Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Chairman of the Council with great sadness reported the following deaths:
· Former Wear Valley District Councillor Anne Newton who represented the Hunwick Ward on the Council and also served as Chairman of the Council. Anne was a role model for women but most of all, a front line fighter for people, their families and communities;
· Former Durham City Councillor, former Mayor and Alderman, Colin Beswick who was elected to the Council in July 1962, was Mayor of the City in 1970-71 and served for 30 years until May 2003.
The Council stood for a moments silence as a mark of respect.