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 18^th November 2008.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 18^th November 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.

PC Mughal was present to provide details of crime statistics and initiative taking place in the area. 

The reported crime figures for December 2008 and January 2009 were as follows:

It was reported that Neighbourhood Policing Priorities were discussed at the Police and Community Together meetings.  (PACT).  The next PACT meetings were scheduled for:

It was explained that the meetings would be attended by a representative from the Neighbourhood Policing Team and individual neighbourhood priorities would be discussed.  All members of the community were welcome to attend.

Concern was expressed regarding the number of motorists speeding through Eldon and the fact that there had been a number of accidents lately which had resulted in three horses being killed.  It was requested that the problem be considered prior to the new community centre at Eldon coming into operation.  PC Mughal reported that he would refer the matter to Michael Straugheir, Traffic Management, Durham Constabulary.

Concern was also expressed regarding the number of motorists in Shildon parking on double yellow lines.

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 the Sedgefield Local Improvement Programme (LIP) (For copy see file of Minutes).

It was noted that Cabinet had considered all the project applications received from the Area 4 Forum locality and funding had been allocated accordingly. 

The Forum’s attention was drawn to the table detailed on the front page of the report which gave the position to date.

It was pointed out that although the application process for the Local Improvement Programme was closed, officers would continue to support the groups who had received grant funding to implement the projects and monitor the intended outcomes to ensure that the targets outlined in the application were met.

Officers would also work with the sponsors of projects who had been unsuccessful to try and secure additional external grant monies.

The Forum thanked the officer for the support given by the Regeneration Section to all project sponsors.

Councillor B. Stephens thanked all Members of the Forum for their attendance at meetings and hoped that the Area Action Partnership would continue the good work for the benefit of the residents of Shildon.