Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Chairman announced, with great sadness, the death of the following:
· Councillor Henry Nicholson. Henry was a representative for the Shildon and Dene Valley Electoral Division and was elected in 2013. He was born and bred in Shildon and had the honour of being mayor of Shildon Town Council in 2014/15 and had served the Town Council from 2008.
· Former Easington District Councillor and Seaham Town Councillor Bruce Burn who served on Easington District Council from 1999 to 2009.
· Former Wear Valley District Councillor Kevin Graham who represented the Escomb Ward on the District Council from 1995 to 2003.
The Council stood for a moments silence as a mark of respect.