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

Councillor M. Iveson declared that he had a personal and prejudicial interest in Item 6 - Local Improvement Programme - Cabinet Member.

Councillor Mrs. J. Gray and Mrs. B.A. Clare declared they had a personal and prejudicial interest in Item 6 - Woodham Village Community Centre Rejuvenation Project - members of the Association.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 28^th November 2006

The Minutes of the meeting held on 28^th November, 2006 was 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 Steve Ball was present at the meeting to give details of crime figures for the area.

The figures for November and December, 2006 were as follows :-

It was noted that the detection rate was 40%. 

Reference was made to satellite navigation systems in cars and the need to remove evidence of the systems, when cars were parked to deter theft. 

Members of the Forum were informed that two new Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) had been deployed with a further one anticipated in the next two weeks. 

In respect of the request for road traffic accident statistics to be presented at  the Forum, it was noted these would be outlined at the next meeting of the Forum.

Discussion was held regarding the level of service across the division, the need for appropriate levels of service depending on levels of crime etc., in each area.  Reference was also made to the level of back office stand and the need to protect frontline services.

Concerns were also raised regarding anti-social behaviour in the quarry area at Middridge.  It was explained that discussions were being held with John Wade, owner of the quarry, to examine ways of dealing with the issue.

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

It was noted that no representative from the Primary Care Trust was present at the meeting to report on progress.  Concerns were expressed at the non-availability of a PCT representative and it was suggested that this issue be discussed at the next meeting of the County Health Scrutiny Committee.

To consider the attached reports outlining the proposed projects:-

• Middridge Village Hall Improvement Programme

• Woodham Village Community Centre rejuvenation project

                        NB :            In accordance with Section 81 of the Local Government Act 2000 and the Member’s Code of Conduct Councillor M. Iveson declared an interest in this item and left the meeting for the duration of the discussion and Councillors Mrs. J. Gray and Mrs. B.A. Clare left the meeting for the duration of the discussion on the Woodham Village Community Centre Rejuvenation Project.

Application - Middridge Village Hall Improvement Programme

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Strategy and Regeneration regarding the above.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

Members of the Forum were reminded that Area 5 Forum had been allocated £1,140,000 of LIP resources during 2006 and 2009 to tackle the issues outlined in the Council’s Community Strategy.  The allocation for 2006/07 was £380,000 of which £183,505 had been allocated to date.

The role of the Area Forum was to provide a view of the project within the area.  The project would then be considered by the Council’s Management Team then Cabinet.  The latter would decide whether or not to allocate funding to the project.

Mr. J. Clarke, from Middridge Village Community Association was in attendance to present the application.

The project involved the complete refurbishment and modernisation of the village hall, which was currently underused due to its poor state of repair, to a standard, which would provide an inviting, safe and friendly venue for the use of not only the village but also the surrounding area.  The proposal therefore aimed to expand the available use of the village hall to more community organisations.  A range of refurbishment works had been identified.

The Area Forum noted that the amount of funding requested from the Programme was £68,965 which equated to 92% of the total project cost.

Woodham Village Community Centre Rejuvenation Project

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Strategy and Regeneration regarding the above.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

D. Sutton-Lloyd from Woodham Community Centre Association, was in attendance to present the application.

He explained that the project would provide for the complete refurbishment and modernisation of the Village Community Centre providing up-to-date flooring, lighting, a more useful meeting room and kitchen.  This would enable the Community Centre to provide more varied physical activities along with adult education and skill training courses.

The Forum noted that £25,200 had been requested equating to 100% of the project cost.  Discussions had taken place with the applicant to consider other match funding opportunities.  Associated ongoing revenue costs would be funded, by the applicant’s own funds, through grant funding and appropriate charging to users of the premises.

AGREED :                             That the Forum supports both projects.

Next meeting is scheduled to be held on 13^th March 2007

Tuesday 13^th March, 2007 at 7.00 p.m.