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 5^th July 2006.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 5^th July, 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.

Sergeant B. O’Connor was present at the meeting to give details of crime statistics in the area.  It was reported that crime statistics were as follows: -

Specific reference was made to the increase of theft in Sedgefield.  It was explained that the increase was mainly as a result of a rise in the value of scrap materials, which included drain covers and lead piping.

Reference was also made to Operation Kilo, a Street Safe operation involving Sedgefield Borough Council, Durham Constabulary, the Fire and Rescue Service, DVLA and Durham County’s Trading Standards.

It was reported that the operation, which had taken part over a two-week period in targeted areas of Trimdon Village, had been successful.  Arrests had been made and a number of uninsured and untaxed vehicles had been recovered.

An evaluation of Operation Kilo would be given at a future meeting of Area 3 Forum.

With regard to the new play area at Skerne Avenue, Trimdon Village, it was reported that the Police were dealing with a number of issues that had been raised by local residents.

Detailed discussion took place in relation to motorists driving at inappropriate and unlawful speeds through Mordon village. Local residents queried whether traffic calming measures could be implemented.

It was explained that traffic calming was the responsibility of Durham County Council’s Highways Department. Local residents pointed out however that they had previously contacted Durham County Council and had received an unsatisfactory reply.

It was agreed that Sergeant O’Connor would contact Durham County Council’s Highways Department on the residents’ behalf and highlight their concerns.

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

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

It was reported that the County Durham PCT would come into existence on 1^st October 2006.  Lady Anne Calman had been appointed as the Chairman of new Trust, however, the Chief Executive appointment had not yet been finalised.

It was noted that Nigel Porter, Chief Executive of Sedgefield PCT would be taking early retirement/voluntary redundancy on 5^th November 2006

With regard to the financial position of the PCT it was noted that the accounts would balance by 30^th September 2006.  All PCTs had recovery plans in place to reduce debt.  This would enable the new County Durham PCT to start in a balanced position.

Specific reference was made to the achievements of Sedgefield PCT since it had been formed. The achievements of the PCT included the establishment of the Pioneering Care Partnership and Integrated Teams.

Copies of the Director of Public Health’s Annual Report were available at the meeting.  Alison Learmonth Director of Public Health and Health Improvement would attend the next meeting of Area 3 Forum to present the report.

The Forum was informed that the Annual General Meeting of Sedgefield PCT would be held on 28^th September 2006.

To receive a presentation from Sedgefield Borough’s Waste Management Officer.

G. Lennon, Technical Services Manager, attended the meeting to give a presentation in relation to the above.

It was explained that the Council was in the process of developing a new Waste Management Strategy and Action Plan to take the authority forward to 2012.

Sedgefield Borough as the Designated Waste Collection authority had a duty to provide a service for the collection of municipal waste, which included household waste and litter.  Durham County Council was the Designated Waste Disposal authority and was therefore responsible for the disposal of all municipal waste collected in the County.

Household waste included materials collected from domestic wheeled bins, plus items such as white goods bulky waste for example furniture and carpets and garden waste. Municipal waste comprised of household waste plus commercial trade waste.

It was noted that on average household waste within Sedgefield Borough was increasing by approximately 3% a year and the Council was determined to take positive steps to tackle the problem.

Specific reference was made to a stakeholder consultation which had been undertaken to gain an understanding of residents views.  It was reported that a questionnaire had been developed and had been delivered to houses throughout Sedgefield Borough.  Copies of which were circulated at the meeting. 

Members were encouraged to complete a questionnaire and return it to the Waste Disposal Officer at Sedgefield Borough Council.

It was reported that the current kerbside collection scheme Kerbit was scheduled to expire in March 2008. Decisions therefore needed to be made in the near future about the provision of an alternative/ replacement service.  It was reported that there were health and safety concerns over the manual lifting and handling of the containers both by the operatives and by the householders.

It was noted that the collection of green waste was very popular with residents.  Durham County Council did not, however, pay recycling credits for its collection.          

Reference was made to the challenges facing the Council and the existing and future recycling and composting targets.  The target for 2007 was 20% and it was anticipated that it would increase to 30% - 35% in the next couple of years.

It was reported that any system chosen needed to be convenient to use and accessible to residents, financially sustainable and operationally sustainable.  It must also fit in with residual waste collection service and the disposal and treatment services available.

The Forum queried why recycling options had not been explored in the past. It was explained that the contract with Premier Waste had been good value for money and had helped the Council to achieve Government recycling targets.

Reference was made to the costs associated with recycling plastic. It was explained that as plastic was lightweight and high volume it was more expensive to collect. It was therefore more effective to collect heavy materials such as glass.

To consider the attached report of the Head of Strategy and Regeneration.

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Strategy and Regeneration providing an update on the applications for the Local Improvement Programme (LIP) funding.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

It was reported that Cabinet at its meeting held on 27^th July 2006 had agreed to approve the following projects:-

·        Trimdon Colliery Centre Architects fees

·        Trimdon Colliery Multi Use Games Area fees

The Forum was then given a progress update on the above two projects.

Reference was also made to other projects that would be brought to Area 3 Forum for consideration following completion of the appraisal process.