Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Chair announced with great sadness two deaths, former County Councillor, Sedgefield Borough Councillor and Alderman Bob Fleming and former Durham City Councillor and Mayor of Durham Mildred Brown.
Bob served on Durham County Council between 1997 and 2001 and on Sedgefield Borough Council from 1987 to 1991 and 1995 to 2007. Bob also served on Great Aycliffe Town Council for 36 years andwas awarded the honour of Freeman of the Town in 2015.
Mildred represented the Sherburn Ward on Durham City Council from 1983 to 2003 and was Mayor of Durham City in 1988 to 1989.
Members stood for a moments silence out of respect to Bob and Mildred.