To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting held on 3^rd March 2004.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 3^rd March, 2004 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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

Sergeant Ed Turner was present at the meeting to give details of the crime statistics for the area.

Sergeant Turner informed the group that Sergeant Brian O’Connor had yet to take up his post as staffing issues had not been resolved.

Members noted that the statistics were as follows: -

During discussion reference was made to the level of Anti-Social Behaviour in the area.  It was explained that there had been an increase in Fishburn and the Trimdons, however, the Police force were aware of the problems and taking steps to combat them.  It was pointed out that Paul Trippett, Manager of the Labour Club, Trimdon Village, had agreed a pilot scheme allowing children to use the Club as a drop in centre.

In relation to dwelling burglaries, it was reported that there had been three licensed buildings where thefts had occurred:  The Cricket Club, The Knaggs Head and The Golden Lion had all been targeted. 

Sgt. Turner was pleased to report that a person had been arrested in relation to the theft at the Cricket Club and had been sentenced for four months.

Members raised concerns regarding the lack of visual presence of traffic wardens in Sedgefield. Sgt. Turner explained that the recently appointed PCSO’s would take responsibility of the roles of the traffic wardens. It was explained that discussions had taken place relating to the roles of the PCSOs where it was hoped they would be monitoring street traffic on a regular basis.

Discussions were held in relation to speeding and an incidents that had  occurred on the A689. It was questioned whether the areas could be monitored. It was explained that concerns would be taken to the Traffic Management Department where clarification would be sought.

A representative of Sedgefield Primary Care Trust will attend the meeting to give an update on local health matters and performance figures.

P. Irving was present at the meeting to give details on the out of hours service, the Tees review and to give an update on key Government priorities and the integration of health and social care. 

It was explained that as from October 2004 the PCT would be responsible for providing the out of hours service. Although GP’s had opted out, the PCT was advertising externally for GP’s to apply. In relation to the urgent care service, it was explained that a number of initiatives had been discussed, consideration had been given to providing a transport service to and from the centres. It was reported that the urgent care service would be working in partnership with the Accident and Emergency department.

P. Irving explained that the Tees Review of South Tees and Hartlepool Hospital had begun in January, 2003 to pursue the utilisation and rationalisation of the services provided. It was expected that the initiative would take around 10 years to complete with an interim stage. It was explained that a Formal Consultation Document had been drafted. P. Irving agreed that more information on the final document would be brought to the next meeting.

It was noted that the Government had been targeting waiting lists, which had reduced over the past twelve months. Improving patient experience and staff morale was also a priority. 

Reference was made to the Sedgefield Adult Community Care Partnership were five teams would be established across the Borough. Notes were circulated at the Forum detailing the Integrated Teams. The Forum was informed of a team meeting that would be taking place regarding the integration of health and social care.

Specific reference was made to the death of Councillor A.M. Gray who would be solely missed. Gloria Wills, Vice-Chairman, of the PCT would become acting Chair until the appointments commission considered action.

A representative from the Community Empowerment Network will be present at the meeting to give a verbal update.

Joanne Scott, a representative from Sedgefield Community Empowerment Network was present at the meeting to give a presentation on the operation of the above.

J. Scott explained that her role was to arrange the five community forums held around Sedgefield Borough.  The Forums had been developed to allow communities to discuss their views, the results of which would then be passed to the LSP Board. They would then use the views to fulfil the aims to bring voluntary and community groups, individuals, businesses and the local authorities together, working to improve the area and services.

Posters were distributed advertising the Election for Representatives in the area.

Members queried whether it would be possible for the area forums and community forums to join as one meeting.  It was explained that the LSP Board had recently met and discussed revising the structure of both meetings in an attempt to work as a partnership.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive Officer.

Consideration was given to a report of the Chief Executive Officer regarding the appointment of a representative for Area 3 Forum to the Local Strategic Partnership Board for the Borough.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

It was agreed that Councillor J. Robinson would continue to be the Area 3 representative on the LSP Board.

The Chairman will take questions from the floor.

Fly Tipping

Members raised concerns at the level of fly tipping in the lay by opposite Sands Hall and the back road between Trimdon Village and Trimdon Colliery. T. Spearey, Sedgefield Borough Neighbourhood Services agreed to visit the above sites. It was explained that concerns would be addressed at the next meeting.

Date to be arranged at Annual Council.

Date to be arranged at Annual Council.

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.