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

Councillor V. Crosby indicated that he would be declaring a prejudicial interest in Item 6 - Sedgefield Borough Local Improvement Programme - Application - Newton Aycliffe Sports and Social Club as he was a Member of Sedgefield Borough Council Cabinet.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 17^th July 2007

The Minutes of the meeting held on 17^th July 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.

Acting Sergeant J. Turnbull was present at the meeting to give details of crime figures for the area.

The figures for July and August 2007 were as follows:

Members requested that for the next meeting of the Forum, details be provided on the number of incidents within the Town Centre and Washington Crescent area.

Discussion was held regarding number of cars parked on the concrete verge along Stephenson Way, Newton Aycliffe.  Members questioned whether the drivers of the vehicles were committing an offence by obstructing the public footpath.  It was, however, pointed out that the footpath was still wide enough to allow people in wheelchairs and people with pushchairs to pass.   Acting Sergeant Turnbull agreed to look into the matter and report back to the next meeting.

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

Concern was expressed that no representative from County Durham PCT was present at the meeting to given an update on health matters.  Members of the Forum agreed that a letter should be sent to the PCT requesting representation at future meetings.

To consider the attached report

NB:     In accordance with Section 81 of the Local Government Act 2000 and the Members’ Code of Conduct, Councillor V. Crosby declared a prejudicial interest in the item and left the meeting for the duration of discussion and voting.

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

Members were reminded that Area 5 Forum had been allocated £1,140,000 of Local Improvement Programme Capital Resources between 2006 and 2009.  A total of £380,000 had been allocated to the year 2007/08.

Gary Farley, Malcolm Dawes, Bob Wood and other representatives from the sports club were in attendance to present the application and answer questions.

The project involved the regeneration of the senior football pitch to a standard specified by the Wearside League, creation of a new junior football pitch, provision of a practice net area for the cricket club, relocation of the existing changing rooms and the provision and location of new self-contained changing rooms for two teams plus officials adjacent to the football pitch.  It also involved the improvement of the access for disabled spectators and sports people. 

The total amount requested was £256,580.  It was noted that discussions were taking place regarding the opportunities to attract match funding.

AGREED :            That the Forum supports the project.

Next meeting is scheduled to be held on 27^th November 2007

Tuesday 27^th November 20007 at 7.00 p.m.