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 23^rd September 2008.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 23^rd September 2008 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 Sergeant Stephen Brown was present to provide details of crime statistics for the area.

The reported crime figures for September and October 2008 were as follows:

It was reported that thefts of fuel had increased as had shoplifting. With regard to burglaries, it was noted that a number of empty houses had been broken into.

Members asked if information could be provided on whether the people committing offences in the Shildon area were living in private rented accommodation as it may be possible for the Selective Licensing Scheme currently operating in Area 2 to be rolled out to Area 4.

Specific reference was made to the Jubilee Public House which had been closed down as it was not complying with the conditions attached to its licence.  It was noted that since the closure, the building had been subject to vandalism.

Report of Assistant Chief Executive.

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).

The Forum was reminded that Area 4 had been over subscribed by £799,956 following the cut-off date of 31^st July 2008 and consequently project activity had been prioritised within localities to ensure that funding was targeted at projects that would have clear community outcomes. 

It was noted that Cabinet, at its meeting on 23^rd October 2008 had approved the application to support Eldon Community Centre, which left £149,786 to be allocated to additional schemes within the Area 4 locality. 

It was noted that further discussions were planned with applicants for the two identified reserve schemes - Hackworth Park Play Area and Shildon BR Sports Club improvements to establish opportunities to lever in Section 106 monies towards the play area proposal and firm up revised cost options for the Sports Club proposal.  A further report would be taken to Cabinet in respect of the two projects in due course.

With regard to the non priority projects which had been rejected, it was noted that the Council’s Capital Programme Team had expressed a wish to assist the applicants to further develop their project ideas should capacity exist under other external grant programmes.

With regard to the Section 106 monies, it was noted that the Capital Programme Manager would be meeting with the Head of Planning Services to discuss their proposed use.

AGREED :        That the information provided on the current  position of the Local Improvement Programme within Area 4 be noted.   

Concern was expressed regarding the limited consultation that had been undertaken to seek opinion on whether Shildon should be included in the Bishop Auckland or Newton Aycliffe Area Action Partnership.

It was pointed out that a decision regarding the Partnership was scheduled to be made by the end of November 2008 and the County Council had not held a consultation event in Shildon, open to all residents.

The Forum was of the view that Shildon should have its own Area Action Partnership. 

AGREED :           That a letter be sent to the Chief Executive, Durham County Council expressing the Forum’s concern regarding the consultation arrangements and its view that Shildon should have its own Area Action Partnership.

Tuesday 13^th January 2009 at 6.30 p.m.

Tuesday 13^th January 2009 at 6.30 p.m.