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

The Minutes of the meeting held on 13^th March, 2007 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. 

Arrangements have been made for an officer from the Council’s Environmental Services to give a presentation regarding the above.

V. Jackson-Hopps, Senior Environmental Health Officer Sedgefield Borough Council, attended the meeting to inform the Forum of the new smoke-free legislation.

 a copy of the fact sheet was distributed for Member’s information to be found on www.smokefreeengland.co.uk.

Discussion was held regarding the involvement of the enforcement of the legisaltion, what property and premises would be affected, signage and any exemptions included in the legislation.

A query was raised regarding whether public houses etc., would place receptacles outside their premises for cigarette ends, etc.  It was explained that such premises would not be under an obligation to do so and it would be at the discretion of each individual premises.  However, they would be advised that this would be a good idea.  It was noted that smoking would be allowed in beer gardens.

Discussion was also held regarding smoking in bus shelters and it was explained that smoking would not be allowed in bus shelters with enclosed sides and back.  This would have implications for parish councils in relation to signage etc.

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

Sergeant Simon Rogers was present at the meeting to give details of crime figures for the area.

The figures for February and March 2007 were as follows :-

Details were also given of the figures for the year end as follows :-

It was explained that detection rate was 32%.

It was reported that with regard to drink driving offences, during the December period there had been eight positive breath tests.

Reference was made to problems which existed in relation to quad bikes, mini  motorbikes etc., being ridden on footpaths, open spaces, etc.   It was explained that, if the bikes were not stolen and they were being ridden on footpaths etc., for the first offence they would be given a warning.  Second and subsequent offences would involve action such as the bike being confiscated.  If the bike was confiscated the owner could pay £5.00 to retrieve the bike.  The Forum was informed that five bikes had been confiscated in the last fortnight.  Assistance from members of the public was sought to inform police when incidents were occurring, who the bike belonged to, etc.

Discussion was also held regarding anti-social behaviour which existed in the Langdale Place/Silverdale Place area.  It was explained that the Police had distributed diary sheets to properties within the area for residents to complete when incidents were occurring.  CCTV had recently been used to gather evidence etc.  However, it was stressed that members of the public needed to provide the Police with information, statements, etc.  Four arrests had been made for public order offences.

A representative from County Duham will be present at the meeting to give an update on progress

Paul Irving, Assistant Director, attended the meeting to update members of the Forum on progress.

He explained that all Assistant Director posts had now been filled and that he had been appointed to the Assistant Directorship of Adult Services.  The structure below Assistant Director level would be finalised that week and recruitment would commence 30^th April, 2007.

Reference was also made to progress in relation to the Health Centre in Newton Aycliffe.  It was explained that a meeting had been held the previous week when the Chief Executive of the PCT had visited and spoken to staff at the Health Centre.  The PCT were working with partners and had identified a Lead Director for the relocation of staff.  The community would be involved with the relocation and informed of rescheduling of clinics etc.  Progress was therefore beginning to be made on the scheme.

A query was raised regarding the location of PCT Board Meetings and publication of Notice of Meetings.  It was stressed that it was important for Notices of Meetings to be published to allow members of the public the opportunity to attend meetings.

NB :       In accordance with Section 81 of the Local Government Act 2000 and the Member’s Code of Conduct, Councillor R.S. Fleming declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item as a Member of Sedgefield Borough Council and left the meeting.

Discussion was held regarding the feasibility of applying for LIP funding for the purpose of tree replanting with native species to regenerate areas where trees had been felled. 

It was agreed that an application for LIP funding be drawn up.

Next meeting is scheduled to be held on

Next meeting to be held on 17^th July, 2007 subject to confirmation at the Annual General Meeting of Council.