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

Members had no interest to declare.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 17^th January 2006.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 17^th January, 2006, 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.

Sergeant T. Nelson was present at the meeting to give details of crime statistics for the area.

The crime statistics for the period from 16^th January to the end of February were as follows: -

The Forum was informed of the results of Operation Tonker. It was pointed out that Police Officers and Neighbourhood Wardens had been patrolling areas of Shildon to target criminal behaviour and environmental issues. It was acknowledged that the operation had been a success and it was suggested it should be implemented throughout the year.

Concerns were raised regarding problems of vandalism, specifically damage to bus stations and to the fire damage of Sure Start Childrens play area. Sergeant Nelson agreed to take all concerns back to Sergeant Ball.

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

Mrs. A. Armstrong and Mrs. K. Vasey attended the meeting to give an update on local health matters.

Members were reminded that the consultation regarding the restructure of the Primary Care Trusts was being carried out and would be completed at the end of the month.

Members of the Forum were also informed that Sedgefield Primary Care Trust had received the Practice Plus Award, which recognised them as a very good employer. 

Specific reference was raised regarding the ‘Poppy Project’ introduced by the Salvation Army to be based at Sudbury House, Shildon.

Residents raised concerns at the fact that consultation had not taken place with the local community regarding the implementation of the project, specifically its location. They were also concerned as to problems that could arise from introducing such a project into a residential area.

Residents were informed that Sedgefield Primary Care Trust, together with Sedgefield Borough Council and the Police had been in discussion with the Salvation Army and supported the project. It was also pointed out that a Steering Group would be developed including members from the above authorities to monitor the project’s development.

It was agreed that the Cabinet Member for Supporting People would liase with the Chairman of the Area 4 Forum to ensure residents were kept informed.

Detailed discussion was finally held regarding bed blocking, the debt of the Primary Care Trusts and the closure of care homes.

Arrangements have been made for the Manager of Shildon Sunnydale Leisure Centre to update Members of its redevelopment.

With regard to Minute No : AF(4).28/05 Questions - Shildon Sunnydale Leisure Centre - Hackworth Suite - W. Bake, Manager, Shildon Sunnydale Leisure Centre was present at the meeting to discuss concerns regarding the redevelopment proposals to extend the fitness suite on the first floor to incorporate space occupied by the second squash court and the Hackworth Suite.

Members of the Forum had not felt that they had been adequately consulted on the proposals and therefore handed the Manager a petition against them.  The Manager, however, informed the Members that consultation had been carried in August 2005.  The questionnaires had been distributed to households and it had been publicised both via posters around the town and in the local paper the Shildon Crier.

It was pointed out that the redevelopment proposed to include a junior gym, a gym equipped for people with disabilities and also a fitness class suite, all of which would make a valuable contribution to the Leisure Centre. The Leisure Services Department was currently identifying how best all the rooms could be provided to their full potential and to provide rooms that were fit for purpose. One idea was to use drapes that would make a room the size that was necessary for its function.

The Forum was however re-assured that rooms/facilities would not be lost through the redevelopment of the fitness suite.

It was also pointed out that work would not start on the redevelopment this coming financial year.

Arrangements have been made for a Forum Member to give a presentation regarding public involvement in health services in Sedgefield Borough.

B. Carr was present at the Forum to inform Members of the workings of the Patient and Public Involvement Forum (PPIS).  

It was explained that the Forum was introduced on the 1^st December 2003 and was independent from the PCT. It was established as a result of the demise of the Community Health Council to ensure the public had an alternative to air their concerns.

With regard to membership it was explained that anyone could join the Forum providing they were over the age of 18 and a resident of Sedgefield Borough. The Forum also needed to have seven members, who would set their own agendas and had developed their own Action Plan and Work Plan. 

It was explained that the Forum had the right to enter and inspect a building where concerns had been raised, however, a public meeting must be held beforehand and owners of the building must be informed. They could not carry out on the spot checks.

Members were informed of the various issues that had been considered by the Forum since it was established. It was also reported that during 2006/07 the emphasis would be on monitoring the provisions for the elderly.

It was explained that meetings were held often and at various venues across the Borough and were publicised in local newspapers.

The Chairman will take questions from the floor.

Off Road Parking

Concerns were raised regarding the problem of off road parking specifically in the area of Jubilee Road.  It was questioned whether the Local Improvement Programme would be able to help the situation.

The Chairman of the Area 4 Forum explained that the Local Improvement Programme was not suitable for jobs such as dropping kerbs and improving parking access. The Forums attention was drawn to the previous Forum were Sedgefield Borough Council’s Head of Strategy and Regeneration presented the details of the Programme.

2^nd May 2006 at 6.30 p.m. in the Hackworth Suite, Shildon Sunnydale Leisure Centre.

2^nd May, 2006 at 6.30 p.m. in the Hackworth Suite, Shildon Sunnydale Leisure Centre.