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 9^th January 2008.

The minutes of the meeting held on 9^th January 2008 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.

There was no representative from the Police in attendance at the meeting. However, a report concerning the crime figures and local initiatives in the area was provided.

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

Members’ attention was drawn to a spate of thefts of Land Rover vehicles. 14 had been stolen in the Borough.

It was reported that vehicle related crime in Sedgefield included a number of thefts of vehicles where keys had been left inside. A man from the Cleveland area had been arrested and charged, and one vehicle had been recovered.

A number of criminal damage incidents related to garages and sheds. A press release and leaflet drop was planned in conjunction with the council in order to combat problems.

A representative of County Durham Primary Care Trust will attend the meeting to discuss the above.

No representatives from the PCT were able to attend the meeting. However, a letter received from them revealed that, as a result of patient need, Dr. Jones’ practice had rescinded their request to reduce surgery hours. Members were also informed that improvements would be made to the building and financed through grants.

To consider the attached application.

Consideration was given to a report of the Assistant Chief Executive regarding a LIP application, which had been received for funding for a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) for the community college and its two surrounding primary schools. (For copy see file of Minutes)

Members were reminded that Area 3 Forum had been allocated £532,000 of LIP capital resources between 2006 and 2009, and that £157,820 of the £177,333 allocated for the year 2007/08 had been approved to date. It was also reported that some under spend was available from the year 2006/07 and that the 2008/09 funding allocation was yet to be confirmed.

A. Coulthard, of Trimdon Community College Association, attended the meeting to present the application. It was explained that an all weather surface which had been in place at the college since 1992, had been well used by both schools and youth clubs, until it was vandalised in July of last year and needed to close. The MUGA would provide a quality facility for the coaching of football as well as hockey and other sports. The requested £35,000 of LIP finding would be 27% of the total cost of the project, with the remaining cost funded by companies including The Football Foundation and Durham FA as well as the Community College Association’s own funding.

Following detailed discussion, Forum members agreed to support the application.

To consider the attached application.

Consideration was given to a report of the Assistant Chief Executive regarding a LIP application, which had been received for funding for a Play Area in Trimdon Grange. (For copy see file of Minutes)

C. Coomber and P. Duddin from Trimdon Grange Community Centre attended the meeting to present the application. It was explained that the project was phase 1 of a larger scheme to provide a junior play area and MUGA on the land adjacent to the Community Centre. Members were shown detailed plans of the location of the play equipment. The four pieces of equipment would be aimed at children aged 8 to 16, and local children had been consulted when choosing the equipment.

The requested £70,000 of LIP funding would cover 84% of the total cost of the project with the remaining cost being funded from external sources. It was anticipated that funds would be available from Trimdon Parish Council, Neighbourhood Enhancement Programme and the Community Association, though this was still to be confirmed. Insurance costs would be covered by the Community Association, and maintenance and inspection costs by the Parish Council.

Following detailed discussion, Forum members agreed to support the application.

Wednesday 16^th April 2008.

Next meeting to be held on 16^th April 2008.