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 10^th July 2007.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 10^th July, 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.

Sergeant S. Rogers was present at the meeting to give the crime statistics for the area.

The reported crime figures for July and August, 2007 were as follows :-

Discussion was held regarding the considerable increase in theft of scrap metal.  It was explained that scrap metal had a high value and the theft of items such as copper piping, cables etc., had increased.  Police were monitoring the situation and attempting to deal with the problem.

It was explained that there was a meeting of the New Shildon Residents Association, the second Thursday of each month in the Salvation Army building to which the police were invited to attend to discuss crime statistics and associated issues.

Discussion was held regarding the vacancy at  the Shildon Police Office.  It was noted that the post would be filled as soon as possible.

The problems of anti-social behaviour particularly in relation to drivers of motorbikes was discussed.  The Police requested that in respect of anti-social behaviour incidents from drivers of motorbikes, registration numbers be forwarded to the Police if possible.

A representative from County Durham Primary Care Trust will attend the meeting to provide an update on local health matters.

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

Reference was made to discussions held at previous meetings regarding doctors surgeries using premium rate telephone numbers.  It was explained that calls were charged at 5p per minute and not at premium rate.  

Report of Head of Strategy and Regeneration.

Consideration was given to a report detailing an application submitted to be appraised by the 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.

It was explained that funding was still available to be used within the Are 4 Forum area and any prospective project would be welcomed.  The criteria for projects had been set by Government and related mainly to bringing derelict land/buildings back into effective use and bring wider community use to buildings and land.

L. Rowley from Shildon Scout Memorial Field was present at the meeting to provide details of the proposed project - involving undertaking a technical study.  The study would consider a number of issues regarding the development of the project.

Details of proposed use/activities etc., if the project were developed were outlined.

The Area Forum supported the study at a cost of £4,113.

AGREED :         That Cabinet be recommended to support a technical report for Shildon Scout Memorial Field Building Technical Study.                                                                              

20^th November 2007 at 6.30 p.m. at Shildon Sunnydale Leisure Centre.

20^th November, 2007 at Shildon Sunnydale Leisure.