth Community Centre and Dean Bank Institute Gala Room projects were now complete.  Work was ongoing with the West Cornforth Community Centre and Bishop Middleham Village Hall projects.  Additional funding for the West Cornforth Community Centre project had been obtained, which would enable the whole project to go ahead as outlined in the application.  £26,245 was contributed by Section 106 and £26,000 by Banks.  A planning application had been submitted for the Pentlands Play Area project.

It was reported that the Regeneration Team would continue supporting the groups who had received grants in the implementation and monitoring of projects.

The Regeneration Officer thanked all of the Area Forum participants for their involvement in, and support for the LIP Programme over the past 3 years.

Members of the Forum also thanked the Regeneration Section for all of their hard work in making the Programme a success.

AGREED :     That the report be noted.

A representative of NHS County Durham will attend the meeting to give an update on the progress being made on Chilton Health Centre.

K. Dare from NHS County Durham was present at the meeting to give an update on the progress being made on Chilton Health Centre.

It was reported that the purchase of the land for the centre was in the hands of solicitors, however, could not be completed until the whole project was secure and costs finalised.  Work was ongoing with the developer to negotiate costs.  When this was complete the final business case, which was expected to be received in the next few weeks, would go through the approval process.  The medical practice also had a possible alternative site in mind in the event that any issues developed.

Members were informed that maintenance and improvements would be made to the existing centre in order to meet Health and Safety and healthcare standards.  This was necessary as it was expected to be 18 months until the new facility would be complete.   

NHS County Durham would continue to liaise with County Councillors and Area Action Partnerships in order to keep residents informed of progress.

Parish Councils would also be kept informed and it was suggested that notices would be placed in the existing health centre.

The Chairman will take questions from the floor

Area Action Partnerships

A query was raised regarding the final constitution of the Area Action Partnerships.  It was reported that this had not been decided yet.  However, there was a draft, which was out for consultation.

The importance of partnerships and residents associations meeting informally to discuss problems and issues to feed into the Area Action Partnerships for consideration was stressed.

As this would be the last Area 2 Forum to be held before Local Government Re-organisation, the Chairman thanked residents and Members for all of their support.

The Forum also thanked the Chairman for all of her hard work.