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 7^th March 2006.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 7^th March 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.

Acting Inspector Ball was present at the meeting to give details of the crime statistics for the area.

The reported crime figures for February and March 2006 were as follows:

With regard to nuisance/rowdy behaviour, it was noted that the Police were currently preparing a strategy in conjunction with other partners and they wished to ascertain view on what was classed as “acceptable behaviour”.

Specific reference was made to the areas in Shildon, which had been identified in a report prepared by the Police analyst as hotspots for nuisance/rowdy behaviour.  They included: Church Street, Cheapside, outside Shildon Sunnydale Comprehensive School, Coronation Avenue around Jubilee Public House, Birch Avenue/Cedar Grove, Furnace Pit Industrial Estate, Maddison Street/Upper Byerley Road and Windsor Gardens.  It was pointed out that a copy of the report had been forwarded to Helen Stewart, Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator for Sedgefield Borough Council.

Members of the Forum also expressed concern regarding the nuisance caused by the riding of quad bikes.  The Police agreed to look into the problem.

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

Councillor Mrs. A.M. Armstrong attended the meeting to give an update on local health matters.

Specific reference was made to the future PCT configuration in County Durham.  It was pointed out that a proposal had been submitted to the Department of Health for one PCT to be established for the whole of County Durham and Darlington.

With regard to dental services, it was reported that all dental practices within Sedgefield Borough had signed up to provide personal dental services under the NHS.

Specific reference was made to a presentation regarding the bid for foundation status by County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospital Trust and the proposed job losses over the next three years as more health services were provided within the community.

With regard to needle disposal, members of the Patient and Public Involvement Forum questioned why there were no pharmacies within Sedgefield Borough licensed to dispose of needles.  Councillor Mrs. Armstrong agreed to look into the matter.

A representative from DISC will attend the meeting to inform Members of the above services.

 F. Hill, DISC (Developing Initiatives Supporting Communities) attended the meeting to give a presentation on the above.

DISC Drug Services were a specialised agency, providing structured interventions for people with substance misuse problems.  Programmes were delivered in Drug Treatment Centres and various settings within the community.  All participants using the service would be 18 years of age and over and have a substance misuse issue and a residency within the respective PCT area.  There was an open referral policy.  Referrals could be made directly to the treatment centres by telephone, fax or drop-in.

Clients were given the opportunity to move away from problem drug use and into healthier lifestyles through one-to-one key working, group work and workshops. 

Copies of leaflets were available at the meeting for Members’ information, which made reference to a client’s  journey and the various stages involved, which were:

Ø               Refer into the service

Ø               Assessment of need

Ø               Formation of Care Plan

Ø               Intervention/Programme

Ø               Review and monitor

Ø               Improve social functioning

Ø               Improve life and basic skills

Ø               Increase personal independence

Ø               Increase personal responsibility

Ø               Exit Strategy

It was noted that from the period April 2005 to March 2006 there had been 131 referrals across Sedgefield Borough, of which 19 were from Shildon.

It was reported that the success of DISC Drug Services work was measured both the service users themselves reflecting on their progress and by the workers evaluating the progress of their clients.

It was noted that Jubilee Fields Community Centre which had been experiencing financial difficulties, was now breaking even.  A new Chairman and Treasurer had been appointed.  The Forum was advised to “use the Centre or lose it”.

The Forum was informed that a letter of intent had been submitted to the Broadcasting Authority regarding the proposal to establish a community radio station for the area.  The proposal involved working with Bishop Auckland Hospital Radio, King James School, Bishop Auckland and other schools within Sedgefield Borough.

Members of the Forum expressed concern that they were not able to put cardboard or plastic bottles in their green boxes for recycling.  It was pointed out that cardboard was recycled in Wear Valley District.

Concern was also expressed that some wheelie bins, which were fuller than normal owing to the recent Bank Holiday/s had not been emptied.

It was reported that it was intended to replace the glass in the bus shelters within the town with see-through stainless steel screens.

It was noted that the Borough Council would be replacing the close circuit television cameras in the near future.

To be confirmed at Annual Council.

The date of the next meeting would be agreed at the annual meeting of Sedgefield Borough Council on 19^th May 2006.