To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 4^th May 2004.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 4^th May, 2004 were confirmed as a  correct record and signed by the Chairman.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

Arrangements have been made for an officer from the Councils Street Cleaning Department to attend the meeting to give a presentation on the above.

G. Watson, Street Scene Co-ordinator was present at the meeting to give a presentation regarding the above.  

It was explained that under the Environmental Protection Act, the Borough Council had a duty to keep relevant land free of litter. It was pointed out that the Street Cleansing service provided by Sedgefield Borough Council included litter picking, fly tipping, weed control, dog fouling and the collection of sharps.  Durham County Council was responsible for the maintenance of highways.

Members were informed that the code of practice set out cleansing response times to land that had been given a designated zone under the code. Zones 1 to 3 were typical throughout the Borough. It was pointed out that inspection grades A, B, C and D formed part of the code of practice. It was explained that grade A was free of litter and grade D was heavily littered. It was noted that various response times related to designated zones e.g, if a Zone 1 was inspected and was found to be grade D it must be cleansed to Grade A within one hour.

Reference was made to Operation Axenic, which was a joint initiative between the Police and Sedgefield Borough Council to tidy up and reduce the amount of litter in the New Shildon area.  It was explained that leaflets had been distributed throughout the area providing details of the operation and encouraging the involvement of the public. It was pointed out that any person not co-operating with the initiative could receive an Anti Social Behaviour Order.

Members queried which department they should contact to request extra litter bins for the Eldon area. It was pointed out that all litterbin requests were dealt with by the Customer Service Department.

Discussion took place in relation to ‘poop scoop’ bags not been available at Shildon Local Housing Office. It was pointed out that all Housing Offices should have a supply of ‘Poop Scoop’ bags available for the public.

A representative of Shildon Police will attend the meeting to give a report of crime statistics and initiatives in the area.

PC A. Lawton was present at the meeting to give details of crime statistics for the month of June 2004.

It was pointed out that arrests had been made in relation to shed and garage burglaries, domestic violence incidents and assaults.

Members were reminded that shed locks, security alarms and pedal cycle locks were available at Shildon Police Station.  It was pointed out that Shildon Community Safety had provided this equipment. 

In relation to the sale of alcohol to under age persons, it was explained that the Police and Trading Standards were to visit off-licences on 23^rd July 2004 to give appropriate warnings. It was noted that off-licences would firstly be given a warning and if required a letter would be sent.  If complaints were still received test purchases would be carried out.

The Forum was informed that there were now three beat Officers for the Shildon area. It was explained that the Police were to separate Shildon into three smaller areas, which would be New Shildon, Byerley Ward and Eldon. Each Beat Officer was to take responsibility for a specific area. It was pointed out that by taking responsibility for a smaller area the Police could work more efficiently.

Discussion took place in relation to motorcycles, electric scooters and quad bikes being driven off road.  It was noted that these were motor vehicles and driving licences and insurances were a legal requirement.

A representative of Sedgefield Primary Care Trust will attend the meeting to give an update on local health matters and performance figures.

Kath Vasey, Head of Nursing and Community Services, was present at the meeting to provide an update on local health matters.

The Forum was reminded that one of the responsibilities of the PCT was to invest in new health services. Members were informed that significant investments had been made in the following services:

• emergency care
• maternity and children services
• James Cook Hospital
• coronary heart disease
• improving the health of local communities and providing additional local services. 

It was pointed out that no patient should wait longer than six months for surgical treatment or thirteen weeks to visit a consultant.

Discussion took place in relation to the maternity unit at Bishop Auckland Hospital. It was explained that Bishop Auckland Hospital was no longer able to accommodate high-risk pregnancies. Members expressed concern in relation to adequate provisions not being available for emergencies for those people expecting normal deliveries.

Erection of 18 dwellings at land off Redworth Road, Shildon - Brosley Homes and

Erection of 5 dwellings at land adjacent to Dent Street, Shildon - Malcolm R. Cundick Ltd

Report of the Director of Neighbourhood Services.

Consideration was given to a report of the Building Control Manager regarding requests to name the following developments :-

Land at Redworth Road, Shildon

A request had been received from Brossley Homes to officially name and number the above development comprising of 18 dwellings.

It was noted that Members of the Forum agreed to forward “Woodland View” as a name for the new development.

Land Adjacent to Dent Street, Shildon

A request had been received from the developers, Malcolm R. Cundick Ltd. to officially name and number of above development comprising of 5 dwellings.

It was noted that Members of the Forum agreed to forward “Brancepeth Place” as a name for the new development.

To consider a report of Chief Executive Officer.

It was agreed that Councillor H. Robinson be appointed as the Alternate representative for Area 4 Forum on the LSP Board.

The Chairman will take questions from the floor.

Hackworth Park

It was requested that consideration be given to the provision of more seating in Hackworth Park.

It was pointed out that Shildon Town Council were considering the request made by Area 4 Forum held on 4^th May 2004 in relation to the provision of more litterbins and lighting in the park.

Tuesday 21^st September 2004