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

No declarations of interest were received.

To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 19^th September 2007

The Minutes of the meeting held on 19^th September, 2007 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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 :-

The total reported incidents were down by 10% whilst the detection rate was up by 9%.

It was reported that in the Sedgefield area arrests had been made in respect of public order and criminal damage offences.  Directed patrols had been conducted over recent weekends.  Joint patrols had been carried out with Neighbourhood Wards and PCSO targeting areas such as St. Edmunds Churchyard and Wykes Close.

Arrests also had been made in respect of criminal damage/public order offences which had occurred around the Co-op Store, Church Road area in Trimdon Village and in relation to Trimdon Grange, it was noted that the nuisance calls related mainly to the area of Harpers Corner.

Discussion was held regarding the car boot sales held at Sedgefield Racecourse and concern was expressed at cars parking on yellow lines.  It was explained that as from 1^st December, the PCSO would be working on a Sunday and would target that area.

Reference was also made to traffic management issues on Bradbury and Morden.  It was explained that a meeting was to be held with Traffic Management and Parish Councils on 19^th November.

A representative from Groundwork East Durham will be present at the meeting to give a presentation on the above.

Leah Remington from Groundwork East Durham was present at the meeting to give a presentation relating to the above.

She outlined the work which Groundwork East Durham undertake.  Groundwork East Durham worked through partnership to bring about social, economic and environment regeneration.  They also used local environment action to engage communities and aimed to deliver sustainable development in targeted communities.

It was explained that the project had been commissioned by Sedgefield Borough and involved development of a community-led environmental appraisal for Fishburn and the Trimdons.  The aim of the appraisal was to prioritise environmental improvements and sites.

A multi-agency steering group had been set up to guide and inform and a variety of consultations had taken place to highlight priorities and issues.

The outcomes of the appraisals were

·        community-led identification and prioritisation of key sites,

·        project proposals and draft costings,

·        a blueprint for improvement and

·        community ownership.

The types of environmental improvements which would be included in the projects related to open public spaces, improved street lighting, traffic calming measures and play areas.  It was noted that the projects would not include maintenance improvement suggestions and improvements to privately owned properties.

The Forum were informed that the submission of the Environmental Appraisal for Fishburn was due in January and for Trimdon in March 2008.

9^th January 2008 at 7.00 p.m.

Next meeting to be held on 9^th January, 2008.