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

No declarations of interest were received.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 26^th September 2006

The Minutes of the meeting held on 26^th September, 2006 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To seek views regarding the proposals set out in the attached report

The Forum was informed that a Scrutiny Review Group had been established to examine the operation of Area Forums to determine their effectiveness to identify changes that could be made to strengthen community involvement.  A copy of the Group’s report had been included with the agenda.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

The Forum’s attention was drawn to the following recommendations of the Review Group :-

1.      Area Forums be renamed and relaunched as Community Forums to reflect a greater emphasis on community involvement and the number be replaced with a name that reflects the area.

2.      Agenda items to be based on local issues identified through the development of Local Area Frameworks and Local Improvement Plan.

3.   Membership of Area Forums to be formalised to representative of communities to which it aims to serve.

4.   Implement a public question time at the beginning of each Area Forum.

A questionnaire seeking views on the above recommendations was circulated at the meeting for completion.

It was reported that the views expressed at the Area Forum meeting, the community consultation event on 22^nd September, 2006 and in the questionnaires would be analysed by the Council’s Regeneration Section and reported to Cabinet for consideration.

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

Inspector Andy Neale was present at the meeting to give details of crime figures for the area.

The percentage change for the financial year were as follows :-

Discussion was held regarding feedback from reported incidents and the policy in relation to this.  It was explained that the policy was to investigate incidents thoroughly and inform people of the outcome of investigations.

Concern was expressed at the difficulty in contacting the Police using the non emergency number and the slow response to some calls.  It was noted that a lot of time and effort had been expended on improving the system and a graded response system had been introduced.

Reference was made to Beat Officers in the area and the need to ensure that the area was fully manned as Community Police were the core essential element of policing.

Members of the Forum requested the Police to provide, as well as crime statistics, traffic accident statistics in the area.  It was considered that it was important to expand the information given to members of the public and it was agreed that this be provided. 

Discussion was held regarding obstruction to highways/damage to grass verges etc., particularly in the vicinity of schools.  There were particular areas where the situation was a problem and the issues needed to be addressed.

Reference was also made to anti-social behaviour from youths in the vicinity of the shop in Silverdale Place.

Discussion was also held regarding the use of paths as cycleways particularly in the Williamfield area causing danger to pedestrians.

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

Iain Dobinson, County Durham Primary Care Trust, was at the meeting to report on progress.

He explained that since the last meeting of the Forum the five Primary Care Trusts in County Durham had been replaced by one County-wide Primary Care Trust.  County Durham Primary Care Trust was in its early stages.  Yasmin Choudhry had been appointed as Chief Executive to the Trust.  The process of appointing senior posts was underway and the structure for the rest of the Trust would be finalised following that.

In relation to localities it was explained that there was a commitment to keep the relationship with localities.  It was unclear what the localities would be.  This was in the process of being considered.

Members of the Forum expressed their appreciation at the contribution which Sedgefield Primary Care Trust had made to the Forum and valued that input.  It was hoped that the new Trust would continue to provide the information and support.

Reference was made to the appointments system and the need to have pre-bookable appointments.

Discussion was also held regarding the availability of flu vaccine and the difficulty which had been experienced for some practices in obtaining flu vaccine.

A query was also raised regarding the future of Bishop Auckland Hospital.  It was explained that there was no indication that there would be any significant change in the services provided at Bishop Auckland Hospital.

The Chairman will take questions from the floor.

On-Street Parking

Discussion was held regarding the problems of on-street parking in Newton Aycliffe and it was suggested that the Regeneration Section be approached to examine whether a scheme in relation to on-street parking would meet the be criteria for the Local Improvement Programme. 

Pioneering Care Partnership Premises, Burn Lane

               NB :             In accordance with Section 81 of the Local Government Act 2000 and the Members Code of Conduct Councillor M.A.  Dalton declared an interest in this item as a Member of the Board of the PCP and Councillor Mrs. M.A. Dalton declared an interest in this item as a member of the PCP.  Both Councillors left the meeting for the duration of the discussion on this item.

Discussion was held on the County Council’s proposals to cut funding for the Pioneering Care Partnership.  No decision had been reached as yet.  The Pioneering Care Partnership were seeking the support of people who had used services by 30^th November by sending an e-mail to Treasurers@Durham.gov.uk. 

Next meeting is scheduled to be held on 23^rd January 2007

23^rd January, 2007