The Chair reported the deaths of Honorary Alderman, and former Durham County Councillor and Sedgefield Borough Councillor, Bill Blenkinsopp; and former Derwentside District Councillor Margaret Jopling.
Bill represented the Aycliffe East Division on the County Council from 2001 to 2005. He had also represented the Neville Ward on Sedgefield Borough Council from 1995 to 2009 and had been a Town Councillor for more than 30 years.
Margaret represented the Leadgate Ward on Derwentside District Council from 2003 to 2007.
The Council stood for a moments silence in respect.