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 and personal interest in item 6 Local Improvement Programme - as Member of Sedgefield Borough Council’s Cabinet and would be leaving the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 22^nd July 2008.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 22^nd July, 2008 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 outlined the crime figures for the area for July and August, 2008 which were as follows :-

Reference was made to Operation Summer Nights which targeted anti-social behaviour and youths drinking alcohol.  It was explained that Operation Red Lion 2008, which had been undertaken during the summer months,  involved the use of plain clothes patrols.  Details were given of the number of drugs warrants which had been executed during the period 21^st July to 21^st August, 2008, the amount of alcohol seized, the number of youths signed up to Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, Anti-Social Behaviour Orders obtained, stop forms submitted, arrests for breach of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders and other offences.   It was noted that an update report was awaited on the StreetSafe initiative.

The Forum was given details of Operation Linton 2008 and the number of traffic forms issued, and bikes seized. during the period

Members were then given an update of actions taken in respect of the Neighbourhood Priority Areas identified at the last meeting of the Forum.

Town Centre

It was explained that extensive patrols - both uniformed and plain clothes patrols had been conducted in line with Operation Red Lion 2008.

Malham Crescent

It was explained that this had been included as part of the street safe operation.

Schools and Churches

The Forum was informed that a leaflet drop had been made to local residents and uniformed and plain clothes patrols had been conducted in line with Operation Red Lion 2008.

Nature Area

The Local Beat Officer had liaised with Sedgefield Borough Wildlife Warden in relation to the reserve area.  There had been various drug paraphernalia found in the area but no major issues to report.  The area had also been patrolled by uniform and plain clothes patrol in line with Operation Red Lion 2008.

The Forum was circulated with a form to highlight areas where there were issues to be agreed as area priorities for the next period.

Members of the Forum were also circulated with a bar chart identifying the number and types of calls dealt with during July and August.

Clarification was sought regarding the use of sirens/blue lights on emergency vehicles.  It was explained that sirens were used to protect the safety of both the public and the emergency services.

A representative from County Durham PCT will attend the meeting to discuss issues with regard to health provision.

Disappointment was expressed that no representative from the PCT was able to attend the meeting.  Reference was made to the need for public engagement and a stronger voice for local people.  Attendance at Area Forums was an important means of gauging public opinion. Reference was made to a research project into County Durham PCT’s approach to public engagement and a meeting which was to be held on 16^th October 2008 at Durham University Science Park which all service users and carers were welcome to attend to discuss feedback from the project

It was suggested that a representative from the PCT be invited to attend the next meeting.

To consider the attached report.

Consideration was given to a report providing the Forum with an update on project activity as part of Sedgefield Borough Council’s Local Improvement Programme (for copy see file of Minutes).

It was explained that the Area 5 Forum had been allocated £1,140,000 of LIP capital resources between 2006 and 2009.  The Forum was reminded of Local Improvement Programme approvals to date which totalled £741,608 with £398,392 remaining.

A number of LIP applications had, however, been received and were to be considered which, if all approved, would leave the programme oversubscribed.  It was the situation across all other area forums.

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

Consideration was then given to the following project applications:-

Agnew Community Centre

Ron Mitchie from the Agnew Community Association was present at the Forum to outline the project.  He explained that the project aimed to replace existing temporary wood building within a new purpose-built community centre.  This would be a multi-usage facility able to provide a variety of activities for the local community in particular activities for young people of the area which would expect to see a reduction in anti-social behaviour.  The application was for £264,375 which was 100% of the total capital costs.

The Forum recognised that the project was beneficial to the community and could assist in reducing anti-social behaviour by providing activities for young people.  However, some reservations were expressed regarding the proximity to Woodham Community Centre and the longterm viability of the project.

AGREED :        That the project be supported.

NASSA Community Project - Newton Aycliffe Scouts Supporters Association

It was explained that the project aimed to provide a community facility by extending the existing scout hall.  The project had been split into three phases of development and the first stage for which funding had been supplied for would provide the central core of the project.  This phase would provide a production kitchen to provide meals for functions a dining room/function hall a recording studio and digital photography facilities.  The application was for £100,000 which was 18% of phase 1 total capital cost.

The Forum expressed its concern regarding the proximity of the project to the navy club which many of the facilities outlined in this project.  Representatives from the navy club were present at the meeting to outline their concerns.

It was noted that the purpose of the building was to provide accommodation to the scout association and that the proposals did not seem to be in line with that purpose.

AGREED :        That the application be not supported.

St. Josephs School Garden Project - St. Joseph’s Primary School

Mrs. G. Archbold  headteacher of the St. Joseph’s school was present at the meeting to outline the project.  It was explained that the project aimed to create an area suitable for community and school use designed to inspire play activities nature area growing area fixed play equipment within a safe environment.  Local residents groups were interested in participating in partnership of the project.

The Forum considered that the project would be of benefit to the community in the area.  It was a hands-on project to create the love of nature in young people and a sense of responsibility.  Some reservations were expressed that the project was on land not in the ownership of Sedgefield Borough Council.

AGREED :        That the application be supported.

Consideration was also given to two projects which had already been discussed at the Area Forum namely Aycliffe Village Hall and St. Oswalds Park.  An update was given on those projects.

Next meeting is scheduled to be held on 25^th November 2008.

Next meeting to be held on 25^th November, 2008.