Prior to the commencement of business the Chair reported the sad news of the following deaths:
· former Durham County Councillor, Sedgefield Borough Councillor and Spennymoor Town Councillor and Alderman Ben Ord;
· Mrs Maxine Robinson, the wife of Councillor John Robinson. Maxine was John’s consort during his time as Chair and Vice-Chair of Durham County Council. Maxine had also served as a Councillor on Sedgefield Town Council and had also been Mayor of the Town Council.
The Chair asked everyone to give a moments reflection out of respect and extended deepest sympathies to the families at this sad time.