To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 16^th March 2004

The Minutes of the meeting held on 16^th March2004 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

A representative from the Police Force will be present at the meeting to give an update in relation to crime figures etc.

Community Inspector A. Neill was present at the meeting to give details of crime figures for Newton Aycliffe.

Inspector Neill informed the Committee that new national figures showed that County Durham was one of the safest places to live and work in the country with one of the lowest levels of violent crime.

It was explained that total crime had decreased by 9% in comparison to the same month in 2003.  It was noted that dwelling burglary had reduced by 37% and other burglaries had reduced by 19%.  Theft of motor vehicles had reduced by 27% and vehicle interference had reduced by 56%.  Violent crime had reduced by 9%.

Reference was made to the problems that the public encountered when trying to contact Newton Aycliffe Police Station.  It was explained that all calls now went through a central contact centre at Bishop Auckland.  Inspector Neil pointed out that the Community Inspectors recognised that the new central contact centre was having a detrimental effect on communication and they had expressed their concerns to the Chief Constable.

Members expressed concern in relation to the closure of the front desk at  Newton Aycliffe Police Station between the hours of 8.00 p.m. to

8.00 a.m. It was explained that there had been very few visits to the front desk throughout these hours and therefore it was more viable to have Officers out in the community.

A representative from the Primary Care Trust will be present at the meeting to report on progress

N. Porter was present at the meeting to provide an update on local health matters.

Copies of “Your Health Matters” and “PCT Life” issued by Sedgefield Primary Care Trust were circulated at the meeting for the Forums attention.

Reference was made to the death of Councillor A.M. Gray.  It was noted that Gloria Willis, Vice-Chairman of the PCT, had become acting Chair until the Appointments Commission filled the position with a permanent appointment.

Members noted that the PCT had received extra Government funding.  It was anticipated that £1.6m was to be invested into drugs and pharmacists and approximately £850,000 was to be invested into mental health services as well as other significant investments.

Reference was made to the Tees Valley Health Review.  It was anticipated that any new ‘one-site’ hospital would take approximately

7-8 years to complete.

The Forum was informed that the Government’s key priorities were:

to continue to reduce waiting lists

chronic disease management

health promotion

choice and personalised services.

financial balance

Discussion took place in relation to the shortage of dentists in the Newton Aycliffe area.  It was explained that the implementation of a new dentists contract may help bring additional dentists into Newton Aycliffe.

A presentation will be given be Councillor M.A. Dalton

Councillor M.A. Dalton was present at the meeting to give a presentation in relation to the Community Empowerment Network.

It was explained that five Community Forums were held around Sedgefield Borough, which allowed communities to discuss their views. 

The views of the Community Forum would then be passed to Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) Board, which would use the views to fulfil the aims to bring voluntary and community groups, individuals, businesses and the local authorities together to work to improve the area and services.

Report of Chief Executive Officer

Consideration was given to a report of the Chief Executive Officer regarding the appointment of a representative for Area 5 Forum on the Local Strategic Partnership Board for the Borough.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

Agreed that Councillor M.A. Dalton be appointed as the Area 5 representative on the LSP Board.

Report of Director of Neighbourhood Services

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Neighbourhood Services regarding a request received from Newcastle and Whitley Housing Trust Limited to officially name and number the above development comprising of two no. detached bungalows, two no. semi detached bungalows and a two storey office block with associated car parking.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

It was noted that Members of the Forum agreed to put forward Gray’s Court as a name for the new development.

Following consultation after the meeting with Councillor Mrs. J. Gray, it was suggested that Alan Gray Court be put forward as the name for the new development.

The Chairman will take questions from the floor

Concern was expressed with regard to the problem of dog fouling and littering in the Newton Aycliffe area.  It was pointed out that the Council only had one Environmental Enforcement Officer to cover the whole of the Borough.  It was noted however, that Community Force Officers were to be given certain powers in relation to litter and dog fouling.

The Forum thanked the Council’s Street Cleansing Department for their quick response in relation to the removal of rubbish between Burnhill Way and The Burn.

To be confirmed at Annual Council

To be arranged at Annual Council