Agenda item

The Chair announced that this was the first Council meeting since the passing of serving Councillor Brian Avery.  Brian represented the Ferryhill Electoral Division on the County Council from 1 May 2008 and had also been a former District Councillor having been one of the Councillors for the Chilton Ward on Sedgefield Borough Council from 1991-2008.  Brian had also served as a Ferryhill Town Councillor and had previously been Mayor of the Town Council.

Brian’s sudden passing came as a shock to all.  Brian was devoted to everyone - his family, his friends, the wellbeing of others and the people he passionately represented.  He did everything within his power for his community and that warmness, kindness and humility shone through in the time of reflection following Brian’s sad passing.

Brian’s character, his charm and wit, his sheer dedication would be a huge miss to all those that knew him and worked with him.

All Group Leaders or their representatives, and Councillor J Charlton as Chair of the Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee paid tribute to Councillor Avery’s long and valued service and expressed condolences to his family.

The Council stood for a moments silence as a mark of respect to Councillor Avery.