Minutes:
The Chairman informed the Council that a general security briefing by officers from Durham Constabulary would be made immediately following the meeting and asked Members to remain seated in the Chamber for the briefing.
The Chairman extended a warm welcome and offered congratulations to Councillor Leanne Kennedy, the newly elected Councillor for the Dawdon Electoral Division and hoped she would find her time on the Council both interesting and rewarding.
The Chairman informed the Council that Peter Appleton, Head of Planning and Service Strategy in Adults and Health Services, would soon be retiring from the Council after 43 years of service. The Chairman paid tribute to Peter’s long and valued service and wished him a long and happy retirement.
Finally, the Chairman informed the Council that he had attended a special event which brought together some 200 young people from Gateshead and County Durham primary schools to learn about diversity in their own community and working together in partnership. A short film of the day’s event had been produced and was screened in the Chamber.