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 submit.

To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 28^th February 2007.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 28^th February 2007 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: -

It was explained that rowdy nuisance calls covered a wide range of issues and not just youths causing annoyance.

Reference was made to members of the travelling community gathering at Fishburn.  It was explained that consultation was taking place with Fishburn Parish Council and Durham County Council regarding this issue.

Reference was made to anti social behaviour. It was brought to the Forums attention that anti-social behaviour at Harpers Corner, Trimdon Colliery had reduced.

It was noted that the police had recently patrolled the streets at Sedgefield. Local residents were of the opinion that police presence had reduced levels of anti social behaviour.

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

Mrs. A. Workman was present at the meeting to give an update on local health matters.

The Forum was updated on the progress of the re-organisation of the Primary Care Trust and ensuring a patient-led NHS.  It was noted that the PCT was in the process of developing new staffing structures. It was hoped that no redundancies would be made.

It was explained that the PCT was committed to the delivery of local services and wanted to ensure that this was maintained.

It was brought to the Forums attention that the concern raised at the February meeting of the Forum regarding disabled access at Dental surgeries had been raised with the Primary Care Trust.

With regard to the appointment of a new NHS dentist for Sedgefield, it was noted that interviews were taking place on 18^th May 2007.

Arrangements have been made for an officer from the Council’s Licensing Section to give a presentation regarding the above.

N. Smalley, Inspection and Licensing Services Manager, attended the meeting to respond to concerns expressed at the February meeting of the Forum regarding under-age drinking in public houses and consultation with Town and Parish Councils on licensing applications in their area.  Reference was also made to the introduction of smoke-free legislation.

It was explained that the Council had never consulted with Town and Parish Councils on licensing applications. The Licensing Section was required to remain impartial and could not encourage representation.

Applicants were required to display a notice of their application on the premises and publish notification of the application in the local press.  Applications were also published on the Council’s website and were available for public inspection upon request.

Concern was expressed that if a Town or Parish Council was not aware that a licence had been granted the Clerk would be held responsible for not looking at Sedgefield Borough Council’s website.

With regard to the sale of alcohol to under-age persons, it was explained that all complaints were logged and investigated.  The number of complaints received were, however, very low.

In cases where complaints were received, the Licensing Section worked in partnership with the local police and trading standards.

It was noted that the Licensing Enforcement Officer was currently visiting all licensed premises to ensure that all conditions were adhered to.

Concern was expressed that the Council was weak on enforcement.  It was explained that in cases where a large number of complaints were received regarding a premises, the licence would be reviewed. Local residents could also make an application for a formal review of a licence.

It was also pointed out that the Licensing Section carried out enforcement operations in conjunction with Police and the Fire Service.

In cases where complaints regarding a premises related to crime and disorder residents were advised to contact the Police.

With regard to smoke-free legislation, a fact sheet was distributed to members of the Forum for information.  It was noted that the smoke-free regulations would come into force on 1^st July 2007 and would apply to virtually to all enclosed public places and workplaces in England.  

It was explained that enforcement of the legislation was the responsibility of the Health and Safety Section.  Government funding had been received to assist with the implementation and enforcement of the legislation.  This funding would be used to appoint an officer to enforce the legislation.

In response to a question raised regarding businesses in rented accommodation it was explained that all businesses would receive an Information Pack setting out guidance and providing relevant signage to be displayed.

Members queried who was creating an offence if a member of the public insisted on smoking in a public house. It was explained that if it was evident that the publican intended to comply with the legislation they were technically committing an offence but would be unlikely to be prosecuted for it.

Dates of future meetings will be agreed at the annual meeting of Council to be held on 18^th May 2007

Dates of future meetings would be agreed at the Annual Meeting of Council to be held on 18^th May 2007.