To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting held on 12^th November 2003.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 12^th November 2003 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. 

A report will be given at the meeting by Sedgefield Police.

Inspector Andrew Neil, the new Community Inspector for the Sedgefield area was present at the meeting to give details of the crime statistics for the area. 

It was noted that for a number of years, Durham Police had been very successful at reducing levels of crime, however, after a recent British Crime Survey, they had been found to be poor in giving the community a sense of security and safety.  It was explained that the Community Inspector would be responsible for a team of Beat Officers who would work with a number of both public and private organisations to tackle problems that have an impact on the community as a whole, such as vandalism, noise and antisocial behaviour. The role of the officers was to achieve vision accessibility and familiarity. 

Inspector Neil pointed out that there had been 13 Community Inspectors introduced to the whole of Durham Constabulary.

It was reported that the total number of crime in the area for the month of October-November as a whole had been reduced by 11%, dwelling-house burglary had increased by 10%, while other burglaries had reduced by 25%, criminal damage had been reduced by 18%, theft of a vehicle was reduced by 37%, while vehicle interferance was reduced by 89%. 

Concern was raised regarding youths causing annoyance in Trimdon Village and Trimdon Grange.  It was pointed out that youths had been causing annoyance around the Community Centre in Trimdon Grange therefore CCTV cameras had been installed. The youths had since moved to a street behind the pizza shop, where they were causing damage to property, such as graffiti and damaging fencing that was around the shops.  It was hoped the introduction of the Community Inspector and beat officers would help alleviate this problem. It was also noted that damage had been caused to the gas boxes which were situated above ground level and located outside the buildings.  It was questioned whether the boxes could be moved or hidden in some way.  It was agreed that information would be sought. 

Concern was also raised regarding under age drinking. It was questioned wherther Police could take alcohol from offenders, Insector Neill reasured the Forum that if offenders were found with alcohol then it would be confiscated. It was also explained that more effort would be made to re-direct patrols to where the problems were occurring. 

Inspector Neil was thanked for his report and attendance.

Update on local health matters.

Alyson Learmonth, Director of Public Health and Health Improvement, was present at the meeting to give a presentation on the latest health matters.  It was reported that A. Learmonth had previously attended a briefing from Nigel Crisp, the Chief Executive of the NHS. 

The briefing concluded that there were no patients waiting for operations for over 12 months and those waiting nine and six months were also declining. Death rates relating to coronary disease were again decreasing, suggesting that projects relating to improving health and no smoking were working and making a difference to people’s health.

It was reported that after a recent survey, it was shown that of those people using the NHS, 75% found the service to be of good, very good or excellent standard, with few rating it of a much lower standard.

Specific reference was made to the Patient Forums that had been developed to give patients as much information and say as possible. It was explained that the Forums would be an important body and voice in acting on behalf of the patients needs.

A. Learmonth reported that locally the PCT was working towards improving the star rating. 

It was reported that the process of implementing the new GP contract was on going.  It was explained that if GPs decided to opt out of the service of providing out-of-hours clinics the PCT would provide and employ those to do so.  The system was to go ‘live’ in September. A. Learmonth agreed that P. Irving would up-date the Forum after the meeting that would be held in March. 

A. Learmonth was thanked for her report and attendance.

A presentation will be given by an officer from the Housing and Environmental Health Department.

Ian Bestford was present at the meeting to inform the Forum of his new role as a Vehicle Action Co-ordinator.  He had been employed by the Council since August 2003.  Prior to that he had been employed as a Road Traffic Officer by Durham Constabulary.

It was explained that the problem of abandoned vehicles would escalate in the future as cars could no longer be taken to a scrapyard. They now needed to be disposed of through authorised treatment facilities of which one is based in Peterlee for the whole of County Durham. 

His job was to remove abandoned vehicles, vehicles parking on and causing damage to Borough land, untaxed vehicles and abandoned caravans from Council land. Unsightly vehicles could also be removed from property. If situated on Council land they would be removed within 24 hours, while if the land was private it could take up to 15 days.  Any other type of complaint, such as vehicles creating a nuisance through noise, driving and obstruction should still be reported to the Police. 

Questions were raised regarding the expense of the service.  It was explained that contractors would be employed to remove the vehicles and would charge the Council £50.00.  It would cost the owner of the vehicle £105 for the Council to take the vehicle away, the vehicle would then be stored for a period of seven days at a cost of £12.00 per day, if, after the seven days, the vehicle was unwanted, £50.00 would be charged for the disposal of the vehicle. 

It was reported that burnt out cars would be removed immediately in view of the risk of leaking chemicals.  The above costs would be incurred. 

Specific reference was made to Operation Daggerboard, where the Council had worked in conjunction with the DVLA to clamp and remove vehicles on the spot.

I. Bessford was thanked for his presentation and attendance.

The Chairman will take questions from the floor.

Questions were raised regarding development at Trimdon Colliery and whether it would be included in the local plan that was being developed.

Scheduled to be held on Wednesday 3^rd March 2004 at 7.00 p.m.

Scheduled to be held on Wednesday, 3 March 2004, at 7.00 p.m.

To consider any other business which, with the consent of the Chairman, may be submitted.  Representatives are respectfully requested to give the Chief Executive Officer notice of items to be raised under this heading no later than 12 noon on the day preceding the meeting in order that consultation may take place with the Chairman who will determine whether the item will be accepted.