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

Councillors D.M. Hancock and J.G. Huntington declared personal interests in Item 5 - Sedgefield Borough Local Improvement Report - Update on Project Activity as they were Members of Shildon Town Council.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 8^th July 2008.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 8^th July 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.

P.C.W. Mughal and P.C. L. Meighan were present to provide details of crime initiatives. 

It was reported that over the last few months a number of warrants to search properties had been executed and quantities of drugs had been found and arrests made. 

It was pointed out that the number of anti-social behaviour incidents in the Area 4 locality had decreased which was the result of a number of high visibility patrols and covert operations.

With regard to the problem of youths throwing apples in the Drybourne Park area, it was reported that the area was currently being patrolled.  

Specific reference was made to the problem of horses running loose in Eldon.  Residents were requested to inform the Police if they knew any details of the horses’ owner or the registration number of any vehicle associated with the horses.  It was pointed out that the telephone for contacting the Police was now: 0345 6060365.

Report of Assistant Chief Executive.

   NB:        In accordance with Section 81 of the Local Government Act and the Members Code of Conduct Councillors D.M. Hancock and J.G. Huntington declared personal interests in the above item, however, they remained in the meeting.

Consideration was given to a report of the Assistant Chief Executive which gave an update on project activity in relation to Sedgefield Local Improvement Programme (LIP).  (For copy see file of Minutes).

It was reported that Area 4 Forum had been allocated £456,000 of LIP capital resources between 2006 and 2009.  Three projects had already been supported within the Area 4 locality to the value of £117,726, leaving £338,274 remaining to be allocated for project activity, which met the key LIP criteria and could deliver clear community benefit, within the timeframe remaining for the LIP Programme.

The following eight projects had been submitted for consideration.  Their total value was £1,138,230.

It was explained that in view of the number of projects submitted and the available funding, the Council’s Capital Project team would be working closely all applicants to establish the impact and outcomes expected from the projects. Officers would look at key issues, such as local priorities and the deliverability of the overall project within the timeframe.  This process would assist in the task of prioritising projects that would be taken through the decision-making process of the Council. 

The Team was very keen to obtain feedback from the Area Forum about its priorities for Area 4 and how each project would meet local needs. 

It was reported that if the Council was unable to support a project, officers would continue to work with the group to try and find other sources of funding. 

The suggestion was made that details of the applications which had been unsuccessful should be forwarded to the new unitary authority for consideration.

AGREED :           That the projects be supported and an update report be given at the next meeting.

Concern was expressed that Shildon would not have its own Area Action Partnership as it had been proposed that it be included in either the Newton Aycliffe or Bishop Auckland Partnership.

Tuesday 18^th November 2008 at 6.30 p.m.

Tuesday 18^th November, 2008 at 6.30 p.m.