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

It as noted that the following Councillor would be declaring an interest :-

Councillor Mrs. L. Hovvels : Personal Interest - Item 6 - Joint Trimdon Partnership - Member of the Joint Trimdon Partnership.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting held on 27^th April 2005

The Minutes of the meeting held on 27^th April 2005 were confirmed as a correct record and signed be the Chairman (for copy see file of Minutes).

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

Sergeant B. O’Connor was present at the meeting to give details of the crime statistics in the area.

It was reported that the crime statistics were as follows :-

Detailed discussion took place in relation to anti-social behaviour throughout the area.  It was reported that Durham Constabulary had submitted a proposal to Trimdon 2000 Community Safety Group for the siting of a number of overt CCTV cameras on Church Road shops, Trimdon Village, to address concerns from local residents of anti-social behaviour in and around the area. 

As a result of complaints received relating to youths congregating in the plantation area at the rear of Balmoral Terrace, Trimdon Grange, the Police had liased with Sedgefield Borough Council and arranged for the removal of discarded litter from the area.  

Concern was expressed regarding the number of youths congregating in Sedgefield Village to consume alcohol.  It was pointed out that the Police would always remove alcohol from any person under the age of 18 years found drinking in a public place.

It was reported that the PCT was concerned regarding the problem of underage drinking. Members were informed that there had been an increase in alcohol misuse especially in young people.

Reference was made to the responsibility of parents.  Members were of the opinion that some anti social behaviour could be prevented if parents acted responsibly. 

The Forum agreed that a multi-agency approach was required in order to address the problem effectively.

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

Arrangements have also been made for Charles McCaughey (Director of Primary Care) and John Moran (Service Modernisation Manager) to attend the meeting to give a presentation in relation to out of hours services on Saturdays in the Sedgefield area.

Charles McCaughey and Ray Pattinson were present at the meeting to give a presentation in relation to out-of-hours services on Saturdays in the Sedgefield area and to update the Forum on local health matters.

It was reported that on 1^st December 2004 the PCT had taken responsibility for out of hour services. Saturday surgeries had ceased and patients were expected to use the urgent care centre at Bishop Auckland Hospital. It had been agreed, however, that Saturday morning surgeries in Sedgefield would continue for six months to allow residents to adapt to the change. 

The Saturday surgery had been monitored throughout this period and it was found that:-

Ø               there was a limited requirement for the service

Ø               most patients attending the surgery had minor illnesses

Ø               there were staffing problems

Ø               patients would be better served at the Urgent Care Centre

As a result of these findings the Saturday morning surgery would no longer operate.

It was reported that the PCT hoped to pilot an out of hour service at Sedgefield Community Hospital. This pilot service would be advertised though the area 3 forum, leaflets, the media and local doctors surgeries.

The PCT was also actively seeking ways to reduce illness out of hours.

Members were given an update in relation to local health matters. It was reported that a number of listening events were taking place. Specific reference was made to a recent listening event for the Chinese community.

It was also reported that the Integrated Team based at Tremaduna Grange had won a national award.

 Specific reference was also made to the Public Health Annual Report  - ‘Health and Well-being of People in Sedgefield Borough’

Reference was made to the problems that patients encountered when collecting prescriptions from hospitals. It was pointed out that patients could not collect hospital prescriptions from local pharmacists even in cases where the hospital did not have the drugs available. 

A representative from the Joint Trimdon Partnership will be present at the meeting to give a presentation on their role in the Community

John Davis was present at the meeting to inform members of the role of the Joint Trimdon Partnership within the community.

The Forum was informed that the Joint Trimdons Regeneration Partnership was established in 1997 to bring together all the Trimdons in partnership to initiate joint projects for the regeneration of the three villages and oversee and co-ordinate the implementation.

Specific reference was made to the “Over the Hedge” project. It was explained that this project was established in February, 1999 and had received three years funding from Comic Relief. 

The aim of the project, which covered the Trimdons, Fishburn, Bishop Middleham, Sedgefield, Bradbury and Mordon areas, was to develop the community and voluntary sector infrastructure to encourage joint working and the sharing of best practice across all the villages working in partnership. It also aimed to develop sustainable projects across the project area.

It was reported that the current project was scheduled to end by 30^th June 2005.  There was, however, funds remaining and it was envisaged that the project would now conclude at the end of October 2005. 

Funding applications had been submitted for a new post to start on 1^st January, 2006. This post would concentrate on ‘building capacity’ as identified in a recent feasibility study.

The Forum was given examples of some ongoing and new projects carried out by the Joint Trimdon Partnership.

Discussion took place in relation to an information pack which was being produced by the partnership. It was explained that this information pack would contain relevant information about the area and would be issued to all new residents.

To consider the attached letter

Consideration was given to a letter regarding nominations to the LSP Partnership Board (For copy see file of Minutes).

It was agreed that Councillor T. Ward be appointed be representative for Area 3 Forum on the LSP Board and Councillor Mrs. L. Hovvels as alternate

To consider the attached letter

Consideration was given to a letter in relation to the relocation of Sedgefield Post Office.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

Concern was expressed in relation to parking. It was felt that although on street parking and a public car park was available, there was already a problem with parking in that area.

Reference was also made to access to the building. It was felt that the step at the front of the building could potentially cause problems for disabled persons, especially wheel chair users.

It was agreed that a letter be sent to the Post Office expressing the concerns of the Forum.

The Chairman will take questions from the floor.

Community Empowerment Network

Members were informed that Councillor Mrs. L. Hovvels would attend a meeting of the Community Empowerment Network in July, 2005.  Any relevant information would be reported back to the Area 3 Forum.

It was agreed that a representative from the Community Empowerment Network be invited to attend the next meeting of the Area 3 Forum to give an update on their work in the community

Sedgefield Positive Inclusion Partnership

Members were given an update on the work of the Sedgefield Positive Inclusion Partnership.

East Park, Sedgefield

It was pointed out that as a result of excavations in the field at the rear of East Park, Sedgefield, nearby gardens were being mistaken as a footpath.  It was therefore requested that a public footpath sign be erected.

Wednesday 14^th September 2005 at Trimdon Colliery Community Centre

Wednesday 14^th September 2005 at Trimdon Colliery Community Centre