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

Councillors Mrs. S. Iveson, W. M. Blenkinsopp, G. C. Gray and V. Crosby indicated that they would be declaring an interest in Item 6 - Local Improvement Programme - Refurbishment of Neville Parade Community Centre.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 24^th April 2007

The Minutes of the meeting held on 24^th April, 2007 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.

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

Figures for May and June, 2007 were as follows :-

Discussion was held regarding anti-social behaviour in the Silverdale Place/Langdale Place area.  Sergeant Rogers explained that a diary drop had been undertaken in the area.  Only two had been returned completed.  He explained that there were incidents being reported, however, it was difficult to persuade people to make statements and act as witnesses.  He explained measures which were being undertaken in relation to incidents and once again he stressed the need for residents groups to come together and give some kind of statement.

With respect to the former Dandy Cart, it was explained that it would be demolished in the near future.  Reference was made to the need to speak to the contractor to ensure the safety of the area during demolition.

Discussion was also held regarding the use of CCTV cameras.  It was explained that covert surveillance had been deployed in  the West Ward and would continue to be used if appropriate and in accordance with RIPA.  It was, however, often difficult to capture sufficient evidence and they had a better success as a deterrent rather than evidence gathering.  It was explained that a quarterly report would be submitted relating to the CCTV systems in Area 5.

Discussion was also held regarding reporting of incidents and response times.  It was explained that calls were graded and dependent upon priority there were target response times.

A query was also raised regarding deployment of staff to hotspots and the move towards policing on a geographically based service.  It was pointed out that Wardens who were deployed did not have powers of arrest.  They performed more of a deterrent role.

A representative from County Durham PCT will be present at the meeting to report on progress.

It was explained that Michael Taylor, Assistant Director of Finance, Ian Greggs and Ian Rooney, County Durham PCT, were present at the meeting to update Members on progress.

Members of the Forum were informed that accounts had been submitted to the last meeting of the Board showing a balance position.

In respect of staffing significant progress was being made.

Reference was made to the Health Centre in Newton Aycliffe.  The PCT was working with the Council and the owners to progress the issue.  Alternative accommodation had been secured at the Pioneering Care Centre.  This was, however, just a short term solution.

Report of Head of Strategy and Regeneration

NB :          In accordance with Section 81 of the Local Government Act 2000 and the Member’s Code of Conduct, Councillors W.M. Blenkinsopp, Mrs. D. Bowman, V. Crosby, Mrs. L. Cuthbertson, G. C. Gray, Mrs. J. Gray, B. Haigh, Mrs. S. Haigh, Mrs. I. Hewitson, T. Hogan, Mrs. H.J. Hutchinson, Mrs. S.J. Iveson, Mrs. E.M. Paylor and J. Warburton declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this item and left the meeting.

                  Members then returned to the meeting to seek clarification on Declarations of Interest and the following Councillors then left the meeting for the duration of the discussion and voting thereon :-

                  Councillors V. Crosby, Mrs. S.J. Iveson, W.M. Blenkinsopp, G. C. Gray, Mrs. I. Hewitson, Mrs. E. Paylor, Mrs. L. Cuthbertson, H. Hutchinson and A. Warburton

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Strategy and Regeneration.  (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 due in 2006 and 2009 to tackle the issues outlined in the Council’s Community Strategy.  The allocation for 2007/08 was £380,000.

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

Peter Beatty from Friends of Senior Citizens was present at the meeting to present the application.

The project involved the refurbishment of Neville Parade Community Centre to safeguard existing users as well as expanding the available use of the Community Centre to additional community organisations including disable groups and mother/toddler groups.

The amount requested from the Local Improvement Programme was £34,763.

AGREED :      That the Forum support the project.

Next meeting is scheduled to be held on 2^nd October 2007

Next meeting to be held on 2^nd October, 2007.