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

Councillor M. Stott declared a personal interest in Item 7.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 6^th March 2007.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 6^th March, 2007 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.

A representative of Shildon Police did not attend the meeting.

Arrangements have been made for an officer from the Councils Environmental Services to give a presentation regarding the above.

N. Smalley, Inspection and Licensing Services Manager, attended the meeting to inform Members of the Forum of the new Smoke-free legislation. A fact sheet was distributed for information.

It was noted that the Smoke-free legislation would come into force on              1^st July, 2007 and would apply to virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces, including work vehicles throughout England. The legislation was set out in Part 1 of the Health Act. 

Enforcement of the legislation was the responsibility of the Health and Safety Section of Sedgefield Borough Council where around two and a half thousand properties needed to comply with the legislation.  A number of meetings had been arranged at various business venues around the Borough to raise awareness with business packs being prepared and distributed.

Discussion was held regarding enforcement, where it was pointed out that fines of up to £2,500 could be made. Fixed penalty notices would also be issued to those caught smoking in an undesignated area. It was pointed out that if there were any specific concerns regarding a particular building they should be reported to the Council who could then monitor the situation.

N. Smalley explained that there were a number of exemptions to the legislation. Questions were raised regarding care homes, as although they were a persons home they were also a place of work. It was explained that they were included in the exemptions in the regulations.

Discussion was also held regarding bus shelters and where responsibility fell. It was explained that the Town Council was responsible for the shelters and ensuring the legislation was followed. Again if there were concerns over the particular shelter then they should be reported to the Council.

To consider the attached report outlining the proposed project: -

Technical Report - Bike Swop Shop & Repair/Hire Centre and Drop in Centre.

                  NB :   In accordance with Section 81 of the Local Government Act 2000 and the Member’s Code of Conduct Councillor M. Stott declared a personal interest in the above item and remained in the meeting as an observer.

Consideration was given to a report detailing an application submitted to be appraised by the Strategy and Regeneration Section for funding from the Local Improvement Programme.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

The report detailed information for Area 4 Forum for their consideration and comment, which would be used to formulate a report and recommendations which would be submitted to Sedgefield Borough Council’s Cabinet.

Technical Report - Bike Swop Shop and Repair/Hire Centre and Drop in Centre

J. Cutting, Pilgrim Centre, was present at the meeting to provide details of the proposed project to undertake a technical study. The study would consider a number of issues regarding the development of the project within the Soho Goods Shed, Locomotion.

Details of what activities would run in the centre if developed were then outlined.

The Area 4 Forum supported the study, at a cost of £9,000. 

AGREED :   That Cabinet be recommended to support the technical report for Bike Swop Shop and Repair/Hire Centre and Drop in Centre.

A representative from County Durham PCT will attend the meeting to update on local health matters.

C. Vasey, County Durham Primary Care Trust, attended the meeting to answer any questions from the Forum relating to local health matters.

Detailed discussion was held regarding Bishop Auckland General Hospital and the closure of wards. It was suggested that Laura Robson be invited to a future meeting to discuss the situation.

Members of the Forum also pointed out that Hallgarth Surgery had been taken over by Intra Health who had introduced a new telephone number, which was charged at a premier rate. C. Vasey was not aware of the problem and would take concerns to the relevant officer.

To be agreed at the annual meeting of Council to be held on 18^th May 2007.

To be agreed at Annual Meeting of Council to be held on 18^th May, 2007.