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 16^th April 2008.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 16th April, 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. Reference will also be made to Neighbourhood Priorities.

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 :-

Discussion took place in relation to anti-social behaviour.  It was noted that high visibility patrols were being increased and additional Police officers and Community Support officers supported by Neighbourhood Wardens were being deployed in Sedgefield Village during weekends to deal with anti-social behaviour and to re-assure local residents.

All youths found to be in possession of alcohol would have their alcohol seized and a Police Officer would make a home visit.  Efforts would be made to track the sale of alcohol and identify those supplying it to youths under the age of eighteen.  Anyone found to have sold it or supplied it to an under eighteen would be subject to Police action.

Reference was made to incidents of criminal damage to educational premises in Trimdon Village.  It was noted that the area was being targeted by Police and there had been a significant reduction in the amount of incidents reported.

Discussion took place in relation to Neighbourhood Priorities.  It was explained that by setting Neighbourhood Priorities the Police were able to find out what the local issues were that made people feel unsafe in their neighbourhood and ask them to put them in order of priority.  The Police would then decide with partners and local people what should be done to deal with those priorities and work with them to deliver the solutions.  The public would also be informed of what was being done and given the opportunity to say if they were satisfied with the results.

The Forum was then asked to set four Neighbourhood Priorities for Area 3.

The Forum agreed that anti-social behaviour was an issue across Area 3 and requested that the following areas be targeted :-

·                        The Park and Co-op in Fishburn

·                        Wykes Close and St. Edmonds Churchyard, Sedgefield

·                        Church Road, Trimdon Village

·                        Community Centre at Trimdon Colliery

Concern was expressed regarding the difficulties in contacting the Police using the non-emergency number and the slow response to some calls.  Sergeant O’Connor explained that he would contact the Control Room Supervisor to discuss the situation.

To consider the attached report outlining the proposed project for:-

• Ceddesfeld Hall - Enabling and Extending Community Access Report.

Consideration was given to a report of the Assistant Chief Executive regarding the above.  (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 to tackle the issues as outlined in the Council’s Community Strategy.  Projects to the value of £267,681 had been approved to date.

The role of the Area Forum was to provide a view of the project within the Area.  The project would then be considered by the Council’s Management Team and Cabinet.  The latter would decide whether or not to allocate funding to the project.  Representatives from Sedgefield Community Association were present at the meeting to present the application.

It was explained that the project would enhance the existing facilities and open up disused and under-used spaces in the first floor attics and basement all of which were unable for public use.

The first phase to which the application related involved the installation of a lift to all levels, a new IT facility, IT education in the community provision, refurbished toilets and new office accommodation for the Neighbourhood Warden and the Association.

The Forum noted that £103,000 of LIP funding had been requested to carry out the works.

Following detailed discussion the Forum agreed to support the Application.

Wednesday, 17^th September 2008 at Youth and Community Centre, Butterwick Road, Fishburn.

Wednesday 17th September, 2008 at Youth and Community Centre, Butterwick Road, Fishburn