Meeting documents

Area 4 Forum (SBC)
Tuesday 19 July 2005 6.30 pm

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Agenda and Minutes

Area 4 Forum
Tuesday, 19th July, 2005 6.30 p.m.

Venue: Shildon Sunnydale Leisure Centre

Contact: Miss. S. Billingham, Spennymoor 816166, Ext 4240 

Items
No. Item

1.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

To notify the Chairman of any items that appear later in the agenda in which you may have an interest.

Minutes:

Members had no interests to declare.

2.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 80 K

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 3rd May 2005.

Minutes:

The Minutes of the meeting held on 3rd May were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

 

Specific reference was made to Minute No. AF(4)44/04 - Littering. It was explained that the list of items that would be taken away free of charge was being reviewed and would be available later in the year. A list of items that would be taken away at the expense of the resident was however available and was distributed to the Forum.

3.

LOCAL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP - APPOINTMENT OF BOARD MEMBER AND 'ALTERNATE' pdf icon PDF 68 K

To consider the attached letter and appoint a representative to the Local Strategic Partnership Board and an ‘Alternate.’

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a letter regarding nominations to the Local Strategic Partnership Board. (For copy see file of Minutes).

 

It was agreed that Councillor M. Stott would continue to represent that Area 4 Forum at the Local Strategic Partnership Board and

Councillor H. Robinson would continue as the ‘Alternate.’ 

4.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WARDEN STEERING GROUP

To appoint a representative of the Area 4 Forum for the Neighbourhood Warden Steering Group.

Minutes:

It was agreed that Councillor J.M. Smith would represent the Area 4 Forum at the Neighbourhood Warden Steering Group. 

5.

POLICE REPORT

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

Minutes:

Acting Sergeant S. Cowan was present at the meeting to give details of crime statistics for the area.

 

It was reported that the crime statistics for the month of June were as outlined below: -

 

Recorded Incidents

394

Total Crime

84

Total Arrests

28

Youths Causing Annoyance

45

Assaults

4

Burglary Dwelling

1

Burglary Other

2

Domestic Incidents

24

Vehicle Taken Without Owners Consent

1

Thefts From Motor Vehicles

6

Theft of Motor Vehicles

2

 

 

Sgnt Cowan gave details of a number of initiatives that were ongoing in the area, including a new prosecution file that had been implemented to target and prosecute Off Licenses selling alcohol to those under age through the Crown Prosecution Service.

 

Reference was also made to the multi agency initiative of ‘Walkabouts’ co-ordinated and led by Shildon Community Safety Group. The regularly held walks invite local residents, Elected Members and officers from agencies such as Sedgefield Borough Council, Shildon Town Council, Groundworks and the Police to take part in identifying areas of Shildon, which need various forms of improvement works.

 

It was also pointed out that the Borough Council had implemented a scheme, which enabled residents to have graffiti removed free of charge, if they contacted the Council. The scheme included both residential and business properties.

 

Concerns were raised by Members of the Forum regarding the number of young people that were gathering at the Millennium Green. It was pointed out that a number were now attending in motor vehicles and also consuming alcohol.

 

Questions were therefore raised as to what methods could be implemented to deter youths from gathering in such areas. Reference was made to the use of ‘Youth Shelters’ in tackling such problems and the improvements that had been seen in areas where they had been introduced.

 

Members of the Forum also expressed concern that there had been no improvements with regard to the Police Communication System. It was explained that there were still problems in contacting the police and that it had been ongoing for 2 years. It was agreed that a Senior Police Officer be invited to attend a future Forum meeting to discuss the problem and answer any questions.

6.

SEDGEFIELD PRIMARY CARE TRUST

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

Minutes:

C. Vasey and A. Armstrong were present at the meeting to update the Forum on local health issues and give details of the recently published Director of Public Health Annual Report 2004/05 - The Health and Wellbieng of People in Sedgefield. Copies of which were circulated at the meeting. (For copy see file of Minutes).

 

Specific reference was made to the significant changes that had been made to the Annual Report 2004/05. The report included an article on alcohol, a new section on vulnerable groups, specifically children and young people, in- depth local information, which would allow for comparisons to be made between the wards, a list of twenty four recommendations, as well as a number of conclusions on how to tackle inequalities.

 

Detailed consideration was given to a number of factors that affected people’s lifestyles and in turn their health. C. Vasey explained that new policies were starting to emerge, which linked numerous different organisations and authorities together to improve healthy living.

 

Concern was also raised regarding the operation of Bishop Auckland Hospital that it was not being used to its full potential and the fact that one of the surgical wards would be closed down from 1st August 2005.

C. Vasey explained to the Forum that the numerous services available at the Hospital were improving significantly. She pointed out that although some services had moved to Darlington Memorial Hospital it was not a reflection that Bishop Auckland Hospital was under performing.

 

C. Vasey agreed to bring more information to the Forum regarding the closure of one of the surgical wards and to invite a manager from Bishop Auckland Hospital to attend a future Forum meeting to answer Members’ concerns and questions.

7.

REVIEW OF AREA FORUMS

To consider any other business which, with the consent of the Chairman, may be submitted.  Representatives are respectfully requested to give the Chief Executive Officer notice of items to be raised under this heading no later than 12 noon on the day preceding the meeting in order that consultation may take place with the Chairman who will determine whether the item will be accepted.

Minutes:

Detailed discussion was held regarding the review that was being undertaken by Members and Officers at Sedgefield Borough Council regarding the operation of the Area Forums.

 

It was explained that a number of recommendations had been made and a final draft report was being prepared that would be considered by Overview and Scrutiny Committee 1 and finally by Cabinet.

8.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

20th September 2005 at 6.30 p.m. in the Hackworth Suite, Shildon Sunnydale Leisure Centre.

Minutes:

20th September 2005 at 6.30 p.m. in the Hackworth Suite, Shildon Sunnydale Leisure Centre.