Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Chairman of the County Council with great sadness reported the death of former Derwentside District Councillor and Alderman Bob Gardner. Bob had the unique record of being the only Derwentside District Councillor who was born in the USA and was first elected to Consett Urban District Council in 1970. He held the seat for Ebchester Ward which later became the Ebchester and Medomsley Ward until 1985 when ill health forced him to stand down from public office. Bob was a former teacher and was head teacher of Marley Hill Junior School and then Consett Junior School.
The Council stood for a moments silence as a mark of respect.