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

Members had no declarations of interest to declare.

To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 26^th April 2006

The Minutes of the meeting held on 26^th April, 2006 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by 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.

Acting Inspector Steve Ball was present at the meeting to give details of the crime statistics for the area. It was reported that crime statistics were as follows:-

The Forum was given details of joint initiatives involving the Police that were taking place at various locations throughout the Borough.

Members of the Forum expressed concern regarding the difficulties that they had encountered in trying to contact the Police using the non-emergency telephone number. In response it was explained that the problem had been acknowledged and extra staff were to be recruited to the Control Rooms.

Reference was made to the appointment of a Beat Officer for the Trimdon area. It was pointed out that following the appointment of the Beat Officer

Anti Social Behaviour had reduced, especially at Redesdale Court, Trimdon Grange.

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

P. Irving and D. Halliday attended the meeting to give an update on local health matters.

It was reported that Sedgefield, Durham and the Dales, Derwentside, Easington, Durham and Chester-le-Street PCTs were to merge into one organisation.  It was expected that the new organisation would be in place by 1^st October, 2006.  All PCTs were required to make savings in management costs which would be used for patient care.

Members were informed that although the PCT had anticipated a deficit of £5.2m the actual overspend was £3.7m.  Sedgefield PCT had been working closely with other PCTs and had produced a formal recovery plan to deal with the overspend.  This recovery plan had been submitted to the Strategic Health Authority for approval.

Reference was made to the formation of NHS Foundation Trusts.  It was pointed out that all PCTs were expected to become Foundation Trusts.     

Members were also updated on the current situation in relation to the potential flu pandemic.  It was pointed out that all PCTs and GP practices had contingency plans in place.  It was explained that although the pandemic was still a low risk in the UK, it was suggested that households had paracetamols and thermometers available.  The uptake of the flu vaccination was also encouraged, especially in elderly people.

With regard to the comments made at a previous meeting regarding the difficulties encountered in making appointments to access a GP at the Trimdon Surgeries, it was explained that an access survey would be carried out independently of the PCT.  GPs not achieving targets would lose incentives.

Reference was made to the proposed closure of the Doctors surgery at Trimdon Village.  It was explained that this would be subject to formal consultation.

Detailed discussion took place in relation to Community Hospitals and their working relationship with local GPs.

Reference was made to the PCT Life Awards, which would recognise the commitment of staff.

Report of Building Control Manager

Consideration was given to a report regarding a request  received from  McKinnery Homes to officially name and number the above development comprising of 68 dwellings.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

The Forum agreed to support the name, “Cunningham Court”.

To consider the attached reports outlining the proposed projects:-

Consideration was given to a report detailing applications submitted to be appraised by the Strategy and Regeneration Section for funding from the Local Improvement Programme (LIP).  (For copy see file of Minutes).

Members of the Forum were reminded that the Local Area Improvement Programme was allocated for the purpose of regeneration of the community and each Area Forum had been allocated a sum of money.  Area 3 had been allocated £532,000 of LIP capital resources between 2006 and 2009.

It was noted that applications would be submitted to the Forum as they were received by the Regeneration Section and Sedgefield Borough Cabinet would have the final approval.

The project needed to be owned by members of the community and it was important that they were sustainable.  A team had been created in the Strategy and Regeneration Section to support applicants.

Members of the Forum highlighted the fact that the decision on whether the schemes should be supported was being made without the knowledge of other schemes that may be proposed.

The following projects were then outlined :-

Trimdon Colliery Community Centre

Councillor Mrs. L. Hovvels was present to outline the application which was received from Trimdon Colliery Community Association. The project was aimed at commissioning an Architect to provide a robust design and costing that would enable the project to move forward to a planning permission stage and ultimately to a full application to the other capital funders such as the Big Lottery Fund.

The amount of funding requested from the Local Improvement Programme was £12,774.38.

Trimdon Colliery Multi-use Games Arena

Councillor Mrs. L. Hovvels and S. Palombella, Ground Work East Durham, gave a brief outline of the project which had been applied for by Groundwork East Durham.

It was explained that the project would create a multi-use games arena. (MUGA) on an area of green underused space next to Trimdon Colliery Community Centre.

The amount of funding requested from the Local Improvement Programme was £58,325.

AGREED :         That Cabinet be recommended to support the following projects :-

                        1.                           Trimdon Colliery Community Centre

                        2.                        Trimdon Colliery Multi-use Games Arena

Review of Area Forums 

Reference was made to the review of Area Forums.

It was reported that Sedgefield Borough Cabinet would consider the final report on 13^th July 2006.

13^th September 2006 at Mordon and Bradbury Village Hall

13^th September, 2006 at Mordon and Bradbury Village Hall.