No declarations of interest were given.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 30^th November 2004

The Minutes of the meeting held on 30^th November, 2004 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.

Inspector E. Turner was present at the meeting to give details of the crime statistics for the Newton Aycliffe area.

Members noted that the crime statistics were as follows :-

Members were informed of Operation Dulcify, based in the West Ward targeting youths causing anti-social behaviour where a number of Acceptable Behaviour Orders had been issued. Work was also ongoing in partnership with Sedgefield Borough’s Tenancy Enforcement Team in identifying problem tenants in the area. Operation Formidable was based within the Town Centre and the Shafto St. Marys Ward where extra police patrols had been enlisted to target shop lifters aswell as those causing anti social behaviour.

It was also explained that Off-licence Watch, a new initiative similar to pub watch would be starting in the near future. Shop owners, Police and Sedgefield Borough Council would be working together to combat under-age drinking.

Inspector Turner also pointed out that the telephone number to contact the Police had now changed.  The new telephone number was now : 0845 6060365.       

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

P. Irving was present at the meeting to provide an update on local health matters.

It was explained that the PCT had become responsible for the out-of-hours service from 1^st December 2004. To aid in the delivery of the service it was noted that three Emergency Care Practitioners posts had been established as well as advertisements being posted for additional GPs and Doctors.

In relation to the integrated team based at Tremeduna Grange at Trimdon Village it was explained that the service was working successfully, therefore four more integrated teams would be developed and implemented around the Borough.  It was also planned that within the next financial year an integrated accident and emergency service would also be developed.  Members would continue to be updated at future Forums.

It was explained that the Local Development Delivery Plan 2006/2009 was being considered and would need to be finalised within the next few months.  More information would be brought to a future meeting. 

It was pointed out that the Patient Survey of 2003/2004 had been reviewed and Action Plan compiled that had identified three areas to work, which were:

·             Access to GPs,

·             Specialist information that needed to be made available during in and out patient appointments, and

·             Access and information to dentists within the area.

A number of questions were raised regarding the new roles of Pharmacists as well as the GP Referral scheme held within Sedgefield Borough Leisure Centres and within Audiology Units.  It was explained that all questions would be taken back to N. Porter and more information would be brought to a future meeting.       

Chief Inspector Hall will be present at the meeting to give a presentation on the above initiative.

It was explained that Chief Inspector Hall had been invited to meeting to give a presentation on the Street Safe Initiative and outline the background, aims, themes etc., and some success which had been achieved so far. (For copy see file of Minutes).

Chief Inspector Hall explained that there had been a significant reduction in crime in the area over the last year with a good detection rate. There were more Police officers than ever before and there had been significant achievements in fighting crime.  However, despite this the area had one of the highest levels of fear of crime and in particular anti-social behaviour in the country. 

The aim of the initiative was for the force to work with the community to address issues of crime, fear of crime, anti-social behaviour and quality of life.  The Forum was informed that the initiative aimed to increase re-assurance through visibility, accessibility and familiarity. It would recognise the contribution of prevention, investigation and detection of crime with successful apprehension and prosecution of offenders, increase confidence in the judicial system and address anti-social behaviour issues. It was also hoped that it would aid in gathering community intelligence from Residents Associations, use problem-solving initiatives to tackle anti-social behaviour and enhance community engagement.

The initiative had a number of themes including Police presence in the community, environment and physical factors, effective response and communication and public engagement. 

For the initiative to be successful, there needed to be partnership working with other agencies such as local authorities, community groups etc.

A video was then shown detailing some of the areas where the initiative had been put in place.

In conclusion the initiative was about being responsive, professional, positive and doing the job properly. Chief Inspector Hall explained that the Forums would be an excellent facility to advertise the initiative and questioned whether the Members of the Forum would agree to continue to receive updates on it. It was agreed that the Street Safe Initiative would continue to be reported at Area Forums.

Report of Director of Neighbourhood Services

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Neighbourhood Services regarding a request received from Broseley Homes Limited to name the above development. (For copy see file of Minutes).

Members of the Forum suggested Merlin Court as a name for the new development.  

To consider the minutes of the meeting of the LSP Board held on 20^th October  2004

The Minutes of the meeting held on 20^th October, 2004 were noted.  

To nominate a representative to the above Steering Group

Mr. M. Robson be appointed as the representative for the Area 5 Forum at the Neighbourhood Warden Steering Groups.

The Chairman will take questions from the floor

Blue Bridge

Members commented on the requirement that the redevelopment of the Blue Bridge needed to be completed to a high standard as it was positioned at the entrance to the town.  It was explained that the County Council had started work to make it secure and progress would be monitored.

Burnhill Way

It was pointed out that at its meeting on 27^th July 2004 (Minute number AF(5)6/04 refers) a request was issued at the Area 5 Forum regarding the maintenance of trees and shrubs in the above area. It was questioned whether work was planned to start. It was explained that there were no plans for the immediate future, however, the Town Council would be the best place to submit the request.

Trees at Rylestone Close

Concerns were raised as to the size a number of trees had been allowed to grow to near the above residential area. It was questioned whether the trees could be felled because of their size. It was explained that the matter would be dealt with.

Next meeting is scheduled to be held on 15^th March 2005

15^th March, 2005 at 7.00 p.m. at Town Council Offices, School Aycliffe Lane, Newton Aycliffe.