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

Members had no interests to declare.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 19^th July 2005.

The minutes of the meeting held on 19^th July 2005 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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

Inspector Ball and Superintendent Summerbell were present at the meeting to give details of crime statistics for the area.

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

Concern was raised regarding the persistent problems of anti social behaviour in the area of Jubilee Road and Coronation Avenue. Insp Ball explained that through police monitoring, he believed the problems were improving. He reassured Members of the Forum that work would continue until the Police were ‘on top’ of the problem.

The Chairman of the meeting made reference to the implementation of AXENIC, a joint initiative involving Sedgefield Borough Council and the Police. It was explained the operation had been successfully implemented in other areas of Shildon and it was suggested that it would be beneficial in targeting problematic areas.

Members of the Forum were of the opinion that a large proportion of the anti social behaviour in the area was stimulated through the intake of alcohol. It was acknowledged by the Police that there were problems associated with excessive and under age drinking.

The Forum noted that a number of steps had been taken by the Police in an attempt to manage the problem. ‘On the spot’ fixed penalty notices could be issued to the offender and the licensee, who had sold the alcohol. Discussions had also been held regarding the introduction of ‘Night Safe’ where owners of Off Licenses would be invited to join the existing ‘Pub Watch’ scheme in the attempt to reduce the number of alcohol related problems.

Superintendent Summerbell suggested that the use of victim statements could be introduced in reporting acts of anti social behaviour. It was pointed out that the more evidence that was collected, the better chance the Police had of convicting those responsible for causing disruptions and committing acts of anti social behaviour. It was agreed Superintendent Summerbell would look into the matter.

With regard to the Police Communications System, concerns were still being raised. Superintendent Summerbell explained that the activity of the system was monitored on a daily basis, however all comments/complaints mentioned at the meeting would be discussed with the relevant officers. 

Specific reference was also made to the problems at West Road, Redworth Road and Weardale Street. Members of the Forum were encouraged to continue to report incidents, which would result in problem areas being highlighted.

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

L. Robson, Director of Nursing (County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospital) together with C. Vasey and A. Armstrong were present at the meeting to answer member’s questions particularly in relation to Bishop Auckland Hospital.

L. Robson explained that through the DARZI Review, it had been suggested that health care services needed to be more rationalized, with major operations being moved to the larger hospitals. It was however pointed out that a number of minor operations would continue to take place at Bishop Auckland Hospital and a number of consultants were holding sessions there. Patients needing major surgery would be referred to one of the larger, specialised hospitals.  

With regard to the publicity surrounding the closure of the ward 9, it was explained that the situation had been ‘blown out of proportion.’ It had been recognised that there were staffing problems, with a large number of nurses taking maternity leave, which would have left the ward understaffed. The decision, was therefore made to reduce the number of beds on the ward. Members of the Forum were reassured that there had been no intention of closing the ward.

Discussions were also held regarding the marketing and promotion of Bishop Auckland Hospital. It was felt that the hospital was portrayed within the community as lacking in services and standards were declining.  It was therefore suggested the hospital needed to promote itself and change people’s perceptions. L. Robson agreed to discuss the matter further. 

The Chairman will take questions from the floor.

NEW RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

Reference was made to letters that had been sent to New Residents Association regarding the removal of support from the Council.  It was agreed the matter would be discussed with the relevant Council officer and information would be provided at a later date.

15^th November 2005 at 6.30 p.m. in the Hackworth Suite, Shildon Sunnydale Leisure Centre.

15^th November 2005 at 6.30pm in the Hackworth Suite, Shildon Sunnydale Leisure Centre.