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

It was noted that Councillors K. Noble and R. Patchett would each be declaring a prejudicial interest in respect of Item No.6 - Conferences as it was recommended that they should represent the Council.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 19^th October 2006.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 19^th October 2006 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Report of Director of Leisure Services.

The Lead Member for Leisure and Culture presented a report seeking approval of the Play Strategy for 2006 to 2011.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

It was explained that the Play Strategy had been developed alongside a number of key internal and external strategic policies and reflected the importance of play in delivering on a number of the Council’s key ambitions.  The document, which was divided into four sections, covered legal responsibilities, barriers to play, the need for the strategy and primary and secondary research findings. It also included an Action Plan.

The strategy also took account of recent work that had been undertaken by the Open Space Needs Assessment and provided a structured approach to future investment decisions.  Its adoption would release £230,000 of Big Lottery funding, which would assist in the realisation of the Action Plan.

Members noted that opportunities to play could not be delivered by the Council alone and the partnership requirements were identified in the Action Plan.

RESOLVED :                  That the Play Strategy 2006/2011 be adopted.      

Report of Director of Leisure Services.

The Lead Member for Leisure and Culture presented a report regarding the above.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

Members were reminded that in June 2005, LDA Design Consultants had been appointed by the Council to devise a two option approach for the redevelopment of land extending from Burn Lane, adjacent to the Pioneering Care Centre through to Greenfield Way, adjacent to Greenfield Community Arts College. 

It was reported that the final version of the feasibility study had been received, which suggested that the land should be redeveloped into an attractive gateway into the town, providing a progression from informal play through to more organised sporting activity. 

It was pointed out that as the consultants had only taken soundings from a limited audience in Newton Aycliffe, more detailed local consultation was required with all those organisations and individuals who could be affected by investment in the Cobblers Hall area. 

RESOLVED :               That consultations be undertaken on the key findings of the report and a further report be presented to Cabinet in due course.

Report of Chief Executive.

NB.     In accordance with Section 81 of the Local Government Act 2000 and the Members Code of Conduct, Councillors K. Noble and R. Patchett declared a prejudicial interest in the above item and left the meeting for the duration of discussion and voting on the item.

Councillor W. Waters in the chair

Consideration was given to a report regarding the Council’s representation at the Enterprising Britain: The Debate on 13^th November 2006 at London.   (For copy see file of Minutes).

RESOLVED :               That the Council be represented at the Enterprising Britain: The Debate by the Deputy Leader plus one Member of Cabinet.

Councillor K. Noble in the chair

Report of Review Group.

Councillor J.M. Khan, Chairman of the Review Group, presented the findings of the above review.  (For copy see file of Minutes)

It was explained that the review aimed to evaluate and assess whether Inform was fulfilling its purpose, was comparable with Best Practice Local Authority newspapers and identify possible future improvements.

Specific reference was made to the Group’s conclusions and recommendations.

RESOLVED:             1.         That the report be received.

                                     2.        That the recommendations be considered and the response and Action Plan be reported to a future meeting of Cabinet.

Minutes of the meeting held on 10^th October 2006.

Consideration was given to the Minutes of the meeting held on 10^th October 2006.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

RESOLVED :               That the report be received.

Published on 3^rd November 2006

The key decisions contained in these Minutes will be implemented on Monday 13^th November 2006 five working days after the date of publication unless they are called in by three Members of the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee in accordance with the call in procedure rules.