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

The following Members declared an interest in Item 6 - Sedgefield Borough Local Improvement Programme: -

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 4^th July 2007.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 4^th July, 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 the crime figures and local initiatives in the area.

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

Members of the Forum were informed of the number of incidents of anti-social behaviour specifically at St. Edmunds Church, Sedgefield Village where a significant amount of criminal damage had been carried out.  As a result the area was targeted by a number of officers and Neighbourhood Wardens.  The CCTV re-assurance vehicle was also deployed in the area.  There had also been problems within the Skerne Park play area.

Discussion was held regarding the problem of anti-social behaviour and underage drinking.  It was explained that the development of a Youth Forum was under discussion and was ongoing with no progress to report. It was pointed out that there was a Local Childrens Board being developed, which included members from various authorities and would develop working groups for each area. The Board and working groups would consider ways of tackling youth issues. It was anticipated that it would be up and running within the next 6 months.

With regard to Skerne Avenue play area it was pointed out that funding had been secured to erect a security fence, which was anticipated to alleviate the problems in that area.

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

There was no attendance by a representative of County Durham Primary Care Trust.

It was requested that a letter expressing disappointment at the lack of attendance be sent to the PCT.  It was pointed out that a number of consultation periods for various issues were reaching an end and needed to be raised at the Forum. Members of the Forum were therefore concerned that they had not been able to raise any issues.

               NB :    In accordance with Section 81 of the Local Government Act 2000 and the Members Code of Conduction Councillors D.R. Brown, Mrs. L. Hovvels, J. Wayman and Mrs B. Thompson declared a personal interest in the following item and remained in the meeting as an observer.

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

Sedgefield Parish Hall Refurbishment - Phase 2

A. Simpson and L. Swinbank, Sedgefield Town Council, attended the Forum to outline the proposals of the application to carry out Phase 2 of the refurbishment of the Parish Hal.  The background to applying for Local Improvement funding was outlined. 

It was explained that Phase 2 would tackle issues regarding sound transference, would reroof the hall, address damp proofing and rendering issues and install Solar Panels.  It was anticipated that the refurbishment would expand the use of the Hall to more community and youth organisations.

The Forum welcomed the project and supported its submission to Cabinet.

Trimdon Community College MUGA Technical Study

A. Coulthard, Trimdon Community College, outlined the application and request for funding to undertake a technical study to develop plans for the construction of a floodlit Multi Use Games Area (MUGA). The MUGA would include the provision for football, tennis, netball and hockey, adhering to both the Football Foundation and Sport England standards.

The Forum welcomed the project and supported its submission to Cabinet.

To consider any other business which, with the consent of the Chairman, may be submitted.  Representatives are respectfully requested to give the Chief Executive 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.

BolamG. Foods - Planning Application

Discussion was held regarding the above planning appeal which had recently been considered by Durham County Council. An appeal hearing would be held later in the year.

Marquees - Hardwick Hall Hotel

Concerns had been raised regarding the erection of two marquees over the summer months. It was pointed out that the marquees would be taken down, however, the largest one could be erected nearer to Christmas. Concerns were raised regarding planning permission.

Political Posters

Specific reference was made to the number of political posters that were still displayed around the Borough since the election. 

L. Swinbank explained that she had written to Durham County Council and Sedgefield Borough Council and a number had been removed. It was requested that it be raised again with the relevant department.

Wednesday 14^th November 2007 in the Fletcher Room, Parish Hall, Sedgefield at 7.00 p.m.

Wednesday 14^th November, 2007 in the Fletcher Room, Parish Hall, Sedgefield at 7.00 p.m.