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 7^th January 2009.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 7^th January, 2009 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.

Sergeant B. O’Connor was present at the meeting to give details of crime statistics in the area.

It was reported that crime statistics during he period 8^th January, 2009 to 25^th February, 2009 were as follows :-

Reference was made to the theft of vehicles. It was reported that as a result of improved vehicle security it was now common for car keys to be stolen in order to take the car.

Reference was made to motor cycles being ridden by youths in the open space behind Fishburn Industrial Estate.  It was explained that the Police were aware of the problem and would make every effort to get the off-road motor cycle unit to target the area.

Discussion took place in relation to the Police and Communities Together (PACT) meetings.  It was pointed out that attendance at these meetings was beginning to increase.

Particular reference was made to the neighbourhood priority of littering at Skerne Avenue, Trimdon Village. It was pointed out that wardens had carried out a litter picking exercise and only a small amount of litter had been collected.  The main problem was people disposing of litter in residents gardens.

It was highlighted that rats were also a problem around Skerne Avenue play area.  This would be reported to Sedgefield Borough Council’s Environmental Health Department the following day.

Concern was expressed regarding anti-social behaviour emanating from privately rented properties in Fishburn.  It was suggested that the Selective Licensing Scheme be rolled out across the Borough.

As this was the last meeting of the Area 3 Forum, the Forum thanked the Police for their attendance at Area Forum meetings.

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive.

Consideration was given to a report of the Assistant Chief Executive providing an update on project activity as part of the Sedgefield Borough Council’s Local Improvement Programme.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

It was explained that the purpose of the LIP programme was to improve community assets and support community engagement in the regeneration of local areas.

It was noted that Area 3 Forum had been allocated £532,000 of LIP capital resources between 2006/09.  It was reported that Area 3 was over-subscribed by £116,501 following the cut-off date of 31^st July, 2008.  Cabinet had considered all project applications received from the Area 3 locality and had allocated funding accordingly.  The current position with approved Area 3 Forum projects was set out in the report.

It was reported that the application process for LIP was closed, work would continue supporting the Groups who had received grants to assist with the implementation of the project.  This would include monitoring of the intended outcome to ensure that targets outlined in the applications for the residents within the locality were met.

The Regeneration Officer thanked all of the Area Forum participants for their involvement in and support for the Lip Programme over the past three years.

Members of the Forum also thanked the Regeneration Section for all of their hard work in making the Programme a success.

As this would be the last Area 3 Forum to be held before Local Government Re-organisation the Chairman thanked residents, members and officers for all of their support.

The Forum also thanked the Chairman for his hard work.