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 27^th February 2008.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 27^th February, 2008 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 the crime statistics were as follows :-

Discussion took place in relation to anti-social behaviour.  It was pointed out that although levels of crime were low, anti-social behaviour remained an issue.

It was pointed out that the Police had received 36 complaints relating to anti-social behaviour in Fishburn.  A number of these complaints related to a newly created play area.

Reference was also made to anti-social behaviour at Skerne Avenue/Hart View in Trimdon Village where youths had been throwing stones at properties.  Members of the public were encouraged to report incidents to the Police.

The Forum was informed that patrols involving drug dogs had been carried out in public houses in Sedgefield and the Trimdon area.  Although no arrests had been made historically patrols involving drug dogs had positive outcomes.

Reference was made to the dumping of tyres between Fishburn and Bishop Middleham.  It was explained that A. Denholm, Environmental Protection Officer, was investigating this issue.

Work plan for the Sports Forum.

G. Cooper, Sports Development Officer,  was present at the meeting to discuss the work of the Sports Forum.

It was explained that the Sports Forum involving Sedgefield, Fishburn and the Trimdons was the latest sporting hub to be established and enabled agencies to work in partnership to provide sporting facilities for young people.

Specific reference was made to a Cycling Club in Trimdon Village.  It was explained that the Sports Forum had enabled the Cycling Club to meet with a similar club in Ferryhill.  The Clubs now worked together for the benefit of local people.

It was noted that the Cycling Club in Trimdon Village had limited storage for equipment and had requested that the Club be given use of a vacant garage in Laurel Crescent, Trimdon Colliery.

Reference was made to a mapping exercise that had been carried out identifying sporting facilities throughout the Borough.  It was explained that this was an ongoing exercise and would be updated on a regular basis.

In response to a question raised regarding membership of the Sports Forum it was explained that all sporting groups, including brownies and scouts, could be involved.

Members of the Forum highlighted the need to publicise sporting activities in the area to encourage participation.

The Chairman will take questions from the floor.

Planning Appeal - Land West of Hardwick Park, Sedgefield

Reference was made to a letter received by Sedgefield Residents Forum from Sedgefield Borough Council regarding a request made by Sedgefield residents to work in partnership with the Borough Council in relation to the planning appeal for the siting of 330 static caravans and 47 lodges on land west of Hardwick Park.

A representative from Sedgefield Residents Forum was present at the meeting and expressed disappointment in the response from the Council.

CAVOS Funding

It was noted that CAVOS had received additional funding which would enable more work to be carried out across the Borough.

To be confirmed at the Annual Meeting of Council.

To be confirmed at the Annual Meeting of Council.